Uganda

:: days 1 — 3 ::

Kibale National Park was designated to protect the dense and rapidly disappearing evergreen rainforest that covers Southern Uganda. The park is one of the last remaining expanses to cover both lowland and montane forests, and it’s the last expanse of pre-montane (middle-elevation) forest in East Africa. Kibale is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including leopards, monkeys, buffalo, elephants, and, of course, a well-studied population of chimpanzees. In other words, you’d have to try hard not to see something amazing.

Visiting the relatives

Kibale Forest is home to 11 species of primates, and in the early morning, you’ll venture into the forest to look for them. You’ll more likely than not see a few chimpanzees in the trees, as well as baboons, bushbabies, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red colobi, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. In addition, keep your eyes peeled for more than 300 species of birds and an array of interesting butterflies.

In the afternoon, you can take a guided walk in the Bigodi forest swamp, which promises more primates, birds, and other forest animals. Back at the lodge, enjoy an after-dinner private dance performance by a local Batoro tribe.

:: days 4 — 5 ::

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular tourist destination, and it’s easy to see why. Ecologically speaking, the park has a little bit of everything—sprawling savanna, shady forests, sparkling lakes, and fertile wetlands. It’s an ideal habitat for a variety of species that virtually guarantees sightings of big game, big cats, primates, and an amazing 600 species of birds. You’ll camp beneath the stars in luxury tents and learn about the animal and human communities that make up this beautiful region.

Climbing trees—not just for monkeys

What’s better than a tree-climbing lion? Nothing. Lions don’t normally climb trees, but they do in Uganda, one of the only countries in the world where this unique species lives and plays. It’s said that these black-maned cats climb trees to avoid swarms of tsetse flies that pester them on the ground below. Join an afternoon game drive to see if you can spot a dozing lion up in one of the fig trees that dot the vast plains—they’re most likely to be lolling on a branch after a big afternoon meal.

After your lion quest, you’ll meet the Ishasha Community Uplift Group and get to visit one of the local communities, including actual homesteads, schools, and the traditional medicinal herbalists who serve its citizens. A donation to the Bukore Women’s Group will be presented on behalf of your group. When you return, enjoy a late-afternoon sundowner and al-fresco dinner under the stars.

In search of big game

Your second day in the park, you’re on the lookout for big game. You’ll head out on morning and afternoon drives, giving you twice the opportunity to see the fascinating animals that thrive on the area's plains and in the rivers—elephants, topi, Uganda kob, buffalo, and hippo. Then come back to the lodge and relax by the river with a sundowner and some snacks as you prepare for the last leg of your trip.

:: days 6 — 8 ::

In addition to having an amazing name, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also one of the most unique and biologically diverse areas on the planet. Mountain gorillas are the most famous inhabitants of the park, but rare forest elephants, giant forest hogs, monkeys, baboons, and chimpanzees also call the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest home. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also has more than 1,000 plant species and hundreds of species of ferns and trees, including the endangered brown mahogany tree. But make no mistake, the 340 gorillas in residence are the main attraction.

The Bwindi communities

You’ll take a leisurely drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, located in the deep southern part of Uganda. Enjoy the scenery as you make your way to the foot of the mountains and the heart of the Ugandan rainforest. After you arrive at camp, you’ll visit an Abercrombie & Kent philanthropy project, the Bwindi Community Hospital. The hospital provides health care to rural communities adjacent to the forest, who are among the poorest people in the world. You’ll be delivering computer equipment, medical items, and other useful and highly requested supplies.

You’ll also visit a settlement of Batwa tribe members, part of the community served by the hospital. The Batwa, known as “The Keepers of the Forest,” were the original dwellers in the area. A pygmy (small statured) tribe, the Batwa coexisted with wildlife inside what eventually became the park boundaries for thousands of years. In 1992, when the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest became a World Heritage Site and national park, the Batwa were evicted from the land and relocated to nearby nonforested lands. You’ll meet some of the members of this tribe and learn about their history, and what the future holds.

Into the woods

Today, you will track gorillas. In groups of eight, you’ll venture into the dense mountain forests in search of groups of mountain gorillas, a search that could take a half hour or the better part of a day, depending on your luck. Gorilla tracking is not for the faint of heart—you’ll be hiking steep terrain covered in dense vegetation, at an altitude of 5,200 feet. Make sure you are up to the task before heading out. If you do spot a gorilla family, it’s a rare thrill—expect to spend around an hour observing their activities. This is a case where the hard work is definitely worth the payoff.

You have the option to take another forest walk when you return to camp, or you could just sit around the fire and reminisce with the group about your fascinating adventure.

Two enticing options

You’ll have two choices for your last full day in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, both of them hard to pass up.

