5 Days – Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth and Kalinzu Forest

This 5 days adventure in Uganda takes you through the misty Bwindi National Park for the Gorilla Trekking activity and later to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a great game viewing experience in the Ishasha sector and enjoy game drives and a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel. Finally for the Chimp tracking activity in Kalinzu Forest.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

You will be picked up around 7:00 am from your Hotel in Kampala (or Entebbe) by our Guide who will brief you about your tour. You will later be driven in a comfortable and secure touring vehicle to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the South-West which will take around 9 hours of drive. Lunch will be provided en-route at Mbarara.

You will be reaching in the evening at the accommodation in Bwindi.

Accommodation:

Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Mid-Range: Engagi Lodge

Luxury: Buhoma Lodge

Meal plan:  Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Day 2 – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorilla Trekking) to Ishasha

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 will stay with Gorillas sometime once sited and transfer to Ishasha Sector for accommodation.

Accommodation:

Budget: Topi Safari Lodge

Mid-Range: Ishasha Jungle Lodge

Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Mel Plan: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

Day 3 – Ishasha Sector (Game drive) to Queen Elizabeth National Park, North

After your breakfast along with packed Lunch you will be taken to Ishasha, famous for the tree climbing lions lounging in the tree branches while keeping a close eye on herds of Uganda kob, their favorite prey, you could have a chance to spot some tree climbing lions.
After the picnic lunch, you will continue with the Game drive and later in the evening you will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, North for the stay.

Accommodation:

Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages

Mid-Range: Marafiki Safari Lodge

Luxury: Katara or Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Day 4 – Queen Elizabeth National Park (Game Drives and Boat Cruise at Kazinga Channel)

Your day will begin early by 6:30 am, the sunrise time is usually the best time to spot animals in their natural habitats. Heading off for a game drive at the break of dawn you will be able to see Africa’s highly famed “Big 4”, Bush Bucks, Giant Hogs, Antelopes, Waterbucks and plenty of birds.

You will finish your game drive and return back to the accommodation just in time for lunch. After your lunch you will go for a two-hour Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel which connects Lakes George and Lake Edward and you will surely be fascinated by the concentrations of giant hippos, elephants and crocodiles among others. You will also see many varieties of birds at the water shores.

Accommodation:

Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages

Mid-Range: Marafiki Safari Lodge

Luxury: Katara or Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Day 5 – Kalinzu Forest (Chimp Tracking) to Kampala

Wake up early in the morning, have breakfast and head to Kalinzu Forest Reserve for a 3-4 hours chimpanzee trekking with a tracker and guide. The Forest Reserve is home to 6 groups of chimps, comprising over 300 individuals and tracking currently enjoys more than 80% success rate. Please bring suitable closed walking boots and long trousers for the chimp trekking.

Tour includes

  • Ground transport in a safari 4 x 4 or a safari minivan
  • Gorilla permit fees
  • Chimpanzee permit
  • 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