Day 1: Fly From Entebbe to Bwindi

You will start your Uganda fly in gorilla trek and wildlife safari with a transfer to the airport for your connecting flight to Entebbe. Upon arrival at the airport, you will connect another flight from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi/Kisoro airstrip in the south-western part of Uganda.

Your flight schedule is as follows:

Departure Entebbe: 07.45 am (check-in latest at 06.30 am, 1 hr before your flight departs)

Arrival Kihihi: 09.30 am Arrival Kisoro: 08:55 am

On arrival at Kihihi/Kisoro airstrip you will be picked up by the staff of lodge you are staying at. You will be transferred in about 1 hour to the lodge.

Journey time: Flight in the morning or afternoon/transfer to lodge 1½ hours

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Up-market: Buhoma Lodge | Mahogany Lodge| Nkuringo Gorilla Camp | Chameleon Hill Lodge | Trackers Lodge Buhoma

Moderate: Silverback Lodge | Engagi Lodge | Lake Mulehe Lodge

Low Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp | Rushaga Gorilla Havens

Meal plan: Lunch and dinner

Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today enjoy gorilla tracking in Bwindi.

After breakfast, proceed for the morning briefing before enjoying the highlight of the trip - gorilla trekking, which may last the entire day. We trek the gorillas through the rainforest and bamboo covered slopes, accompanied by a guide and trackers, in search of a mountain gorilla family. The walking can sometimes be tough and long, but when you catch a glimpse of the magnificent silverback, any discomforts will be quickly forgotten. When the gorillas are sighted, visitors will be guided to within 6 metres from the gorillas, sit around them for a whole hour while gazing into their big round eyes.

Gorilla trekking is unpredictable. It's difficult to foresee how many hours you will hike. The gorilla excursion can take from 2 up to 8 hours. Expect to walk along distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. A good physical condition is recommended. For conservation purposes, time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. A ranger will brief you on how to behave with the gorillas.

While most of today's forests are no more than 12,000 years old, Bwindi's vegetation has been weaving itself into tangles over at least 25,000 years, in the process accumulating a lengthy species list. This includes 310 species of butterfly, 51 reptiles, 200 trees, 88 moths and an exceptional 120 types of mammal including 10 primates. The latter includes chimpanzee, L'Hoest's, red-tailed and blue monkey, black and white colobus, baboon, and Bwindi's most famous resident, the mountain gorilla.

Bwindi is a prime destination for birdwatchers. Its 350 species include seven which are IUCN red data listed and 90% of all Albertine rift endemics, species which are difficult or impossible to see in any other part of East Africa.

Up-market: Buhoma Lodge | Mahogany Lodge| Nkuringo Gorilla Camp | Chameleon Hill Lodge | Trackers Lodge Buhoma

Moderate: Silverback Lodge | Engagi Lodge | Lake Mulehe Lodge

Low Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp | Rushaga Gorilla Havens

Day 3: Queen Elizabeth National Park - Ishasha Sector & Tree-climbing Lions

After breakfast, we drive through stunning savannah grasslands as we head to the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Ishasha a much more remote and less-traveled part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, but one which has a sense of exclusivity and remoteness. The game densities here are high, and this region has reported some of the largest herds of Elephant anywhere in Uganda, as it is their main migration corridor between Uganda and the DRC.

As we enter the park, we do a game drive in search of the wild game. We continue and drive to the northern circuit which is the area near the main road known for its tree climbing lions. We look particularly at the many fig trees where lions like to stay. But we also visit the Uganda kob mating ground which is their preferred hunting area.

Up-market/Luxury: Deluxe Tent/Deluxe room at Mweya Safari Lodge | Katara Lodge

Mid-range or moderate facility: Ihamba Safari Lodge | Bush Lodge (rooms) |  Enganzi Lodge

Budget price: Bush Lodge (tents)

Day 4:  Safari game drive and boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

We set out early in the morning for a game drive in the northern part of the park on the Kasenyi Track in search of lions, elephants, solitary buffaloes. This is the best time for opportunities of viewing the cats in action owing to the vast population of Uganda kobs. We have an excellent chance to view just about every animal here at very close range.

