4 Days – Lake Mburo, Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi

Itinerary

Day 1 – Kampala to Lake Mburo (Game Drive & Boat Ride)

You will set off from Kampala (or Entebbe) at 6:30 am and head to the western part of Uganda to Lake Mburo National Park. The drive takes 3-4 hours with a stopover at the Equator for an opportunity to stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time. You will continue through the savannah grasslands dotted with settlements, plantations and several herds of local long horned Ankole cattle endemic to this part of the country.
Once you get into Lake Mburo National Park you will go for a game drive in search of wildlife like Zebra, hippos, crocodiles, eland, antelope, impala and a variety of birds. Post lunch you will go for a 2 hour boat ride on Lake Mburo which is endowed with a variety of water animals such as hippos and crocodiles and several bird species.

Journey time – 4 hours

Accommodation:

Budget: Eagle’ Nest

Mid-Range: Rwakobo Rock

Luxury: Mihingo Lodge

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Day 2 – Lake Mburo (Game Drive) to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

You will have an early morning breakfast at 6:30 am and start for a morning Game drive at Lake Mburo and with Lunch en route you will proceed towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which in the South-West which will take around 6-7 hours of drive.

Accommodation:

Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Mid-Range: Engagi Lodge

Luxury: Buhoma Lodge

Meal plan:  Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Day 3 – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorilla Trekking) to Lake Bunyonyi

You will have an early morning breakfast at 6:30 am and with packed Lunch you will move to the Park headquarters to join other trackers in a briefing about the gorilla trekking rules at 7:30 am. You will trek through thick creepers and undergrowth with your guides to find the Gorillas, which can take you 1-8 hours. The steeply forested landscape is incredibly dense but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access by tourists. You will stay with Gorillas sometime once sited and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi.

The drive will be in the beautiful part of the country often referred to as ‘the Switzerland of Africa’ because of its unique cool weather despite being near the Equator. This lake is said to be one of the most beautiful places in western Uganda. It is the second deepest lake in Africa (900 meters deep) and also one of the few places in the country where it is considered safe to swim as it is bilharzia free.

Note : Depending on your time of arrival at Lake Bunyonyi, you can pay the extra amount for the activity (Community Walk, Canoe Ride, Boat Ride, Bicycle Ride, Bird Watching and Cray Fishing.) directly at the accommodation and do the activity on this day or on the next day before departing back to Kampala (or Entebbe).

Accommodation:

Budget: Itambira Seed of Hope

Mid-Range/Luxury:  Bird’s Nest – click here for more info about your accommodation.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Day 4 – Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala

The final day of your adventure in Uganda will begin early in the morning. Have a quick breakfast, then drive towards Kampala (or Entebbe). On the way you will have Lunch before reaching Kampala (or Entebbe).

Tour includes

  • Ground transport in a safari 4 x 4 or a safari minivan
  • Gorilla permit fees
  • Park entrance
  • Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Bottled water in the safari vehicle
  • Full board accommodation for two nights
  • Service of an English-speaking driver guide
  • All mentioned activities except for the optional ones

Tour excludes

  • Extras at the accommodation i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.
  • Tips to porters and driver/ guide
  • Insurance
  • Any item of personal nature
  • Any service mentioned as optional in the itinerary or not mentioned in inclusion list

Gorilla trekking tips

  1. Bwindi impenetrable national park requires hiking, you should pace yourself and drink plenty of water.
  2. Eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden. Your ranger guide will communicate designated time and place for such.
  3. We encourage you to carry a rain poncho
  4. Waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots are essential.
  5. Gardening gloves for protection against stinging plants
  6. Long trousers and long sleeved sweaters or shirts while in the forest to avoid insect stings.
  7. Photography is permitted, although you must not use flash
  8. Porters are available to help you carry your day pack for a minimum fee of $20 or UGX 50,000