Journey into the heart of Africa for an intimate encounter with the world's last remaining mountain gorillas. This expertly crafted 4-day flying safari combines luxury, adventure, and one of the most profound wildlife experiences on Earth.
Imagine yourself just meters away from a family of mountain gorillas, watching as a playful infant tumbles past while a majestic silverback keeps watchful guard. In the misty heights of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of Africa's oldest rainforests, you'll have the privilege of spending an hour with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. With only about 650 mountain gorillas left in the wild, this is truly one of the world's most exclusive wildlife encounters.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe, Entebbe
Entebbe
Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe lies 40 km south of Kampala, Uganda's bustling capital. As the
country’s primary gateway, it serves as both a peaceful retreat and a starting point for exploring Uganda's natural
wonders. The city sits in a lush landscape, with sprawling green spaces and a shoreline dotted with fishing villages.
The Entebbe Botanical Gardens, established in 1898, showcase a wide variety of plant species, from indigenous
tropical forest to cultivated horticultural displays. The gardens are home to a diverse bird population, including the
palm nut vulture and giant kingfisher, and provide a haven for primates like the black-and-white colobus. A short trip
west leads to the Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar Wetland, where visitors can explore by dugout canoe in search of the
rare shoebill stork. Lake Victoria itself invites fishing, leisurely cruises, and excursions to Ngamba Island, a sanctuary
for orphaned chimpanzees, where visitors can observe the chimps roaming freely across 40 hectares of forested
land.
Overnight: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe
Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe is located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe, Uganda. The hotel features
comfortably furnished guest rooms that are equipped with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi access, a safe, a TV, a
mini, bar, a tea/coffee maker, and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy food from an a la carte menu at the onsite
restaurant. Additional facilities and services include an outdoor swimming pool, a meeting space, a fitness centre,
and a spa.
Day 2: Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-
renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities - the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain
gorillas on earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls,
sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges. The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO
World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance, and aside from the
amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to
spot, and a variety of brightly-coloured butterflies to identify. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular
Virunga Volcanoes, three of which are still active.
Overnight: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Mahogany Springs is situated in one of the most intimate, secluded, beautiful and most importantly natural settings
in the world and only around 2 minutes away from the Gorilla tracking starting point.
All the rooms at Mahogany Springs are high end suites. All Suites can be twin, double or triple. There is 24/7 power
in all the rooms. All rooms have large en-suite bathrooms with a gorgeously designed open terracotta shower.
All 12 luxurious suites have their own private terrace with magnificent panoramic views over the grounds, river and
surrounding areas.
The main dining area is exquisitely furnished and with panoramic views beyond the lodge’s own gardens you will
enjoy dining in a tranquil and unrivalled setting. The service provided is as much an art form as the food therefore,
the staff are trained to very high standards. Within the main building there is a stunning bar where guests can sit all
day and night trying one of the many cocktails or simply a bottle of fine wine. Most of the produce used at
Mahogany Springs is grown on site to provide guests with the freshest ingredients.
Batwa Cultural Village
The Batwa Cultural village is where the Batwa (Pigmies) still live in the same way they used to years ago in tree
houses. The Batwa only began leaving their forest homes around 15 years ago and they have been able to remain on
this land thanks to the support of a generous American benefactor who donated the land back to them and created
a cultural program. The fees from visiting tourists and are given to the Batwa project and they delight in welcoming
visitors to their village and demonstrating how they make weapons, dance, make fires using sticks and cook.
Day 3: Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Gorilla Trekking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Wake early for a hearty breakfast to give you the energy needed for gorilla trekking. Before 8:00 am, report to the
ranger station for registration and a talk by one of the rangers. The guides will then take you through the bush,
pushing your way through the undergrowth, to track the gorillas. (Please note this trek can take from 30 minutes to
5-6 hours). A reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Sit in the forest
among the gorillas, listening to them ‘talk’ to one another, and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male, the
Silverback. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last
remaining mountain gorillas. It's amazing to think there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left.
Day 4: End of Itinerary
Breakfast and transfers to the airport.