In the afternoon we will go for a launch trip along the Kazinga Channel. This gives you the opportunity to view wildlife up close: hippo’s huff and spray at a mere feet away from the boat, buffalo linger in the shallows. The shores of the channel are also home to an array of birds including pink backed pelicans, pied and malachite kingfishers, saddle billed stork and many others.

Up-market/Luxury: Deluxe Tent/Deluxe room at Mweya Safari Lodge | Katara Lodge

Mid-range or moderate facility: Ihamba Safari Lodge | Bush Lodge (rooms) | Enganzi Lodge

Budget price:  Bush Lodge (tents)

Day 5: Transfer to Mweya or Kasese Airstrip for flight back to Entebbe

Our representative will take care of your transfer to Mweya or Kasese airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe International Airport.

Journey Time for flights to between Bwindi and Entebbe

45 min transfer to Kihihi/ Kisoro & 1h10 min flight 

Buhoma Lodge

Buhoma Lodge is situated in Uganda in the idyllic Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, well known for being home to the rare and elusive mountain gorilla. From the private veranda of each cottage guests can enjoy views overlooking the forest whilst relaxing and taking in the stunning natural surrounds. Buhoma is an ideal accommodation for guests interested in gorilla trekking, being closely located to the meeting point for the treks.

There are ten comfortable cottages at Buhoma Lodge, each complete with a private veranda offering superb views of the forest. Cottages are traditionally decorated with wooden furnishings, but each is comfortable and spacious. Each cottage has en-suite facilities, and some provide bathtubs.

Meals are taken in the main, elevated lounge area, and are prepared using local ingredients to create an international cuisine. Located in the lounge, the bar is the perfect place to relax after the day's activities, or enjoy a drink around the fireplace.

Engagi Lodge

Engagi Lodge is a small and exclusive property on the edge of the Impenetrable Forest, close to the park headquarters. The lodge is open-ended at the front allowing a dramatic view of the Bwindi National Park from every corner inside the building.

The accommodation consists of eight en-suite Cottages which are evenly spaced out and hidden in the foliage. Each Cottage has either double or twin beds, a bathroom with flushing toilets and hot and cold running water. All units have private verandahs where guests can enjoy their early morning tea or coffee.

The kitchen, which has been built a distance away from the lodge to ensure privacy for the clients, prepares a variety of three course meals and all requirements such as vegetarians and vegans are catered for by our team of experienced Kampala trained chefs. The main lodge comprises a rock bar, the restaurant and a large wooden verandah with a separate outdoor viewing platform. The lodge building is large enough to cater for sizeable groups needing banqueting tables, but still allows smaller individual groups to spread out in the various different areas for privacy.

Rushaga Gorilla Camp

Rushaga Gorilla Camp is a midrange facility located in the Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Its within a walking distance from the Park Headquarters in the Rushaga Area of Bwindi.

Offering free WiFi and a sun terrace, Rushaga Gorilla Camp is located in Bugambira. Rushaga Gorilla Tracking (Nshongi Group) is 6 km away.

It offers 6 Luxury tents,  6 self-contained  Rooms (twin/double), and and ample Camping  site. All units feature a seating area. Some units have a terrace and/or balcony with garden views.

Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant or a drink at the bar. The property also offers packed lunches.

Bike hire is available at the property and the area is popular for cycling.

Gorilla Valley Lodge

Located on the border of the Bwindi impenetrable forest and set on a steep slope the lodge has a truly unique setting. Imagine waking up with the sounds of the forest, having your cup of coffee or tea on you private terrace, experiencing the forest coming alive and the mist mysteriously giving way for a lush jungle.

Gorilla Valley Lodge consists of 12 en-suite rooms, built on a steep slope, ensuring the best views on Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

All rooms have a private terrace from where to experience the splender of the forest. Tastefully decorated and equipped with solar water heaters and comfortable beds our rooms ensure a peaceful sleep.

