Uganda ‘The Real Deal’

Your journey begins with a flight from London to Entebbe. You will be met and warmly welcomed upon arrival, before making the short transfer to your boutique hotel to unwind after your flight. 

Stay: One night at Karibu Entebbe 

Today the adventure really begins with a short scheduled flight to Kasese. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Ndali Lodge, beautifully situated in Uganda’s crater region with dramatic views of the Rwenzori Mountains.  

The lodge is perfectly positioned for excursions within Kibale Forest National Park, a real wildlife hotspot home to a staggering array of primates, birds and butterflies – including Africa’s largest population of chimpanzees. Alongside expert guides, you’ll have the opportunity to track these playful primates deep within the enchanting evergreen forest, observing them up close as they play, forage and swing through the high canopy. 

You’ll also venture into the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based conservation project where you’ll find red colobus monkeys, sitatunga antelope and a profusion of rare birds, including the beautiful great blue turaco, the white-collard oliveback and the African harrier-hawk. 

Stay: Three nights at Ndali Lodge

Leaving Kibale Forest behind, today you’ll make your way to Ishasha Wilderness Camp, an eco-friendly riverside property tucked away in a secluded corner of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Lying within the national park itself, the region’s elephants, hippos and monkeys roam freely about camp. 

During your stay, you’ll embark on early morning and afternoon game drives within the pristine Ishasha region, an area famous for its tree-climbing lions who like to laze in the branches of the fig trees. You’ll also enjoy guided nature walks and boat trips along the Kazinga Channel, a great way to view water birds and photograph wildlife basking on the banks. Thanks to the camp’s remote location, you’re likely to have sightings all to yourself, resulting in a wonderfully intimate safari experience. 

Stay: Three nights at Ishasha Wilderness Camp 

Your journey culminates in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of the last remaining sanctuaries of the endangered mountain gorilla. Here, you’ll be staying at an eco-friendly lodge on the edge of the national park, conveniently situated close to the meeting point for gorilla trekking excursions. 

You’ll set off in the early morning, following your guide up steeply forested hills and through mist-shrouded valleys in search of these gentle giants. Although gorillas are the main focus, as you explore you’ll also have the opportunity to spot chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, forest elephants and a variety of vibrant birds. Other activities include visits to the local village, school and hospital. 

Stay: Three nights at Buhoma Lodge 

Return to Entebbe for your international flight back to London.