Challenge yourself with the beautifully brutal course that is the Ugandan Rift. This challenging half marathon course will keep you in awe and smiling with the stunning landscape and wonderful, smiling faces of the children. Run through villages, banana plantations, forests, and around crater lakes. The course offers breathtaking views of the UNESCO Rwenzori Mountains and the Great Rift Valley. Your stay at the Kyaninga Lodge provides the ideal in luxury while the glamping tent option provide a more rustic experience. A visit to Bwindi to see the gorillas is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

 The east African country of Uganda was called the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill. That title is unsurprising if one looks at the sheer beauty of the country.

In Uganda is the world’s longest river, the Nile, snowy mountains, and wildlife reserves. The country has a diverse culture, comprised of more than 50 local tribes, each with their own traditions and history.

Lake Kyaninga is one of more than fifty crater lakes in Uganda’s south western district of Fort Portal in Uganda. It is surrounded by a tropical forest and its waters are a distinct hue of beautiful blue. The name “Kyaninga” derives from a local word meaning “to spoil” or “pamper”. Kyaninga is also home to the beautiful Kyaninga Lodge.

 Seeing mountain gorillas in the wild is often described as one of the most thrilling and meaningful wildlife experiences on the planet. Closely related to humans, mountain gorillas share 98% of our DNA and are fascinating to watch in their natural habitat.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is home to over half the world’s mountain gorillas and has 17 habituated gorilla groups for trekking. 

Mahogany Springs Lodge is located in the Buhoma region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, within a  5-10 minute walk or 2 minute drive of the gorilla trekking starting point. 

Set in exotic gardens overlooking the Munyanga River, this is the perfect place to relax and discover the beauty of the plants and birds that make Bwindi such a remarkable place.

 
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in the south-western part of Uganda and is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Africa. As well as being home to over half the world’s population of mountain gorillas, Bwindi contains over 120 species of mammals, 220 butterflies and 350 bird species, making it a paradise for bird lovers and wildlife photographers. 

Wednesday 5th November: Arrival at Entebbe Airport. You will be met by your local guide who will transfer you to the Boma Hotel Entebbe. Once checked in, relax by the pool, grab a drink and something to eat. (D)

                                                        OR

Monday 10th Nov: This morning we have breakfast before departing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. We will fly from Kasese to Kihihi in southwestern Uganda. Relax at the Buhoma Lodge as you await the next day gorilla trek. (B,L,D)

Tuesday 11th Nov: This morning we will continue to explore Bwindi with a trek to see the silverback gorillas. Today's trek could be 30 minutes or (5) five hours - a reasonable degree of fitness is required as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. After the gorilla trek, embark on your journey back to the hotel. (B,L,D)

Wednesday 12th Nov: After breakfast we will make our way to the airport to catch our flight from Kihihi back to Entebbe. (B)

 Thursday 6th Nov: After breakfast, travel to Kyaninga Lodge. Relax, enjoy all the facilities at the lodge and meet each other.  Optional, early evening run though the local communities followed by a cocktail night. (B,L,D) 

 Friday 7th Nov:  Morning Chimpanzee trekking at Kibale Forest. Upon return the lodge, we offer an optional afternoon run around the crater lake. Early evening exhibition tour, given by one of the mothers of the children KCDC works cares for. This is held in the events hall and is an interactive tour through a series of exhibition areas. Back to the lodge in time for our pre-race dinner.  (B,L,D)

 Saturday 8th Nov: Race Day! A full day of events, dancing, performances, wheelchair basketball competition, local craft stalls and much more. Prize giving and raffle. Evening Hog roast BBQ and dance. (Every international race entry paid will also include the entry fee for a local Ugandan runner. Please also consider bringing any gently used running shoes or running gear as a donation to a local runner.) (B,L,D)

Sunday 9th Nov:   

After breakfast today we will offer a fun run around the Kyaninga Crater. You may opt for a kayak or swim in the clear waters that fill the Kyaninga Crater. 

(B,L,D)

 Monday 10th Nov: After breakfast, transfer back to Entebbe for your flight home. *Due to the time necessary to drive back to Entebbe, it is advised that you do not book a return flight departing prior to 3:00pm. (B) 

                                             OR

Commencement of the Optional Bwindi Gorilla Trek Extension

Depart by road after breakfast for your scheduled flight departing at 13h00 from Kasese to land Kihihi at 1410. This is a scenic drive of at least 1hr. 40 mins.

Transfer from the airstrip to the Mahogany Springs Lodge, about 90 minutes, where we will stay for two nights stay on full board. (B,L,D)

Tuesday 11th Nov, Upon arrival at the gorilla trekking starting point, you will be briefed and allocated a gorilla group to trek depending on your physical ability and preference.

You will then follow your ranger guide on an exciting trek through the forest where you will see lots of wildlife before eventually finding the gorillas and spending one magical, life-changing hour, up close and personal with them. You will then return back to the meeting point to collect your certificate. 

Upon returning to the lodge, your guide may offer you participation in activities in the area.  (B,L,D)

Wednesday 12th Nov, After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Kihihi airstrip for your departure to Entebbe at 1205hrs to land at 14h25. You will need to secure your departure from Entebbe onward after 17h25 (525PM). (B)