You meet with your safari guide and the rest of your group in the morning and then set off on the southbound road out of the city center into the rural countryside. You proceed to Fort Portal via the town of Mubende set in rolling hills. Time permitting you may take a two hour detour to visit the Nakayima Shrine, a 400 year old tree venerated in local folklore as holding the spirit of an ancient king. Make an offering to the spirits! You have a picnic lunch en route and arrive in Kibale in the late afternoon. Ndali Lodge is perched on the rim of an extinct volcano which, since its demise, has filled with water to become the breathtaking Lake Nyinambuga – 250 acres in size and 130 metres deep. Accommodation is in eight luxurious cottages. The cottages face west to offer a panoramic view to the spectacular 'Mountains of the Moon'. They where designed by Captain Mark Price and are built of local stone and thatch. Each cottage is large enough to accommodate a family and has en-suite facilities with bath, shower, wc and hand basin and a private verandah, perfect for watching the sun setting behind the Rwenzori mountains. The lodge has no electricity or generators to destroy the tranquility and atmosphere. Lighting is by candles. The sitting room, reception and dining room open out onto Lake Nyinambuga and are connected by two open passage-ways or breeze-ways: fruit bats, owls and frogs like to use them as a highway to the crater lake. All Ndali's water comes directly from the lake, pumped up by hydraulic ram based on technology invented in the 1770's. Activities include a visit local historical and wildlife attractions, and an ideal stopping off place for parties moving from Queen Elizabeth National Park up to the famous Murchison Falls National Park; Queen Elizabeth is within 2 and a half hours drive. Also close by is the Bigodi wetland sanctuary, a community-based conservation project. Ndali provides local guides for walks around the 1000 acre farm, to the Mahoma Waterfalls, and a boat for relaxing contemplation of a large variety of birds, butterflies and primates. Walks will take you around crater rims, past alcohol brewing in oil drums, through banana plantations, coffee terraces, plots of cassava, groundnuts, sorghum and millet. You can swim in the lake, soak up the sun or simply get away from it all. Ndali is a few kilometres from the heart of Uganda's tea growing region and historically has close links with Rwetera tea shamba (plantation) which can be reached by foot and is possible to visit by prior arrangement.
Alternative accommodation option: Mantana Kibale Forest Tented Camp is approximately 2kms past the Kanyanchu National Park office, before Bigodi Village on the left-hand side. The camp is set in a forested area which attracts a host of butterflies, birds and small primates. Accommodation is in seven fully furnished Batian tents comprising verandah, twin bedroom dressing area and en-suite shower and toilet facilities.
Chimpanzee Trekking - You set out with a packed lunch to track the noisy chimps and other primates crashing around through the high canopy of the forest with colourful birds squawking nearby. After lunch you walk in Bigodi to see the swamp dwelling bird life. The tourism and conservation activities in Bigodi wetland have helped build a number of community projects including a local library and a new secondary school.
Overland transfer from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 4 - Chimpanzee Trekking
Mweya Safari Lodge is an old style deluxe lodge. Situated high on a peninsula overlooking the Kazinga Channel between Lake Edward and Lake George, the lodge affords one of the most beautiful views in Uganda. Mweya Safari Lodge has been upgraded and renovated and now offers some of the best accommodation in Uganda. The 46 rooms and suites, all with en suite bathrooms and private balconies overlook either the Kazinga Channel or Lake Edward. The suites and the Royal Cottage, occupied by the Queen in 1954, are air-conditioned. Two of the rooms have been designed to meet the needs of travellers with disabilities. Other features are a beautiful swimming pool, a poolside bar, the Tembo Safari Bar, the Kazinga Restaurant serving global cuisine, a souvenir shop also selling essential toiletries, books and safari gear. The elegant, air-conditioned Kazinga Channel Restaurant serves international cuisine from an à la carte menu or a buffet. There is often a barbecue on Saturday nights. Activities include launch cruises along the Kazinga Channel, game drives, nature walks, boat trip to the chimpanzee sanctuary on Izinga Island and bird-watching. There is a swimming pool to enjoy at the end of the day.
