24 October - 7 November 2024 - GREAT APES, UNIQUE WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION IN UGANDA

Day 1 - 24 October

Arrive at Entebbe Airport where you will be  met by a Brothers Safaris representative before immigration. He will assist you to clear immigration and collect your luggage and accompany you until you meet your driver at the terminal exit. Remember to draw some local cash at the ATM in the terminal – roughly USD100 should suffice.

Tansfer to your hotel where you will be met by Dr Peter Brothers, a wildlife veterinarian and owner of Brothers Safaris.

Hotel No 5 is a stylish boutique hotel, only 10-minute drive from Entebbe International Airport.

Check in and enjoy leisure time after your long flight.

Nestled in the leafy suburbs of Entebbe, Hotel No.5 is a stylish boutique hotel. From the moment you arrive, you are warmly welcomed and cared for. With all luxurious rooms opening onto the garden and swimming pool, this is an excellent option for guests looking for an intimate stay in a tranquil setting.

Make yourself at home – unwind beside the swimming pool, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or work up a sweat in the hotel gym. Attention to detail and an attentive guest experience are synonymous with Hotel No 5, making it the perfect choice for a restful stay in this bustling city.

Day 2 - 25 October

After breakfast, we will head to Entebbe pier where we take a speed boat to Mabamba Swamp on the edge of Lake Victoria. It takes about 40 minutes by speed boat to reach the swamp.

On arrival at the swamp, you transfer onto a smaller local boat with a guide to navigate the shallow narrow waterways.  A boat tour (normally 1-2 hours) gives a perfect opportunity to see an abundance of bird species which you may otherwise miss compared to road or car transport – this includes a chance to spot the rare endangered Shoebill stork!  

  Mabamba Bay stretches to about 16,500 hectares in size and is a significant wetland area as recognised by the Ramsar Convention. Other species of wildlife – reptiles and mammals - are shy but still seen fairly regularly on these excursions.

After the tour, we head to Hope for the Island Child Orphanage on Bussi Island.

The centre is home to 100-130 children of all ages. Some of these children are true orphans while others come from abused homes or homes where the parent(s) or grandparents do not have the means to take care of the children. Facilities are basic and resources are limited since they have no regular support from the government or anyone else. Over the years we have supported the centre and its children in multiple ways, mostly by providing resources for food and clothing. We encourage guests to discuss with us in advance of the safari how best to assist the children if you should wish to do so.

After meeting the staff and children and taking a look around, there’ll be time for some fun and games with the children – the part they love best!

In the late afternoon, we head back to the pier, enjoying sundowners en-route and transfer back to our hotel.

Today's lunch will be a packed lunch which we take with us.

Day 3 - 26 October

After breakfast, meet the safari driver/guide and travel to Kibale Forest.

It’s a long drive today but this presents an opportunity to see the changing landscape and the people of Uganda going about their daily activities.

Today's lunch will be a packed lunch which we take with us.

Check-in and enjoy some leisure time in your new surroundings.

Day 4 - 27 October

After an early breakfast at the lodge, depart for nearnby Kibale Forest Park Headquarters for the morning chimp trek. After an introductory briefing, we head out with our guide and escorts in search of the chimpanzees.

The forest is alive with noise – chimpanzees can be quite active and may move quickly through the forest canopy – or if you are lucky you may find them resting or eating near the forest floors.  It’s a heady walk in the beautiful scenery. Many species of birds and other animals can also be seen along the way in this rich forest environment.

Sightings are not guaranteed but the area is beautiful and wild so even if you don’t see the chimps, it’s a lovely walk with plenty of birdlife and other species to look at.

After lunch back at the lodge, enjoy an afternoon of leisure.

Early evening a local veterinarian working with chimps and many of the chimp researchers will join us at the lodge to give a talk on his work and the ongoing research. This will shed light on this fascinating species and further prepare you for your next adventure tomorrow morning.

Enjoy dinner at the lodge and an evening at leisure.

Day 5 - 28 October

After an early breakfast, embark on a chimpanzee habituation trek.

Join the team at Kibale National Park and begin your chimpanzee habituation experience.  You will assist Kibale's trackers in their daily habituation research and activities - following them through the forest and observing their behaviours and movements throughout the day.  Finish the day off after spending roughly 4 hours with the chimpanzees.  

This once-in-a-lifetime experience will allow you the possibility to come within metres of these amusing and very social apes, sharing in their daily lives and experiencing their day-to-day activities.  Chimpanzees, our closest cousins, are extremely endangered with only an estimated 5000 remaining in Uganda.

