Duration – 5 days
This five-day adventure in Uganda takes you through the misty Bwindi National Park for the Gorilla Trekking activity and later to Lake Bunyonyi, which is said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in Uganda. Later, go to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a great game viewing experience in the Ishasha sector and enjoy game drives and a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Our guide will pick you up around 7:00 a.m. from your Hotel in Kampala (or Entebbe) and brief you about your tour. You will later be driven in a comfortable and secure touring vehicle to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the Southwest, which will take around 9 hours. Lunch will be provided en-route at Mbarara. You will arrive in the evening at your accommodation in Bwindi.
Day 2 – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorilla Trekking) to Lake Bunyonyi
You will have an early morning breakfast at 6:30 am, and with a packed lunch, you will move to the park headquarters to join other trackers in a briefing about the gorilla trekking rules at 7:30 am. You will trek through thick creepers and undergrowth with your guides to find the Gorillas, which can take 1-8 hours. The steeply forested landscape is incredibly dense but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails, allowing tourists to access it. You will stay with Gorillas once sited and later transferred to Lake Bunyonyi.
The drive will be in the beautiful part of the country, often referred to as ‘the Switzerland of Africa’ because of its unique cool weather despite being near the Equator. This lake is said to be one of the most beautiful places in western Uganda. It is the second deepest lake in Africa (900 meters deep) and one of the few places in the country where it is considered safe to swim as it is bilharzia-free.
Day 3 – Lake Bunyonyi to Ishasha sector (Game drive)
After breakfast, you will set off for Ishasha Sector. You will arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, check-in, and have lunch.
After lunch, you will be taken for an evening game drive in the Ishasha sector. After the drive, you will return to the Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4 – Game Drives in Ishasha and Boat Ride in Kazinga Channel
After breakfast, you will be taken to Ishasha, famous for tree-climbing lions. These lions lounge in tree branches while keeping a close eye on herds of Uganda Kob, their favorite prey. You may have a chance to spot some tree-climbing lions, and then you will proceed to your lodge.
In the afternoon, you will take a boat cruise along the amazing Kazinga channel to see, at close range, the water animals, including hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, and elephants, bathing on the channel banks. There are also various bird species on the water banks, especially the famous Shoebill, pelican, and Jacana.
Day 5 – Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kampala
The final day of your adventure in Uganda will begin at 6:30 AM with breakfast. Then, you will head out for a short game drive. Then, you will continue driving towards Entebbe/ Kampala. During the drive, you will pass through Lake Mburo National Park, which offers excellent opportunities to see zebras, Impalas, and Uganda Kobs. The last stop will be Kampala (or Entebbe), and this is where you bid your farewell.
Drive Times
Day 1 – Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes about 8.5 to 10 hours (473 to 510 km)
Day 2 – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Lake Bunyonyi takes about 1.5 to 3 hours (65 to 100 km)
Day 3 – Lake Bunyonyi to Ishasha sector takes about 3 to 4.5 hours (160 km)
Day 4 – Ishasha sector to Kazinga channel takes about 1.5 to 3 hours (65 to 100 km)
Day 5 – Queen Elizabeth National Park (North) to Kampala takes about 6.5 to 7 hours (389 km)
Prices of the package
Option E1:
- $1,898 per adult for a safari with a Safari Van in Uganda
- $1,958 per adult for a safari with a Mini Land Cruiser in Uganda
- $2,017 per adult for a safari with a Standard Land Cruiser in Uganda
- $2,137 per adult for a safari with an Extended Land Cruiser in Uganda
– Stay at Gorilla Closeup Lodge – Budget Crafted Room, Bwindi (Nkuringo) [Full Board]
– Stay at Itambira Island, Seeds of Hope – Roundhouse, Lake Bunyonyi [Full Board]
– Stay at Enjojo Lodge, Ishasha – Self-Contained Safari Tent, Queen Elizabeth (Ishasha) [Full Board]
– Stay at The Bush Lodge, North – Self-Contained Tents, Queen Elizabeth (North) [Full Board]
Option E2:
- $2,064 per adult for a safari with a Safari Van in Uganda
- $2,124 per adult for a safari with a Mini Land Cruiser in Uganda
- $2,183 per adult for a safari with a Standard Land Cruiser in Uganda
- $2,303 per adult for a safari with an Extended Land Cruiser in Uganda
– Stay at Agandi Lodge – Tree Nest, Bwindi (Ruhija) [Full Board]
– Stay at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort – Floating Cottage, Lake Bunyonyi [Full Board]
– Stay at Enjojo Lodge, Ishasha – Self-Contained Safari Tent, Queen Elizabeth (Ishasha) to Sep 23, 2024 [Full Board]
– Stay at Twin Lakes Safari Lodge, North, Queen Elizabeth (North) [Full Board]
Option E3:
- $2,123 per adult for a safari with a Safari Van in Uganda
- $2,183 per adult for a safari with a Mini Land Cruiser in Uganda
- $2,242 per adult for a safari with a Standard Land Cruiser in Uganda
- $2,362 per adult for a safari with an Extended Land Cruiser in Uganda
– Stay at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge – Cottage, Bwindi (Rushaga) 2024 [Full Board]
– Stay at Arcadia Lodge, Lake Bunyonyi [Full Board]
– Stay at Enjojo Lodge, Ishasha – Thatched Cottage, Queen Elizabeth (Ishasha) Full Board]
– Stay at The Bush Lodge, North – Self-Contained Tents, Queen Elizabeth (North) from Sep 23, 2024, to Sep 24, 2024 [Full Board]
Option E4:
- $5,940 per adult for a safari with a Safari Van in Uganda
- $6,000 per adult for a safari with a Mini Land Cruiser in Uganda
- $6,059 per adult for a safari with a Standard Land Cruiser in Uganda
- $6,179 per adult for a safari with an Extended Land Cruiser in Uganda
– Stay at Bwindi Lodge – Deluxe Banda, Bwindi (Buhoma) [Full Board]
– Stay at Arcadia Lodge, Lake Bunyonyi [Full Board]
– Stay at Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth (Ishasha) [Full Board]
– Stay at Kyambura Gorge Lodge, North – Deluxe Banda, Queen Elizabeth (North) [Full Board]
Inclusions
- All Taxes and VAT.
- A professional driver/guide.
- Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi.
- Game drive as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Activities mentioned in the itinerary.
- 4×4 Land Cruiser or Safari Van.
- Drinking water while on safari (2 liters per person daily).
- Park Fees (for Non-Residents).
- Meals as per itinerary.
Exclusions
- Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, etc.).
- International flights.
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips (Tipping guidelines).
- The government increased taxes, gorilla trekking permits, chimp tracking permits, and park fees.
- Airport Transfers (Unless mentioned otherwise).
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (Unless mentioned otherwise).