Best of Uganda

Day 1 : Entebbe

On arrival in Entebbe you will be met by your local representative and transferred to your accommodation. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure and explore the markets, hunt for souvenirs or crafts, meander through the Botanical Gardens or relax with a boat cruise on Lake Victoria. You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, bars and clubs where you can sample the local beer, catch a game of soccer and meet the friendly locals.

Day 2 : Entebbe > Bwindi

Transfer to the local airport for your flight to Kihihi airstrip (around 1.5 hours). On arrival, transfer by road (2 hours) through local villages and along mountain roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park – a World Heritage site. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforest, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. More famously, this “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 460 mountain gorillas – including several habituated families.

This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 species of mammal, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.

Optional activities:

Village walk to Buhoma community where you can visit various interesting places as you follow a walking trail through the village. Highlights include the traditional healer, banana brewery and Mukono Primary school where you may interact with the children.

Bwindi Forest Walk with an expert guide to allow you to hike along the trails and enjoy the forest flora, fauna and wildlife such as monkeys at close proximity. A popular choice is the 3–4-hour hike to the waterfall.

Day 3 : Gorilla Trekking

Enjoy gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare and exhilarating wildlife encounter that is hard to capture in words. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest on the steep mountain slopes.

After a long and rewarding day, head back to Buhoma Lodge for a complimentary massage after your trek, or explore the surrounding Bwindi community. Overnight Buhoma Lodge.

NB: Please note that gorilla trekking can be strenuous, with treks ranging from 45 mins up to eight hours, at high altitudes in often hot conditions. We do recommend hiring a local porter to assist you on your trek. Although mountain gorillas are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are over 95%.

Day 4 : Gorilla Trekking > Ishasha

Enjoy an optional forest walk or a community walk. An optional gorilla trekking opportunity is available today; however, it must be pre-booked. Afternoon drive to Ishasha (approximately 2-3 hours) visiting the Ishasha Community Project en route (if time permits). Two nights at your wilderness camp.

Day 5 : Ishasha

Spend today game viewing in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Surrounded by other wonderful parks in the western region of Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its rich biodiversity, wildlife and history. In the southern part of the park, the remote Ishasha sector is home to tree-climbing lions who spend long lazy days dozing in the pretty fig trees. The Uganda Kob, which they watch from the branches, graze the plains, enjoy game watching – make sure to look out for elephants, topi, and perennial and migratory bird species.

Optional activities:
Enjoy a scenic bush sundowners or a beautiful bush breakfast with an early game drive. We recommend booking in advance.

Day 6 : Ishasha > Kazinga

Enjoy a morning game drive. 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. The cruise also provides a spectacular view of the beautiful Mweya Peninsula and life in local fishing villages set along the banks.

Day 7 : Kazinga > Kyambura > Kazinga

Enjoy chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge and another day of game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Kyambura Gorge is well known stunning scenery and a vast bio-diversity and should you miss the Chimps, your guide will still point out the Black & White Colobus, Red Tailed Monkey and the Grey Cheeked Mangabey as well as Pittas & different bird species and provide details of the tradit of the plant species within the forest.

Day 8 : Kazinga > Entebbe

After breakfast, depart to Mweya airstrip (Kasese) for your return flight to Entebbe where arrangements end.