5 DAY GORILLA TREKKING AND SAFARI
TO BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST AND QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Day One: Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, we will set off for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the home of the famous mountain Gorillas. It is estimated half of the world’s surviving population of mountain Gorillas live within Bwindi boundaries. On the way, we cross the Equator and stop to mark traveling in both hemispheres. We then continue southwards with opportunities for sighting and taking photos of the long horned Ankole cattle in Ankole. We also stop for lunch along the way. We then rise into the Kigezi highlands, known as the ‘Switzerland of Africa’, so called because of the spectacular mountains. We arrive in Bwindi in the evening and you will be taken to your accommodation to rest and get ready for our time with the Gorilla’s the following day. This National Park offers a dramatic steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense but has numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. The breathtaking chance to view these majestic Gorilla’s here in their natural habitat is truly a ‘Bucket List’ activity the memories of which you will cherish for a lifetime. Apart from the gorillas, there are a variety of primates to be seen including the blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys, and black & white colobus monkeys.
Day Two: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Following breakfast, you will report to the ranger station for registration at 8am. The guides will then take you through the bush, pushing your way through the undergrowth and parting thick creepers to track the gorillas. This trek can take from half an hour to 5 hours and a reasonable degree of fitness is required as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them grumble to each other, and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male; the Silverback.
It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas. It’s amazing to think there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left. A packed lunch will be taken to be eaten along the trek. After the day trekking you will return to your accommodation, tired but hopefully happy, for dinner and your evenings relaxation.
Day Three: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Following breakfast, we head to Ishasha, which is in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will be able to take a game drive where you may see the tree-climbing lions this region is famous for. Ishasha is dominated by acacia woodland and forest and features the meandering Ishasha River. After a picnic lunch we drive to the northern area of the park and check in at your lodge for you to relax and dine here.
Day Four: Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, we head straight out on a game drive, viewing hordes of animals including elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards and hyenas amongst others. You will also be able to watch many of the over 500 different species of birds here. They include Black-Bee eater, 11 different species of Kingfisher, several falcons, eagles and raptors. After lunch we take a 2 hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This water way connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is filled with hippos, buffaloes and elephants along the banks. After the cruise you will be able to taken back at your lodgings to enjoy dinner and relaxation.
Day Five: Kyambura Gorge to Kampala
Early morning visit to Kyambura Gorge to track chimpanzees in their natural habitat and view the variety of monkeys who live in the Gorge. Then we will visit the tea plantations and a banana plantation which provide the staple food of Uganda. This is followed by a picnic lunch before we head to Mpambire in Mpigi famous for its tradition craft of Drum Making, you will be able to learn more about this tradition and look for souvenirs before we travel onward towards Kampala where you will be dropped at either your accommodation or Entebbe Airport.
TOUR INCLUDES
- Entrance Fees for all activities on the itinerary
- All excursions on the itinerary
- Accommodation from Day One until drop off on the last day of the tour
- All transport during the tour itinerary
- Meals – dependent on Half Board or Full Board arrangements made at the time of booking
- English speaking guide
- Game Drive
- Any Camping Equipment
- Permits for wildlife activities
TOUR EXCLUDES
- Any optional activities arranged separately
- Accommodation prior to Day One or after drop off on the last day of the tour
- Visa
- Travel Insurance
- Personal spending money
- Alcoholic drinks
- Laundry
- Any medical costs
- Tips
- Any fines incurred for improper behavior or breach of National Park rules
5 Days/ 4 Nights Bwindi Gorilla & Queen Elizabeth Park Safari Rates Include:
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THE ABOVE IS JUST A PROPOSED ITINERARY AND CAN CHANGE WITHOUT ANY PRIOR NOTICE.
KOMPASS SAFARIS SHALL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY CHANGES IT DEEMS FIT.