Gorillas of Uganda
Day 1
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to your hotel. Entebbeis a small, quiet town located on the shores of Lake Victoria and is easy to explore on foot, boda bodas(local motorbike)or taxis. Soak up the local markets filled with clothes and crafts, shop for souvenirsin curio shops, or explore the Botanical Gardens on Lake Victoria.
Enjoy the wide variety of restaurants serving many different cuisines as well as several bars and clubs where you can sample the local beer, catch a game of football and chat with the local Ugandans, known for their open, friendly nature. Nestled in the leafy suburbs of Entebbe, Hotel No.5 is a stylish boutique hotel. With all 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. Attention to detail , outstanding dining and an attentive guest experience are synonymous with Hotel No 5. Overnight atHotel No.5 (www.hotelnumber5.com)or similar, with breakfast included.
Day 2
Transfer after breakfast to the airport for your scenic light aircraft charter flight to Kihihiairstrip. A roughly 90 minute drive through local villages and along mountain roads brings you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest,a World Heritage site. Bwindi is one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa and home to over 120 mammals, 345 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies and 160 species of trees. The park contains an estimated one half of the world’s population of the endangered Mountain Gorilla, making it an extremely valuable conservation site. Set within the National Park, just steps away from the Gorilla Trekking headquarters, Buhoma Lodge offers cosy accommodation in wooden chalets with uninterrupted views ofthe pristine rain forest. Well loved for its warm welcome and attentive service, Buhoma is an eco friendly lodge operating on solar power, constructed using sustainable local materials. Each of the ten wooden chalets offers a private verandah and enchanting forest views. Overnight atBuhoma Lodge
Day 3
Gorilla Tracking -Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National ParkIt’s up early today as one of the most humbling and enthralling wildlife experiences imaginable awaits your discovery. Coming face to face with an endangered mountain gorilla is something words cannot aptly describe. Please note that gorilla trekkingis strenuous with treks ranging from 45mins up to eight hours, at high altitudesin hot African conditions.The thrill of the hour you spend quietly observing these gentle giants once you find them is well worth the hike to get there! Although mountain gorillas are wild animals and it should be noted that sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are well over 95%.
Head back to Buhoma Lodge for a complimentary massage after your trek, or explore the surrounding Bwindi community.
Day 4
Those with additional pre-purchased permits will depart for a second gorilla tracking experience. Guests not tracking have the day free to explore the Bwindi area –optional activities include forest walks, a visit to a local school/orphanage/hospital or Batwa pygmy village, and some local curio shopping.
Day 5
Continue this morning onto southern Queen Elizabeth National Park (a 2-3 hour drive), with a brief stop enroute at the Ishasha Community Uplift project. Immerse yourself in Agartha’s ‘Taste of Uganda’tour –an interactive experience for the inquisitive visitor who wonders how a rural Ugandan lady lives. Watch how local crops are transformed into staplefoodsuch as millet porridge and kalo bread.Located in the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife includingelephants, leopard, lions, hippos, buffalo, Uganda kob, baboon, and many species of birds. The southern Ishasha area includes the massive Maramagambo, one of the largest surviving natural forests in Uganda, and is home to the tree climbing lions typically found in the area.
Enjoy afternoon game drives, lookingoutfor the huge herds of buffalo, elephant andUganda kob. Overnight in Ishasha camp.
This exclusive tented camp offers the only luxury accommodation in the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth. With all ten spacious tents set on the river banks, the eco-friendly Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an idyllic retreat for people who enjoy remote wilderness. The central lounge/dining area offers a cosy spacefor guests to enjoy wholesome dining, although meals are often served ‘al fresco’ next to the river.Anoutdoor fireplace is the perfect place to relax with sundowners
Day 6
A relaxed day out and about enjoying game drives in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, rounding things off withscenic bush sundowners including drinks and snacks. Overnight atIshasha Wilderness Campincluding all meals and local drinks.
Day 7
Game Drives & Boat Cruise –Mweya SectorToday we depart Ishasha to the ‘Mweya’ sector of the National park to enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Kazinga’s shores are a haven for numerous birds, including many migratory species as they make their way south to warmer climates. The cruise also provides a spectacular view of the beautiful Mweya Peninsula and life in local fishing villages set along the banks. (Cruise normally departs at 14h00, although this depends on availability when booking and is subject to change –no drinks/ snacks provided on
Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodgeincluding all meals. The lodge boasts stunning views overlooking the Kazinga Channel on one side and the Rwenzori Mountains on the other. (www.mweyalodge.com)
Day 8
Depart early this morning to KyamburaGorgeto enjoy Chimpanzee trekking. A fun photo stop as you cross the Equator can be squeezed in.
The gorge is alive with noise -chimpanzees are veryactive and may move quickly through the treetops... or, if you arevery lucky, you may find them resting oreating on the ground. It’s an exhilarating walk, in beautiful scenery. Sightings cannot be guaranteed even though thechimps are habituated to humans.A 3-4 hour drive takes you to Kibale Forest, comprising an interesting blend of lowland tropical rain forest, montane forest, and mixed tropical deciduous forest. In addition to forest, you will also notice areas of grassland and of swamp. The forest is rich in wildlife andis most noted for its primate population. These include red-tailed monkey, diademed monkey, olive baboon, chimpanzee, and black and white colobus. The birdlife is also abundant, with close on 300 speciesidentified here. The forest is also home to 144 species of butterfly and a diverse population of moths and other insectsOvernight at Primate Lodge
Day 9
Your Kibale Forest chimp trek will generally take place in the morning. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Primate Lodgeor similar.
Day 10
Depart after an early breakfast for the drive back to Entebbe, arriving backlate afternoon. Please do not book a flight out of Entebbe before 19h00.
Inclusions
9 Nights accommodation in 4 star top quality camps and lodges based on twin share
Meet & greet at Entebbe airport
Airport transfers throughout
One way domestic flight from Entebbe to Kihihi on a scheduled flight (light aircraft)
4×4 transport with English speaking local driver/guide
Bottled water in safari vehicle
Community visit en route from Bwindi to Ishasha
1 x Sundowner drinks and snacks at Ishasha
All park entrance fees
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
24 hour local emergency contact
Excluded
International flights & Domestic not included except for EBB to KIHIHI one way
Drinks of all kinds (Except water while sightseeing
Chimpanzee and Gorilla tracking permits which must be pre purchased at time of booking approximatly 800 USD subject to change at time of confirmation
Note: Should gorilla permits be booked at Ruhija, there is an additional shared vehicle transfer fee of USD 140 /vehicle return
Any additional excursions not noted above such as forest walks, Genocide Museum, Village / Cultural visits and entries not indicated
Medical/evacuation/cancellation insurance strongly suggested
Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, room service, etc
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Gratuities of any kind (Safari Guide/Porterage/hotel and restaurant staff/drivers/etc
Visa - Passport must be valid for 6 months