We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.
The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.
Important travel information for visitors to Uganda is included at the back of this document.
All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.
All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.
Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Travel Butlers Team
Holiday Title: 4 Night Primates Tour of Uganda
Holiday Destination: Holiday to Uganda for 4 nights
Passengers: 2 Adults
*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.
All monies paid by UK customers for the air package holiday shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10245.
When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.
Arrive into Entebbe Airport. Go through Immigration and Customs, then make your way into the Arrivals Hall where your driver will meet you. You will then be transferred to your guest house for an overnight stay.
Lake Victoria
After breakfast you will be transferred back to the airport where you will check in for your flight to Kasese Airstrip.
AeroLink Seat in Plane Rate (Light Aircraft): Fly from Entebbe Intl (EBB) departing at 07:00 to Kasese Airstrip, arriving at 10:05
You will be met and driven to the Kibale National Park. This afternoon you will track the most famous inhabitants of Kibale Forest National Park - the chimpanzees. The forest has one of the highest diversity of primates in Africa totalling 13 species including the black and white Colobus monkeys, the blue monkey and the grey-cheeked Mangabey monkey. After finding the chimps and staying with them for an hour, you will be taken to Papaya Lake Lodge for an overnight stay.
Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast you will be transferred back to the airstrip where you will board your flight down to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
AeroLink Seat in Plane Rate (Light Aircraft): Fly from Kasese Airport departing at 08:15 to Kihihi Airstrip, arriving at 08:50
You will be met at the airstrip and transferred to your lodge. Nestled at the gateway to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Buhoma Lodge is one of only two lodges set within the National Park and is the perfect lodge to stay at before your bucketlist gorilla trekking adventure. This afternoon, why not go on a village walk (additional cost) and meet a traditional healer and visit the local primary school, or head off on a guided Bwindi forest nature walk (additional cost) which offers great bird watching opportunities.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
This morning you will get up early and head off to trek a gorilla family. Trekking the mountain gorillas is one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on earth. The trek will take between 2 and 6 hours, but is well worth the effort. You will be led by an experienced ranger who will tell you interesting facts about the plants and the forest wildlife as well as the lifestyle of the gorillas. The terrain is often steep and through areas where there are no marked paths. It can be VERY strenuous - it may be just a couple of hours but it can also be for a full day of up to 8 hours or more of hiking in hot, high altitude conditions - please be prepared for this by being as fit as possible!
You will be transferred to Kihihi Airstrip where you will board your light aircraft flight back to Entebbe, enjoying the beautiful aerial view of south-western Uganda, the hills and thick vegetation as well as the farming practiced by the locals.
AeroLink Seat in Plane Rate (Light Aircraft): Fly from Kihihi Airstrip to Entebbe Intl (EBB) - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
The Boma Guest House is a small, friendly guest house located on the edge of Entebbe, set in tropical gardens in a leafy suburb. It is ideally located for passengers flying in or out of Entebbe International Airport as it is just 5 minutes away by car from the main airport terminals.
Depending how long you have here, there is plenty to see and do.
You can take a half day or full day trip to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, located on an island in Lake Victoria, or visit the Mabamba Swamp in search of the elusive shoebill.
The Botanical Gardens are a 15 minute bicycle ride from The Boma. They date from the colonial era and contain many beautiful trees including palms and medicinal plants. A rainforest type environment, it is locally said to have been used in an old Tarzan movie! Of particular interest are the Colobus monkeys and the wide variety of bird species found in the gardens.
If you want to completely get away from the city hustle and bustle, you can take a sunset cruise on Lake Victoria.
The en-suite rooms are decorated with an African theme and combine modern comforts with the charm and character of the original 1940s home.
The bar and restaurant are set in pretty gardens with views of Lake Victoria, a lovely spot for enjoying afternoon tea on the terrace. There is also a swimming pool.
