Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is included in the 5-day Uganda gorilla trekking experience and wildlife safari. The wildlife safari includes scenic game viewing, a launch cruise on the Kazinga channel, and the famous Ishasha sector tree-climbing lions.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
After Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s second largest national park. It is home to over 96 mammal, 610 bird species, the highest concentration of hippos in East Africa, and the famous Ishasha tree-climbing lions.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ecological richness. The park is home to half of the population of the endangered gorilla species, and it is divided into four sectors namely Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Ruhija.
Trip Summary
Day 1: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park
Day 2: Game drive and community visit
Day 3: Transfer with a game drive through the Ishasha sector to Bwindi National Park
Day 4: Gorilla trekking experience and optional community visit
Day 5: Transfer back to Kampala or Entebbe airport
Itinerary in Details
Day 1: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, followed by a launch cruise on Kazinga Channel in the afternoon (5-6hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. This journey will take you through the Western Rift Valley’s breathtaking scenery. After a brief photo stop at the Kayabwe Equator, embark on an exciting drive through beautiful Igara tea plantations and Bunyaruguru crater lakes. When you arrive at the park, refresh and have lunch while waiting for a boat ride along the Kazinga channel in the afternoon.
This allows you to see animals such as elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, hippos, and water birds, which are easy to spot on a hot day. Later, check into the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Mweya Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge, Park View Lodge, and Enganzi Lodge
Day 2: Game drive and community visit
Today, get up early and enjoy a cup of coffee while driving through Queen Elizabeth National Park’s vast wilderness. This will allow us to see some early morning predators, such as leopards and lions, hunting. Particularly on the Kasenyi plains. After returning to the lodge for lunch, go on a community visit to Katwe Kabaatoro village. You will be able to participate in some traditional activities, such as the preparation of local food, while you are here. Mweya Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge, Park View Lodge, or Enganzi Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Transfer with a game drive through the Ishasha sector to Bwindi National Park
Today, get up early for breakfast before checking out of the lodge and heading to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. A game drive en route will allow you to see a variety of wild animals that you may have missed on the previous game drive. A quick lunch break in the Ishasha sector, followed by a drive to the park, arriving late afternoon. Go check-in at the lodge for dinner and overnight stay at. Gorilla Forest Camp/Mahogany Springs for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking experience and optional community visit
Start your adventure trek to Bwindi’s mist-covered forests in search of the critically endangered mountain gorilla species. Depending on the gorillas’ movement, this might take between 1 to 8 hours.
According to the trekking regulations, if you have a gorilla encounter, you can spend an hour in their front yard. Giving you an opportunity to take pictures while learning and observing the behaviors of these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Later, return to the Park Headquarters where you will receive a certificate for mountain gorillas trekking before making your way to the lodge for dinner and the night at Gorilla Forest Camp/Mahogany Springs.
Day 5: Return to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport
Get up early for breakfast, then check out of the lodge and drive back to Kampala. Take a lunch break in Mbarara and a brief stop to buy souvenirs at the Kayabwe equator crossing. Depending on your flight time, the journey will then continue to Kampala or Entebbe international airport.
End of safari