Introduction
This safari will bring you close to the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the unique climbing lions of Ishasha Sector, savannah wildlife, and a private boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The trek uncovers a habitat with over 400 mountain gorillas. You will experience the nature smile of Africa!
Day 1: Flight to Bwindi Impenetrable
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative who will connect you to your internal flight to Kihihi Airfield. Upon arrival at Kihihi Airfield, you will be welcomed by your safari guide who will transfer you to your booked accommodation. You will check in for lunch. In the evening, you will go for an optional community walk to experience the Batwa lifestyle or else relax at the lodge as you prepare for a magical experience the following day.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience
You will have an early breakfast at the lodge terrace while hearing the different calls of the forest birds and drive to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. You’ll set off for a memorable experience of gorilla trekking. The guide will take you through the forest, pushing your way through the undergrowth with mist conditions to trek the gorillas. The trek takes 3-4 hours depending on where you will encounter the gorillas. You will be allowed one hour with the gorillas. You will descend back to the office for debriefing, head back to the lodge, relax, and have a complementary massage.
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
You will have a relaxed breakfast, and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park through Ishasha Sector for a short safari in search of tree-climbing lions. On a lucky mid-morning you will sight the tree-climbing lions lounging on fig trees cooling off. You will go for a savannah picnic lunch at the Ishasha River while watching hundreds of hippos. You’ll drive for 2 hours to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Game Drive and Boat Trip on the Kazinga Channel
The day will begin with a cup of coffee as a wake-up call. You will then leave for a morning safari before sunrise. You’ll drive towards the northern part of the park while viewing the foothills of Mount Rwenzori and the sunrise behind you. You’ll look out for lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants over five species of antelopes, and various bird species such as the African spoonbills, pied kingfishers, pelicans, kingfishers, and vultures. You will go back for a full breakfast and relax at the poolside. You’ll have an early lunch, and drive to Mweya Peninsular for a private boat cruise with drinks and snacks. You’ll cruise for two hours while enjoying different wildlife on the shores of Kazinga Channel like crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes drinking water and cooling off by the shores, and over 100 species of birds both migrants and immigrants. You’ll drive back to the lodge. In the evening, go for sunset drinks at the campfire and later a private savannah dinner (bush dinner).
Day 5: Transfer to Entebbe
You will enjoy your delicious breakfast by the terrace while viewing the savannah landscape and foothills of the mountains of the moon, you will drive to Kasese Airfield through the national park for your internal flight to Kajjansi Airfield. You will check in your day room in Entebbe as you wait for your flight back home.
Touchdown at Entebbe International Airport, the gateway to Uganda! 🇺🇬 After your smooth landing, be greeted by a warm Churchill Safaris guide who will whisk you away to your hotel, the Onomo Hotel 🏨 (or similar). If you arrive early, there’s still plenty to explore. Discover the rich history of the Kasubi Tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage site) 🏰, the impressive Bulange Palace 🏛️, and the fascinating Uganda Museum 🖼️. Don’t miss a visit to the stunning Bahai Temple ⛪, and end your evening with vibrant cultural entertainment at the Ndere Cultural Centre 🎶💃. It’s the perfect introduction to Uganda’s heritage!
Meal Plan: Half Board (HB)
Rise early for a scenic drive east to Jinja, the home of the iconic Source of the Nile! 🌍💧 Along the way, admire the lush beauty of the Ugandan landscape 🌿 and take a quick stop to pay your respects at the Mahatma Gandhi monument 🗿. When you arrive, it’s time to board a boat 🚤 for a relaxing cruise along the mighty Nile, where you’ll stand in awe of the historic site that marks the beginning of the world’s longest river 🌍. Capture every moment 📸—this is an experience you’ll never forget! Afterward, check in at Haven Lodge Jinja (or similar) for a well-deserved rest 🛏️.
Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Start the day with a hearty breakfast 🍽️, then get ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure at Busowoko Falls, where you can choose between thrilling white water rafting 🏄♂️ or the more relaxed but equally exciting Nile tubing 🛶. Either way, the rush of the river will have your heart racing! 💓 In the afternoon, unwind with a sunset cruise 🌅 along the Nile, soaking in the stunning views and peaceful vibes 🌊. Return to Haven Lodge or similar to relax and reflect on the day 🌙.
Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
After breakfast, say farewell to Jinja and embark on a scenic drive back to Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital 🏙️. En route, stop by the beautiful Ssezibwa Falls 💦 in Mukono for a cultural and historical experience. Once in Kampala, check in at Onomo Hotel (or similar) 🏨 before heading to the Ndere Cultural Centre for an evening of mesmerizing local music 🎶 and dance 💃.
Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
Bid farewell to the city and head southwest to the lush and remote Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 🏞️, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the endangered mountain gorillas 🦍. This pristine rainforest 🌳 is a sanctuary for an incredible diversity of wildlife 🦋🐦. After checking in at Haven Lodge (or similar) 🏡, enjoy the serenity of your surroundings and prepare for tomorrow’s thrilling gorilla trek!
Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
The moment you’ve been waiting for! 🙌 After an early breakfast 🍽️, you’ll join a park ranger 🏞️ and head into the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to track the incredible mountain gorillas 🦍. The trek can be challenging, but once you encounter these gentle giants in their natural habitat, all the effort will be more than worth it 💚. Spend an unforgettable hour with them 📸. After the trek, relax with a range of optional activities: Try your hand at local cooking 🍳 with professional chefs, immerse yourself in the fascinating Batwa cultural entertainment 🔥, or take a peaceful boat ride 🚤 on Lake Mutanda, surrounded by the stunning Virunga Mountains 🏞️.
Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
After breakfast, it’s time to leave the rainforest 🌳 and head toward the vast savannahs of Lake Mburo National Park 🌅. On the way, enjoy a visit to a local family for an authentic coffee tour ☕, where you’ll learn the art of organic coffee production 🌱. Then, head to Kigarama Wilderness Lodge 🏨 for a peaceful night’s rest in the heart of the African savannah 🌾.
Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
On your final day, rise early for a game drive 🚙 through Lake Mburo National Park, home to giraffes 🦒, buffalo 🐃, leopards 🐆, and a variety of birdlife 🦜. This exciting drive offers the chance to spot wildlife before they retreat into the shadows 🌅. Afterward, take a short detour to stand at the Equator 🌍—one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern! 🌏 You may also visit the Royal Drum Makers in Mpambire 🥁 for a unique cultural experience. Finally, head back to Entebbe and arrive at the airport ✈️, ready to board your flight with a heart full of memories and a camera full of incredible photos 📸!
Meal Plan: Full Board (F/B)
