A unique Uganda and Kenya Safari presented by Tim Lapage and Safari Experts

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Day 01     Kampala, Uganda – Emin Pasha Hotel

You will be met upon arrival in Entebbe and transfer to Kampala (approx 30 mins).Set in 2 acres of leafy landscaped gardens, this is a tropical version of the country house hotel. Centrally located and within walking distance to Kampala’s business district, it is amazingly tranquil and peaceful. Amenities include 20 Bedrooms in a lovingly restored old colonial building, swimming pool, massage rooms, restaurant featuring Fusion Cuisine and a wine bar offering a selection of South Africa’s finest wines.

Day 02 – 04     Primate Lodge – Kibale, Uganda

You will be transferred to the Entebbe Airport for your charter flight to Fort Portal, overlooked by the famed Mountains of the Moon. You will be met upon arrival and transfer to Primate Lodge. This luxury tented camp consists of eight unique safari tents in African style. Each tent is raised on a wooden platform, with a private veranda overlooking the forest, tastefully decorated in African style, with comfortable twin beds, large windows and en-suite bathroom. This evening your local guides will take you on a walk through the wetlands on their boardwalk to give you an introduction to the area.

Adventurous folk can spend an exciting night high up in the trees in the unique Sky Tree House, located just 15 minutes walk from the main lodge, overlooking a scenic elephant wallow. Don't be surprised to get a visit from the elephants in the forest! The tree House offers a simple bedroom with basic washing/toilet facilities at the foot of the tree.

Natural stone pathways lead you to the main lodge with its spacious dining room, serving local and international cuisine. The open lounge area is decorated with comfortable large chairs, sofas and soft cushions, making it the ideal place to unwind and listen to the chattering of the red-tailed monkeys in the branches. In the slightly chilly evenings you can find shelter in a unique cave where a fire will be lit to warm you. As night falls and you drift away to sleep to the peaceful sounds of nature, you will hear the exciting trumpeting of the meandering elephants in the forest...

Wake to the sounds of the forest, enjoy a delicious breakfast and prepare yourself for an exciting meeting with the chimpanzees!

Kibale Forest National Park harbors the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in East Africa. Not less than 13 different species are living in this small area of 560 km², including the black-and-white colobus, blue monkey, red-tailed monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey and bushbaby.

Most importantly, the dense forest hosts a population of more than 1,000 chimpanzees. Since 1991 one 80-strong community has been habituated in Kanyanchu, allowing visitors the unique opportunity to view these great apes in their natural environment.

Kibale Forest is also an excellent forest for bird watching. About 325 species are recorded in this area, including the Red-winged Francolin, Green-breasted Pitta, Joyful Greenbul, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Woodland Warbler and Orange-tufted Sunbird. Moreover, a large number of mammals live in the forest including forest elephant, bushbuck, duiker, bush pig and buffalo.

Superb birds and primates combined with easy access, a good infrastructure and a variety of interesting activities make this forest a worthwhile destination.

Day 05 – 07     The Gorilla Resort – Buhoma – Bwindi

Depart in the morning on your drive through Ishasha region (if road conditions allow) – famous for its tree-climbing lions, game drive, then to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a World Heritage Sight. You will spend the following 3 nights at the Gorilla Forest Camp.

Bwindi is situated on Uganda's extreme western border, very close to the geographical heart of Africa where the confluence of the Rift Valley and the Great Lakes have created an eco-system that perhaps defines the very essence of the continent. Fittingly, Bwindi is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an enduring pocket of a huge primeval forest that once stretched from the Virunga Volcanoes in the South to the Ruwenzori Mountains in the North.

The fertile 331 square kilometers of the park contain 113 species of mammals (including a herd of the rare forest elephant), 200 species of butterfly, over 360 species of birds and a prodigious 324 tree varieties (10 of which are endemic to the park). In addition to this incredible diversity, Bwindi is home to seven species of primates, attracting the attention of international conservation efforts, of which the most endangered, is the Mountain Gorilla. Only 600 of these magnificent animals remain worldwide, and Bwindi is home to just over half of them.

The Gorilla Resort: The Gorilla Resort is a new intimate safari camp, located on the mountainside in Buhoma. With breathtaking views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the lodge lies in close proximity to the National Park headquarters.

