Tour Highlights: 

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
• Gorilla Trekking
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hotel No.5, Entebbe

You will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative on arrival at Entebbe International Airport and transferred to your hotel. 

Entebbe

Set on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is a small town that is easy to explore on foot or local boda bodas (motorbike taxis).  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 football and meet the friendly locals.                                                                                                             

Overnight: Hotel No.5 View iBrochure

Nestled in the leafy suburbs of Entebbe, is the new and stylish boutique hotel, Hotel No.5. From the moment you arrive, you are warmly welcomed and cared for. With luxurious rooms opening onto the garden and swimming pool, this is a great option for guests looking for an intimate stay in a tranquil setting.

Make yourself at home – unwind beside the swimming pool, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or work up a sweat in the hotel gym. For one of the most flavoursome dining experiences in Entebbe, carefully planned menus are paired to an international wine list, and served with pride.

Attention to detail and an attentive guest experience are synonymous with Hotel No. 5, making it the perfect choice for a restful stay in this busy town.

Day 2: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Transfer through local villages and along mountain roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a World Heritage site (a full day drive of drive of +- 10-11 hours). Enjoy a picnic lunch en-route.  

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

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 400 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.

Overnight: Buhoma Lodge View iBrochure

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Nestled at the gateway to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Buhoma Lodge is one of only two lodges set within the national park, and is the perfect lodge of choice when embarking on your bucket-list Gorilla trekking adventure. 

Renowned for its warm welcome and attentive service, guests love the homely ambience of this Africa inspired lodge. Constructed using sustainable materials, the elevated central lounge, bar and dining area (serving delicious multi-course meals) offers a cosy spot for guests to unwind, and offers amazing uninterrupted views over the forest. The crackling fireplace adds a mystical atmosphere to cooler evenings.

Tranquil and cosy, the ten spacious eco friendly wooden chalets offer a private escape. Fall asleep to the sounds of the forest and awaken to chattering birds and monkeys as day breaks. Enjoy morning tea/coffee on your private verandah with sweeping views over the primal forest– what better way to start the day.

With Buhoma set just steps away from the trek start point, gorillas have been spotted popping in for an occasional visit, while our resident L’Hoest’s monkey troup visit the gardens in front of the lodge almost daily, much to the delight of our guests.

Day 3: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day Itinerary

Gorilla Tracking – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Coming up close to endangered Mountain Gorillas in the forests of Uganda is a thrilling lifetime experience that surely ranks on most people’s travel bucket list. Trekking at high altitude (should we say between 1400 – 1900metres) which is much lower than Rwanda….through dense forests and up steep terrain can be challenging, especially in the African heat, but the hour you get to spend with these gentle giants is worth every step.

Only 8 guests may trek one gorilla family, at a time.  One trek per day/per family.

Trekking – is managed fully by Uganda Wildlife Authority, with a head ranger, security personnel (who are armed as a precaution against wildlife etc) and trackers , with optional porters – who walk with the guests until a family is located.  Once the gorillas are found, the rangers only take the guests closer to the gorillas – and your viewing time commences – which is one hour. 

Head back to Buhoma Lodge for a complimentary massage after your trek, or explore the surrounding Bwindi Community. 

Overnight: Buhoma Lodge View iBrochure

Day 4: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

If you have opted for a 2nd gorilla trek, you will depart early to embark on your trek.

If you are not trekking gorillas, the day is yours at leisure to enjoy other activities available in the area such as a forest walk, a visit to a local school/orphanage or Batwa pygmy village, and curio shopping.

Some optional extra activities:  

Bwindi Forest Walk

This can be undertaken with a Uganda Wildlife Authority 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.

Bwindi Village Visit

Bwindi Village Visit is a 3 – 4-hour community walk through the local villages surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Optional activities include visits to a traditional home, local orphanage or school, banana brewing demonstrations and even meeting traditional medicinal healers.

Batwa Cultural Experience

The Batwa Pygmies have lived in the Bwindi forest for over five thousand years. They are renowned storytellers and dancers and were honoured in the courts of the Ancient Egyptians. They believe in a legend passed down generations that their god Nagasan charged them with the responsibility of being the “Caretakers of the Forest”. Visitors will learn from them how their ancestors survived in the forest as hunter-gatherers – what they ate, how they hunted, the plants and herbs they used, how they dance, sing and socialise. Guests also listen to their fascinating stories and legends; test their bow and arrow skills; participate in a mock hunting party and bask in the singing and dancing of the tribe upon returning as successful hunters.

Day 5: Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Depart Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park this morning and travel to Ishasha in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park (a 2-3 hour drive). 

Southern 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.

Enjoy game drives in search of tree-climbing lions. 

Overnight: Ishasha Wilderness Camp View iBrochure

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wilderness, coupled with superb accommodation and exceptional service.

The thatched central lounge and dining area provides a cosy and relaxed space for guests, although meals are often served ‘al fresco’ beside the river. In the evening, the outdoor fireplace beside the river is the perfect place for guests to relax over sundowners and share their day’s experiences.

