Gems of The West: Mt. Gorillas and Crater Lakes Uganda
Guaranteed departures - Offered in: English - Small group, Couple
- 7 nights Accommodation Lake Mulehe, Lake Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi
• All meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotels
• Gorilla Tracking Activity
• Boat cruises - • Nature walks
- Batwa Community Visit
- Zip lining, Mountain biking at Lake Bunyonyi
• Hire of Tour Van and fuel with a professional driver guide
• Park Entrance fees
• All activity fees mentioned above
• 1 box of mineral water
This unique tour introduces you to Uganda’s stunning Gems of the West, the endangered gentle giants, the Mountain Gorillas, and the beautiful majestic crater lakes. The Mountain Gorilla is a Critically Endangered species with the total population of surviving mountain gorillas numbering only 1,004 individuals as of 2018. Trekking Mountain Gorillas are the most popular Top Things to Do/See while in Uganda.
Uganda is gifted with the Western Arm of the Great Rift Valley lying within its borders. Western Uganda is adorned by towering extinct volcanic mountains and majestic, unique, mysterious stunning crater lakes, natural wonders that were skillfully crafted by the volcanic hands of Mother Nature. Dramatic peaks and deep depressions give you an invaluable glimpse into the geological history of our country Uganda.
With this tour, we present to you these natural jewels that will amaze, mesmerize and enthrall you with their stunning natural beauty. We take you from the adventure of trekking in the tropical mountain rainforest terrain to amazing picturesque landscapes where you can lie back and absorb the spellbinding beauty that is Uganda!
Activities
Day 1
Early in the morning, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The drive will take you westward over the Equator where we will stop for a photographic moment and have a coffee break at the Equator café and gallery.
We will then proceed to Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge. This gorgeous lodge is perched on the volcanic cliffs overlooking Lake Mulehe. Stylish yet simple in design with touches of African décor, the tranquil location of the lodge offers a 180-degree panorama over the stunning lake with the Virunga mountains backdrop. Each room is spacious with comfortable beds and private bathrooms and a terrace where you can relax and enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Mulehe.
Check into the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
Day 2
Today you will spend the morning at leisure as you enjoy the environment and amenities around the lodge.
In the afternoon you can choose to either go for a nature walk or a bike ride around the community of the lodge. The area is hilly with amazing views of the lake and forested hills with lots of nature to enjoy.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3
Today you will have an early breakfast, we will drive to the forest for gorilla trekking experience.
Mountain gorillas are in their natural habitat and are free to roam the forest as they please. Their typical day begins at 6:00 AM in the morning. They awake and begin roaming trying to look for food. Trackers, who start before us, try to follow them from the place where they slept. In the dry season, gorillas may travel further in search of food, so the trek may be longer. In the wet season, the mountain gorillas don’t have to roam as far in search of food. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest like other species of monkeys, beautiful birds, reptiles, and plants.
Despite the grueling hiking in the mountainous rainforest, the reward of spending time with these magnificent giants is well worth it. Spending time with the gorillas is quite fascinating, watching how human-like their behavior is, adults trying to catch naps, curious juveniles playing around, exploring the forest and visitors, mothers constantly fussing over their babies and the Silverback quietly but protectively watching over the group. The experience is indescribable.
You have a picnic lunch in the forest, then return back to the lodge to freshen up. Spend the rest of the day at leisure as you recap your wonderful adventure with the mountain gorillas.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
Day 4
After a leisurely breakfast, we will check out and head to another beautiful lodge perched on another crater lake, Lake Mutanda Resort. This marvelous lodge is highly acclaimed and boasts of the “most beautiful views on planet earth”. In a privileged sitting on a peninsular birthed by the geological activities of the Albertine Rift, the luxurious natural lodge commands sweeping views over the azure waters of Lake Mutanda to a trio of the dramatic Virunga volcanoes. The lodge offers comfortable, en suite luxury tents raised on wooden polished platforms all of which have lovely porches where you can enjoy the unique and beautiful panorama of the lake as well as three of the majestic Virunga Mountains in the backdrop. Check-in and spend the day at leisure.
In the evening we will take a cruise on Lake Mutanda. The amazing views as the sun set over the lake light up the landscape with amazing hues. Enjoy drinks and snacks on the cruise then return back to the lodge. Relax and watch the surreal African sunset turn into a magical star-studded night. Enjoy the charming, excellent service, sumptuous meals and drinks by the fireplace.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Mutanda
Day 5
After a leisurely breakfast, we will tour more of the area. We will go on a village and lake tour to Mukozi village. We will take a boat and a walking tour to the quaint African village for an insight into how the locals live in this area and the positive impact tourism has on their lifestyles. You will visit a local school where you will interact with the children, visit a local healer, and a crafts shop. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the rural community.
Spend the whole day touring around Lake Mutanda and return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 6
After a leisurely breakfast, we will head to another lake destination. This time we will be heading to Lake Bunyonyi. Translated to the “Place of Many Birds” Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most beautiful destinations in East Africa. The lake is studded with 29 islands of different sizes and shapes surrounded by steep terraced slopes giving a magical scenery some have compared to the imaginary land of “Wakanda”.
We will check in the Arcadia cottages Lodge and settle in. Located on the highest hill around the Lake, Arcadia cottages Lodge is a stunning lodge boasting the best views of the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi and the surrounding terraced hills. Each room is spacious and cozy, with private terraces and big windows for you to admire the scenic views of Uganda’s beauty. We will enjoy activities like a boat cruise and zip lining while you also relax by the lake. Quadbiking and mountain biking activities are available at an extra price.
Dinner and overnight Arcadia cottages
Day 7
Today after breakfast, we will go on a cultural tour to the Batwa community. The Batwa “Pygmies” are one of the most ancient tribes that first inhabited East Africa. This respectful visit is an educational experience where they teach us more about their lives in the African rainforest and will share a wealth of knowledge how they found sustenance in the forest.
Return to the lodge and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You can choose to do other fun adventure activities you may have missed the day before.
Dinner and overnight at Arcadia Cottages.
Day 8
After a leisurely breakfast, we will pack up and check out for our journey back to Kampala. We will have a lunch break in Mbarara and stop at the Equator Aidchild Leadership Institute for a coffee and tea break. You can purchase beautiful souvenirs for family back home, and for memories of your trip.
Proceed to Kampala where you will be dropped off at your hotel/home.