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Standard Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
Papaya Lake Lodge is surrounded by the lush, evergreen landscapes of the Ugandan Great Crater Lakes region. Set between two extinct volcanoes, and nestled against the turquoise waters of the Lyantonde and Kifuruka lakes and with exhilarating views over the majestic Ruwenzori Mountain Range, the lodge is a result of the owners' great passion and an appreciation of local culture.
The spacious restaurant and a bar both open onto a scenic sun terrace, and these guest areas are the real heart of Papaya Lake Lodge. During the day you can enjoy reading on a snug sofa or a terrace sunbed laid out just in front of the restaurant, with a panoramic view of the lake. In the evenings, the lodge is lit by kerosene lamps, their orange glow warming the cosy sofas next to the bar. Delicious homemade cuisine is served in a variety of locations indoors and out.
The hilltop located swimming pool has amazing 360 degree view of the lakes, mountains and breathtaking surroundings. Guests can also book a massage in the privacy of their own cottage or in the open space area at the lakeside or swimming pool.
There are 9 spacious and bright cottages. All are situated on the extinct volcano crater's slope and have breathtaking views of Lyantonde Lake. Each cottage offers complete privacy, hidden from view by a natural screen of green treetops. One of the cottages is a Family Cottage - a two level villa with 3 bedrooms, a living room and a fireplace, a spacious bathroom, and a large terrace,
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Cottage | ||
Includes: | All meals are included. |
Buhoma Lodge commands spectacular views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Come here and relax, enjoy the surroundings and take home wonderful memories. With Buhoma set just steps away from the trek start point, gorillas have been spotted popping in for an occasional visit, while the resident L'Hoests monkey troup visit the gardens in front of the lodge almost daily, much to the delight of guests.
Mountain gorillas are wild animals and, as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However viewing success rates are over 90%. Once sighted, visitors are allowed an hour with the gorillas. The terrain is often steep and through areas where there are no marked paths, and an early start is required.
When you return to the lodge, put your feet up and take advantage of the deep, comfortable couches of the lounge and relish in the warmth from the glowing fireplace, or perhaps enjoy a few drinks at the bar while getting to know new friends and sharing the day's experiences.
For those wanting to experience the area more, you can enjoy a community village walk - highlights include meeting a traditional healer, visiting the banana brewery and popping into the Mukono Primary school where you can interact with the local children. Or explore the Bwindi Forest on a guided walk, which also offers great bird watching opportunities. A 3-4 hour longer hike will take you to the beautiful waterfall here.
Ten comfortable en-suite cottages have been carefully built from local materials. Each suite has a private verandah and enormous windows, allowing guests spectacular views of the forest canopy and the Bwindi Forest. One of the rooms is ideal for families.
In the early mornings, as you awaken, you will be surrounded by the chattering of birds, and occasional screech of a monkey - sometimes the eerie mists of the forest envelope you, and the sounds almost echo…other days it's beautiful, crisp and bright, as the forest wakes. Enjoy morning tea/coffee on your private verandah with sweeping views over the primal forest and soak in the sounds and the sights – what better way to start the day.
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Cottage | ||
Includes: | All meals, hot beverages, drinking water with meals and in rooms, and a complimentary massage (one per guest) are included. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Latest Travel Updates
For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:
UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/uganda
Normally, all passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Uganda when travelling as a tourist. The visa types available are Single Entry Visa or Multiple Entry Visa. Visas will not be issued on arrival.
Visas can ONLY be obtained online by going to https://www.visas.immigration.go.ug. You are required to upload clear copies of your current passport, your Yellow Fever Certificate, and a passport photo. On the application form, you are required to enter the ‘Contact in Uganda’ - please contact your Travel Butlers consultant for these details.
Upon approval of the visa application, travellers will receive an email notification with an approval letter as an attachment - travellers need to download and print the approval letter and present on arrival into Uganda. Please note that the online visa is only valid for 3 months from date of issue, so please plan your online application accordingly.
The current cost of the visa is:
Single Entry is USD 50 per person (subject to change)
All online payments may be subjected to a 3% surcharge fee.
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Uganda and have sufficient blank pages for the Uganda visa and entry/exit stamps (at least 2).
