Best of Uganda

A comfortable stroll around the lake with stunning views of Lake Kyaninga, the Rwenzori Mountains and the beautiful rolling hills of Fort Portal. This walk takes about an hour and half and in addition to the stunning views, there are also good chances of seeing Vervet monkeys, Black and White Colobus monkeys and of course a wide array of birds. A guide is not necessary but available free of charge.

The terrain inside the crater is a little tougher than on the ridge, but this is soon forgotten amongst the sights and sounds of the forest. With almost guaranteed chances of monkey sightings, even more birds than on the ridge and the added bonus of bat caves, this is

a must for nature lovers. The walk can be tailored to your needs and can be as long as you require, focusing on whatever you choose, whether it be bird, monkey or some of our shyer inhabitants. There are even rare sightings of civet cats and porcupines and if you achieve the impossible and photograph one of the two then a free bottle of wine awaits!

This 3 hour walk through the surrounding villages provides an insight into daily life in rural Uganda. The outing offers the chance

to meet and spend some time with the village elders at one of the farms, and to

see how local crops are grown, harvested and prepared. While wildlife and nature will always remain the key focus of any trip to Uganda, this walk provides a rare perspective into village life that few tourists ever get to experience

The longest of the o ered walks, these trips take you down to the very edge of the escarpment where you will be able to see the vast expanse which is the convergence of the Congo Basin and the Great Rift Valley, and on a clear day, the distant shimmer of Lake Albert. These are some of the most impressive viewing points in the country, with the lowest point in Uganda, the Semuliki Valley, right next to the highest, the Rwenzori Mountains. The Rift Valley is approximately 3 hours from Kyaninga Lodge on foot, and there are a number of possible walks varying in duration and di culty.

HALF DAY OPTION

The easisest of the walks is a simple one way hike to the Rift Valley, taking in the magni cent views. Many of our guests elect to walk to the Rift Valley and get their drivers to meet them there and bring them back to the lodge. It is of course possible to do it the other way around, i. e. to drive to the Rift Valley and walk back to the lodge. (APPROX. 4 HOURS)

FULL DAY OPTION

Some of our guests prefer to go for the option of walking in both directions. For added interest, it is also possible to combine this option with the Village and Cultural Walk (see previous page) on the way back from the Rift Valley for a full day’s experience. (APPROX. 6 - 8 HOURS)

STEEP OPTION

The most challenging of the Rift Valley walks includes a sharp climb of the escarpment itself. After a 40 min drive down to the starting point at the base of the Rift Valley, you will follow a winding path all the way to the top of the escarpment. During the 500 metre ascent (~1100m to ~1600m) you will take in unrivalled views of the Rwenzori Mountains and the Great Rift Valley. Once at the top you can choose to have your driver meet you and return you to the lodge or, if you still have the energy, you can complete the nal stretch on foot.

Kibale National park covers an area of about 795 sq km and is acknowledged to have the highest density of chimpanzees worldwide. With at least 60 species of mammal, including 13 species of primate, Kibale really can’t be missed and if you weren’t a keen bird watcher before, the 335 recorded species found here will do all they can to change your mind. A true gem of a National Park!

(APPROX. 1 HOUR)

The true king, or better said ‘’queen’’, of Uganda’s national parks, stretching over an area of nearly 2000 sq km. With one of the highest biodiversity ratings worldwide Queen Elizabeth is home to an incredible 95 species of mammal and over 500 species of bird!! To get that true Africa feeling, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the place to visit and the boat trip up the Kazinga Channel a must!

(APPROX.2 HOURS)

Featuring 9 holes and 18 tees, this pleasant and well maintained golf course is situated on the site of the original fort from which the town derives its name. Over the last few years, Kyaninga Lodge has been sponsoring some of the promising young golfers at the club and since then they have gone on to win numerous tournaments and trophies both nationally and regionally. For golf enthusiasts visiting the lodge, we are happy to organise an exciting and memorable round with any of the talented golfers we sponsor.

(APPROX. 20 MINS)

This wonderful public garden is a unique environment where a variety

of owers, medicinal plants vegetables and fruits are grown. It is a magical place to wander around, taste locally grown fruits and vegetables and get to know the rich biodiversity of the region.

(APPROX. 20 MINS)

The Gorilla tracking starting point is located just 2 minutes away from Mahogany Springs. This experience will remain in your memories forever and can not be put into words. $600 per permit per day.

