5 Days Bwindi impenetrable and Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Morning:
- Depart from Kampala or Entebbe early in the morning and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (approximately 6-7 hours).
- Pass through the equator for a photo stop and continue through the scenic countryside of western Uganda.
- Afternoon:
- Arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park, check into your lodge, and enjoy lunch.
- After settling in, take an afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi Plains to spot wildlife like lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and various bird species.
- Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, or Enganzi Lodge.
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
- Morning:
- Early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. This is the best time to see wildlife as predators are still active, and the cool air encourages animal movement.
- Expect to see elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and possibly lions or leopards.
- Afternoon:
- After lunch, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This is a highlight of the park, offering excellent views of large hippo pods, crocodiles, elephants, and various waterbirds like pelicans, fish eagles, and cormorants.
- Evening:
- Optional evening game drive or relax at your lodge.
- Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, or Enganzi Lodge.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (via Ishasha)
- Morning:
- After breakfast, take a game drive in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park (approx. 2 hours drive from Kasenyi Plains).
- Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions that can often be seen lounging in fig trees, as well as buffaloes, antelopes, and various bird species.
- Afternoon:
- After the game drive, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (3-4 hours drive).
- Arrive at your lodge in Bwindi and relax in preparation for the next day’s gorilla trek.
- Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, or Bwindi Lodge.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Morning:
- After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers on the gorilla trekking experience.
- Set off into the dense Bwindi forest, trekking through steep terrain in search of a mountain gorilla family. The trek can take 2-6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas.
- Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have one hour to observe, photograph, and marvel at these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
- Afternoon:
- Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
- Optional activities: Take a guided nature walk in the forest or visit a local Batwa Pygmy community for a cultural experience.
- Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, or Bwindi Lodge.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 5: Transfer Back to Kampala
- Morning:
- After breakfast, depart Bwindi and begin the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe (approx. 8-9 hours drive). You’ll drive through scenic landscapes, passing small towns, tea plantations, and local markets.
- Stop for lunch en route at Mbarara or another convenient location.
- Afternoon:
- Continue to Kampala or Entebbe, arriving in the late afternoon or evening.
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.
Inclusions:
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Accommodation (full-board basis).
- Gorilla trekking permit.
- Game drives and park entry fees.
- Boat safari on Kazinga Channel.
- Bottled water in the vehicle.
- Professional English-speaking guide.
Exclusions:
- Travel insurance, visas, and flights.
- Tips and alcoholic beverages.
- Optional activities (e.g., Batwa community visit).
This 5-day itinerary offers an exciting mix of gorilla trekking in Bwindi and classic wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, providing a well-rounded adventure through two of Uganda’s premier parks.