Each of the ten spacious framed canvas rooms, privately nestled along the riverbank, is comfortably furnished and feature en-suite bathrooms. Wake to the delicious aroma of morning coffee served on your private verandah.

Resident troops of Black-and-White Colobus and Vervet monkeys abound and if you are lucky you’ll spot Henry, the lone hippo, wallowing lazily below our viewing deck. Game roams freely through camp, with Elephant making frequent guest appearances.

Designed to respect and complement the environment, this low impact, eco-sensitive camp is really something special, and after a few days unwinding here, you may well not want to leave.

Day 6: Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Spend the day enjoying game drives in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, rounding things off with scenic bush sundowners beside the Ntungwe River, or from a scenic viewing point along the ridge overlooking Ishasha. The activity includes local drinks and snacks, and also invites guests to drink in the vast vistas and atmosphere of this beautiful area of the park. This is what memories are made of!  

Overnight Ishasha Wilderness Camp. 

Day 7: Mazike Valley Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Head north toward the northern sector of the park to 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, wallowing hippos, and countless bird species.  Drift past local fishing villages, and soak up the peaceful tranquillity of this beautiful African day.  (Cruise normally departs at 14h00, although this depends on availability when booking and is subject to change –no drinks/ snacks provided on boat)  

Overnight: Mazike Valley Lodge 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Mazike Valley Lodge (formerly Kyambura Game Lodge) is a small lodge situated in Kyambura Gorge, Queen Elizabeth National Park. Having recently undergone extensive refurbishment, the 8 tastefully decorated cottages offer breathtaking views of the vast Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Maramagambo Forest and the Kazinga Channel on the horizon. Set in chimp country, and constructed from sustainably sourced materials to blend into the wilderness, this is a delightfully rustic lodge offering low-key elegance in a fantastic location. 

While each spacious cottage is unique in layout and décor, elegant en-suite facilities and wifi in rooms come standard throughout. The main thatched area houses an open-plan lounge, bar and dining area, where wholesome meals using produce from the lodge’s garden are enjoyed. Keep the African heat in check with a plunge in the refreshing swimming pool.

Day 8: End of Itinerary

Early morning start today, with the highlight being your Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge. The forest is alive with noise! Chimpanzees can be quite active and may move quickly through the forest canopy… or, if you are lucky, you may find them resting or eating near the forest floors. It’s an exhilarating walk, in beautiful scenery.  As with gorilla trekking, sightings cannot be guaranteed. 

After this activity, we depart back to Entebbe, a road trip of around 7-8 hours.

 (If you are departing today flights out of Entebbe should not be booked earlier than 22h00) 

Included

• Meet & greet at Entebbe airport
• Airport transfers throughout
• 1 night accommodation at Hotel No.5 including breakfast
• 4×4 transport with English speaking local driver/guide as above
• Bottled water in safari vehicle
• 3 nights accommodation at Buhoma Lodge including all meals & local drinks
• 2 nights accommodation at Ishasha Wilderness Camp including all meals & local drinks
• 1 night accommodation at Mazike Valley Lodge including all meals 
• All park entrance fees
• Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Full liability insurance cover and 24 hour emergency contact

Excluded

• Gorilla Permit of USD700 per trek Bwindi  (2nd trek USD 770 per permit) 
• Kyambura chimpanzee permits USD 50 each
• All flights and airport taxes
• Personal expenses such as visas, health requirements, travel insurance, porters, drinks and tips,  
• Services/activities/meals not included above

POPULAR TRIP EXTENSIONS: 

MURCHISON FALLS: River Nile, game drives, chimpanzee trekking, fishing, bird-watching.  

KIBALE: Chimpanzees and other primates, forest walks, crater lakes.  

JINJA: Source of the Nile, adventure activities including white water rafting, quad biking. 

ENTEBBE: City life and local craft shopping, boat cruises or fishing on Lake Victoria, Botanical Gardens, Uganda Wild Life Education Centre/ Ngamba Island. 

We offer 6, 8 and 10 day small group, set departures as well as combination Uganda/Rwanda trips. We are also experts at designing your own tailor made trip to meet your exact personal interests. 

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:  

Please contact us for updated Covid-19 regulations/ requirements to ensure you have the latest information 

Yellow fever inoculation is compulsory & malaria prophylactics are recommended. For gorilla trekking it is imperative that you are healthy and free of any disease or virus – officials do have the right to refuse entry if you are found to have or show any signs of communicable illnesses.  Should you opt to spend time participating in any UWEC Wildlife Integration programme, you may require additional inoculations and health clearances.  

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Is compulsory for all guests travelling with Wild Frontiers.    

VISA REQUIREMENTS:  

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Uganda. All visitors who require a visa should apply through the online application system prior to arrival at https://visas.immigration.go.ug.  Cost is USD 50,single entry.  Passports must be valid for 6 months after return date of travel, and have at least 3 blank pages in it.  The newly established EAC Visa allows entry into Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya for one fee of USD100 – handy if you are visiting all 3 regions.