5 Days Short Uganda Tour with Gorillas

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mpungu Sub-County, Kanungu, Western Region, Uganda

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5 Days

Adult

From $1,950.00 Per Adult

Description

Experience the beauty and wildlife of Uganda on this short but memorable 5-day safari. The journey takes you from the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the beautiful waters of Lake Bunyonyi, with a special gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park at the heart of the adventure.

Along the way, enjoy exciting game drives in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes and other wildlife, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, explore the Ishasha sector in search of its famous tree-climbing lions, and spend time with mountain gorillas in their natural forest home.

This safari also gives you the chance to enjoy the peaceful beauty of Lake Bunyonyi, surrounded by green terraced hills and small islands. It is a well-balanced short holiday for travellers who want to experience Uganda’s wildlife, landscapes and unforgettable gorilla encounter within just five days.

Duration

5 Days

Language

English

Highlights

What to Expect

Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel
Wildlife viewing in the Ishasha sector
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi
Scenic countryside journeys
Equator crossing experience in Kayabwe

Summary

Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 2 – Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Day 3 – Game Drive in Ishasha & Transfer to Bwindi
Day 4 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Day 5 – Lake Bunyonyi & Return to Entebbe

Included

Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
Meals as indicated in the daily programme
Transportation in a comfortable safari Land Cruiser
Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
Applicable park entrance and activity fees
One gorilla trekking permit per participating traveller
Bottled drinking water during the safari
Airport or hotel pick-up and drop-off
Activities mentioned in the itinerary, except those stated as optional

Excluded

Activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional activities
Personal and travel insurance
Driver-guide gratuity
Phone calls and bar bills
Laundry and other personal expenses
International or domestic flight tickets
Uganda entry visa
Souvenirs and personal shopping
Extra meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
Government-imposed increases in taxes or park fees

Travel Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Entebbe & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your safari begins with a morning pick-up from Entebbe International Airport or your hotel, preferably before 10:00am. Your guide will meet you, offer a briefing about the tour to prepare you for the journey ahead before you set off to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes you through changing landscapes and rural communities as you make your way into western Uganda. Queen Elizabeth is one of Uganda's most popular wildlife destinations and is home to a wide variety of animals, birds and primates. The park is known for its savannah landscapes and rich wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, lions and Uganda kobs.

We will make a stop along the way for lunch around Mbarara and another at the twin lakes before continuing towards the park. You should arrive in the late afternoon or evening. Check in at your lodge, relax and enjoy the evening. If time allows, you may also go for a late-afternoon-to-evening game drive.

Accommodation: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge – Budget Level
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 7 hours

Day 2 - Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before heading into the Kasenyi Plains for a morning game drive. This open savannah area is one of the best places in Queen Elizabeth National Park to search for wildlife. Keep your eyes open for lions, elephants, buffaloes and Uganda kobs, while leopards may also be spotted if luck is on your side.

After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax. In the afternoon, continue with another exciting experience a two-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. The channel connects Lakes George and Edward and is known for its large concentration of wildlife along the shores. From the boat, you can enjoy close views of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants and buffaloes, while numerous bird species can be seen around the water and nearby vegetation. After the cruise, return to the lodge, freshen up and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Accommodation: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge – Budget Level
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: N/A

Day 3 - Game Drive in Ishasha & Transfer to Bwindi

After breakfast, depart the park early and drive to ishasha sector. Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are sometimes seen resting on the branches of large fig trees. Although sightings are not guaranteed, finding these lions in the trees can be one of the most memorable moments of your safari. You may also encounter elephants, buffaloes, topis and Uganda kobs as you explore the area.

After your Ishasha experience, continue towards the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey takes you through beautiful countryside and changing landscapes as you approach the forest. Upon arrival, check in at your accommodation and take the rest of the evening to relax. Tomorrow will be a special day as you enter Bwindi Forest for your gorilla trekking experience.

Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp – Budget Level
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 6–7 hours

Day 4 - Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Today is one of the main highlights of your Uganda safari gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After breakfast, collect your packed lunch and head to the ranger station for a briefing from the park authorities. Enjoy a Ugandan welcome session, a briefing and receive a gorilla family to see. At about 8:00am your trekking has began and takes you deep into the forest with experienced ranger-guides. The steep and sometimes muddy terrain can make the trek physically demanding, but the experience is truly rewarding. The trek can take several hours, but once you find the gorillas, you will have one hour to observe them in their natural environment. Watching these gentle and endangered animals as they feed, rest and interact is an experience you are unlikely to forget.

After the trek, embark on a journey you luxury final accommodation, the best way to relieve of the long drives and forest hikes. Your hotel will offer you one of the most magnificent views in Uganda.

Accommodation: Arcadia cottages – Luxury Level
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 2–3 hours

Day 5 - Lake Bunyonyi & Return to Entebbe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast while taking in the beautiful views of Lake Bunyonyi and its small islands. Surrounded by green, terraced hills and dotted with 29 islands, the lake provides a peaceful setting to enjoy your final morning in Uganda. Participate in a canoe ride down the lake as you experience what women, school children and elders go through to travel on this lake. After a shot tour, begin your journey back towards Entebbe International Airport. The drive takes you through the scenic countryside of southwestern Uganda, giving you another chance to appreciate the landscapes and local communities along the way.

There will be a stop for lunch in Mbarara town, followed by a visit to the Uganda Equator crossing at Kayabwe. Here, you can take memorable photographs at the Equator line and, if interested, browse the local shops for crafts and souvenirs. Arriving in the late afternoon or evening for your airport drop-off. We recommend booking your international flight for this day at around 21:00 or later to allow enough time for the journey.

Your short Ugandan adventure ends here, carrying with you unforgettable memories of wildlife, gorillas, beautiful landscapes and warm African hospitality.

Accommodation: Recommended on request
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer Time: Approx. 8 hours

Maps

Additional Information

The Wild Road trip

Uganda's roads offer a varied and scenic travel experience, from smooth highways to winding routes through the country's mountainous and rural landscapes. Some sections of the safari involve unpaved park roads and rural dirt tracks, which can be uneven and occasionally bumpy, most travellers calling the bumpiness ‘African massage’. This safari is operated using a well-maintained safari vehicle suited to both long-distance travel and the interior tracks of the national parks.

Gorilla Trekking Permits

Gorilla trekking permits are limited and issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Because availability can change, early confirmation is strongly recommended. Where necessary, the itinerary may be adjusted slightly to align the safari with the available trekking date or trekking sector. Any such adjustment will be made with the aim of preserving the overall duration and experience of your safari.

Accommodation

The accommodation listed in this itinerary represents the recommended budget-level options for each destination. Accommodation can be upgraded upon request, subject to availability, and an upgrade may result in an additional safari cost.

Important Note

Accommodation and permits are not considered reserved until the booking has been confirmed and the required payments have been received. Availability may change before confirmation, and Wild Hunters Safari reserves the right to make reasonable adjustments where necessary but with prier communication.

From $1,950.00

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