Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safaris

Travel Styles - Lodge Safaris

2007-02-08T08:05:00.000+02:00

Lodge Safaris

Our lodge safaris offer you a luxury safari style. A combination of simple luxuries and the alluring wilderness! First Class accommodations, excellent food and breathtaking views are all part of your safari experience. They will provide you with great comfort, facilities and experience. Our Lodge safaris will provide you excellent value for money.
A safari lodge is usually - unlike a safari tented camp - a permanent structure of stone, bricks, wood and topped with appealing thatch grass. The location in natural surroundings is part of the safari pleasure and most lodges will provide extra facilities such as swimming pools or even have some safari attractions (game drives). In general food and beverage services are provided for all meals and rooms will have their private bathroom.

A luxury permanent tented camp combines the comfort of a lodge with the sensation of camping in the wild. Each permanent tent has two beds with mosquito net and is self-contained. Similar in price to a safari lodge, tented camps have generally an attached private bathroom and viewing deck. The more luxurious tented camps have a swimming pool alongside the main lodge, where guests gather for sun downers and meals.

A guest house is establishment providing accommodation to the travelling public (transient guests). It concerns most of the time modest accommodation with restricted services. A Guest house has at least a communal eating area and a reception. It can be a non-profit organization.
Uganda and Rwanda don't have yet the same choice of accommodation that you will find in other East-African countries. Tourism is at the beginning stage and efforts are made to improve the standards of service. Both countries are catching up.
Official benchmark ratings are inexistant. It's for this reason that for our itineraries we have carefully selected the best lodges and fixed tented camps! Our choice is based on our experience. We have all seen them and most of the time experienced our selves the accommodation that we propose! It has to be said that in some locations there are no lodges or tented camps available yet so that we are obliged to rely on guest houses which are modest accommodation. For example Nyungwe Forest NP and Kibuye (Rwanda).
In our daily program you will find a selection of hotels, lodges and tented camps.
Each accommodation will have a short description and some pictures (when available) of the proposed accommodation.

Based on our experience and feed back from our clients we have made our own ratings that we will indicate in our short description:

1 Star: Fair to good (acceptable & modest) accommodation.

2 Star: Good quality in the overall standard of furnishings, service and guest care.

3 Star: Very Good quality in the overall standard of finishing, service and guest care.

4 Star: Superior (excellent) comfort and quality with high standard of furnishings, service and guest care.

5 Star: Exceptional quality and luxurious accommodation (matching best international standards).

Explore Uganda and Rwanda with Lathita Expeditions.

Bwindi Gorilla Express

2007-02-01T09:51:00.000+02:00

Uganda - Bwindi Gorilla Express

This short safari will bring to Bwindi Impentrable NP to see the gorillas! This safari can be booked on a stand by basis and will be confirmed 30 days before departure.

Min. 2 participants.
For Gorillas the min. age is 15 years.
Gorilla permits in Bwindi are guaranteed!

The Tour Package includes: Airport transfers, lodge accommodation, all meals, plenty of mineral water, the services of a Driver-Guide, all park and entry fees, all activities as per programme: gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

It excludes: Airline ticket, beverages, tips, visas and personal expenses.

Duration: 5 Days

Travelstyles: Small Group Safaris, Road Safaris, Lodge Safaris

Activities: Bird Watching, Gorilla Trekking

Parks & places: Gorilla Parks of Uganda (Bwindi & Mgahinga)

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival at Entebbe - Transfer to your Hotel in Entebbe.
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Meet and greet at the Airport by your Magic Safaris guide. You will be transfered to your hotel in Entebbe.

Accommodation: Sophie's Motel (*), Windsor Lake Vic Hotel (****)

Day 2 : Kampala - Kabale - Bwindi

You will depart very early because your journey to Bwindi will last for about 10 hours. You will join the high way to Kabale and drive via the equator, Masaka and Mbarara. After lunch in Kabale you will continue to Buhoma wich is another 3 hours from Kabale. Overnight at your lodge.

