Classic Uganda

Described by Sir Winston Churchill as the "Pearl of Africa", Uganda is one of this vast continent's best kept secrets, where the jungles of West Africa meet the savannahs of East Africa. Kibale Forest is home to some of the greatest primate varieties, many habituated for guests to trek. Lying between Lake Edward and Lake George is the lush savannah of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. And of course coming face-to-face with endangered mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the highlight of any visit to Uganda.

Day 1 - London/Entebbe
Depart London on your overnight flight, arriving the following morning.

Day 2 - Entebbe
On arrival at Entebbe Airport you will be met and driven to Boma Guest House. Entebbe's most exclusive guesthouse is set in tropical gardens in a leafy suburb, just a short drive from the airport. Rooms combine modern comforts with the character of the original 1940s home.

Day 3 - Entebbe/Kibale Forest
Your full day journey takes you to Kibale Forest National Park in the west of Uganda. Ndali Lodge is set in beautiful surroundings in the Bunyaruguru Crater Field. These volcanic craters were formed 11,000 years ago and have filled with water over the ages to form serene lakes. The lodge sits on a narrow ridge with outstanding views of the ancient volcanic landscape. Eight individual cottages have ensuite bathrooms, plenty of privacy and views across to the Rwenzori Mountains.

Day 4 - Kibale Forest
Choose from a variety of activities including chimpanzee tracking and birding in the Kibale Forest as well as walks in the Bigodi Swamp. At night the dining room is festooned with candles - the lodge has no electricity or generators to destroy the tranquillity and atmosphere.

Day 5 - Kibale Forest/Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive this morning to the spectacular Queen Elizabeth National Park (a journey of around 3 hours). Mweya Safari Lodge is located on a peninsula within the heart of the Park, with views from every room, an abundance of game and some of the best birdwatching in East Africa.

Day 6 - Queen Elizabeth National Park
Varied habitats in Queen Elizabeth National Park - lakeshore, swamp, grassland and forest - support a remarkable 612 species of birds. Visit Pelican Point, a remote grassland with excellent views across Lake Edward, or explore the Katwe Explosion Crater, a cluster of extinct volcanoes. The winding 27 kilometre Crater Drive has superb views into the depths of numerous craters, some filled by lakes facing towards the Rwenzori Mountains and across the rift valley floor.

Day 7 - Queen Elizabeth National Park/BwindiNational Park
Drive today to Bwindi National Park (a journey of around 4 hours), the natural habitat for just over half the world's last surviving population of mountain gorillas. Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is a luxury tented camp perched on the side of a mountain, the ideal base for gorilla tracking and birding excursions. Each tent has two queen-sized beds carved by Ugandan artisans, ensuite facilities and a bathtub looking out onto the forest. Guests can sit around the cosy campfire at night and enjoy Bwindi's crystal clear mountain sky.

Days 8 and 9 - Bwindi National Park
The mountain gorillas in Bwindi are part of a worldwide population of just 600 individuals. The gorillas we are allowed to track belong to one of four habituated family groups. For up to five years each, these groups have undergone an extremely delicate process that allows a few privileged visitors to interact with them in the wild. Experienced guides will accompany you, many of who have been involved in the habituation process. Your group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them - a look into one of these magnificent creatures' eyes brings home the bond that exists between them and us. [Please note Gorilla Tracking Permits must be applied for in advance of travel as there are only a limited number of permits available per day. Children under the age of 15 are not permitted to take part in gorilla tracking.]

Day 10 - Bwindi National Park/Lake Mburo
Today continue your journey to Lake Mburo. Mihingo Lodge is spread out on top of a rock formation on a private 283 acre stretch of land near Lake Mburo National Park. The lodge blends into the environment with a large African style thatched dining area built out of rocks, weathered olive wood trees and grass and relies primarily on solar power. Ten private tents are spread out amongst the rocks, designed by well-known Kenyan architect Tibor Gall, with large open windows, luxurious bathroom and veranda for views of Lake Kachera to the east or the park to the west. The lodge offers a range of activities - bush walks and game drives, boat trips on Lake Mburo, fishing trips and mountain bike trails to Lake Kachera.

Day 11 - Lake Mburo/Entebbe
Today you will be driven to Boma Guest House for your final night in Uganda (a journey of around 4 hours).

Day 12 - Entebbe/London
Early this morning you will be met at your hotel and transferred to Entebbe Airport for your homeward flight to London Heathrow, arriving midafternoon.

Pricing
At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. However, as a guide, this 12 day Classic Uganda itinerary will cost from £5,490 per person based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability.