Imposing cone-shaped hills cradle tranquil calderas in the enchanting Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes in Western Uganda near Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Formed about 8-10,000 years ago by volcanic activity, these craters now hold a variety of lakes. Some boast clear, blue water, while others remain emerald green with a sulfuric odour due to residual volcanic gases. Lush vegetation cloaks the crater rims, offering views of nearby hills, tea plantations, and even the Rwenzori Mountains on clear days. While some lakes are safe for swimming, others contain toxic water and should be avoided. Activities around the lakes include nature walks, boat rides, bird-watching and visiting the “Top of the World” viewpoint for panoramic vistas.
Kibale Forest Chimp Tracking
The most favourite of Kibale’s walks embarks on from the Kanyanchu Visitor center at 08.00 & 15.00 and lasts 2 to 3 hours. Chimpanzee are the most sought after primate by visitors, but you should look out for the black & white colobus, red tailed monkey or the grey cheeked mangabey. Your guides will be able to show you pittas & different bird species and will give details of the tradit of the plant species within the forest. This walk is for 6 people in a group.
Day Itinerary
- 0630: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
- 0700: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park.
- 1200: Arrival at Kibale Forest National Park.
- 1230: Lunch at the Lodge.
- 1400: Afternoon Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest.
- 1700: Return to your Lodge.
- 1800: Dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight and Dinner:
- Ndali Lodge
- Turaco Treetops (Alternative)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3: SANCTUARY GORILLA FOREST CAMP, BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities – the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges. The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance, and aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot, and a variety of brightly-coloured butterflies to identify. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes, three of which are still active.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community development enterprise located on the fringe of Kibale National Park where guided tours are conducted along a path through the wetland at time along boardwalk trail. Bigodi is a birder’s paradise with 138 bird species having been identified there including the crowd please Great Blue Turaco. The sanctuary is also home to 8 primate species including the black and white colobus, red colobus, mangabey, red tail, vervet, and L’Hoest.
Day Itinerary
- 0700: Morning Breakfast.
- 0800: Go for Bigodi Wetland walk
- 1000: Go for a crater walk tour
- 1230: Lunch
- 1330: Drive to Bwindi Forest.
- 1800: Estimated arrival time at the Lodge and check-in.
- 1930: Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Overnight and Dinner:
- Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
- Mahogany Springs Lodge (Alternative)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4: SANCTUARY GORILLA FOREST CAMP, BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Gorilla Trekking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Wake early for a hearty breakfast to give you the energy needed for gorilla trekking. Before 8:00 am, report to the ranger station for registration and a talk by one of the rangers. The guides will then take you through the bush, pushing your way through the undergrowth, to track the gorillas. (Please note this trek can take from 30 minutes to 5-6 hours). A reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them ‘talk’ to one another, and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male, the Silverback. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas. It’s amazing to think there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left.
Batwa Cultural Village
The Batwa Cultural village is where the Batwa (Pigmies) still live in the same way they used to years ago in tree houses. The Batwa only began leaving their forest homes around 15 years ago and they have been able to remain on this land thanks to the support of a generous American benefactor who donated the land back to them and created a cultural program. The fees from visiting tourists and are given to the Batwa project and they delight in welcoming visitors to their village and demonstrating how they make weapons, dance, make fires using sticks and cook.
Day Itinerary
- 0600: Start the day with morning breakfast ready for the day’s gorilla trek
- 0700: Transfer/walk down to the park headquarters for the gorilla trek
- 0800: Start the gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi.
- 1300: Estimated time of returning from the jungle.
- 1500: Afternoon community/Batwa village walk.
- 1830: Dinner is served at the Lodge.
Overnight and Dinner:
- Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
- Mahogany Springs Lodge (Alternative)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5: END OF ITINERARY
Day Itinerary
- 0700: Breakfast is served.
- 0800: Transfer to the Airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe.
- 0945: The flight departs Kihihi-Entebbe.
- 1125: Estimated time of arrival at Entebbe Airport for your outbound international flight.
- End of service.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
QUOTES:
STAYING AT HOTEL NO.5/NDALI LODGE & SANCTUARY GORILLA FOREST CAMP
2 PAX: USD 6,380 per person sharing
4 PAX: USD 5,880 per person sharing
6 PAX: USD 5,860 per person sharing
STAYING AT PROTEA BY MARRIOTT/TURACO TREETOPS & MAHOGANY SPRINGS.
2 PAX: USD 4,610 per person sharing
4 PAX: USD 4,240 per person sharing
6 PAX: USD 4,090 per person sharing