You are met at Entebbe Airport and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay (Bed & Breakfast Basis).
Set in the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is a small town that is easy to explore on foot or by the local ''boda bodas'' (motorbike taxis). Explore the markets, hunt for crafts, meander through the Botanical Gardens or relax with a boat cruise on Lake Victoria. You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants and bars where you can sample the local beer and meet the friendly locals.
On arrival you are transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Transfer to the local airport for your scheduled flight to Bwindi (approximately 70 minutes). Here you are met and transferred to Buhoma Lodge . The transfer takes about 1½ hours through local villages and along mountain roads. Buhoma is very close to the start point for gorilla tracking.
Fly to Kihihi airstrip and then scenic transfer to Bwinde National Park
Gorilla trekking would take place on day 3. (And again on day 4, subject to permit availability, for those guests who would like to track twice.)
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is strenuous with treks ranging from 45 mins up to eight hours, at high altitudes in hot African conditions. But the thrill of the hour you spend quietly observing these gentle giants when you find them is so worth the effort to get there.
On day 4, you can do it all again with a second gorilla permit. Or you can opt to relax in this amazing forest environment. There are plenty of optional extra tours (additional cost). Such as doing a forest birding walk or a walk into the local community. Another option is a visit to the Batwa pygmy village.
In the afternoon, you leave Bwindi and travel about 3 hours to Ishasha Wilderness Camp, allowing time to stop at the local Ishasha Community project on the way.
Transfer to remote part of the Queen Elizabeth National Park
Spend the day enjoying game drives in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, rounding things off with scenic bush sundowners including drinks and snacks. This is what memories are made of!
One of the key attractions is to head out in search of the famous tree-climbing lion of the area. This is really quite something to witness (and photograph). Despite this unusual attraction, it is still remarkably quiet in this part of the park.
Game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Head north toward the ‘Mweya’ sector of the park which is rich with wildlife, visitors will find vast numbers of Uganda’s unique and strange Euphorbia, or “candelabra” tree. The many nearby crater lakes and mountain ranges provide a beautiful backdrop for your journey.
In the afternoon enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometre long natural channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George. Kazinga’s shores are dotted with herds of lazy buffalo, pods of hippos wallowing without a care, and countless bird species. Drift past local fishing villages and soak up the peaceful tranquillity of this beautiful African day. (Cruise normally departs at 14h00, although this depends on availability when booking and is subject to change – no drinks/ snacks included on boat).
Game drive in QENP
Enjoy chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge and game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The forest is alive with noise! Chimpanzees can be quite active and may move quickly through the forest canopy… or, if you are lucky, you may find them resting or eating near the forest floors. It’s an exhilarating walk, in beautiful scenery. As with gorilla trekking, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Kyambura (Chambura) Gorge
The stunning Kyambura (or Chambura) Gorge also called the “Valley of Apes” is located in the far eastern corner of the well- known Queen Elizabeth National Park in south western Uganda. Approximately 1 km across – at its broadest point and about 100 meters deep, this gorge is actually drained by River Kayambura. The landscape is among the most impressive you will find in Uganda and it is swarmed a rich wildlife bio-diversity that comprises of primates, wild animals as well as birds.
Today you drive to Kibale Forest Lodge where you will stay 2 nights.
Guided treks in search of chimpanzees take place both morning and evening, listening out for calls in the dense tropical rainforest. The walk through the forest also means the chance to see some of the 12 other species of primates to whom Kibale is home. The chimpanzee habituation experience gives guests the opportunity to learn a little more. You can watch as they wake up, search for food, rest and play and then sleep again.
Kibale Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (Full day)
Return to Entebbe by road via the Kampala Markets and stalls. Or you can fly back for an additional supplement.
