5 days Gorilla

Day 1: Kampala > Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On the first day, you will leave Kampala at 7:30 am. You will be picked up at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe and begin the journey west towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The first stop en route will be at Mpambire Drum Makers, an hour outside Kampala on Masaka Road. Next, some 30 minutes later, the second stop is at the spot on the road where the Equator crosses. Here one can take photos, have a brewed cup of coffee at the Equatorial Cafe; a brief informative talk will be given before proceeding to Mbarara for lunch.Arrival in Mbarara will be around 1 pm. After lunch, the drive continues through the virgin rolling hills of Ankole -Kigezi which some people call the “Switzerland of Africa”, home to the famous Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrival at Bwindi will be around 6 pm.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Tour. Have an early breakfast, and departure to the Gorilla Tracks will be at 7:30 am. Your driver will transfer you to an Information Center from where you will be briefed on the ‘do’s and don’ts’ while trekking in the forest.

The Ranger Guides with their unique insights and knowledge will surely enhance your understanding of the habits and behaviors of the Mountain Gorillas. Initially, the walk will be fairly silent, but as you trek deeper into the forest, you will hear those magical jungle sounds, as well as be enthralled by the dense flora and fauna.

This first encounter could be anywhere from one to eight hours from leaving the Information Center, but most commonly 2 – 7 hours. As these primates wander about in the forest, it is difficult to pinpoint their exact location day by day. Depending on the time of return, we can choose to have an optional Batwa experience where we engage in activities like hunting, fruit collecting, and treehouse making.

Overnight at Four Gorillas Lodge, Ichumbi Safari Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp or Gorilla Valley Safari Lodge.

Day 3: Bwindi > Queen Elizabeth National Park. After breakfast, we shall start our drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha. While at Ishasha, we can opt for a game drive in the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth in search of species like topis and buffaloes. After the drive, we can have lunch at Ishasha then later transfer to the Northern sector of Queen Elizabeth making several stopovers like Kisenyi fishing village and driving through Maramagambo forest that exposes you to chances of seeing leopards cross or walk by the roadside.

Day 4: Game Drive and Launch Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Have breakfast and then depart at 6:30 am for a morning game drive searching for more wildlife like African cape buffaloes, common warthogs, Serval cat then visits the salt mine of Lake Bunyampaka to experience the salt extraction. After the drive, we head to Kazinga side for the outstanding boat cruise in search of species like crocodiles. The cruise on the Kazinga channel lasts for 2 hours but with a great experience. After the cruise, we then drive back to the hotel with an optional Crater Lake visit.

Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Hub, Twin’s Lake Safari Lodge, Pumba Safari Lodge or Mazike Safari Lodge

Day 5: Queen Elisabeth N. P > Kampala/Entebbe
Option 1: is to drive directly to Kampala/Entebbe with a possible visit to Lake Katwe en route. Here one can see how the local women and youth extract the salt from the Lake. Lunch would be served en route as well, at a local Ugandan restaurant.

Option 2: is to drive back to Kampala/Entebbe via Fort Portal; this is considered to be the most likable urban center in Uganda. Here you could get a brief city tour and a local lunch.

Arrive in Kampala/Entebbe at either around 6 (option 1) or around 4 (option 2).

Inclusive: Transportation by tourist van, accommodation, meals full board, park fees, boat cruise, game drive, English speaking driver.