Western Uganda Primates & Wildlife Safari

Kampala, Uganda's vibrant capital, sits at the heart of a country known for its spectacular, unspoiled natural landscapes and welcoming communities. Often called the "Pearl of Africa," Uganda boasts a wealth of natural wonders, from glistening lakes to diverse wildlife habitats that span moorlands, rainforests, and savannas. Its scenic backdrop and temperate climate make it an ideal destination for holidays, Kampala itself offers a blend of culture and convenience with nearby attractions such as the Kampala Serena Hotel, craft markets, and a lively nightlife.

Just outside Kampala lies the Mabira Forest, home to Uganda's first canopy zip-line system: the Mabira Forest Canopy Super Skyway. Located 44 kilometres east of Kampala, this thrilling zip-line experience offers adventurers an unforgettable journey through towering rainforest trees. Under the guidance of trained Sky Captains, participants traverse zip-lines stretching across the River Musamya, enjoying views of native wildlife like red-tailed monkeys and exotic birds, including African fish eagles and blue turacos, along the way. The adventure culminates with a hike past the stunning Griffin Falls, a natural gem within the forest.

Further afield, the Nile River in Jinja offers a tranquil sunset cruise, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. From the shores of Lake Victoria to the iconic Source of the Nile, this leisurely cruise reveals an array of wildlife, from African fish eagles to monitor lizards, while offering breathtaking views at sunset. The cruise is an ideal way to complete a safari holiday, offering a serene blend of nature and relaxation.

In the heart of Kampala, the Kampala Serena Hotel stands as an oasis of tranquility and greenery, providing a secure and serene escape amid the city’s vibrant energy. Ideally situated for visitors involved in Uganda’s national, regional, and corporate life, this luxury hotel offers refined elegance across its premises, set against the backdrop of 17 acres of meticulously landscaped water gardens. Known for its commitment to five-star service, the hotel offers everything from sumptuous accommodations to gourmet dining, making it a sought-after destination for both leisure and business travellers.

Activities & Highlights
Kampala Serena Hotel is home to an array of luxurious amenities and experiences designed to elevate any stay. The tropically inspired free-form swimming pool, nestled among rock terraces, wooden bridges, and a cascading waterfall, offers a picturesque retreat. Guests can indulge in fine dining at the renowned Pearl of Africa restaurant, where sophisticated cuisine is complemented by a radiant ambiance. For relaxation, the Champagne Bar provides an elegant space for unwinding. The Moroccan palace-inspired Maisha Spa and Health Club enhances well-being through Swedish saunas, Turkish steam rooms, a plunge pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.

Accommodation
Each of the 186 guest rooms at Kampala Serena Hotel offers a sophisticated sanctuary, with 14 spacious suites that range from uniquely designed executive suites to the opulent royal suite. The Deluxe Rooms, elegantly appointed, provide peaceful views of the hotel’s water gardens from both the room and private balcony. Furnished with either a king-sized bed or twin beds, these rooms feature a marble bathroom complete with a double vanity and walk-in shower, ensuring comfort and relaxation in every detail.

Murchison Falls National Park, at 3 840 square kilometre elevation, lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment tumbles into vast, palm-dotted savanna. First gazetted as a game reserve in 1926, it is Uganda's largest and oldest conservation area, hosting 76 species of mammals and 451 birds. The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 45 metres over the remnant rift valley wall, creating the dramatic Murchison Falls, the park's centrepiece and the final event in an 80 kilometre stretch of rapids.

At Murchison Falls, the Nile squeezes through a six-metre wide gorge and plunges with a thunderous roar into the "Devil's Cauldron,” creating a trademark rainbow. The mighty cascade drains the last of the river's energy, transforming it into a broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor into Lake Albert. This stretch of river provides one of Uganda's most remarkable wildlife spectacles. Regular visitors to the riverbanks include elephants, giraffes, and buffalo, while hippo, Nile crocodile, and aquatic birds are permanent residents.

Established in 1954, Paraa Safari Lodge sits in Uganda’s iconic Murchison Falls National Park, overlooking the majestic River Nile as it flows from Lake Victoria to Lake Albert. Here, the Nile is channelled into a narrow six-meter gorge, plunging 43 meters below and creating one of the world’s most powerful natural water flows at Murchison Falls. Amidst this spectacular scenery, Paraa Safari Lodge offers a retreat that combines relaxation, adventure, and exceptional comfort. With a nod to the bygone era of early explorers, the lodge's 57 rooms blend timeless safari decor with modern elegance, each featuring a private balcony and bathroom.

Activities & Highlights
Guests of Paraa Safari Lodge can explore the wilds of Murchison Falls National Park through thrilling game drives, scenic boat rides to the base of the falls, and river cruises that reveal the Nile’s impressive biodiversity. Safari adventures are complemented by nature walks, chimpanzee tracking in Budongo Forest, and fishing excursions. Bird watchers can delight in over 451 bird species, while wildlife enthusiasts may spot animals like hippos, Nile crocodiles, warthogs, and elephants, as well as elusive species such as the aquatic sitatunga and the giant forest hog. The lodge also offers unique experiences like bush breakfasts, hikes, cultural talks, and a visit to a rhino sanctuary.

Accommodation
The Classic Queen Room at Paraa Safari Lodge provides a serene escape with views over the lush treetop canopy. Featuring East African-themed decor and a comfortable queen-sized bed, this room is designed for two guests and offers an en-suite bathroom for added convenience. Each accommodation option at Paraa combines style and tranquility, enhancing the safari experience with a luxurious touch.

The fabled “Mountains of the Moon” is a world class hiking and mountaineering destination in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. The equatorial snow peaks include the third highest point in Africa, while the lower slopes are blanketed in moorland, bamboo and rich, moist, montane forest. Huge tree-heathers and colourful mosses are draped across the mountainside with giant lobelias and “everlasting flowers,” creating an enchanting, fairytale scene.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park includes the highest parts of the 120 kilometre long and 65 kilometre wide Rwenzori mountain range. The national park hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including 19 Albertine Rift endemics, as well as some of the world’s rarest botanical species.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Kyaninga and the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, Kyaninga Lodge embodies a unique vision brought to life over years of dedicated craftsmanship. This enchanting retreat offers an unparalleled experience of Africa's beauty, featuring nine exclusive cottages crafted from hand-carved logs, each designed to provide luxurious privacy. Guests can indulge in exquisite dining, rejuvenating spa treatments, and a wide array of adventures right from this stunning location.

Activities & Highlights
Begin the adventure with a chimpanzee safari in Kibale National Park, where deep within the evergreen rainforest, encounters with man's closest living relatives await. Recognized as the premier destination for observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat, Kibale Forest offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness these remarkable creatures. Kyaninga Lodge's prime position on the edge of a rare twin-volcanic crater lake allows for spectacular walks just outside the doorstep. Guests can embark on guided hikes along the rim of the crater or immerse themselves in the pristine waters of the lake for an unforgettable experience.

The region also offers treks through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where the elusive mountain gorilla can be spotted, alongside diverse wildlife such as water buffalo, warthogs, hippos, elephants, and lions. Relaxation can be found by the fire in the lounge, accompanied by a drink from the fully stocked bar, and guests can savour the finest three-course cuisine served in the main lodge. Additionally, tours of local villages provide fascinating insights into rural Ugandan life.

Accommodation
Kyaninga Lodge features nine cottages, each thoughtfully built on raised platforms to ensure seclusion and tranquility. Accommodations include options for twin or double beds, with two family cottages offering a mezzanine level for additional sleeping space. Each cottage is equipped with en-suite bathrooms and private decks that invite guests to enjoy the stunning lake views and surrounding landscapes. The lodge is committed to eco-friendly practices, enhancing the natural experience while providing modern comforts, including a swimming pool and spa treatments to ensure a rejuvenating stay.

Close to 2 000 square kilometres in size and straddling the equator, Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is the jewel in Uganda's crown. Set against the backdrop of the sprawling Rwenzori Mountains, the park contains a wide diversity of habitats, including forests, lakes, open savannas, and wetlands, as well as a large variety of animals, including ten primate species, of which chimpanzees are one.

The park is most famous for tree climbing lions and panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel and the Ishasha Plains. It also has awe-inspiring craters carved dramatically into the stunning green hills where buffaloes and elephants roam.

Mweya Safari Lodge is nestled on a scenic peninsula within the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering a luxurious escape surrounded by the breathtaking Rwenzori Mountains, famously known as the "Mountains of the Moon." This stunning lodge provides guests with an unparalleled experience in the wilderness, where adventure meets comfort. With its idyllic setting, Mweya Safari Lodge serves as an ideal starting point for discovering the natural wonders of this remarkable national park.

Activities & Highlights
Guests at Mweya Safari Lodge can indulge in a variety of activities that showcase the park's rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. The wildlife here is remarkable, with over 95 mammal species and 612 bird varieties, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The Kazinga Channel, known for its astonishing concentration of hippos, provides unique opportunities for wildlife viewing. Activities include cultural talks, bush breakfasts, chimpanzee trekking, explorations of the Katwe Explosion Crater, thrilling game drives, and serene boating safaris. Birdwatchers will revel in the chance to spot an impressive array of over 619 native species, ensuring an unforgettable experience in this extraordinary environment.

Accommodation
The lodge features standard single, double, and twin rooms designed to provide a simple yet comfortable safari atmosphere. Each room offers stunning views of the picturesque Lakes George and Edward, as well as the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. Guests can relax on their balconies while watching warthogs graze in the lush surroundings. Mweya Safari Lodge boasts 12 deluxe suites, a restaurant serving high-quality cuisine with exquisite Continental, Indian, and international options, a bar, a swimming pool, a spa, a lounge, a fitness centre, and a gift shop.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a place where the boundary between the human and natural world blurs into obscurity. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated for its lush, dense rainforests that seem to defy human intrusion. Within its depths resides one of the world’s most precious treasures, the endangered mountain gorilla. Bwindi is home to almost half of the world’s remaining population, offering a unique and intimate opportunity to encounter these majestic creatures in their wild habitat.

The biodiversity within Bwindi National Park extends far beyond its iconic gorilla population. Visitors will discover a kaleidoscope of life, including over 350 bird species, an array of primates, and a rich mosaic of plant species. With its dense foliage, the park appears impenetrable at first glance, but this makes for the perfect environment for rare and endemic flora and fauna. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting species like the African green broadbill and the bar-tailed trogon, adding an extra layer of enchantment to their experience.

While Bwindi is primarily celebrated for its natural wonders, it also offers a unique opportunity for cultural immersion. The local Batwa people, once forest dwellers, are now sharing their heritage with visitors through cultural performances and guided tours. Learning about their traditional way of life and the forest’s significance to their culture adds depth and meaning to any visit to Bwindi.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a stronghold for the preservation of biodiversity and an integral part of global conservation efforts. To ensure the sustainability of this precious ecosystem, responsible tourism practices are in place. Visitors are limited in number, and strict regulations are enforced to minimize disturbance to the gorillas and their habitat.

Buhoma Lodge is an intimate and charming property that offers breathtaking views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, renowned as the home of the rare and elusive Mountain Gorilla. As one of only two lodges situated within the National Park, it provides easy access to the meeting point for gorilla tracking and other activities in the Buhoma area. The lodge features an elevated central area, which includes a lounge, bar, and dining space, all designed to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere for guests to unwind. The warm ambiance is further enhanced by fireplaces that provide comfort during the cool evenings.

Activities & Highlights
Buhoma Lodge is ideally located just a short distance from the gorilla tracking meeting point, where success rates for gorilla viewing exceed 90%. Once the majestic gorillas are spotted, visitors are granted an hour to observe and enjoy their presence. Beyond gorilla tracking, the lodge offers a variety of enriching experiences, including community interactions, cultural experiences, and village walks. The diverse wildlife of Bwindi, recognized as one of the top ten birding sites in Africa, boasts over 350 recorded bird species, including 23 endemics, as well as more than 200 butterfly species. Guests may also encounter L’Hoest’s monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, giant forest hogs, and the elusive African golden cat, making each visit a memorable adventure.

Accommodation
The lodge features ten comfortable chalets designed with an emphasis on sustainability and harmony with the forest environment. Constructed using sustainable materials and built to eco-friendly standards, each chalet offers a private veranda and expansive windows that provide stunning views of the forest canopy. Inside, the spacious chalets are furnished with large, comfortable beds and thoughtfully designed amenities that ensure a home-like experience. Guests will appreciate the well-appointed en-suite bathrooms, complete with flush toilets and rain showers that provide a generous supply of hot water, allowing for a rejuvenating retreat after a day of exploration.