Accommodation comprises of two white-washed cottages and four large safari-style tents. All rooms are set on raised platforms with thatched overhanging roofs, and benefit from solar lighting, and a private verandah with views of the forest. Each is furnished with hand-crafted traditional furniture, featuring double or twin beds. Rooms are equipped with modern ensuite bathrooms encompassing hot and cold running water, claw-foot bathtubs with shower over, wash hand basins and flushing loos. Early morning wake-up calls with tea/coffee are provided on request.

Sympathetically constructed from sustainable eucalyptus poles and wood, the open-sided main lodge building blends in well with the surrounding environment. Commanding outstanding views across the Impenetrable Forest and the Munyaga flood plain, birdlife abounds in the canopy of the trees, and on occasion, gorillas have been seen moving through the forest at a distance. Lodge amenities include an expansive viewing deck with comfortable lounge furniture, dining room, and safari bar. The evenings after trekking are spent relaxing in the main lodge building or around the campfire enjoying the breeze with sights and sounds of the jungle. Wild chimpanzees are frequently heard across the valley, vocalizing along the Munyaga River.

Substantial picnic lunches are provided for trekkers, and full English breakfasts and five-course set dinners are served in the dining room. The chef is happy to cater for vegetarians and any special dietary requirements. A stay at the Gorilla Resort includes laundry, all meals, and unlimited locally produced alcoholic beverages, bottled water and soft drinks. Traditional dance performances may be arranged on request, and a library and indoor games are available for clients wishing to relax around camp.

Days 06 - 07     Gorilla tracking days

Trek through this unique montane forest for the endangered Mountain Gorillas and if time, to a waterfall, also seeking out other primates that this fascinating forest is home to.

After breakfast take a short drive to Park Headquarters and meet with excellent local guides and trackers who will give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. You will then hike into the forest where the gorillas were seen the night before and track from that point. The trekking can take from 1 to 6 hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 7,500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. Picnic lunches are provided and it is important to take plenty of water. If you are not digital, cameras with plenty of fast speed film is recommended. It can rain at a few minutes notice; hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including zip lock bags for cameras and film. Please note there is no guarantee of seeing the gorillas.

Day 08 – 10     Sirikoi Camp - Lewa Downs, Kenya

Depart Gorilla Resort to Kayonza airstrip for your charter to Entebbe Airport. Connect to your charter to Kisumu to clear inbound Kenyan formalities, and fly direct to Lewa. Lewa Downs, a 55,000-acre rhino breeding sanctuary just north of the Equator, overlooked by 17,000 ft Mt Kenya. Lewa has been home to four generations of the Craig family who now play a vital role in community development for the local people and long term conservation in modern day Kenya.

Willy and Sue Roberts own an exclusive camp at Manyangalo, recently incorporated into Lewa itself, sleeping 12 people in luxury. They or their guides will host you and bring this area alive for you. Lewa is also home to large numbers of the unique Northern species such as grevy zebra, reticulated giraffe, and somali ostrich, in addition to elephant, rhino, lion, and leopard.

Here you will walk, ride horses, and game drive. In your spare time you can relax by the pool, read in the comfort of your deck overlooking a waterhole. Of particular interest are the prehistoric 500,000 year old Anchulean hand axe site.

Day 11 – 13     The Mukutan Retreat – Ol Ari Nyiro

Depart on your scenic adventure helicopter flight direct from Sirikoi camp, thru the wildest parts of Northern Kenya to Mukutan. This is an exceptional experience to see this remote area, its peoples and wildlife from a birdseye point of view, looking down upon a world barely touched by time, landing from time to time to see it up close! Landing close to the retreat, created by renowned conservationist and author of “I Dreamed of Africa” Kuki Gallmann, this remote paradise overlooks the Mukutan Gorge and the Great Rift Valley beyond.

Sleeping only six guests in three large and private cottages, couched in Kuki’s own brand of African luxury, the lodge with its spectacular setting makes an exclusive hideaway for discriminating travelers. Kuki may be here to join you for lunch one day. At Mukutan you will walk through the hills, ride horses or camels or game drive with your guide, swim in the waterfall pools, fish for tilapia or black bass, or simply relax and lose yourself in this romantic and spectacular piece of Africa.

The ranch consists of 100,000 acres of pristine Africa, and game driving here is unlike anywhere else as you will rarely if ever come across other tourists. Kuki enjoys a close relationship with the neighboring Pokot tribe, and her hosts may take you to visit them.

Day 14 – 16     Lemarti’s Camp - Laikipia

Depart on your charter flight to Koija, and transfer to Lemarti’s Camp, tucked onto the banks of the Ewaso Njiro river on the Laikipia plateau in the great north of Kenya. Here you will relax into a unique area of virgin wilderness, and share the lives of the local community, whilst swathed in comfort. 

Your host and guide, Loyaban Lemarti, is a native Samburu with years of personal experience conducting walking safaris in the far north.  Lemarti offers walking safaris personally tailored to your interests and abilities. The duration of the days and the length of the daily walks are entirely dependent on your wishes.  The experience can range from a very relaxed weekend with walks in the morning and evening to an expedition that may traverse miles. 

The main camp (Koija), run by Samburu and Maasai tribesmen, is simple, but of an exceptionally high standard. Luxury, here, has been redefined, the five tented rooms carefully blending the traditional with the modern. The thrill of experiencing Africa through the eyes of Africans is unsurpassed: they offer superbly talented and knowledgeable guides, delicious food combined with stylishly simple aesthetics designed by Lemarti’s wife, the internationally famed designer Anna Trzebinski.

Day 17 – 19     Ol Seki Camp – Masai Mara

Depart on your charter across the Great Rift to Ol Seki Camp. Ol Seki is located on a Maasai group ranch in a beautiful setting on the banks of a stream in an area visited by few other tourists.

Set on a wonderful rocky promontory, overlooking the Ol Sabukioi River north of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, the luxury, seasonal Ol Seki Mara Camp enjoys panoramic views in an area teeming with game, but not tourists.

The eastern sector of Koiyaki is adjacent to the Mara, and provides an opportunity to enjoy wildlife viewing the Mara is famed for, in an area not frequented by the masses. This oasis of classic safari tents is nestled amongst Cordia and Acacia trees and the area attracts an abundance of game and many species of birds.

In the region, the newly established Koiyaki Guiding School aims to teach skills of effective tourism and wildlife management while providing incentives to conserve the bio diversity of the area and reduce encroachment of wildlife habitat.  Ol Seki supports both their mission and the local community.

The camp will be hosted by owner Caterina Giovando, and her assistants. Romantic candle lit dinners using fresh produce, and your own experienced camp crew will make your stay truly memorable - a delight for all senses! With all the amenities of a permanent tented camp, Ol Seki has kept the ambience of the traditional mobile safari camp, in this tranquil setting. The six spacious tents are outfitted with mosquito proofing, crisp linen, en suite hot showers available at any time and with your comfort and privacy in mind.

Here you will go on game drives in Land Rovers / Landcruisers equipped with roof hatches for game viewing, taking with you bush picnics and sundowners. Near to the camp there are opportunities to walk with experienced Maasai guides and visit remote local villages.

Day 20     Manda Bay – Lamu

Depart the Mara on a charter to Lamu, an old slaving island that is a short dhow trip off the Northeast coast of Kenya. Met upon arrival at 12:30 p.m. and transfer by boat to Manda Bay Lodge. This small private lodge on Manda Island in northern Kenya’s Lamu Kiwayu archipelago has ten spacious cottages line the beach overlooking the calm waters of Manda Bay.

The resort is on a secluded peninsular, close to ancient Lamu Town and neighboring Shela but far enough away from the bustle to enjoy total privacy. It is surrounded by magnificent coral gardens, empty beaches and indigenous woodland, making it a glorious destination for both active and leisurely holidays.

Departure from Kenya

After a day relaxing and waling the expansive beaches, depart from Manda Bay on the scheduled Safarilink flight at 4:00 p.m. to Nairobi Wilson, arriving 6:00 p.m. Your driver will take you out to visit Anna Trzebinski’s famous clothing design workshop and possibly a quick dinner before transferring to JKIA airport for check in 3 hours early for your return flight to the US.

Please note this is just one of many options that exist for a unique, luxury and personalized safari, so please contact us for other ideas.