Sightings and behaviour is of course never guaranteed – these are wild animals living in a large forest - and will vary with circumstances on the day and the individuals we find.

You will also have the opportunity to observe the many other animal species living in Kibale's diverse habitat including black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, red colobus, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey and the Uganda mangabey, as well as hundreds of native bird species.

Day 6 - 29 October

After an early breakfast at the lodge, we pack our bags and head to Queen Elizabeth National Park where you will have a chance to see the famous tree-climbing lions, in addition to many other animals. 

This park set in the Great Rift Valley is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, hippos, buffalo, Uganda kob, baboon, and many species of birds.   With both a riverine and savannah habitat, the park includes the southern Ishasha area with its tree-climbing lions and Maramagambo, one of the largest surviving natural forests in Uganda.

We travel to Mweya Safari Lodge in the northern section and enjoy a game drive and a packed lunch before checking into the lodge.  

After check-in, freshen up and enjoy some leisure time before a boat cruise departing from the nearby pier.

Embark on a private Kazinga Channel boat cruise sailing at 16h00.  You may encounter herds of elephant, buffalo and antelope, families of warthog, large groups of hippo and crocodiles basking on the shore.  Kazinga’s shores are a haven for numerous birds, including many migratory species as the make their way south to warmer climates.  The cruise also provides a spectacular view of the beautiful Mweya Peninsula and life in local fishing villages set along the banks.

After your cruise we return to Mweya Safari Lodge, to freshen up before dinner.  

The Lodge is located on a peninsula within the heart of the Queen Elizabeth National Park and surrounded by the magical Rwenzori Mountains – the ‘Mountains of the Moon’; Mweya Safari Lodge offers visitors a spectacular experience of luxury in the wilderness.

The Lodge offers a range of activities and attractions: take a game drive and discover a vast array of wild game; experience a launch trip on the Kazinga Channel using one of our luxury boats; or watch some of the 619 different species of birds available to be seen. Nearby, chimpanzees can be found in the breathtaking Kyambura gorge – a formation of the natural rift in the earth. Here the ancient movement of tectonic plates has created a natural forest habitat for hippos, monkeys, chimpanzees, elephants and buffaloes.

Each room at Mweya Safari Lodge has a breathtaking view of the Kazinga channel. You can watch the forest hogs grazing the grass outside, as well as the odd curious hippo! Our cuisine is of the highest quality, presenting a range of exquisite Continental, Indian and International cuisine.

For those who want to unwind and relax, what better way than with a massage? The Mweya Health Club and spa offers treatments to revitalize you after a long day out in the game park. With an abundance of game, and some of the best bird watching in Africa, Mweya Safari Lodge is the perfect place to start your journey of discovery.

Day 7 - 30 October

After an early breakfast we will game drive through the North Kazinga Plains, the plains offers a breathtaking safari experience, immersing in the heart of East Africa's wildlife wonders. As you embark on your journey, you'll find yourself surrounded by vast savannah grasslands dotted with acacia trees, providing a picturesque backdrop for your adventure.

The North Kazinga Plains are renowned for their rich biodiversity, with diverse ecosystems supporting a wide array of animal species. Your game drive here promises encounters with iconic African wildlife, including herds of elephants, graceful giraffes, majestic lions, and elusive leopards. Keep your eyes peeled for buffalo grazing in the distance or hippos wallowing in the muddy waterholes.

Bird enthusiasts will be in paradise, as the plains are home to over 600 bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. From colourful kingfishers to majestic African fish eagles, the air is filled with various avian species' melodious calls and vibrant plumage.

After lunch back at the lodge, enjoy an afternoon of leisure.

Late afternoon there will be a talk with the resident wildlife veterinarian, learning more about his work and the work of his team. Not only do they respond to day-to-day wildlife emergencies, but they are also involved with various research projects and human-wildlife conflict mitigation. 

Enjoy dinner after the talk before heading to your room to settle in for a good night’s sleep.

Day 8 - 31 October

After an early breakfast at the lodge, depart and embark on a lion/predator tracking activity this morning, accompanied by some of the lion research team.

On the drive, we not only hope to spot some of these unique tree-climbing lions, but we will also be learning more about the project in this park. The drive also takes in other species and sightings along the way, making for an exciting game drive.

