5 Day Gorilla and Wildlife Safari
This 5-day adventure takes you through Uganda’s diverse ecosystems, from the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you’ll come face-to-face with the majestic mountain gorillas, to the vast savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to a rich array of wildlife including the famous tree-climbing lions. Experience the best of Uganda’s wildlife with a perfect mix of excitement and relaxation, all while surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the country.
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.
- Begin your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (approximately 8-9 hours by road). En route, enjoy Uganda’s scenic landscapes, passing through local villages and terraced hillsides.
- Stopover: Take a break in Kabale for refreshments and to stretch your legs.
Afternoon:
- Continue driving towards Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its biodiversity.
- Check-in at your lodge near the park, such as Gorilla Forest Camp or Buhoma Lodge.
- Relax and enjoy the lush surroundings of the forest, keeping an eye out for local wildlife, including monkeys and bird species.
Evening:
- Dinner: Enjoy a warm dinner at the lodge featuring local delicacies such as matoke (plantains) and posho (maize porridge).
- Evening Stroll: Take a short walk around the lodge area to enjoy the cool evening air and watch the sunset over the forest.
- Overnight: Rest at the lodge, ready for the exciting day ahead.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Morning:
- Early Breakfast: Wake up early for a hearty breakfast.
- Gorilla Trekking Briefing: Head to the park headquarters for a briefing about the trek, safety guidelines, and the rules for interacting with the gorillas.
- Gorilla Trekking: Embark on an unforgettable trek to locate a family of mountain gorillas. The trek can last from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Once you find the gorilla family, you’ll spend one hour observing and photographing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Afternoon:
- Return to the Lodge: After your trek, return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch.
- Rest and Relaxation: Enjoy the afternoon resting, reflecting on your amazing experience with the gorillas. You can also take a nature walk around the lodge or visit a local community to learn about the Batwa people.
Evening:
- Dinner: Savor dinner at the lodge, with fresh produce and local dishes available.
- Cultural Experience: Some lodges offer evening cultural performances or storytelling by local guides, offering a deeper understanding of the area’s history and culture.
- Overnight: Relax in the peaceful ambiance of Bwindi.
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Evening Game Drive
Morning:
- Breakfast and Departure: After breakfast, depart from Bwindi for Queen Elizabeth National Park (approximately 5-6 hours by road).
- Enjoy the scenic drive through the southwestern Ugandan countryside, passing lakes and wildlife-rich savannahs.
- Arrival in Queen Elizabeth: Check-in at your lodge near the park, such as Mweya Safari Lodge or Ishasha Wilderness Camp.
Afternoon:
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the lodge, taking in views of the park and the surrounding landscape.
- Relax: Spend the afternoon relaxing at the lodge or enjoying the park’s surroundings.
Evening:
- Game Drive: In the late afternoon, set out on a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and various antelope species.
- Sunset Views: Enjoy the stunning sunset views over the savannah as you search for the famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of the park.
- Dinner: Return to your lodge for a hearty dinner, reflecting on the day’s experiences.
- Overnight: Rest at the lodge, with the sounds of the African wilderness around you
Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
Morning:
- Early Breakfast: Wake up early for breakfast.
- Morning Game Drive: Head out for a morning game drive in the park’s northern sector, where you may encounter lions, elephants, hippos, and a variety of birds.
- Wildlife Viewing: Keep your eyes peeled for other big game species such as leopards, and take time to appreciate the stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
Afternoon:
- Lunch: Return to the lodge for lunch and a short break.
- Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. This is one of the best ways to see wildlife up close, with opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and an array of bird species along the shore.
Evening:
- Relax at the Lodge: After the boat cruise, return to your lodge to relax.
- Dinner: Enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge, savoring fresh and flavorful meals.
- Overnight: Spend your final night at the lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 5: Departure from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Entebbe
Morning:
- Breakfast and Final Wildlife Viewing: After breakfast, enjoy one last early morning game drive or nature walk around the park, depending on your departure time.
- Pack Up and Check Out: Return to the lodge, pack your bags, and check out.
Afternoon:
- Transfer to Entebbe: Begin your journey back to Entebbe (approximately 6-7 hours by road), or take a domestic flight from Mweya (if available) to Entebbe.
- Lunch: Stop along the way for lunch and refreshments, possibly in Kampala or Mbarara.
Evening:
- Arrival in Entebbe: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport in time for your evening flight or overnight stay.
This tour includes
- Gorilla Permits
- 4×4 safari guide
- Bottled Water
- Full board meals and accommodation
- English Speaking Guide
- Park Entrance Fees
- Cultural Tours
- All Activities Mentioned
Exclusions
- International flight fare
- Entry Visas
- Laundry services
- Tips
- Expenses of personal nature
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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