The 5 Days Uganda wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This is a combined primate and wildlife safari package taking you on a thrilling gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi and lion tracking along Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth N/Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a tropical rainforest park and is situated in Southwestern Uganda. This park is made of 4 key areas where gorilla treks begin from; Ruhija, Rushaga, Buhoma and Nkuringo. Over 459 out of 1063 mountain gorillas all call Bwindi a home and more than 20 habituated gorilla groups can be explored here.
Queen Elizabeth National Park –Uganda’s 2nd biggest park lies in Kasese, Western Uganda and boasts of its diverse ecosystem. This 1978sq.km savanna protected area supports diversity of fauna including 4 of the big 5 game (elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards), antelopes, plus more than 625 species of birds. Your wildlife tour will begin and end in Kampala/Entebbe.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Masaka
Day 2: Lion tracking in Kasenyi Plains & boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi and en-route Ishasha game drive
Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi & afternoon community visit
Day 5: Departure in the morning
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Masaka
Leave Kampala after breakfast and you will be taking the enriching route that is through Masaka-Mbarara-Bushenyi. Make a stopover visit at the Equator crossing, enjoy photography moment and there is an option of performing a water experiment. From the equator crossing, you will continue up to Igongo or at the hotel in Mbarara city for lunch break. From here, drive up to the park for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay at the pre-booked lodge.
Accommodation
- Budget: Simba Tented Camp
- Midrange: Elephant Plains Lodge/Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Day 2: Lion tracking in Kasenyi Plains & boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
After breakfast, you will be part of the unforgettable lion trekking experience on the Kasenyi Plains. This wildlife experience allows you explore in depth about lions, their behaviors and also take as many photos as possible. The lion trekking gets you exposed not only to African lions but also other faunal species including elephants, buffaloes and antelopes, etc.
From lion trekking, get back to have lunch at the pre-booked lodge. In the afternoon, transfer to Kazinga for a boat cruise with an expert. The 2-3 hours’ launch cruise lets you watch clearly myriad of aquatic species including hippos, Nile crocodiles and birds like kingfishers, fish eagles, pelicans, and more.
Accommodation
- Budget: Simba Tented Camp
- Midrange: Elephant Plains Lodge/Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi and en-route Ishasha game drive
Have a hearty breakfast early morning and after, check out of the lodge from the Northern section of Queen Elizabeth NP. From Kasenyi area, drive towards the South and the main focus will be a game drive through Ishasha sector. At Ishasha, enjoy a game drive and you will have great chance to see the tree climbing lions plus other mammals. Depart from Ishasha, drive to Bwindi NP to enjoy the rest of your evening at the gorilla safari lodge.
Accommodation
- Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
- Midrange: Engagi Lodge
- Luxury: Buhoma Lodge or Mahogany Springs
Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi & afternoon community visit
Enjoy a heavy breakfast at the comfort of your lodge and after, you will be transferred to Buhoma or any other area for morning orientation about gorilla trekking regulations and other safety measures. This session also covers allocation of habituated gorilla families and park guides. You will set off for actual search for gorillas at 8:00am and you will spend about 2-6 hours in the wild. On finding the family of these apes, expect to interact with them for an hour but when keeping a distance of 8-10m.
Get back to the lodge for relaxation and you will again be accompanied by the local guide to the Batwa community. Explore in depth about the Batwa and their traditions, cultures and enjoy their distinct cultural dances.
Accommodation
- Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
- Midrange: Engagi Lodge
- Luxury: Buhoma Lodge or Mahogany Springs
Day 5: Departure in the morning
At leisure, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and after, check out of the lodge. Next will be driving back up to Kampala or Entebbe city.
End of safari
Inclusions
- Park entry fees
- All relevant government taxes
- A professional driver/guide in Uganda
- All activities except when indicated optional
- Accommodation fees (4 nights) and meals
- Valid gorilla permits
- Lion trekking experience
Exclusions
- Tips
- Laundry
- Travel Insurance
- Visa fees
- International airfares
- Extra accommodation fees
- Shopping and other personal expenses