Alternative accommodation option: Jacana Safari Lodgeis an intimate, luxury eco-lodge set on the edge of a crater lake in Uganda's QueenElizabethNational Park. Queen Elizabeth National Park is rich with bird-life, boasting one of the highest numbers of endemic species in the world, whilst the delicate style and comfort of Jacana encompasses the very best eco- friendly accommodation available in the area. Jacana Safari Lodge has seven deluxe chalets constructed from natural local materials, in harmony with its forest setting. Each spacious chalet is individually decorated and has an enclosed verandah with large windows, providing panoramic views over the crater lake. You can savour a chilled sundowner or dine al fresco on your private balcony, served by your personal waiter.In the central area, you will find the dining room, main bar and the comfortable lounge. The 'Tembo Bar' is suspended over the emerald waters of the lake. At the water's edge, the 'Fish Eagle Bar' provides the setting for intimate candlelit dinners. There is a gorgeous swimming pool, with swim-up bar, and a sauna to restore you for the next day's activities.Jacana Safari Lodge will provide a naturalist so that you can explore your surroundings on foot and take advantage of the outstanding bird- and butterly-watching opportunities. Alternatively, you might prefer to hike into one of the spectacular gorges. You can enjoy the lake on one of the canoes or small pontoons, and the lodge will provide rod, tackle and bait for those who wish to go fishing.Your days are spent on game drives in the park. The particular region of the park you explore on your game drives will depend on the season. The Kasenyi plains support large concentrations of game, especially lion. The area around the seven crater lakes in the northern hills is very scenic but game viewing is erratic. The Mweya peninsula is usually a good place to see the large mammals, bushbuck, waterbuck, and elephant, as well as the unusual giant forest hog. Leopard may also be seen in this area.
Chimpanzee Trekking- You go on an excursion to Kyambura Gorge to track the fast moving elusive chimpanzees, one of man’s closest relations. The chimpanzee population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable. The walk in this "lost world" is nevertheless enchanting. Time permitting, you will visit the Tropical Bee Care Centre to look at their community projects, which include bee keeping, honey making and a community nursery for children. Alternatively go for a nature walk in MaramagamboForest, this forest harbours some unusual species - red-tailed and L’Hoest’s Monkey, potto, giant forest hog, pygmy antelope, and giant elephant shrew. You can also visit the bat caves and the blue lake. In the afternoon you embark a cruise along the Kazinga Channel, linking Lakes Edward and George, this is especially rewarding for seeing many animals and birds. Look out for the rare shoebill stork!
Overland transfer from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Day 6 - Gorilla trekking (subject to permit availability at the time of booking)
Depending on road conditions, you travel either via Ishasha, home of the tree-climbing lion or through many hills and villages to Buhoma. Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge is the only property in Bwindi which has magnificent views of the forest. Gorillas, chimpanzees and birds can often be heard screeching near the river below. Bwindi Lodge overlooks the primeval Bwindi forest, home to gorillas, monkeys, chimpanzees and birds. Amidst the many noises of forest life, it is the perfect place to experience the magic of this impenetrable forest. Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge offers an immersion into Uganda where gorillas, chimpanzees and birds can often be heard screeching near the river below. Each of the eight individual chalets has adobe walls, thatched roofs, and its own verandah, with chairs and a table, overlooking the valley and the forest on the opposite side. All chalets provide excellent views. The rooms are comfortable with twin beds, a vanity area, chairs and a coffee table. Five windows let in ample light with curtains for the evenings and privacy. Each room has an en suite shower and toilet that are of eco friendly design to prevent water from being wasted and provide care for the local environment. The showers are of a large canvas bucket style with water provided by the lodge staff. A separate toilet area, being of the dry chemical type, works automatically and free of any odors. The thatched bar/dining area with open sides and a log fireplace provides a cozy and warm gathering area with excellent views of the forest. Gorilla trekking - Tracking the gorillas through the forest requires patience and stamina, sometimes walking for a few hours in the mud and in wet conditions. Finally coming across these majestic creatures in the undergrowth is an inspiring moment. In Bwindi there are about 300 mountain gorillas and two of the families are habituated; it is also rich in other primates, some unusual bird species and butterflies. The gorillas live in a lower, more humid, denser forest with thick undergrowth and generally have to be tracked up and down a series of switchback hills. The total trekking time is between 4-7 hours and can be strenuous when the gorillas are deeply hidden, but your sense of achievement and wonder when they are found, is an ample reward for the effort.
Overland transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to Kampala
You make an early start for Kampala, retracing your steps through this green and pleasant land, and enjoying a picnic lunch en route. You arrive in Kampala late in the afternoon and continue with your onward travel arrangements.