The Uganda Carnivore Program (UCP) is a multi-disciplinary organization, devoted to the research and conservation of Uganda's large carnivores, including lions, leopards, and hyenas.  UCP began as the Uganda Large Predator Project in the 1990s when the Director of Uganda’s Institute of Ecology became concerned that the canine distemper virus epidemic that was decimating predators in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park would affect the predators in Uganda. While lions in Uganda were dying, research showed that they did not have canine distemper but were instead being poisoned. It was then decided that consistent monitoring and research of the predator population should continue. The program was once active in many of Uganda’s national parks, but at the moment, occurs primarily in the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Over time, as activities expanded into community conservation, and other partnerships were created, the project evolved into the Uganda Carnivore Program.

The programme has two primary focuses:

• Scientific research and monitoring of resident carnivores
• Community-based wildlife conservation

Your participation in this safari helps fund this research project, which needs your support!

Head back to the lodge for lunch, and enjoy some down-time before heading out on another game drive late afternoon, looking for species not yet seen…..

There is also an option to enjoy another late afternoon boat cruise (for your own expense and subject to availability), or simply relax and enjoy the pool, a massage or a nap.

Return to Mweya Safari Lodge early evening to freshen up before dinner.

Day 9 - 1 November 

After breakfast, travel to Bwindi Forest enjoying another short game drive on the way out of Queen Elizabeth National Park. We’ll take a packed lunch with us today.

After a drive of approximately 3.5 hours, we stop off at the Pangolin Rescue Centre near Bwindi The centre was founded by Moses Arineitwe in 2015, and is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of pangolins in Uganda.

Here we will learn more about the pangolin and the work of this centre. Despite their limited resources, Moses and his team have rescued and released over 160 pangolins back into the wild! As well as providing a temporary home for rescued pangolins, Moses also works closely with local communities to promote conservation and prevent illegal trade and poaching. Through their efforts, they have reformed over 70 poachers!

Pangolins are believed to be the world's most trafficked mammal, accounting for as much as 20% of all illegal wildlife trade. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), more than a million pangolins were poached in the decade prior to 2014!

An estimated 195,000 pangolins were trafficked in 2019 for their scales alone, with 2019 data indicating that a pangolin is poached every three minutes! 20 tonnes of pangolins and their parts are trafficked internationally every year!

The animals are trafficked mainly for their scales, which are believed to treat a variety of health conditions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and as a luxury food in Vietnam and China. In Africa, pangolins are sold as a form of bushmeat, for ritual or spiritual purposes, and use in traditional African medicine. Many times the animal is trafficked just for clothing and fashion.

Your visit to the centre will not only be interesting, but also supports the vital conservation work being done here.

Afterwards we drive roughly half an hour to check in to Mahogany Springs Lodge late afternoon.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure - explore the local village or alternately put your feet up and relax at the lodge.

When you first arrive at Mahogany Springs Lodge, you will be welcomed "home" by the friendly staff who want you to relax, enjoy the surroundings and take home wonderful memories.

Mahogany Springs Lodge is located in the Buhoma region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, within a  5-10 minute walk or 2-minute drive of the gorilla trekking starting point. 

Set in exotic gardens overlooking the Munyanga River, this is the perfect place to relax and discover the beauty of the plants and birds that make Bwindi such a remarkable place.

The main lodge building at Mahogany Springs is perched on a hillside, offering spectacular views of Bwindi from its panoramic terrace. Take a seat on the terrace or in our spacious restaurant and enjoy a variety of internationally inspired food and drinks. Private dining is also available by the river or on your own balcony. The bar is fully stocked with a fantastic range of wines, beers, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks, so there’s something for everyone.

In the evening, why not relax on one of our extra comfy sofas, by the fire, enjoying a well-earned glass of wine. 

If you want to relax in the privacy of your own room, why not book a massage with our expert masseuse who will soothe those aching muscles.

Day 10 - 2 November 

After an early breakfast at the lodge, take a short stroll to the park headquarters to meet your guides – a packed lunch will be given by the lodge before setting off. After some introductory talks and dancing by the local Batwa people, it’s time to set off in search of the endangered mountain gorilla.

Today will be a lifetime experience!  Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare wildlife encounter.  Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rainforest on the mountain slopes.

The opportunity to come within metres of these magnificent apes, sharing in their daily lives and experiencing their day-to-day activities, is an experience you won't soon forget!  Mountain gorillas are extremely rare, with only an estimated 880 remaining in the wild. 

