Overview
A festive-season luxury journey through Uganda’s most iconic landscapes — from the emerald slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to the savannahs and waterways of Queen Elizabeth National Park, ending among the primates of Kibale Forest. Expect intimate wildlife encounters, elevated comforts, and thoughtful sustainability woven into every day — plus magical Christmas touches.
Dates: December 20–29, 2025 • Guests: 2 Adults • Style: Private & All-Inclusive
Duration:
10 Days/ 9 Nights
Tour Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi (1 permit per person included; optional 2nd trek)
- Christmas Day big-game safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park + Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (full day) in Kibale Forest
- Scenic charter flights minimizing road time and maximizing comfort
- Lodges supporting local employment and community projects
- Low-impact activities; guidance on responsible gorilla/chimp viewing
- Optional Batwa and community experiences conducted ethically and fairly
- Plastic-lite operations and refill stations; support for conservation through permits
Day To Day Descriptions
Day 01 :
Sat, Dec 20: Arrival in Entebbe
- Experience: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport for a VIP meet & greet, assisted by your personal safari host. Transfer ~20 km / 25 min to Protea Hotel by Marriott Skyz Entebbe, perched on the scenic lakeshore of Lake Victoria.
- Evening: Watch the golden sunset over the lake while enjoying a welcome champagne dinner. Your host will provide an overview of the safari ahead, including wildlife highlights and festive surprises.
- Wildlife & Nature: Birds such as African fish eagles, kingfishers, and grey-headed gulls frequent the lake, providing a tranquil first taste of Uganda’s natural beauty.
- Festive Touch: Personalized Christmas hampers on arrival.
- Accommodation Reason: Lake-view luxury, convenient airport proximity, and restful environment after long flights.
Meals: Dinner
Day 02 :
Sun, Dec 21: Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Logistics: Morning private charter flight ~300 km north to Kihihi Airstrip (~1 hr). Scenic 1.5–2 hr 4×4 transfer through rolling farmland and forested hills to Mahogany Springs Lodge in Buhoma.
- Afternoon: Settle in with a gentle forest-edge nature stroll (~1–2 km) to spot endemic birds and butterflies. Spa treatments or a private terrace relaxation session are perfect for acclimatizing.
- Evening: Fireside dinner under the stars, with the sounds of the Munyanga River and forest creating an intimate ambiance.
- Sustainability Notes: Lodge sources local ingredients, employs staff from nearby villages, and uses low-impact eco-designs along the river.
- Accommodation Reason: Spacious riverfront suites; convenient staging area for gorilla treks; strong community engagement.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 03 :
Mon, Dec 22: Gorilla Trekking (Bwindi)
- Morning Trek: Early briefing (~07:30) with Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Trek 2–6 km through misty, steep forest trails (~3–6 hrs) to reach a habituated gorilla family. Witness gorillas feeding, grooming, and juveniles playing — a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
- Afternoon: Return to lodge for a late lunch; optional massage or terrace relaxation.
- Evening: Private bush dinner with wine pairing.
- Inclusion: 1 Gorilla Permit per person.
- Community & Ethics: Group sizes are small to minimize impact; viewing distance and quiet observation protect gorilla welfare; permits fund conservation and local communities.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 04 :
Tue, Dec 23: Forest Immersion & Christmas Eve Gala
- Morning Options:
- Optional second gorilla trek (~3–4 hrs, additional cost), or
- Batwa Community Cultural Visit (~2 hrs) showcasing storytelling, music, and handicrafts, or
- Bird-rich forest walk along Buhoma trails (~2–3 km) for turacos, sunbirds, and forest monkeys.
- Evening: Christmas Eve Gala Dinner with live local music, festive décor, and fine wines. Fireside stargazing complements the celebration.
- Accommodation: Extra night maximizes flexibility for weather and trekking schedules, while deepening connection with local culture and biodiversity.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05 :
Wed, Dec 24: Fly to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Logistics: Transfer 1.5 km to Kihihi Airstrip; charter flight Kihihi → Kasese (~30–40 min). Drive 1–1.5 hrs (~80 km) to Elephant Hub Lodge through scenic foothills and rift valley farmland.