Please note: We do NOT advise getting the East Africa Tourist Visa if your trip also includes Rwanda and/or Kenya as this can cause problems at point of entry.
IMPORTANT: Plastic bags are banned in Uganda. Arriving visitors are requested to avoid bring plastic bags into the country - this includes in suitcases and carry-on hand luggage.
Please check hand luggage before disembarking and any plastic bags (including plastic duty-free shopping bags and the transparent plastic bags that some airlines require passengers to use for keeping liquids, cosmetics, etc) should be left in the plane.
Ziploc bags that are specifically used to carry toiletries will be permitted as they are expected to remain in the permanent possession of visitors and are not expected to be disposed in the country.
PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.
You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to Uganda.
To help prevent diarrhoea, avoid tap water – drink only bottled water and use bottled water for tooth brushing, and avoid ice made with tap water – and only eat fruit or vegetables that are cooked or can be peeled.
To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.
Uganda falls into the yellow fever region in Africa. It is imperative for all travellers to obtain a yellow fever vaccination no less than 10 days prior to travel. A valid yellow fever certificate is required for all travellers over 9 months old. Your country of origin and other African countries including South Africa and Tanzania will also deny re-entry without the vaccination, after having visited a country with yellow fever. If your doctor advises that it is not safe for you to have the vaccination then you should obtain a medical waiver and travel with that document instead.
There is a risk of malaria in all areas of Uganda - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Dengue fever can also be transmitted via mosquito bites. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.
Tsetse flies are found in certain woodland areas or in forested areas along riverbanks, and also around waterholes. There have been some cases of sleeping sickness occurring after a tsetse fly bite, although these are mainly amongst farmers and other locals who have repeated exposure to bites. However, the fly can still deliver a painful bite, so it is advisable to take necessary precautions - don't wear dark colours, especially black and blue (including denim), wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and avoid bushes during the hottest part of the day.
Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are highly susceptible to human diseases including flu and colds. If you are participating in a gorilla/chimp trek then you need to be free of any visibly contagious diseases and this is checked at the start of the trek by the Park Authorities. If they are in any doubt about your condition, they reserve the right to prevent you from continuing on the trek. If you feel ill, please inform your guide as soon as possible, and he will seek advice as to the best way to manage the situation.
The official language is English, although many other languages are spoken. There are about 65 ethnic groups, and each have their own distinct culture and often with their own language. The country's most ancient inhabitants are the Batwa and Bambutui Pygmies - the hunter-gatherer communities that once occupied the forests in the southwest of the country.
We would ask that all travellers are respectful of the local culture as follows:
Same sex activity is illegal and not tolerated in Uganda's conservative society. Whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship. On 30 May 2023 an anti-homosexuality act was brought into law in Uganda which includes harsh prison sentences, and the death penalty in some cases, for same sex sexual activity and also for supporting or promotion of LGBT+ rights. Members of the LGBT+ community or those who are perceived to be LGBT+ should be aware that they could see an increase in cases of harassment, imprisonment, blackmail and violence from people who view the law as justification for attacks.
Smoking is prohibited in all public places, workplaces, transport and other outdoor places within 50 metres of a public place. Electronic cigarettes and shisha (water-pipe tobacco) are banned. There are penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.
Don’t take photos of military, official or diplomatic sites, including Owen Falls Dam at the source of the Nile near Jinja. If you are taking photographs of people, ask their permission first.
It is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in military style clothing. This includes clothing with marks, insignia and accessories associated with the Ugandan military, camouflage clothing and red berets. The offence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment when convicted.
You may be stopped and asked for ID documents by officials. Carry a copy of the personal details page of your passport (the page with your photograph) with you at all times.
On 22 May 2019 it became an offence punishable by a prison sentence and/or a fine to offer money, food or clothing to children living on the streets in Kampala.
Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world. In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.
Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:
The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:
We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.
If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.
You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19 to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.
We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.
If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need. You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy. Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.
All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.
Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.
You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:
Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance.
You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.