If you are trekking in Buhoma, you will meet your gorilla guides (from UWA) for the pre-trek briefing, which usually starts at 08:00.  Depending on which family you are allocated to on the day, you will either start walking from the briefing point or be transferred by vehicle to the alternative start point.  The gorilla families live in different areas of the forest.

If you are trekking in Ruhija, it is an approximately two-hour drive to get to the start point.  You will, therefore, depart early from the lodge. Note there is an additional cost for the transfer to Ruhija should permits be issued there, which will be advised at the time of booking.

 Once the gorillas have been located, guests spend an hour observing them and hopefully taking some spectacular photos. When we approach the gorillas, you need to wear your face masks please.

Following the trek, return to your accommodation to freshen up & relax, savouring the moment.

Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure with dinner at the lodge.

Day 11 - 3 November 

After breakfast, take a short stroll to the trailhead to embark on a walking safari through Bwindi Forest – Ivy River Trail (+- 4 hours). The trail ascends and descends gently through beautiful areas of the rainforest with several viewpoints overlooking lush mist-shrouded valleys. The trail is also an important footpath for local people travelling to and from Nkuringo, particularly on market days. Monkeys, duikers, bush pigs and some of Bwindi's world-renowned bird and butterfly species can be sighted.

Today's lunch will be a packed lunch which we take with us.

After the last ascent at the end, a representative from Chameleon Hill Lodge will meet you at the trail end and transfer you to the lodge. 

After a bumpy ride of approximately an hour, check in to your lodge and enjoy leisure time before dinner.

Chameleon Hill Lodge is an exclusive, colourful and vibrant lodge boasting spectacular views across Lake Mutanda with the Virunga Volcanoes as a magnificent backdrop.

Each chalet flaunts its own identity and colour scheme along with high quality, handmade furnishings that boast a unique Euro-African style.

The lodge offers a special blend of comfort and relaxation, where attention to detail and personalized service are paramount. As well as being the perfect base to visit the mountain gorillas, one can also enjoy a trip on the hand-built boat available for excursions. If in need of a little pampering, our masseur is also on hand to spoil you.

The kitchen is famous for its mouth-watering food. Specialities include bread, slowly baked in our wood-fired oven, homemade muesli with hand-picked ingredients and the freshest fruits and vegetables from our very own organic garden.

The Ugandan roads can take their toll and after bumping around for a few days on safari many guests need time to lie back and unwind. Chameleon Hill provides plenty of comfy spots and peaceful places where guests can relax. From the wooden deck overlooking the lake to the veranda in your private little garden, there will always be space to put your feet up, unwind and relax.

Each room has its own unique charm and character, with its own colour scheme and private garden, they all share stunning views across the lake. You will find a modern en-suite bathroom and the best showers in Uganda with a panorama window to enjoy the lake and volcanoes, even when you shower!

We offer early morning tea or coffee brought to your room so you can take in the views sitting on your spacious veranda before going for breakfast, gorilla tracking or any of our other activities.

Day 12 & 13 - 4 & 5 November 

On these two days, the group will split to accommodate these two incredible experiences! Group one will embark on a gorilla habituation trek on one day, and group 2 will have a day of leisure and vice versa for day 2. 

After an early breakfast at the lodge, you will be transferred to the park headquarters or another pre-arranged meeting point to meet your guides – a packed lunch will be given by the lodge before setting off.

The Gorilla Habituation Experience differs from normal Gorilla Trekking in that a maximum of four people participate in the four-hour Habituation Experience (time starts once the gorillas have been located).  The experience can involve more strenuous trekking at elevations of up to 7500 feet. Two gorilla families have been set aside for the habituation experience and are located in the Nkuringo and Rushaga side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It takes two to three years to habituate a gorilla family, during which time researchers/rangers visit the families on a daily basis, observing and recording their behaviour.

Over time these gorillas get used to the presence of humans, and once researchers are sure that these gorillas can be trekked, mock exercises are conducted with scientists and journalists visiting them. Once a gorilla family has passed such a test, the family is ready for visitors on the Habituation Experience.  These gorillas are now only semi-habituated, used to rangers and researchers, but not tourists. As such they may behave in unusual and unpredictable manners, in which case the experience will be stopped.

At the end of an exhilarating day, return to the lodge to freshen up and enjoy some leisure time, reflecting on the day’s experiences. After dinner in camp, it’s time for another good night’s sleep in anticipation of tomorrow’s new adventure…..

The second group can either spend the day relaxing or embark on some local tours/activities which will be discussed with you (see some options below).

