Day 1: Lake Mburo

After an early lunch at Lake Victoria Hotel we then drive to Lake Mburo National Park on sealed roads passing through papyrus swamps close to Lake Victoria and tracts of tropical rain forest and the rolling plains of Ankole cattle country. Game drive to the lodge. Overnight Mihingo Lodge. All meals.

Mihingo Lodge
is a peaceful and exclusive retreat adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park. It features ten rooms which are built on wooden platforms with stilts, covered by a thatched roof. Suspended under the thatched roof is a spacious and comfortable tent equipped with en-suite bathrooms with stunning views, including hot and cold running water, showers, and flush toilets.

Below the dining area an infinity swimming pool stretches out from the rocks and seems to disappear into the vast landscape beyond. In appreciation of its fragile surroundings, Mihingo Lodge is an environmentally friendly accommodation. The buildings are constructed in such a way as to melt into the rocky outcrops and savannah landscape around them. Electricity, hot water, and water pumps are powered by solar energy and there is a natural water catchment system to take advantage of the rains.

Day 2: Bwindi

Short game drive, then continue southwest into the area known as The Switzerland of East Africa; the road is sealed for half the drive, turning to an all weather dirt road. The route passes through areas of breathtaking scenery, high hills and low valleys that are for the most part cultivated. We arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, famous for gorilla trekking and now a World Heritage Site. Overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp. All meals. NOTE: We cannot guarantee seeing gorillas.

Gorilla Forest Camp
is a permanent luxury tented camp nestled in the mist-swathed rainforests of a mountainside in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The exclusive location – the sole property within the park’s boundaries – afford Gorilla Forest Camp the status of being the ideal base for gorilla tracking, primate viewing and birding excursions in the park.

Accommodation is in 8 double tents, raised on wooden platforms, each with en suite facilities and hot and cold running water, WC, basin and most unusually, a bathtub looking out onto the forest. Each tent has a spacious wooden verandah where guests can relax, enjoy a private meal and absorb the exotic mystery of the surrounding rainforest.

Day 3: Bwindi

Gorilla tracking day. After breakfast take a short drive to Park Headquarters and meet with excellent local guides and trackers who will give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. We then hike into the forest where the gorillas were seen the night before and track from that point. The trekking can take from 1 to 6 hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 7,500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile; once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten. Picnic lunches are provided and it is important to take plenty of water. Cameras and plenty of fast speed film are recommended. It can rain at a few minutes notice; hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including zip lock bags for cameras and film. Overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp. All meals.

Day 4: Bwindi

Second gorilla tracking day. Overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp. All meals.

Day 5: Mbarara

We drive back to Lake Mburo National Park and the luxury of Mihingo Lodge. Overnight Mihingo Lodge. All meals.

Day 6: Depart

Drive to Entebbe, which takes about 5 hours. If time permits it’s possible to stop in Kampala for shopping and lunch and the Mpigi Royal Drum Makers. Breakfast, lunch.