Southwestern Uganda is home to two jewels of biodiversity and conservation: Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Parks. On this weekly adventure, immerse yourself in the wonders of both—observing lions, giraffes, and elephants on Rift Valley savannas, then walking through mist-laden jungles to see mountain gorillas in the parks.
Day 1: Arrive in Kampala.
Welcome to Uganda! arrive at Entebbe Airport, be welcomed by our guide and transferred to your evening’s accommodation. The rest of the day is free for you to rest and prepare for the next day’s adventures.
If you feel like stretching your legs, you can head out in the afternoon to the capital city of Uganda and that is Kampala. Visit the Uganda Museum and the Lubiri Palace, or simply stroll around the busy streets.
Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Get an early start today with a transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Set the vast Rift Valley, the park is understandably Uganda’s most popular tourist destination. Its diverse ecosystems including sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes, and fertile wetlands, making it the habitat for classic big game, 10 primate species, and over 600 species of birds. The landscape of northern Queen Elizabeth comprise dozens of ancient craters carved into gently rolling hills against a backdrop of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains.
Day 3: Land & Water Safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Enjoy an exciting game drive in Queen Elizabeth. A popular route is the kasenyi sector, known for its lions that prey on the large population of Uganda kob and antelope. you may spot a giant forest hog Africa’s largest pig or an elusive leopard!
Hop on a boat for a water safari on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Edward and George Lakes. The Uganda Wildlife Authority guide leading the trip identify many of the channel’s 100 bird species. Likely to see African skimmers, great white pelicans, spoonbills, and a number of bee-eaters. Hippos wallow at the edge of the water, huge Nile crocodiles bask in the sun, and elephants often come down for a refreshing drink.
Day 4: Bwindi National Park.
Get ready for the start of your gorilla adventure! In the morning, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Natural World Heritage Site is considered one of the richest biological and botanical regions in the entire world. Its rainforest is over 25,000 years old and contains almost 400 species of plants. It is the best place on the planet to see mountain gorillas.
There are only about 800 wild mountain gorillas left worldwide, and Bwindi is home to half of that number. A visit to the national park especially one focused on meeting these great apes helps conservation efforts by incentivizing ecological preservation as a part of the economy. Besides gorillas, the region provides shelter for another 120 species of mammals, including several primates such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park.
This morning for a gorilla-trekking adventure. Before beginning the trek, park rangers will brief the group to ensure your safety and that of the apes. The trek takes three to six hours, so make sure to bring along a good pair of walking boots. The rangers will guide you through the village gardens and into the jungle-like forest as you search for mountain gorillas. As part of poaching efforts, the apes are under 24-hour monitoring, so you’re almost guaranteed to see them!
Once you have located the gorillas, you will be asked to leave all your belongings on the side and approach the gentle giants with only your camera. It is advised that you keep a distance of 7 m from the apes to reduce the risk of transmitting human diseases to them. This also helps the guide interpret the animals’ behavior and easily retreat if danger is perceived. You will be able to see the families in their natural environment: feeding, playing, interacting with each other, or just sleeping. The gorillas are usually quite curious to see humans as well! Be allowed exactly one hour with the apes before returning to base.
Day 6: Return Back to Queen Elizabeth Park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park in morning, passing through the endless Ishasha Plains, whose fig trees hide lions lying in wait for the herds of antelope. After a scenic drive filled with stunning landscapes and plentiful wildlife, Reach your accommodations for the evening.
Day 7: Entebbe, Depart.
After breakfast, begin the journey back to Entebbe Airport. Along the way, stop for a delicious lunch and have a fun photo opportunity at the Equator before reaching the airport and catching your departing flight. Safe travels!