A luxury Spa perched overlooking the river and forest. This Opatra London Spa offers luxurious facials, massages and foot treatments. Pre-booking is highly recommended.

Opatra uses the latest devices and cutting edge technology to deliver high-end skin care treatments and products.

Mahogany Springs is a bird watchers dream. Located on an open piece of land with a river running through. it is the ideal lodge for any keen bird watchers. Mahogany Springs also offers complimentary tours around their extensive gardens with their resident bird watching expert.

All clients can visit the school free of charge. It is 2 minutes away from Mahogany Springs by car or a 7 minute walk.

We support various community projects that our clients can visit all around the area

Located around 3 minutes away from Mahogany Springs this hospital is led by a phenomenal team of International doctors. Visit the hospital and learn all about the challenges and accomplishment's of running a hospital in a remote area like Bwindi.

Spend time with the Batwa/Pygmy tribe, one of the oldest tribes in the world. Learn all about their culture and traditions from mock hunting techniques, fire making, tree house building and more.

This escorted walk in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, traces the river up into the park, where 3 beautiful waterfalls can be found along the way.

Along the way you will see various wildlife including many bird species.

Spend time down by our river. The magical Munyanga river runs through Mahogany Springs. You can go for a lovely stroll along its banks or simply relax with an ice cool drink and let us serve you.

This amazing guided walk will take you all the way through to the South side of the Forest (Nkuringo). The walk can take 3-5 hours and is an experience never to be forgotten. Your luggage will be carried through the forest for you or can be driven around if you have a large amount. You will then have the experience of sleeping on both sides of the forest which are totally unique with their own views and of course different Gorilla Groups.

Murchison Falls National park in the north-west of the country is Uganda’s largest national park, and together with adjoining wildlife reserves forms a vast wilderness covering over 5 000 km2. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, forest primates and 450 bird species.

The mighty Nile, the longest river in the world, flows through the heart of the park for a distance of 120 km, on its 6 500 km journey from Lake Victoria to Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea. The park’s centrepiece is the explosive, 40-metre high Murchison Falls where the Nile is forced through an 8-metre gap in the Rift Valley escarpment. Downstream, the Nile flows quietly towards Lake Albert which it enters through a large papyrus delta. It is this peaceful 40 km stretch of river which provides the park’s prime wildlife spectacle.

Chimpanzee tracking in nearby Budongo Forest is available, and definitely worthwhile spending an extra day for, and bird-watchers will be delighted by the variety of localised species including Shoebill. For the fishermen, there is the challenge of catching the massive Nile Perch.

Enjoy game drives in Murchison Falls National Park, as well as a memorable boat cruise up the Nile River to the foot of the Falls. The immense force of the water and the views of the Falls are spectacular from the close-up viewing points. Enhance your park experience by combining river voyages with a safari. Travel by boat to the Nile Delta and return with a game drive through the game-rich Buligi area. Drive to the top of the falls and hike down to the bottom of Fajao Gorge, before returning to Baker’s Lodge by boat.

We operate our own fleet of river boats—varying in size for different activities such as game viewing, birdwatching and fishing. We can organise private dinners, luncheons, breakfasts and snacks on board the boat. Baker’s Lodge is a great base for those keen on fishing for Nile Perch. We operate with a strict catch and release policy.

Our fleet of water-craft run scheduled and private trips daily, direct from our private lodge jetty to the park’s centerpiece – the stunning Murchison Falls in Fajao Gorge. An approximate 3 hours on the water offers excellent safari viewing to and from the falls, the boats offering the opportunity to witness up-close the teeming hippo and crocodile populations on the river as well as a plethora of animals and birdlife on the river banks. The cruise can be combined with a safari drive, a hike up the side of the falls, or a sunset cruise.

The Victoria Nile delta, a 17 km voyage downstream from Baker’s Lodge, is home to rare wetland birds including shoebill and papyrus endemic species. Morning cruises offer a visual spectacle of mist rising off the mirror calm-water as our craft navigate the papyrus channels of the delta. Scheduled and private delta cruises depart from the lodge with a “breakfast on board” option offered in the mornings (subject to minimum numbers).

The Nile River at Murchison is famous for its exciting sport fishing. Large, strong Nile Perch living in the turbulent waters below the falls as well as several species of cat fish are fished and a variety of smaller species which are generally used as live bait for the larger fish. Fishing is conducted on a strict “catch-and-release” system and can be done with our experienced local fishing guides; from the shore or from our boats which are ideally sized and equipped to cope with the conditions and accessing the remote riverside pools.