Day 14 - 6 November 

An OPTIONAL Gorilla trek in Rushaga area (permit availability dependent/for your own expense/not included in cost).

After an early breakfast at the lodge, you will be transferred to the park headquarters to meet your guides – a packed lunch will be given by the lodge before setting off.

Trekking experience is similar to Day 10.

At the end of another exhilarating day, return to the lodge to freshen up and enjoy some leisure time, before dinner.

If you choose not to trek, enjoy a day at leisure or embark on a local community visit, or enjoy one of the other experiences on offer (for your own expense).

Mountain Biking:

Optional Mountain Biking around Lake Mutanda (Full Day):  Starting from Chameleon Hill, this ride gives you the opportunity to go around Lake Mutanda, one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa, which is only possible using a bike. The breath-taking, full day trail leads through villages, local farm steads and Matooke (banana) fields. It gives you a chance to interact with the villagers whilst soaking in Uganda‘s natural beauty – all on a bike, a feast for the senses!

Magic Walk:

Optional 3 - 4 hours at your pace - Accompanied by our in-house naturalist guide, embark on this journey directly from the lodge. Make your way through indigenous forest down to the stream in the valley. Along the way, your guide will point out medicinal plants, shrubs and flowers that have been put to good use for centuries by the ancient shamans and healers.  The second half of this excursion is self-guided. Follow a clearly marked path along the lake shore to the untouched wilderness of the Chameleon peninsula. Take a moment at this magical place before continuing to the Crystal Path. Once thought to be eternal ice sent by the heavenly gods, quartz crystal is actually a mineral that is prized by many for magical, mystical and metaphysical powers. Rock quartz can be icy clear or have inclusions, veils, bubbles and various colors. Ancient Roman, Egyptian and Greek civilizations used quartz crystals as talismans. You too can collect a stone or two as a treasured memory and perhaps for good luck. Who knows, perhaps it’s true…

On the Water:

Optional Power Boat (2-3 hours) - Our comfortable pontoon boat can transport up to 20 passengers and is the ideal means of transportation to explore the islands and shores of Lake Mutanda. Learn about history and visit almost forgotten communities. A visit to Skeleton Island, the name says it all..., will be unforgettable. The boat has a roof to protect from either sun or rain, and comfy seating for you to enjoy snacks and drinks on board. The crew consists of a captain/ guide and a deck hand.

Traditional Canoe (Flexible) - This is a unique boating and sightseeing experience in an original dugout canoe. You will be accompanied by a community / staff member and get to experience amazing bird watching opportunities. Listen to the sounds of nature while floating through remote waterways in the wetlands and along the forested shores of Lake Mutanda.

Kayak (Flexible) - Our top of the range kayaks, imported from Germany, guarantee a fun filled time. Explore the lake at your own pace and enjoy the surrounding scenery from a different perspective. If you enjoy birdwatching, this is the way to go. Paddle along lakeshores, take a glimpse into the indigenous woods, marsh land and swamps.  The ideal habitat for a variety of birds, including the crested crane, Uganda's national bird. The chances are high you might even have an encounter with our beautiful resident Chameleon Bay otters.

Culture:

Carve a Gorilla (+/- 3 hours) - This activity is carried out on-site at Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge.  Expand your creativity by joining a talented carver who will guide you through the process of carving a gorilla. Experience the master at work as you create your very own piece to take home.  A truly special souvenir!

Weave a Traditional Basket (+/- 3 hours) - This activity is carried out on-site at Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge. Why not try your hand at a traditional craft such as weaving? Let a local weaver introduce you to the skill of basket weaving as he/she demonstrates the technique and materials used for you to create your own small basket to take home.

African Spa:

Surrender your body to a selection of our massages. Designed to restore health and vitality, a massage will nurture your body and mind. In the comfort of your own room, or weather permitting on the veranda, we offer different techniques with aromatic healing oils to relax and revitalize body, mind & spirit. After a long day of tracking, an exhausting drive on Uganda’s roads or general fatigue, our qualified massage therapists Adrine, Berna & Spensa will make you feel energetic again. All massages include a freshly squeezed fruit juice.

Day 15 - 7 November 

After breakfast it's time to check out and transfer to Kisoro airstrip for the scheduled flight to Entebbe airport (08h25/11h25).  The distance isn't far, but the roads are bad.

Your safari ends at Entebbe Airport.

If you wish to spend more time exploring Uganda before or after your African Vet Safari, please contact us to tailor-make an extended program for you.