Fly-In Gorilla Safari

You are met on arrival and transferred to Entebbe's original and most exclusive hotel, The Boma. This colonial-era homestead is set in tropical gardens in a leafy suburb and combines essential modern comforts with the charm and character of an original 1940s home. Known for warm hospitality and excellent food, The Boma’s tasteful décor and flower-filled yard combine to create an intimate atmosphere. Your room is comfortable and decorated in an attractive fusion of British colonial furnishings and contemporary African fabrics.

Spend the day exploring the city of Entebbe or relax in the gorgeous garden, soaking up the views of Lake Victoria.

After an early breakfast, catch a flight to Kihihi Airstrip in western Uganda. A road transfer delivers you to Mahogany Springs in Bwindi National Park in time for lunch. The Head Chef, Subedi, spent 15 years working in top hotels around the world. His kitchen serves up cuisine inspired by global flavours and seasonal, local ingredients.

Dramatic architecture and unpretentious décor combine to create an enchanting setting. A magnificent terrace stretches around the front of the lodge providing panoramic views over the surrounding jungle. After settling in, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy, relaxing the comfortable lounge or heading out on a guided nature walk. It is well worth dragging yourself away from the views to the resident pastry chef’s afternoon tea, which features fresh cakes and biscuits.

In the morning, you set out to track the gorillas after a detailed briefing by your game ranger. Be aware that it may be a long trek up and down the hills, through tea plantations and amongst dense jungle foliage before you find the group. As you seek out the gorillas, keep an eye on the abundant birdlife, which includes many beautiful endemic species, such as Wilcock's honey-guide that are near impossible to see anywhere else.

The day can be a long and active one, but once you come across the gorillas, every effort will be worthwhile. Many travellers struggle to put into words the experience of observing these primates up close in their natural habitat. Watch them sleep, eat and play together; you may even catch a glimpse of the silverback! For an hour or so, you are aware that as you witness these creatures, they are also observing you.

You trek to meet Bwindi’s endangered mountain gorillas is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After a bountiful breakfast, your return to Entebbe and a road transfer to the picturesque Lake Mburo National Park and Mantana Tented Camp for one night.

Set in open woodland near the summit of a hill, this classic tented camp is simply furnished, comfortable and an ideal overnight stop from which to explore the park. The staff are personable and the lovely stone and thatch dining and bar area is dotted with inviting sofas, altogether creating a very homely, convivial atmosphere.

Your tent is set on wooden platforms with a private deck looking out over the acacia woodland and Lake Mburo below. The en suite bathroom has a flush toilet, hot bucket showers and flasks of water next to the wash-basins.

Spend your time exploring the park on game drives, guided walking safaris and boat trips on Lake Mburo. The woodland habitat supports almost 70 mammal species, including Burchell’s zebra, eland and oribi. Predators include leopard and hyena. Although previously extinct in the area, lion have recently been spotted here. Over 350 bird species have been recorded in the Park, including the red-faced barbet, which is only seen in Lake Mburo, and the endemic African finfoot.

Lake Mburo may be one of Uganda's smallest national parks, but it is a convenient and truly charming stopover offering plenty to see and do.

After guided walk in the expert care of a park ranger, you return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast. A road transfer brings you back to Entebbe and The Boma.

After a characteristically tasty breakfast, you depart The Boma for Entebbe International Airport and your journey home.

You may leave a sliver of your heart behind in the wild paradise you have explored. It echoes in the brooding eyes of a silverback gorilla, the scent of wild basil, and the bright flashes of tropical birds winging through the canopy. Your stories and photographs bear testimony to the extraordinary landscapes, the warmhearted people, and the thrill of unspoiled wildlife that you have witnessed.