Aside from incredible gorillas and game, Uganda boasts some of the top bird watching in Africa, with over 1000 different species including the remarkable grey crowned crane and a host of endemic forest birds.
DAY 1: ENTEBBE
Set on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is a small town that is easy to explore on foot or local boda bodas (motorbike taxis). Explore the markets, hunt for souvenirs or crafts, meander through the Botanical Gardens or relax with a boat cruise on Lake Victoria. You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, bars and clubs where you can sample the local beer, catch a game of football and meet the friendly locals.
Depending on your time of arrival there are a number of fascinating excursions and places of interest to visit.
Or simply add a day at the end of your itinerary to take in the sights.
OPTIONAL
Ngamba Island
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
Uganda Botanical Gardens
Mabamba Swamp
DAY 2: BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
This morning’s flight on a light aircraft to Kihihi airstrip takes just over an hour. Transfer through local villages and along mountain roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a World Heritage site (a drive of +- 90 mins).
The park provides a habitat for some 120 species of mammals, 348 species of birds, 220 species of butterflies, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos and many endangered species. Bwindi is among the most diverse forests in East Africa with more than 1,000 flowering plant species, including 163 species of trees and 104 species of ferns. The park is a sanctuary for colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and many birds, such as hornbills and turacos. It is perhaps most notable for the 340 mountain gorillas, almost half the world’s population of the critically endangered mountain gorilla.
EXPERT TIPS
We recommend the Forest Walk on day 1 (optional excursion)
Of course, gorilla tracking is the highlight of any visit to Bwindi Impenetrable Rainforest and cannot be missed. The treks are available daily and allow you to spend up to one hour with any of the three mountain gorilla families that live in the Buhoma area. This exclusive activity can only be booked by a maximum of 24 people per day (eight permits per family), meaning you really will get up-close-and-personal to the gorilla families you meet as you explore the high dense lush vegetation of Bwindi.
OPTIONAL
Bwindi Forest Walk
Batwa Cultural Village
DAY 3: BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Words fail to describe the thrill of today’s lifetime experience!
Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare wildlife encounter that is exhilarating, humbling and enthralling. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest on the steep mountain slopes. Please note that gorilla tracking is strenuous with treks ranging from 45 mins up to eight hours, at high altitudes in hot African conditions.
Spend up to an quietly observing these gentle giants once you find them, the trek getting there making it all worth while.
Although mountain gorillas are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are over 95%.
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EXPERT TIPS
For those wishing to spend longer with the gorillas, please enquire about the Gorilla Habituation Programme at additional cost
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
Gorilla Trekking
DAY 4: BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Those with pre-purchased permits will depart for a second gorilla tracking experience. Guests not tracking have the day free to explore the Bwindi area – optional activities include forest walks, a visit to a local school/orphanage/hospital or Batwa pygmy village, and some local curio shopping
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OPTIONAL
Gorilla Trekking
Bwindi Forest Walk
Batwa Experience and Batwa Craft Banda
DAY 5: SOUTHERN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Depart Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park this morning and travel to Ishasha in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park (a 2-3 hour drive), with a brief stop enroute at a community project near Ishasha Village
Afternoon game drives will be enjoyed in the Ishasha area, looking for the huge herds of buffalo, elephant, Uganda kob and of course the famous tree-climbing lion typically found in the area.
ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
Ishasha Community Uplift Group
Ishasha Game Drive
DAY 6: END OF ITINERARY
Morning transfer to the airstrip for your return flight to Entebbe. Please do not book an international flight out of Entebbe before 17h00 – preferably later – in case of delays.
What’s Included?
* x1 night Entebbe
* Airport/strip transfers
* Flights from Entebbe to Kihihi/return
* x3 nights Buhoma Lodge incl all meals
* Local brand drinks
* Park fees
* game drive
* x1 night Ishasha Wilderness Camp
* Ishasha Community Visit incl donation
* Bottled water
$2706 @ 2 people
