Best of Uganda Safari
1 night at Emin Pasha Hotel, Kampala, Uganda
4 nights at Semliki Lodge, Toro game reserve, Uganda
4 nights at Ishasha Wilderness Camp, QENP, Uganda
3 nights at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
4 nights at Apoka Lodge, Kidepo National Park, Uganda
3 nights extension to Bulago Island
Day 1:
The safari starts after your arrival at Entebbe airport. You will be transferred for an overnight stay at Amin Pasha Hotel in Kamapala.
Days 2 to 5:
The following morning, you will flight to the Toro-Semliki Game Reserve for a four nights stay at the Semliki lodge. Deep in the heart of Uganda’s Western Rift Valley, the Semliki Valley is a prime conservation area. Boasting both a National Park and a Game Reserve, much of the valley is untouched. The Semliki Forest forms the easternmost reaches of the Central African Rainforest and is home to myriad bird species (including at least 30 rare endemics). In the Semliki National Park the Sempaya hotsprings are a key attraction. Nearby, the Toro-Semliki Game Reserve is a classic geographical crossroads: this is where tropical rainforest meets grassy savannah, where wetlands give over to majestic lake Albert, the flat plains are punctuated by deep river valleys, the dramatic rise of the Rift Valley Escarpment and the rolling, textured foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.
This unique geography is reflected in the diversity of wildlife species in the reserve. Here you may see both the forest species of Central Africa (ie: forest buffalo, a darker leopard sub-species and the smaller forest elephant) as well as the key savanna species of East Africa: lion, elephant, numerous antelope species, warthog, buffalo, etc. The birdlife is unique in that in addition to endemic species the reserved is graced with both southern and northern migrants, the wetlands teem with birds, including the rare and elusive shoebill which nests in the shallows of lake Albert.
Several communities of chimpanzees live in the lush river valleys of the reserve, and we are involved in a long-standing research project on chimpanzees, run by the University of Indiana. Guests at Semliki Lodge are welcome to accompany the resident researcher into the forest.
Days 6 to 9:
After a last morning game drive, an other flight will bring you at Ishasha Wilderness Camp in the Queen Elizabeth National Park where you will spend the following four nights. Ishasha Wilderness Camp is situated inside the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Ntungwe river, and is an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wilderness. Being the only upmarket accommodation in the area, this exclusive tented camp offers quality accommodation and services in this unspoilt remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park famous for its tree climbing lions that can sometimes be spotted resting in the branches of the large fig trees in the area.
Combined with excellent game viewing opportunities for buffalo, elephants, kob, topi and other species of antelope, the camp provides the ideal location, for a midway break, between gorilla viewing in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the other areas of QENP or Kibale Forest. Excursions to the Lake Edward Flats area are possible where large herds of game can be seen as well as birdlife, including the elusive shoebill stork at various times of the year.
Each of the ten spacious East African style Meru tents, situated in the wooded area besides the river, is comfortably furnished and with its own private en suite bathroom and dressing area providing hot water “bush” showers and an eco friendly toilet.
Days 10 to 12:
A quick road transfer will enable you to spend 3 nights at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Camp in the incredible Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Nestled in the Virunga Conservation are, the camp will be your base station for incredible gorilla trekking. Walks in these magnificent mountains will enable you to meet an incredible fauna and flora. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge comprises of 8 Stone bedrooms with two of these being double-roomed family units for people travelling together. The main building with reception, dining, shop and bar area will also have six fireplaces to keep it a cozy area throughout the day. Views from the main balcony area stretch across to Rwanda and the Virungas as well as all the way across the border towards Goma in the Congo.
Each room has their own twin basin en suite bathroom, with hot and cold water, as well as electric lights, plug points and a cozy fireplace. The main lodge offers soft and plush finishes with turned wood and commissioned artwork from Ugandan artists adorn the walls throughout.
Outside sitting areas with comfortable “laid back” chairs for each bedroom with an unobstructive and at the same time unobtrusive view of the forest below.
Days 13 to 16:
You will have a hard time to leave the Gorillas but your next destination is also incredible. You will flight (via Entebbe) to the wonderful Apoka Lodge in the Kidepo National Park. This park is unique and landscape will not be found anywhere else in East Africa. Tucked into the corner of Uganda's border with Sudan and Kenya, the park offers breathtaking Savannah landscapes, which end in rugged horizon. A huge latitudinal range and correspondingly wide climatic conditions have evolved an extremely diverse flora. As a result the variety of animal species in the park is equally abundant including many which are found no where else in Uganda.
Day 17:
The safari will end with your transfer to Entebbe airport via light aircraft from the Apoka lodge.
Day 17 to 20:
A 3 days (or more) extension to Bulago Island set in the Lake Victoria. With 6kms of sandy beaches and almost 10kms of shore line on 500acares, Bulago is a small paradise away from the hustle of urban life. Surrounded by Lake Victoria its shoreline is made up of rocky outcrops and low cliffs. Around the shore the soil is highly fertile and tree covered. The north-east tip of the island contains a small portion of rainforest. The interior of the island is less fertile and is covered with savannah-like grassland.
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