If you like, you can set out early for a second gorilla tracking. Or you can spend a day in the forest with a Batwa guide. This is an amazing chance to see the forest through the eyes of the people who have lived there for thousands of years. Your guide will show you how the Batwa lived among the dense vegetation and hunted in the traditional manner. You can even try out your own hunting chops as the Batwa teach you how to shoot a bow and arrow. You’ll visit a traditional Batwa homestead, watch the women prepare a traditional meal, and sample the dishes. You’ll talk to a traditional medicine man and learn about the medicinal properties of the forest flora. And you’ll hear some of the ancient legends and songs of the Batwa people. It’s an exceptional opportunity to go deeper into the lives of a tribe whose traditional way of life is on the verge of disappearing.

"We have done other African safaris without Exclusive Resorts. They were very good. But on all three safari trips we’ve taken with the Club, Exclusive Resorts has handled everything for us, taking the burden of extensive planning, time, and effort out of the equation. Exclusive Resorts is definitely the way to do this!”

- William C.
Kenya safari 2009 / Southern Africa safari 2010 / Tanzania safari 2011

“My son and I went on this trip and I can tell you this was the best trip of our lives. The Saxon Hotel is among the most beautiful we've ever stayed in. But the real experience began when we arrived at Jao Camp, where we got up close and personal with some very big wild animals. All the guides recognize every bird (really!?!) and can look at tracks in the dirt and know where to find the elusive animals...like leopards. Kings Pool Camp was equally beautiful and the lion sightings were amazing. I think about our trip often...I'd love to do it again.”

- Yvonne R.
Botswana safari 2013

Join us for an exhilarating African wildlife adventure like no other, combining everything you’d expect of a world-class safari experience with best-in-the-region luxury accommodations and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk among Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas.

Accommodations

:: Kampala, Uganda ::

You’ll begin and end your journey at the luxurious Lake Victoria Serena Resort & Spa, resting on the shores of Lake Victoria, the largest in Africa. Less than 30 minutes from Entebbe International Airport, the resort boasts an expansive outdoor pool, a world-class spa, a fully equipped fitness center, and more. And your elegant Executive Suite is housed in a Tuscan-inspired villa nestled alongside the resort’s terraced rose gardens, featuring a king-sized bed, private seating area, lavish marble bathroom and two balconies situated to make the most of your panoramic lake views.

:: Kibale National Park ::

Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Kyaninga with the Mountains of the Moon beyond, Kyaninga Lodge is a luxurious and unique property built entirely out of hand-carved timber. The main lodge houses a restaurant and sits above the lake with two large lounging decks, steps hewn from volcanic rock leading down to a pool, and two terraced lawns overlooking the lake and forest. The gardens include a grass tennis court and probably the only croquet lawn in Uganda.

Eight cottages, accessible by a raised wooden walkway from the lodge, are built on platforms and set apart to offer privacy and tranquility. Each cottage features high ceilings, en suite bathrooms with marble countertop basins and clawfoot tubs, and glass showers with plenty of hot water from solar water heaters. Wireless access is available in the lodge, and each cottage features an electrical socket for charging devices.

:: Queen Elizabeth National Park ::

This elegant, exclusive camp sits on the banks of the Ntungwe River in the unspoiled, remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It’s a true wilderness retreat, but that doesn’t mean you have to rough it. Ten spacious framed canvas tents sit in a wooded glade near the river and feature large beds with mosquito nets, colorful décor, and even an en suite bath and dressing area complete with running water, hot water “bush” showers, and a flushing eco-friendly toilet. A central lounge with a thatched roof provides a comfortable area for dining and relaxing during the day, and a shaded area with an outdoor fireplace down by the river is perfect for al fresco dining, relaxing, and enjoying a “sundowner” while sharing the day’s experience. There’s no Internet connection, but you won't miss it.

:: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park ::

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is nestled deep inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The camp has a bar and dining cottage overlooking the rainforest, and a cozy campfire that’s perfect for watching the stars in the crystal clear night sky. Eight double tents, raised on wooden platforms, each have a spacious wooden veranda and en suite bath facilities that look out on the forest and include hot and cold running water, a WC, and a bathtub. The camp also has mini-spa treatments that include a deep herbal massage, a hydrating facial, manicures and pedicures. Other desirable perks include overnight laundry service and high-speed Internet.

Notable Inclusions

• Internal air travel as per the itinerary
• Services of professional Abercrombie & Kent Tour Director and private guides throughout the itinerary
• All sightseeing and game viewing excursions as outlined in the itinerary
• Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits
• Best-in-the-region accommodations
• All meals included in the itinerary
• Local beer, wine and soft drinks served with included lunches and dinners
• All gratuities for hotel staff, guides, rangers/trackers, gorilla tracking porters, Tour Director, transfers

For the complete list of inclusions, visit the Uganda page on ER Compass.