- Afternoon Game Drive: Explore Kasenyi Plains, spotting lions, elephants, buffalo, and Uganda kob. Golden hour provides excellent photography opportunities.
- Evening: Sunset cocktails by the lodge pool.
- Accommodation Reason: Strategic access to main game circuits; comfortable rooms; warm service.
- Sustainability Notes: Lodge employs local guides, supports craft cooperatives, and encourages refillable bottles.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06 :
Thu, Dec 25: Christmas Day Safari
- Morning Game Drive: 2–3 hr exploration across Kasenyi Plains to view lions, buffalo herds, elephant families, and plains antelopes.
- Late Morning: Christmas Bush Brunch with sparkling wine and festive treats set in a scenic, safe location within the park.
- Afternoon Kazinga Channel Cruise: 2 hr boat ride along the waterway, spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants at the riverbanks, and prolific birdlife (African jacana, Malachite kingfisher, goliath heron).
- Evening: Candlelit Christmas dinner at the lodge with small personalized gifts.
- Community Lens: Your guide introduces local lakeshore villages at Katwe and Kasenyi, sharing insights on salt mining, fishing livelihoods, and conservation challenges.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07 :
Fri, Dec 26: Tree-Climbing Lions & Transfer to Kibale
- Morning: Drive ~90–120 km (2–3 hrs) from Elephant Hub Lodge to Ishasha Sector; track famous tree-climbing lions among fig-studded savannahs.
- Midday: Picnic lunch in the park with views of acacia and fig trees, possibly spotting giraffes, elephants, and kob.
- Afternoon Transfer: Ishasha → Crater Lake Safari Lodge (~4–5 hrs, 200 km) via scenic routes through Katunguru and Fort Portal.
- Evening: Sunset drinks overlooking Crater Lake; relax in lodge comfort.
- Accommodation Reason: Dramatic crater-rim views, peaceful setting for primate focus, and proximity to Kibale Forest.
- Sustainability Notes: Community employment, low-impact lodge design, and support for crater-lake reforestation.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08 :
Sat, Dec 27: Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (Full Day)
8 — Sat, Dec 27: Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (Full Day)
- Early Start: Join rangers and researchers for a full-day (~6–8 hrs, 5–7 km) chimp habituation experience. Observe nest-to-nest ranging, feeding, play, and vocal displays in their natural rainforest habitat.
- Lunch: Gourmet picnic in a shaded jungle clearing.
- Afternoon: Return to lodge for a restorative spa treatment or terrace relaxation.
- Inclusion: Chimpanzee Habituation permits.
- Ethics & Impact: Small groups and strict protocols reduce disturbance; permit fees support habitat conservation and research.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09 :
Sun, Dec 28: Fly to Entebbe
- Logistics: Drive ~2–2.5 hrs (~120 km) to Kasese Airstrip; private charter flight to Entebbe (~1 hr).
- Day Use: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa; enjoy pool, gardens, or spa treatments.
- Evening: Farewell dinner with live entertainment, celebrating an unforgettable Christmas safari.
- Accommodation Reason: Elegant lakeside location, convenient for airport departure, and tranquil pre-flight rest.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10 :
Mon, Dec 29: Departure
- Morning: Leisure time for spa, short golf, or lakeside stroll.
