Highlights: Kampala, Bwindi NP, Lake Mburo NP and Lake Bunyonyi.
Activities: Gorillas and Chimp Trekking, Equator Photography, Wildlife Viewing, Game Drives, Boat cruises, Nature Walk, Scenic Journeys.
Tour Overview
This 5 days trip start and end in Kampala the Capital of Uganda. It will involve activities like gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, whereby to track gorillas one needs a gorilla permit that goes for US$600 each person. It will also take you to Lake Mburo one of the smallest National Parks in Uganda with splendid wild life and Lake Bunyonyi one of the deepest lakes in Africa.
Brief itinerary
- Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 2: Bwindi Impenetrable forest – Gorilla trekking
- Day 3: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi- Boat Cruise/ Nature walk/ Cultural Encounter, Photography
- Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi -Lake Mburo- Game drive
- Day 5: Transfer to Kampala- Boat cruise & Equator Photography
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
On the first day, after your breakfast, you will be picked by our guide from your place accommodation, briefed about the whole safari and embark on our approximately 9 hours to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in South Western Uganda. Whilst on the journey, we shall make a stop at the Uganda Equator the line that partitions the world into the southern and the northern hemisphere to take some photos. At this place, feel free to buy some crafts and souvenirs as you head to Mbarara town where you will have your lunch from. We shall continue our journey and we shall arrive in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the evening. Check in at the lodge, relax and have dinner as we prepare for the Bwindi gorilla trekking experience the following day.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs (Luxury), Silverback Lodge / Engagi Lodge (Mid- range), Ruhija Gorilla friends’ camp/Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Budget)
Day 2: Bwindi Impenetrable forest – Gorilla trekking
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters where the rangers will give you a short briefing about the precautions to take, vital information about the Gorilla Trekking activity and given a chance to ask anything you and you’re off to track the gorillas. You will be divided in group of 8 according to your paces. You will then set off accompanied by a couple of armed game rangers into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where mountain gorillas live for Gorilla Trekking. Depending on the day and where your specific family of gorillas are, it can take any time between 1 to 8 hours to find the gorillas and once you find them (and you’ll always find them), you get 1 hour to interact, take photos, and generally gawk at what you’re witnessing but gorillas need their space as they are wild animals. Also expect to walk long distances in muddy and steep conditions- this will require you to have a walking stick.
Later, return back to the lodge and in the evening, you can opt for a cultural walk in the neighborhood and enjoy the amazing Batwa experience (Batwa Pygmies) that is filled with cultural dances, storytelling and more exciting cultural activities which will leave you amazed.
Have dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge / Mahogany Springs (Luxury), Silverback Lodge / Engagi Lodge (Mid- range), Ruhija Gorilla friends’ camp/Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Budget) – Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi.
After breakfast you will depart for Lake Bunyonyi which is one of the deepest lakes in Africa with almost 32 Islands. Bunyonyi is a local word for “small birds” in reference to the several birds that live around here making it a favorite destination for birders. Upon arrival, you will go on a boat/canoe ride to enable you visit most of the islands such as Bwama Island also a wonderful destination for birders and the Akampwene (Punishment) Island which was used by the Bakiga people to drop their girls who got pregnant before marriage. After the Boat ride, return back to the Lodge for relaxation while you watch the beautiful sunset.
Alternatively you could take a nature walk which will help you to appreciate a great diversity of small birds here.
Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Resort (Budget), Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort, Lake Bunyonyi Eco Lodge (Luxury) – Meal plan: Half Board
Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi -Lake Mburo.
After early breakfast, we shall drive to Lake Mburo National Park via Mbarara town for lunch and after transfer to Lake Mburo National Park for an afternoon game drive through the park as you will have a chance to see most animals like impalas, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, among others. We shall then check in at your lodge. The game viewing activity is a chance for you to see the beautiful wildlife of Zebras and Impalas plus more mammals and birds in Lake Mburo National Park.
Accommodation: Mantana Tented Camp, Eagle’s Nest Lodge – Meal plan: Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Kampala.
Enjoy breakfast; go on a boat cruise along the lake where you will see more wildlife like hippos, Crocodiles, buffaloes as well as many birds. In the afternoon drive back to Kampala after an amazing time in the wild. While travelling to Kampala, we shall stop at the Equator crossing for photography and a cup of coffee before you drive back to Entebbe for departure.
END OF TRIP
Tour inclusions: Gorilla permit per person to be secured and paid for in advance, Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary, all tour activities as detailed in the itinerary, Park Entry Fees, Transport (in a 4×4 vehicle), Drinking water during the safari, Professional English speaking guide/driver and Touring
Tour Exclusions: Extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Items to carry
- Long comfortable shirts and trousers.
- Insect repellent.
- Hard gloves and a hat.
- Poncho/rain jacket.
- Water proof backpack.
- Snacks, lunch and enough drinking water.