Mahogany Springs

Mahogany Springs offers privacy and serenity blended with optimal comfort in a spectacular setting.

At Mahogany Springs it is the little touches that make the big difference, from the tiny details in the design of the lodge through to the unrivalled service levels provided by the highly trained staff.

Spend the day tracking for Gorillas through the forest, sitting on the terrace of your room or even down by the Munyanga River listening to the flowing waters as time slowly passes by.

The Rooms

All the rooms at Mahogany Springs are suites. The Superior Suites can be Twin, Double or Triple. These suites are spacious with large double doors and

beautiful windows. Each suite has its own private exquisitely designed terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest area.

All suites have large en-suite bathrooms with a gorgeously designed open terracotta shower. For added comfort and peace of mind all the suites have an advanced mosquito net system that wraps around the entire area of the beds.

There are power points in the living room and bedrooms as well as 2 desks/dressing tables.

Silverback Gorilla Lodge Bwindi

The lodge is located just minutes from the gate to the National Park where the gorilla tracking starts, and has stunning views over the forest. 

The food was good and plentiful. Buffet breakfast of cereal, fruit, eggs, bacon, grilled tomato etc.

The rooms are clean with functional mosquito nets and all have views over the forest with fantastic hot showers. There is also small gift shop in the lodge.

Gorilla Mist Camp Ruhija, Bwindi Impenetrable N.Park

This is a small camp with 4 thatched roof cottages with balconies overlooking the valley, forest and volcanoes. Located about 5 minutes from Bwindi/ Ruhija park offices from where gorilla tracking for either of the three families Oruzogo, Bitukula, and Kyaguliro starts.

Accommodation at the Gorilla Mist Camp is provided in clean well maintained rooms. All the accommodation has electric lighting installed. There are several leveled terraces for those with their own equipment to camp. Cold beers and sodas are available with local produce used to provide visitors meals.

Chameleon Hill Lodge

Chameleon Hill Lodge Bwindi

Chameleon Hill Lodge Bwindi

Chameleon Hill’s biggest leverage are the best views imaginable – from up the lush highlands, to the magical Lake Mutanda & its lush islands below and the sprawling highlands all around it, and to crown it off with a perfect backdrop of the Virunga Volcanic Mountains. The most visible of the volcanoes are Muhabura, Gahinga & Sabinyo whose peaks are cloudy most of the time. On clearer days, other Virunga volcanoes from Rwanda & D.R Congo can be sighted. At night, there is a good chance of spotting magma spilling in the air from the active volcano Nyiragongo, its epic!

The lodge has a unique style of multiple colors; each building painted a different color of the rainbow, which makes it so colorful and stand out beautifully.

Facilities and Services

• The Lobby – housed by the main castle, is comfy with colorful cushions. On arrival, it is here the lodge manager warmly welcomes you, served a glass of juice to refresh, & briefed before proceeding to check in to your room.
• The Restaurant – serves 3 meals a day, that is, breakfast, lunch & dinner, of both local & international delicacies. Lunch and dinner are served 3 courses (starter, main course & dessert). A daily menu for the main meal course is displayed. Visitors that require special consideration for meals or an alternative from the day’s menu make prior communication with the manager.
• Tea/Coffee is available in the Restaurant throughout the day.
• A Bar – located right next to the restaurant, has a good collection of renowned international wines & spirits in addition to the local beer brands.
• The Lounge, offers comfort on quality seats, sofas with cushions, and magnificent vistas of Lake Mutanda & the impressive landscape. Even better it has a fireplace to make your evenings cozy.
• A Library – placed in the lounge, has a good collection of travel information & books including field guides of birds, Trees & Shrubs, etc.
• A large deck, extending from the main house (that houses the Restaurant, Bar, & Lounge) overlooks the magnificent scenery – Lake Mutanda, the lush highlands, & cloudy Volcanoes.
• Evenings are kept entertained with traditional folklore by the local dancing group
• Electricity is provided by a generator, switched on from 7.00pm to 10.30pm.
• Laundry services are available at small cost.