- Transfer: Private drive to Entebbe International Airport; VIP assistance with check-in for onward flights.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Includes/Excludes
Included
- VIP airport meet & greet; all private transfers and charter flights as stated
- 9 nights luxury accommodation (as specified) + day-use room on Day 9
- All meals: gourmet dining + Christmas Eve Gala + Christmas Bush Brunch + festive dinners
- Premium beverages & house wines (as per lodge policy)
- 1 Gorilla trekking permit per person (Day 3)
- Chimpanzee Habituation permits (Day 8)
- Private game drives with expert guide/vehicle
- Kazinga Channel shared or private boat cruise (as arranged)
- Special festive experiences (spa treatments, gifts, décor, live music)
- Dedicated safari host & concierge throughout
- Park fees, ranger/guide fees, government taxes
Excluded
- International flights & visas
- Optional second gorilla trek on Day 4 (available on request)
- Premium/top-shelf spirits not included by lodges
- Gratuities, spa extras beyond noted inclusions, personal shopping
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Geography of Your Route (At a Glance)
Entebbe (Lake Victoria shore): Equatorial lake breezes; 1,143 m elevation.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Afro-montane rainforest (1,160–2,600 m); steep, lush ridges.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: Rift Valley floor; mosaic of savannah, crater lakes, and the Kazinga Channel.
Ishasha Sector: Open fig-tree studded plains famous for tree-climbing lions.
Kibale Forest & Crater Lakes: Medium-altitude rainforest and volcanic Crater Lake belt near Fort Portal.
Communities Encountered (Respectfully & Meaningfully)
- Batwa community (Bwindi): Choose an ethically operated visit focusing on living culture, conservation partnerships, and skills demonstrations with fair compensation.
- Buhoma & Ruhija artisans: Basketry and woodcraft cooperatives — purchase directly from makers.
- Katwe/Kasenyi (Queen Elizabeth): Learn about traditional salt mining and lakeshore livelihoods.
- Tooro region (Fort Portal/Kibale): Engage with coffee growers, storytellers, and crater-lake conservation initiatives.
Comfort & Difficulty
- Overall Trip Comfort: (luxury lodges, charter flights, private guiding).
- Activity Difficulty:
- Gorilla Trek: Moderate–Challenging (3–8 hrs; steep, sometimes muddy).
- Chimp Habituation: Moderate–Challenging (full day on foot).
- Game Drives/Boat: Easy.
- Altitude: Bwindi up to ~2,600 m; acclimatization day built in.
Practical Information
Connectivity: Patchy in forests; good at city/lake hotels. Guides carry radios/phones.
Best Weather Window: December is typically dry or short-rains tail — expect cool forest mornings and warm savannah afternoons.
Packing Essentials: Lightweight waterproofs, layered clothing, gaiters, gloves (nettles), quick-dry hiking trousers, broken-in boots, daypack, refillable bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a warm layer for highlands.
Luggage on Charters: Soft bags preferred; advise total weight ~15–20 kg per person (we’ll confirm final allowance with the aircraft).
Health & Safety: Yellow fever vaccination certificate recommended/required by some airlines; take anti-malarials; carry personal meds.
Gorilla/Chimp Etiquette: 7 m minimum distance, no flash, masks if requested, no visiting if unwell.
Dietaries: All meals can be adapted — please share preferences/allergies in advance.
Why These Accommodations
- Protea Skyz Entebbe: Elevated lake views, fast check-in/out, ideal first-night recovery.
- Mahogany Springs Lodge (Bwindi): Large, airy suites on the river; close to Buhoma start points; warm, community-minded service.
- Elephant Hub Lodge (Queen Elizabeth): Handy for Kasenyi game circuits; comfortable rooms and personable team; great sundowner settings.
- Crater Lake Safari Lodge (Kibale/Crater Belt): Striking crater-rim location; tranquil base for primate days; easy access to Kibale.
- Lake Victoria Serena (Day-use): Relaxed lakeside finale with spa/grounds before your flight.
Responsible Travel Commitments (Your Impact)
- Your gorilla & chimp permits directly support conservation and ranger livelihoods.
- We prioritize lodges that hire locally and source produce from nearby farmers.
- We avoid single-use plastics, advocate refill stations, and ensure fair, respectful community interactions.
A Festive Note from Alpha Adventure Safaris
Thank you for choosing Alpha Adventure Safaris for your Christmas escape. We’re honored to craft this intimate, responsible, and joy-filled journey. From misty gorilla hills to candlelit savannah dinners, we’ll handle every detail so you can simply celebrate — together.
