The 6-day Uganda wildlife and primate safari includes Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. There is 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.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is a small gem conveniently located near the highway that connects Kampala to the parks of western Uganda. It is home to over 68 mammals and 350 birds.
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: Chimp tracking at Kyambura gorge and transfer to Bwindi impenetrable National Park (3-4hrs drive)
Get up early for breakfast and then check out of the lodge to drive to Kyambura Gorge for chimp tracking.
The main attraction of Kyambura Gorge is chimp tracking. Excursions are held in the morning and afternoon, and sightings are approximately about 80%. Primates, birds, hippopotamuses, and elephants live in the gorge. You will only be allowed one hour in front of the chimps during your encounter. This will give you the opportunity to take photos while learning and observing them in their natural habitat. After that, enjoy your packed lunch and continue with the journey to the park. Dinner and the night at Gorilla Forest Camp/Mahogany Springs.
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 Lodge
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park (4-6 hrs. drive)
After breakfast, get ready for the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. The trip will take you through the stunning Kabale terraced hills. Take a lunch break at the Igongo Museum in Mbarara, and then go on a cultural walk to learn about the ancient traditional Ankole culture. After that, drive to Lake Mburo National Park for an evening game drive. Later, go check-in at the lodge for refreshment with dinner and overnight at Mihingo lodge/ Rwakobo rock lodge
Day 6: Morning game drive and transfer back to the airport for departure.
After breakfast, go for a game drive to see the spectacular scenery, landscape, and wildlife of Lake Mburo National Park. This game reserve is located in the Ankole plateau plains, with raised hills bordering Uganda and Tanzania. Over 68 mammals live here, including zebra, impala, topi, eland, bush buck, buffalo, warthog, leopard, hyena, and jackal. After that, drive back to Kampala, stopping briefly at the Kayabwe equator for souvenir shopping and a lunch break. Then continue your journey back to Entebbe airport for your flight home.
End of safari