Itinerary Highlights
- Track mountain gorillas through the mist-covered rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Observe abundant wildlife, from elephants to hippos, in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Look out for diverse birdlife, including Albertine Rift endemic species like the African green broadbill
- Explore classic African bush scenery across the acacia-dotted plains and papyrus swamp
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Travel Guide
- Transfers
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
Discover the joy of two highly rewarding Uganda wildlife experiences: tracking the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and observing big game in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
This private, fully guided tour is ideal for first-time visitors and anyone keen to combine an intense gorilla encounter with a relaxed African safari. Your journey begins in Entebbe before you fly to Bwindi for three nights at Buhoma Lodge, just a five-minute walk from the gorilla-tracking trailhead.
Rise early with your expert trackers and dive into the dense rainforest to seek out a habituated gorilla family. The hike can be demanding, but the journey past evergreen undergrowth, tangled vines and towering canopy is very much part of the experience. And, with more than 350 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics, Bwindi is equally rewarding for keen birders.
Travel north to Queen Elizabeth National Park, staying first at riverside Ishasha Wilderness Camp before continuing to Katara Lodge in the Mweya sector. Game drives give you a chance to look for elephants, buffalo and hippos, plus the agile tree-climbing lions. In season, you can also track chimpanzees at Kyambura Gorge. A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel provides another perspective on the wildlife, as antelopes gather on the banks and waterbirds glide across the waters.
With experienced guides throughout, this itinerary gives you plenty of time to take in the wildlife-rich forests, savannah and waterways. You can also extend your stay with a beach break in Zanzibar.
Please note, this is an example tour. To create your own tailor-made itinerary, speak with our Travel Specialists by calling us today.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Fly UK to Uganda
Depart on a daytime* international flight to Entebbe.
On arrival this evening into Entebbe Airport, your professional driver-guide will welcome you. Then you'll be transferred to Boma Hotel, where you'll stay overnight with breakfast included.
*If you arrive earlier today off an overnight flight, for example, let us know and we'll arrange an activity for you, should you wish.
Day 2 | Entebbe - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
You'll be transferred to the airport for the Aerolink light aircraft flight to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, departing around 10:15 am.
On arrival at the airstrip at 11:25 am, you'll be met and transferred by four-wheel drive vehicle to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Stay for three nights at the comfortable Buhoma Lodge in a spacious en- suite cottage, with all meals included.
Even in the grounds of the property, some wonderful birds such as Ross's turaco (pictured here) may be spotted - this species has been known to nest around the lodge.
Day 3 | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
The lodge is a five-minute walk to the Park HQ and trailhead. After breakfast, you'll be escorted to the HQ to meet your guides for your gorilla tracking experience.
An early morning hike into the forest on the slopes of the volcanoes, led by experienced trackers, will bring you amongst a family of mountain gorillas. These massive primates are extremely rare, with approximately 1,063 in the wild.
Tracking the gorillas may be fairly strenuous, taking anywhere between 45 minutes and a few hours to reach one of the resident habituated family groups.
Mountain gorillas are wild animals, and as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed; the success rate is well over 90%.
Day 4 | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
You have the option of a second mountain gorilla tracking excursion, subject to permit availability (Uganda gorilla permits are US$700 for an hour and US$1,500 for four hours).
Alternatively, we highly recommend a guided nature walk, especially if you're a birding enthusiast. During these guided walks, species such as the robust blue monkey (pictured) are often seen.
Day 5 | Bwindi - Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, depart on the two-to-three-hour drive northwards to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here, you'll stay in the lovely riverside Ishasha Wilderness Camp, with all meals and game-related activities included.
During the balance of the day, you'll be taken for a game drive.
Day 6 | Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 7 | Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 8 | Departure
This morning, you'll be transferred by road to Kasese airstrip for an early afternoon Aerolink flight to Entebbe International Airport.
You'll then be transferred to Papyrus Guest House in Entebbe, where you have the use of a day/evening room - potentially for dinner (cost of room and meal for your own account).
Enjoy an evening transfer to Entebbe Airport and check in for the late-night flight back home.
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
30th Sep 2023
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrance fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Pricing Notes
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
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