Accommodation: Buhoma Community Camp, Buhoma Homestead (**), Gorilla Forest Camp (****), Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (****)

Day 3 : Gorilla trekking (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)
Bwindi Impenetrable NP is a natural world heritage site. Hikers will love it, with the gorilla excursion as a high point of your safari! Gorilla trekking is unpredictable. It's difficult to foresee how many hours you will hike. The gorilla excursion can take from 2 up to 8 hours. Expect to walk along distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. A good physical condition is recommended. For conservation purposes, time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. A ranger will brief you on how to behave with the gorillas.
Accommodation: Buhoma Homestead (**), Gorilla Forest Camp (****), Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (****)

Activities: Bird Watching, Gorilla Trekking

Parks & Places: Gorilla Parks of Uganda (Bwindi & Mgahinga)

Day 4 : Bwindi - Lake Bunyonyi.
After breakfast you depart for Lake Bunyonyi, meandering driving along the Kigezi mountains. Kigezi mountains is a unique scenary for you to view during your trip. On the way you will have a pic nic at an altitude above 2200m in the montain tops. Arrival is foreseen in the afternoon. Some relaxing moments on the shores of this wonderful lake will be welcome for most participants after their Bwindi gorilla expedition. Lake Bunyonyi is bilarzia free hence an ideal water for swimming and water sports.

Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Resort (*)

Day 5 : Lake Bunyonyi - Entebbe & Departure
After an early breakfast you will depart for Entebbe. You will first travel to Kabale and join the highway to Kampala via Mbarara and Masaka. You shall have a stop on the way at Mbarara for lunch! The journey to Entebbe shall take about 7 hours and you will arrive late in the afternoon in time to take your evening flight.

Go on search for Gorillas on this 5 Day African Safari with Lathita Expeditions.

Safari Style - Luxury Camping Safaris

2007-01-28T11:45:00.000+02:00

Luxury Camping Safaris

Adventure with Style! African Camping Safaris are simply a different safari experience! They bring you close to African nature. With an exclusive style of camping, our camping safaris are not only designed for the younger generation but for all those who enjoy camping and are open to nature. Mobile camping is a flexible way of travelling: like the "good old days" we are moving from one site to another carrying with us all our equipment and our competent staff will take care of all camp duties!
Our serviced camping safaris are suitable for reasonably fit people, mainly active, fun-loving, informal adventure travellers.

Camping has to be enjoyable!

We only use first class equipment for your camping comfort and for the pure pleasure of your safari experience. We offer an exclusive style of camping, a class apart from what most people have experienced in other regions of the world. The best hygiene with hot showers, portable toilets, good sleeping comfort in large tents with bed sheets and an excellent cuisine with international and African dishes.

For your adventure, we have opted for a customized safari vehicle. The passengers have luxury seats and extra large sliding windows to enjoy the scenery.

A logistic vehicle and a safari trailer is travelling with us to ensure a full service safari. Our safari trailer is designed with particular options and fully equipped with: 200 lt water tank, 70lt and 40lt Freezers, Complete field kitchen, 3 x 1.8m tables and chairs for everybody.

Sleeping comfort in large tents.

Large inflatable canvas tents 3m x 3m x 1.95m (2 persons per tent), stretchers, mattresses and bedding. You will sleep in bed sheets with a pillow and your tent is Mosquito protected.
Hygiene: Portable toilets and a hot water shower system are available on safari!
A team of experienced professionals, ready for you!
Your professional Tour Leader will escort you on safari. He is assisted with one or more driver-guides and all of them are well experienced field guides with an extensive knowledge of the country, wildlife and birds.
A Logistic Team will travel with you in a separate vehicle and trailer and shall take care of all camp duties. They will set up and clear the camp, clean the tents, wash the dishes, take care of your laundry, etc. All of them are camping experts and glad to be at you service!
Your Cook will prepare meals of international flavour, including soups, salads, cold meats, pasta dishes, meat and fish dishes and bread. Our menus have been studied and established well in advance by our catering expert. He has also included typical African dishes as part of your safari experience. Bottled mineral water is included in the all-inclusive daily rate. Local beer, wine and spirits are at your own expense and can be ordered at any time. We take care of your dietary needs, let us know in advance!

While Luxury Mobile Camping is generally available for small group safaris they can be organized for private safaris as well. The cost will largely depend on the number of participants and we therefore advise to organize them with min. 4 participants! With our exclusive style of camping there is a whole team and quite a lot of equipment involved!

Enquire about Luxury Mobile Camping Safaris from Lathita Expeditions.

Classic Uganda + Murchisons Falls NP

2007-01-23T19:01:00.000+02:00

Classic Uganda + Murchisons Falls NP - Gorillas, Wildlife, Chimps and Birds!

Travelstyle

Luxury Camping Safaris

Small Group Safaris

Road Safaris

Summary of Activities:

Guided Nature Walks & Hikes

Rafting The Nile

Wildlife Viewing

The Classic Uganda programme is designed for all those who are interested in seeing the key places of southern-western Uganda. It includes Wildlife, Birds, Gorillas and Wild Chimpanzees trekking in Uganda. Your safari will be extended with additional trip of 4 days to Murchison Falls NP (camping or lodge).

Day-1: Arrival at Entebbe
Day-2: Kisubi - Kibale NP
Day-3: Kibale NP- Mweya (Queen Elizabeth NP)
Day-4: Mweya (Queen Elizabeth NP)
Day-5: Mweya (Queen Elizabeth NP)
Day-6: Kyambura - Ishasha (Queen Elizabeth NP)
Day-7: Ishasha (Queen Elizabeth NP)
Day-8: Ishasha - Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Day-9: Gorilla trekking - Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Day-10: Bwindi - Lake Bunyonyi
Day-11: Lake Bunyonyi - Kisubi
Day-12: Day excursion at your choice.
Day-13: Kisubi - Masindi - Butiaba - Murchison Falls NP
Day-14: Murchison Falls NP
Day-15: Murchison Falls NP
Day-16: Murchison Falls NP - Kisubi
Day-17: Departure

The Tour Package includes: Airport transfers, accommodation, all meals, plenty of mineral water, all camping equipment, the services of a Tour Leader with his logistic team, all park and entry fees, all activities as per programme:

Chimpanzee trekking at Kibale, Game Drives at Mweya, Boat Trip on the Kazinga, visit of Kasenyi fishing village and salt works, Nature Walk in Maramagambo forest (bats cave), Nature Walk in Kyambura in search of the Chimps, Game Drives in Ishasha, Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, Game drives in MFNP, launch on the Nile up to the Falls, visit top of the falls, Kampala visit.

Options: day excursion at your choice, delta boat excursion to Lake Albert.

Excludes: Airline ticket, beverages, tips, visas and personal expenses.
Low season discounts (for set departures only): March, May, June & October!

This safaris can be organized for private parties with min. 4 participants. Conditions apply ask us for more information.

Summary of Parks & Places

Gorilla Parks of Uganda (Bwindi & Mgahinga)

Kibale Forest National Park (KFNP)

Kyambura - (QENP)

Lake Bunyonyi

Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP)

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Go on search for Chimpanzees and Gorillas with Lathita Expeditions.

Classic Uganda & Gorilla Express

2007-01-14T15:16:00.000+02:00

Classic Uganda + Gorilla Express (Rwanda)Gorillas, Wildlife, Chimps and Birds!

The Classic Uganda programme is designed for all those who are interested in seeing the key places of southern-western Uganda. It includes Wildlife, Birds, Gorillas and Wild Chimpanzees trekking in Uganda. Your safari will be extended to Rwanda to view the gorillas a second time in a different environment!
The Classic Uganda - Mobile Camping Safari is conducted by a professional Tour Leader.
To allow a better nature observation on safari the number of participants is limited to max. 10 participants. Departure is guaranteed from min. 2 participants.

With an exclusive camping style the scheduled camping safaris are not only designed for the younger generation but for all those who enjoy camping and who are open to nature and some adventure.

Duration: 15 Days

Travelstyles: Small Group Safaris, Road Safaris, Luxury Camping Safaris

Activities :

Bird Watching

Chimpanzee Trekking

Cultural Activities

Gorilla Trekking

Guided Nature Walks & Hikes

Rafting The Nile

Wildlife Viewing

Brief Itenerary:
Day 1 - Arrival at Entebbe
Day 2 - Kisubi - Kibale NP
Day 3 - Kibale NP- Mweya (Queen Elizabeth NP)
Day 4 - Mweya (Queen Elizabeth NP)
Day 5 - Mweya (Queen Elizabeth NP)
Day 6 - Kyambura - Ishasha (Queen Elizabeth NP)
Day 7 - Ishasha (Queen Elizabeth NP)
Day 8 - Ishasha - Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Day 9 - Gorilla trekking - Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Day 10 - Bwindi - Lake Bunyonyi
Day 11 - Lake Bunyonyi - Kigali - Kinigi (Rwanda)
Day 12 - Gorilla Trekking - Kigali (Rwanda)
Day 13 - Kigali - Kabale - Mbarara - Masaka - Kisubi
Day 14 - Day Excursion - Kigali
Day 15 - Departure

Parks & Places

- Genocide Memorial Centre - Gisozi & others

- Gorilla Parks of Uganda (Bwindi & Mgahinga)

- Kibale Forest National Park (KFNP)

- Lake Bunyonyi

- Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP)

- Volcanoes National Park

Experience Uganda and Rwanda with Lathita Expeditions.

Lake Victoria, Uganda

2007-01-08T21:59:00.000+02:00

Lake Victoria & the Islands

Lake Victoria or Victoria Nyanza is 68,870 km² in size, making it the largest lake of Africa, the largest tropical lake in the world, and the second largest fresh water lake in the world in terms of surface area. With a maximum depth of about 80 m, and an average depth of half that, or approximately 40 m, Lake Victoria ranks as the seventh largest freshwater lake by volume.
Lake Victoria is the source of the longest branch of the Nile River, the White Nile. The lake lies within an elevated plateau in the western part of Africa's Great Rift Valley and is subject to territorial administration by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.
There are more than 3,000 islands within Lake Victoria, many of which are inhabited but some of them are becoming a popular destination for tourists. The Ugandan part is probably the most attractive.
Highlights:
The Ssese Islands: In the north-western section of Lake Victoria east of Masaka are the Ssese Islands. The 84 lush equatorial Ssese Islands form worlds of their own. Their forests are teeming with wildlife, delightful empty beaches and friendly islanders.
Ngamba Island – Chimp Sanctuary – Jane Goodall Institute: Ngamba Island is located in Lake Victoria, 23 kms South-East of Entebbe. The island provides an ideal environment (97 acres - 45 ha) for the chimps confiscated by authorities from poachers and animal dealers.
Bulago Island: Is a 500 acre private Island in Lake Victoria with a beach resort, an excellent place for a few days relaxation.

Explore Uganda and Lake Victoria with Lathita Expeditions.

CLASSIC UGANDA

2007-01-02T21:02:00.000+02:00

Classic Uganda - Gorillas, Wildlife, Chimps and Birds!

The programme is designed for all those who are interested in seeing the key places of southern-western Uganda. It includes Wildlife, Birds, Gorillas and Wild Chimpanzees trekking in Uganda. It can also be combined and extended with additional trips, which makes it attractive for those who would like to see as much as possible of Uganda's beauty.
Activities : Bird Watching, Chimpanzee Trekking, Cultural Activities, Gorilla Trekking, Guided Nature Walks & Hikes., Wildlife Viewing.

Parks & places : Gorilla Parks of Uganda (Bwindi & Mgahinga), Kibale Forest National Park (KFNP), Kyambura - (QENP), Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival at Entebbe
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Meet and greet at the Airport by your Magic Safaris Guide. You will be transferred to Kisubi, Magic Safaris Camping site on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Day 2 : Kisubi - Kibale NP
After breakfast we drive to Fort Portal via Mubende. Departure is foreseen at 9 a.m. This is a long trip to Western Uganda with a break for a pic nic after Mubende. A stop is also foreseen at Fort Portal before heading to Kibale Forest NP.
Day 3 : Kibale NP- Mweya (Queen Elizabeth NP)
After breakfast you leave for Kibale Forest renowned for the greatest variety and the highest concentration of primates in East-Africa.

Day 4 : Mweya (Queen Elizabeth NP)
The best time for game-viewing is early in the morning! You will take the channel track which runs parallel with the Kazinga Channel and we drive slowly towards the Katunguru gate. The channel track is particulrly rewarding with warthog, bushbuck, waterbuck and elephants. There are some chances in the morning hours to see the spotted hyena and leopard.

Day 5 : Mweya (Queen Elizabeth NP)
This is the second day of Queen Elizabeth northern sector exploration. After an early morning breakfast we take another track driving to the Kabatoro main gate and we take the Katwe road to visit the Uganda Kob mating ground again. In the raining season the area around Lake George is also a very rewarding area to see some birds and to have a nice view on the Rwenzories.

Day 6 : Kyambura - Ishasha (Queen Elizabeth NP)
Early wake up because we need to drive to Kyambura WR, a one hour drive from Mweya. For the last time you will take the Channel track trying the last chance to see leopard. Kyambura lies in the southern sector of the park and we take the main road to Mbarara and cross the Kazinga Channel at Katunguru.

Day 7 : Ishasha (Queen Elizabeth NP)
You will explore Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth considered by some experts as one of the most aluring game viewing area of East Africa. It's an off-the-beaten-track destination that you will surely enjoy.
Day 8 : Ishasha - Bwindi Impenetrable NP
This is your last game drive in Queen Elizabeth. If you have missed the lions the previous days it will be the last opportunity to try again. You will start again with the northern circuit and finish your game drive with the southern part.
Day 9 : Gorilla trekking - Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Bwindi Impenetrable NP is a natural world heritage site. Hikers will love it, with the gorilla excursion as a high point of your safari! Gorilla trekking is unpredictable. It's difficult to foresee how many hours you will hike. The gorilla excursion can take from 2 up to 8 hours. Expect to walk along distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. A good physical condition is recommended. For conservation purposes, time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. A ranger will brief you on how to behave with the gorillas.
Day 10 : Bwindi - Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast while our logistic staff are clearing the camp, you can take a village walk and have a look at handcraft & blacksmith neraby. Thereafter, we depart for Lake Bunyonyi, meandering driving along the Kigezi mountains. Kigezi mountains is another unique scenary for you to view during your trip.

Day 11 : Lake Bunyonyi - Kisubi
Lake Bunyonyi means place of little birds, it is a very idyllic spot that you will likely regret to leave. We drive to Kabale and join the highway to Kampala via Mbarara and Masaka.

Day 12 : Departure
A calm day with a flexible programme. A guided trip of Kampala city through the Owino market, Kasubi tombs, and doing some shopping as wel. After lunch you will return to Kisubi. In the afternoon you can visit the Wildlife Education Centre (option) or have some relaxing moments on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Contact us for further information on this expedition.

Welcome 2007

2007-01-01T15:53:00.000+02:00

Welcome to 2007, we at Lathita Expeditions wish you all a great year filled with joy and prosperity. We will be launching a number of new projects and new destinations in the coming year and wish to invite everyone to join us in exploring and rediscovering the African Continent. Some of the new destinations include Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda and Reunion. We are currently not promoting our full range of products on our website, but early in 2007 this will change. We are in the process of updating the site and will start adding all our products to the site soon.

Products will include;
- Luxury Accommodation
- 4x4 Jeep Hire (New Product)
- 4x4 Jeep Tours (New Product)
- Luxury Tours
- Mobile Safaris
- Motorcycle Tours
- Active Adventures
- Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tours (New Product)
- Romantic and Exclusive Destinations
- “Mma Ramotswa” cultural tours (New Product)
After the famous Ladies Detective Series based in Botswana.

Together with the product listing and launching we have started a number of promotional blog’s where we are promoting destinations in Africa. This includes Private and Public Game Reserves, Indian Ocean Island destinations, Private and group packages and general information on all the different destinations we offer.

