Horse Riding & Gorilla Trekking
12
Days Uganda Safari
Safari Overview
This horse riding holiday gets you entirely off-the-beaten-track! For those looking for something a little less ordinary, we’ve put together the perfect action-packed vacation package. The adventure starts in Entebbe, on the shores of Lake Victoria. On the drive to Jinja, you’ll get to see what the early explorers set out to find – the source of the longest river in the world! Leaving the city behind, you’ll be immersed in rural Africa, riding through traditional villages, rich farmlands and stunning rain forest. During the week, you’ll stay in some unique lodges, from a cabin in the forest to an island retreat in the middle of the Nile! Besides incredible horse riding, there is a day set aside to take on the famous white water rapids, head out on a sunset cruise or just take in the endless views. Horse riding in Uganda is phenomenal, with ever-changing terrain and incredible vistas. Enjoy long gentle rides overlooking the rushing river below before following the trail to get lost in the sugarcane fields. Weave your way through the tea and coffee plantations and feel like a jungle explorer as you make your way through the dense Mariba forest. The dirt tracks through the farmlands are perfect for long canters, and there are some brilliant spots for faster gallops! Ride uphill to viewpoints overlooking the seemingly endless Lake Victoria and see the river snaking its way through the emerald countryside. The horses are incredibly well trained, forward going and love showing off their little piece of paradise. To get the most out of this exciting experience, we recommend that you are confident in the saddle, being able to trot and canter for long periods – You’ll be well rewarded!
Roughly half of the world’s gorillas live in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, just over an hour’s flight from Entebbe. Stay on the shores of Lake Mutanda, where the distant mountains and volcanoes form a magical backdrop to your adventure. The lake offers a variety of exciting activities and is the perfect base for your gorilla trekking experience. The hike, which requires a reasonable amount of fitness, takes you through spectacular rain forest and bamboo covered slopes of the park, accompanied by expert guides and trackers. The walk can be tough in places, but when you catch your first glimpse of a silver back and his family, the excitement makes it all worthwhile. It is an extraordinary feeling being in the presence of these incredible creatures and an experience you will never forget. Please note that this is a sample itinerary, and may change due to weather etc. All changes will always be with your best interests at heart. On riding days, the riding may be longer or shorter than indicated in the itinerary. We recommend doing the horse safari first, followed by the gorilla trekking. This may be affected by availability of accommodation and the limited number of gorilla trekking permits. There is no fixed itinerary at Mutanda Lake Resort. We will book your Gorilla Trekking permits for you – the trekking is a full day activity. Some guests choose to do 2 days of trekking or embarking on other hikes in the area. Let us know your interests and we can advise you. On non-trekking days, you can do one of the many of the other activities available at the lodge which can be organized on arrival. Should there be no availability at Mutanda Lake Resort, we can look at alternative options around Bwindi. Set-departures throughout the year: best time of year June – September, 11 Nights: Horse Riding & Gorilla Trekking From USD 6,930 Per Person sharing. From USD6 150 per person sharing – this rate is dependent on the time of year and number of travelers. Once we have an idea of dates, we can give you an accurate quotation.
12
Days / 11 Nights
Safari in Uganda
Specialist Safari
DAY 1
Arrival and introductory ride
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Holland Park
Book your international flights to Entebbe International Airport. Many flights arrive in the morning so you can head straight to the start of your adventure. If you choose to arrive a day early and overnight in Entebbe, we can arrange a hotel for u. On the first day of your trip, you will be met at around 9am and transferred to Jinja. It’s about a 3-hour drive, depending on the traffic, and takes you through lush farmlands and colourful markets.
DAY 2
Ride through the sugar & Tea Plantation
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Holland Park
After waking up to a glorious African morning and delicious breakfast, set off for a 4-hour ride through the sugar plantations and traditional villages. This is a circular route through the lush and fertile countryside. Riding up the hills to your lunchtime picnic spot; there are some stunning vistas of the countryside below. You will have the opportunity for some long canters, and if you’re keen, some blood pumping gallops.
DAY 3
The shore of Lake Victoria
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Rain Forest Lodge
After a delicious breakfast, hop in the car for a day of adventure. The horses will be transported to your starting point and if you like, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a local school before you mount up. Feel free to bring any primary age books you can spare to donate to the library! Then set off for a wonderful 5-6 hour ride around Lake Victoria, along winding roads and through beautiful forests and plantations. Rain Forest Lodge.