Accommodation at Chameleon Hill Lodge

The lodge has a total of 10 chalets that include 5 doubles and 5 twins. Odd numbers are doubles while even numbers are twins.

Each chalet comprises of 1 large bed for the doubles, 2 beds (not as large as those in the doubles) for the twins. In the twins, beds can be pushed together to form a double. An extra bed can be added in the double room on request, for instance to accommodate a child. Mosquito nets over the bed, in spite of this being a mosquito-free area/zone.

Other extras in the room include extra thick blanket for the colder nights; bottle of drinking water per day; wardrobe;  a Safe; Umbrella, a patio with excellent views over Lake Mutanda, highlands & Volcanoes

In the en-suite bathroom you will find, Linen and bath towels, a toilet, shower, and a wash bowl. Hot shower are available 24/7.

In between chalets is a fencing to ensure maximum privacy.

Trackers Lodge Buhoma

Trekker's tavern Cottages is located at the hilltop in Ruhija overlooking the Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park Ruhija side, one of the most famous parks and home to more than half of the world population of mountain gorillas.

The lodge is very eco-friendly and has a lovely cozy atmosphere with 5 spacious cottages all with ensuite bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets.

A place of infinite calm surrounded by untamed majesty and commanding panoramic views of the Virungas on a clear day, the beautiful sunrise, Lake Edward and Bwindi forest in the south. It is around 15 minutes walk  from the Ruhija park headquarters.

The lodge is a perfect place for bird watchers as a variety of albertine rift endemics and other special birds can be viewed from the verandas of the cottages. A day walk to the mines offers a bird watcher a chance to see the Spotted Eagle Owl in a day roost, Doherty's Bushshrike, Mackinnon's Bushshrike, Red throated Wryneck, Dusky Twinspot, a variety of Waxbills and many others.

Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Buhoma Community Rest Camp (BCRC) is attractive complex set in wooded grounds on the slope facing a forest gallery immediately inside Bwindi National park entrance gate and has been in existence since 1993. They have self contained Bandas which are cabins in African Style, Self Contained Tents and Dormitories  for your accommodation needs while doing a  Gorilla Tracking tour in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Buhoma Community Rest Camp is setup at the Edge of Bwindi impenetrable National Park with the main aim of providing quality Lodging service to tourists and visitors.
They have got six (6) well finished safari tents, which are self-contained facing the forest with a spectacular view.

Wake up and go to sleep with the relaxing music of nature. Two cottages that are self-contained facing the forest. Nothing beats the scenes that unfold right in front of you. Gorillas do drop by to say hullo occasionally.

We also have got five (5) twin cottage bandas which are non-self-contained and are built with local materials with African architectural design.

Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort Camp, Bwindi Impenetrable N.Park

It is located about 600m from the Ruhija Gorilla tracking trail-head. An ideal budget lodging in Ruhija accommodation during your trip for you to track Kyanguriro, Bitukura and Oruzongo Gorilla Groups.   The campsite has  4 furnished safari tents ($30 per person bed breakfast), a restaurant and bar.

 Spectacular views overlooking valley towards the forest. Also 3 twin rooms available and camping possible.

Included

• Domestic flights as mentioned in the itinerary (including taxes):
• Ground transport in a 4wd Toyota Land cruiser with pop-up roof for excellent safari viewing for transfers and activities;
• Gorilla permits (each at US$600)
• Meals indicated on programme
• Services of an experienced tour guide cum driver
• Accommodation as per programme
• Park fees for the various parks
• Private/exclusive transportation using 4x4 safari vehicles
• Arrival airport transfers
• Entrance fees for tours mentioned in the programme
• Boat rides as on the program

Excludes:

• International air fares and entry visa to Uganda
• A porter during the gorilla tracking (someone who carries your daypack);
• Personal (medical/travel) insurance;
• Government tax or park fees increase;
• Tips and gratuities to rangers, driver/guide, porter, hotel staff, etc;
• All expenses of personal nature (e.g. drinks, laundry, optional activities, souvenirs etc.).

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