This safari takes you two only two national parks that are well sought after during any Ugandan safari; these include Queen Elizabeth national park known for its diverse wildlife and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park known for sheltering half of the mountain gorilla population.
During this safari, you will take part in gorilla trekking, game drives and boat cruises, with magical enroute attractions like tea plantations, rolling hills, Uganda equator and Igongo cultural center among others. A lot will be spotted ranging from mammals, tree species to birds that live in water and land. Enjoy your 5 days Uganda gorillas and wildlife safari.
Day 1: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
You will be picked from either the airport in Entebbe or hotel in Kampala and the driver guide of our company will advise you to get some necessities that you will need while on this safari, like some cash for tips and buying some souvenirs, extra batteries for your cameras among others. Thereafter, embark on a long journey that nearly takes 6-7 hours’ drive using Kampala – Mityana highway, via Kyenjojo-Fortportal and then Kasese.
The park is the most visited national park in the country and this means that you will not get surprised when you find tourist vehicles overcrowded in the park. As you penetrate the park, you will be welcomed with different animals like elephant, African cape buffaloes, hippopotamus, topi, Ugandan kobs, warthog, giant forest hog, waterbuck, Nile crocodile, lions and leopards. On the other hand, over 500 bird species are spotted both migratory and natives and among others are Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, African Broadbill, White-tailed Lark, Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, Pink-backed Pelican, Papyrus Canary and Black Bee-eater. On arrival, you will drive to the booked lodge for a rest.
Day 2: Game drive and boat cruise
Take a morning game drive in the savannah plains of either Mweya peninsula or Kasenyi plains where you will be able to meet early raisers like the spotted hyenas, lions, leopards and other mammals like elephants, topi, waterbuck, warthog, giant forest hog buffalos, among others. The game drive normally takes about 2 to 3 hours but filled with great memories.
You will then embark on an afternoon boat cruise along Kazinga channel and be fascinated by sightings of hippos and crocodiles with other animals like elephants, warthogs and buffaloes along the shores of Kazinga channel. The channel is in the middle of Lake Edward and Lake George – a connection between these two lakes. The cruise lasts for only three hours, after which you will head back to the lodge for dinner.
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi national park via Ishasha sector
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then head to Ishasha sector where you will be able to trek the rare tree-climbing lions while transferring to Bwindi national park, the park has four sectors and this time the safari will take you to the Buhoma sector since it’s near the Ishasha sector where you will be able to visit one gorilla family.
This is where over 50% of mountain gorillas live due to favorable weather and climate. Not only the gorillas, but the park is also home to other wildlife such as over 350 bird species including 23 Albertine endemics and among others include African Emerald Cuckoo, African blue, White-tailed blue, Flycatchers and African green pigeon. Arrive and check-in at your accommodation site.
Day 4: Gorilla trekking adventure
A great memorable day will begin by waking up and then be served with breakfast and later head to the park offices where you will receive a briefing, about different parts such as crosschecking the gorilla trekking permits, giving instructions on the dos and don’ts while trekking and assignment of ranger guide with an option of a porter to assist you carry your heavy backpack.
Head to the forest with a help of the park guide ranger who has wide knowledge about the park and its inhabitants, on locating the endangered species, you will have an hour in their presence and then trek back and a certificate will be rewarded. The driver guide will take you back to the lodge and have leisure.
Day 5: Transfer back to Kampala
On this last day, you will enjoy breakfast and then embark on a long journey that takes about 8 hours’ drive passing through the hills of Kigezi and proceed to Mbarara town. In case time allows (this will depend on your scheduled departure flight) you will visit Igongo cultural Centre and discover the Ankole – Kigezi culture by visiting the onsite museum where art pieces are displayed.
Proceed and have your en route lunch at the Uganda equator in Kayabwe as you take memorable photos while on the equator. You will be dropped at the airport in Entebbe marking the end of this 5 days safari.