The Blog’s include;
http://lathita.blogspot.com/
We focus on Private and Public Game Reserves through this blog and list activities and general information on African countries alternately.
http://safari-in-africa.blogspot.com/
This blog focus on Safari products and includes products that we tailor made for clients and some scheduled packages.
http://gorilla-safaris.blogspot.com/
As the name states this blog will focus on Gorilla viewing and will include destinations in Uganda and Rwanda.
http://honeymoon-in-africa.blogspot.com/
This blog features exclusive and romantic African Destinations
http://africanaccommodation.blogspot.com/
Included in our product range we have approximately 600 places of accommodation in Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, which will be featured here.

Lathita Expeditions will do a number of marketing projects through 2007. The first appearance will be at the “Expo4Brides” in Pretoria, South Africa. We will primarily focus on Luxury Destinations for this Expo. Not too long after that in will be “Valentines” and more exotic destinations and we will include a number of short breakaway packages. After Valentines we will focus on Easter and will be promoting a number of family orientated products, specifically in the Eastern Cape Region of South Africa. Some of the other promotional activities you can look out for includes;
- Indaba 2007
- SCG Conference 2007
- Mma Ramotswa Cultural Experience
- Winter Kalahari Experience

Just a last word before I say goodbye. At the SCG Conference we will be running scheduled trips to great sites and activities around Port Elizabeth, which will include, Addo Elephant National Park, Addo Elephant Back Safaris, Baviaans Nature Reserve and Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve. On this note I would like wish you all a great year in 2007 and hope to see you on Safari with
Lathita Expeditions.

Best Regards,

Johan Gerber.

Bulago Island Resort

2006-12-27T15:50:00.000+02:00

Bulago Resort (***)

Bulago Island is a 500 acre private Island in Lake Victoria and an excellent place for a few days relaxation. There are over 300 species of birds to watch, and a choice of nature trails provide wonderful opportunities for observing nature at her best. There are about 6 kms of sandy beaches and about 10km of shoreline altogether, the balance of the shoreline is made up of rocky outcrops and low cliffs. The north-east tip of the island contains a small portion of rainforest.
One of Bulago Island’s great virtues is that we are not troubled by mosquitoes.

Facilities: The resort has just 6 cottages and the Lodge intend to remain small and intimate. The Lodge has full time electricity, powerful, hot showers, flushing toilets.Bar and restaurant with a plentiful supply of cold drinks and ice.

Activities: Bird watching, walking & hiking, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, pony trekking, fishing – up to 4 rods – on one of the wo diesel powered fast fishing boats.
Transfers: By motor boat from Kampala, Speke Resort and Country Club or by plane from Kajjansi airfield.
Rating: (***) Very Good quality in the overall standard of furnishing, service and guest care.

Contact Lathita Expeditions for more information on this Lodge and Safaris using this lodge.

Presenting Lathita Expeditions

2006-12-24T09:51:00.000+02:00

Lathita Expeditions was created by Johan Gerber en Maryke Els to fill a much needed gap in the tourism industry. The main focus of Lathita Expeditions is to create unique experiences and lasting memories for visitors to the African Continent. Through the products that we offer we can create experiences to suit everyones needs and expectations. With this blog we present areas and activities around Primate Viewing and Safaris. These activities are mostly loacted in Uganda and Rwanda, but we will include some of the neighbouring and West African Countries.

Products include;
- Luxury Vacations and Tours
- Luxury Accommodation in Africa and Indian Ocean Islands
- Mobile African Safaris
- Luxury African Safaris
- Vehicle rental including Cars, Motorcycles, 4x4's and Motorhomes
- Motorcycle Tours

The Countries that we cover on the African Continent includes;
- South Africa
- Namibia
- Botswana
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Mozambique
- Lesotho
- Swaziland
- Tanzania
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Rwanda
- Ghana

The Indian Ocean Islands includes;
- Madagascar
- Reunion
- Seychelles
- Zanzibar
- Mauritius

With our knowledge and experience of the continent we can match up countries, accommodation and experiences to offer products that suit our clients' needs. You can contact us with your needs and expectations and then we will create your own lasting Africa Experience.