5 Days Gorilla Tracking and Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Kampala – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Begin the day with an early rise, setting the stage for an adventure-packed journey. In the company of your guide, embark on a private vehicle transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the south-west. En route, pause at the Uganda Equator for captivating photo opportunities and a delightful visit to the Craft Village. Continuing westward, you’ll reach Mbarara, a vibrant town where you’ll savor a satisfying lunch and explore the cultural treasures of Igongo cultural center through a museum tour. As the day unfolds, proceed to Bwindi’s impenetrable forest, a haven for mountain gorillas.

With the sun setting, settle into your chosen accommodation at Buhoma Lodge or Haven Lodge. Amidst the embrace of the African Rainforest, you’ll find yourself immersed in the anticipation of the upcoming Mountain Gorilla Tracking experience. As the night falls, relish the realization that you’re sleeping within a habitat shared by half the world’s endangered Mountain Gorillas. Dinner and a peaceful overnight stay await, marking the prelude to a thrilling day ahead.

Day 2: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorilla Tracking)

Following an early breakfast, venture to the Headquarters of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Here, an orientation awaits, followed by a gathering with guides who will provide valuable insights. As groups are organized based on gorilla tracking assignments, you’ll soon embark on an extraordinary journey.

The immersive Gorillas in the Mist experience beckons, leading you through the enigmatic forest. The trek unveils a diverse tapestry of life, from primates and butterflies to mammals and birds, enhancing this exceptional adventure. While the trek might involve some challenging climbs and hikes, the reward is unparalleled.

The pivotal moment arrives as you encounter the majestic Mountain Gorillas mere meters away. Witness the group dynamics, observe mothers with their babies, and marvel at their everyday routines. This unique experience underscores the significance of protecting these remarkable creatures, found only in this compact corner of Africa.

A visit to the renowned Batwa community further enriches your day. Delve into the traditional Batwa lifestyle, from beer brewing to medicines crafted from the forest. As the day winds down, dinner and a peaceful overnight stay at Buhoma Lodge or Haven Lodge offer respite, cementing the memories of an unparalleled encounter with the world of the Mountain Gorillas.

Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an early breakfast, set forth on a northward journey to the Ishasha sector, renowned for its unique Tree Climbing Lions. These extraordinary predators are a highlight of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s safaris. As you traverse this region, the captivating sight of lions draped on tree branches adds a touch of awe to your adventure.

Amid the Ishasha sector’s wonders, buffalo herds and antelope gatherings cross your path, further enriching the experience. Transitioning to Queen Elizabeth, you’ll check in to your chosen accommodation, marking the beginning of a new chapter.

A sumptuous lunch fuels your exploration, followed by a guided tour of Katwe Salt Lake. Discover the intricacies of salt mining, visit the factory, immerse in the fishing village’s rhythms, and engage with cattle-keeping communities. As day turns to night, dinner and a peaceful overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge or Parkview Safari Lodge envelop you in the tranquility of the Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park

As the sun rises, savor a cup of invigorating African coffee or tea, setting the tone for an early morning adventure. Embark on a game drive along Kasenyi track and Queens mile within the park’s expanse, with anticipation high for captivating encounters.

Lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, warthogs, leopards, hyenas, and more await, alongside an array of smaller creatures and a symphony of birds. The savannah comes alive with the sights and sounds of wildlife, a true feast for the senses.

After the game drive, recharge with a satisfying lunch at your lodge, embracing a moment of relaxation. Following this hearty meal, a unique afternoon 2-hour cruise on Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward beckons. Traverse waters teeming with life, from the highest concentration of hippos to various animals quenching their thirst at the water’s edge.

The cruise provides an ideal platform for bird watching, photography, and game viewing. The vibrancy of the birdlife, with over 550 species, paints a colorful backdrop. As the day concludes, dinner and a peaceful overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge or Parkview Safari Lodge ensure your senses are enriched by the day’s remarkable encounters.

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park - Kampala

Following breakfast, your journey continues towards Kampala, tracing the captivating Fort Portal route. The scenic beauty unfolds as you navigate this route, offering picturesque vistas at every turn.

Pause in Fort Portal for a satisfying lunch, where the town’s allure is evident in its lush Crater lakes, rolling hills, and captivating landscapes. The prominent Rwenzori Mountains, aptly named the Mountains of the Moon, form a majestic backdrop to the skyline.

Resuming your journey after lunch, you’ll progress towards Kampala, with the city’s lights greeting your arrival in the evening. As you conclude your adventure, the memories of gorilla tracking, wildlife encounters, and Uganda’s natural splendor will remain etched in your heart, forever connected to the captivating landscapes and the enchanting journey you’ve experienced.