DAY 4
Rainforest Ride
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Rain Forest Lodge
After breakfast, mount up and spend 3 and a half hours winding your way through the endearing Mabira forest, searching for rare forest primates like Grey-cheeked Mangabeys and other local monkey species that are only found in this forest. This can be an adventure in itself, as the forest can be muddy in patches and your guides might have to create a new path for the horses, cutting through the jungle. There are even a few streams to ford or jump.
DAY 5
Rainforest to river
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
The Haven
Today you will enjoy around 5 hours of riding through tea plantations, lookout points and forest terrain. Lots of scenic walks and brilliant fast canters! Arrive at your next destination – the Haven – in time for a late lunch, or have enjoy another picnic lunch set up in the tea plantations. Spend the afternoon by the pool or even take a dip in the river as you enjoy views of the impressive white water rapids. Spend the night at The Haven.
DAY 6
Optional white water rafting or other activity.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
The Haven or Private verandah
Today is a free day to enjoy other activities in the area. Spend the day thrill seeking with some of the most spectacular white water rafting in the world with warm water and excellent rapids–an unforgettable experience! If rafting isn’t your thing you may wish to go quad biking, bungee jumping, mountain biking, kayaking or a birding trip up the river. U can also choose to just relax at the Haven on your private verandah complete with a hammock.
DAY 7
Horseback swim and ride to wild waters lodge
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Wild Waters Lodge
Rising on your last morning of the trip, enjoy an early horseback swim in a beautiful bay with a sandy bottom, no hippos or crocs, followed by a scrumptious breakfast. The Nile provides some great views of the rapids as we follow the river downstream. Your final ride will give you a lookout point for a birds-eye view of the Nile and then a fast-paced ride to Kalagala Falls. After saying goodbye to your horse, u'll board a small boat to Wild Lodge
DAY 8
Onwards travel to Entebbe
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Guineafowl Lodge or The Boma
Depending on your plans, indulge in breakfast and free time at the lodge before the drive back to Entebbe. While you’ll need to check out of your room at 10h00, you can still enjoy time around the swimming pool or reading in the lounge. You’ll be collected for your drive back to Entebbe where you’ll overnight at one of the comfy guesthouses. We recommend Guinea fowl Lodge if you’re on a budget or The Boma.
DAY 9
Flight to Kisoro
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Lake Mutanda
It’s an early morning start as you get picked up for your flight from Entebbe to Kisoro Airport. As you fly over the country, you might get a glimpse of the Volcanoes and lakes below. On arrival, you’ll be collected and driven through the village and countryside, getting your first sight of Lake Mutanda through the groves of banana trees. On arrival at the lake, you’ll have a welcome drink and quick briefing. Dinner and overnight at Lake Mutanda
DAY 10
Gorilla Trekking
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Lake Mutanda Resort
Another early morning, but definitely worth it! Your driver will collect you for a scenic drive to reach the park headquarters on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Your driver will chat with you about your expectations for the trek and your fitness level. He’ll do the registration on your behalf and chat to the head ranger about which family might suit you best. The park rangers will brief you on gorilla etiquette! Overnight at Lake Mutanda
DAY 11
Free day or Second Trek
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Lake Mutanda Resort
Many guests choose to do a second day of gorilla trekking – if this is something you would like to do, let us know in advance so we can purchase a second permit for you. There are also some great hikes in the area; perhaps you want to climb one of the intimidating summits in the distance, or venture into the Sabinyo gorge. You can also book a trip to the nearby Mhahina National Park to search for the Golden Monkies. Lake Mutanda Resort.
DAY 12
Depature
DINNER & OVERNIGHT AT
Upon request at extra cost
Enjoy a last breakfast overlooking the lake before heading back to Kisoro airport as the sun comes out. Board your scenic flight over the lush green countryside, arriving back in Entebbe around 11 AM. Depending which airline you are traveling with, you might be able to fly on the same day otherwise you may require an additional night in Entebbe. If your flight departs at night, we can also book a day room for you to use.
The Tour Price Includes
- All meals mentioned in the itinerary
- Activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Knowledgable and Professional Guiding
- Gorilla Trekking Permit (approx $700 each)
- 11 nights Accommodation throughout the trip
- Transfers to and from Entebbe Airport to Jinja
- All riding on well-trained and responsive horses
- Return flights from Entebbe to Kisoro (approx $530)
- All drinks at meals and when riding (excluding Lake Mutanda)
The Tour Price Excludes
- International flights
- Visas (approx USD50)
- Drinks at Lake Mutanda
- Lunch, dinner and drinks in Entebbe
- Additional overnight in Entebbe if applicable
- Comprehensive Travel and Medical Insurance
- Additional activities like White Water Rafting, Village Walks etc
- Gratuities for the camp team and guides (guideline of 25-40 USD per guest per day)
