4 Day Bwindi and Bunyonyi safari
Embark on a 4-day adventure that takes you from the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas, to the serene Lake Bunyonyi, famous for its tranquility and stunning views. This safari is a perfect blend of wildlife exploration and relaxation by one of Uganda’s most beautiful lakes.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Morning:
- Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your driver guide will meet you.
- Transfer to Bwindi: Begin your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda. The drive takes approximately 8-9 hours, offering picturesque views of Uganda’s diverse landscapes, including terraced hillsides and bustling villages.
- Stopover: Make a short stop in Kabale for a quick refreshment and local snacks.
Afternoon:
- Continue the journey to Bwindi, passing through local communities and scenic forests.
- Arrive and check-in at your lodge, such as Gorilla Forest Camp or Buhoma Lodge, which offer cozy accommodations amidst the forest.
- Relax: Enjoy a peaceful afternoon taking in the cool, misty air of Bwindi’s lush environment.
Evening:
- Dinner: Dine at the lodge and enjoy locally prepared meals with a taste of Uganda’s traditional dishes like posho and matoke.
- Evening Walk: If available, take a short walk around the lodge area to enjoy the cool evening breeze.
- Overnight: Rest at your lodge in preparation for the exciting day ahead
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Morning:
- Early Breakfast: Wake up early and enjoy a hearty breakfast.
- Gorilla Trekking Briefing: Head to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park headquarters for a briefing on the rules of gorilla trekking and safety measures.
- Gorilla Trekking: Set out on a thrilling trek into the dense forest, guided by experienced rangers. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once you reach the gorillas, you’ll have one hour to observe and take photos of these magnificent creatures.
Afternoon:
- Lunch: Return to the lodge for a delicious lunch after the exciting trekking experience.
- Rest and Relax: Spend the afternoon relaxing at the lodge. Take in the views of the forest or enjoy a nature walk around the lodge’s vicinity.
- Optional Activity: If you’re interested, visit the Batwa pygmies community near the park to learn about their traditional way of life.
Evening:
- Dinner: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the lodge, with options of local or international cuisine.
- Cultural Entertainment: Some lodges offer evening cultural performances or storytelling around a bonfire, where local guides share tales from the region.
- Overnight: Rest and unwind after a rewarding day.
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Morning:
- Early Breakfast: After breakfast, depart Bwindi for Lake Bunyonyi. The drive takes approximately 2-3 hours, passing through terraced hillsides, villages, and scenic landscapes.
- Arrive at Lake Bunyonyi: Check-in at one of the lakeside lodges, such as Bunyonyi Overland Resort or Lake Bunyonyi Safari Resort.
- Enjoy the Surroundings: Take a moment to enjoy the peaceful views of the lake, surrounded by hills and islands.
Afternoon:
- Boat Ride: Head out for a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi, one of the deepest lakes in Uganda. The boat ride offers fantastic views of the surrounding hills and islands, including the historical Punishment Island.
- Island Exploration: Visit some of the islands on the lake, each with its unique stories and charm.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the lodge, with options of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Evening:
- Relax by the Lake: Spend the evening at leisure. You can take a walk along the lakeshore or just relax in the serene environment.
- Dinner: Savor dinner at the lodge, possibly featuring fresh fish from the lake and other local delicacies.
- Evening Campfire (Optional): Some lodges offer a campfire experience by the lake, where you can enjoy the quiet evening while listening to the sounds of the surrounding nature.
- Overnight: Enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep by the lake
Day 4: Departure from Lake Bunyonyi to Entebbe
Morning:
- Morning Boat Ride or Walk: If you wish, take an early morning boat ride or walk around the lake. You can also enjoy the cool, fresh morning air while appreciating the view of the islands in the distance.
- Breakfast: After your early morning activity, enjoy breakfast at the lodge.
- Departure: Begin your journey back to Entebbe. The drive takes approximately 7-8 hours, so you’ll have lunch en route.
Afternoon:
- Continue the Journey: Stop along the way for a break and snacks, especially in Kabale, before heading back to Entebbe.
- Arrive in Entebbe: If your flight departs in the evening, you’ll be transferred to Entebbe International Airport in time for your flight.
This tour includes
- Accommodation in lodges, hotels, and camps
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Game drives, cultural visits, and park entrance fees
- Boat cruises and visits to local villages
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle
Exclusions
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, tips)
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Dos
- Do stay in your vehicle during game drives unless specifically advised otherwise by your guide. Wild animals can be unpredictable.
- Do keep a safe distance from wildlife, especially large animals like elephants and buffaloes.
- Do wear neutral colors like khaki, brown, or olive green to blend in with the environment and avoid disturbing animals.
- Do follow your guide’s instructions during the boat cruise and game drives to ensure safety.
- Do bring plenty of water and stay hydrated during your activities in the heat.
- Do protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Do take note of the rules and regulations of the park, such as not feeding the animals or littering.
- Do take time to appreciate the surroundings – Murchison Falls National Park offers stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
Don'ts:
- Don’t get out of the vehicle during game drives unless instructed by your guide. Wild animals can be dangerous.
- Don’t approach or provoke the animals – it is best to observe from a safe distance.
- Don’t wear bright or flashy clothes – they might attract unwanted attention from animals.
- Don’t feed the animals – feeding wildlife can alter their behavior and cause harm to both the animals and visitors.
- Don’t forget to tip – tipping is a common practice for guides, drivers, and lodge staff (usually 5-10 USD per day for a guide, less for porters or housekeepers).
- Don’t leave food or trash around – always dispose of trash in the designated bins and keep the environment clean.
- Don’t engage in risky behavior – such as getting too close to the edge of the falls or standing too near wild animals.
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