Photo of Lion on Grass Field

    9 Days Western Uganda Game Parks and Gorillas

    • Uganda
    • 9 days

    Overview

    Discover Uganda’s top attractions by visiting Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The highlight of this tour is the thrilling trek to see the critically endangered mountain gorillas, one of the few remaining populations in the world.

    Best time to visit: July - August

    Duration

    9 days

    Map Overview

    • Entebbe – Kampala
    • Kibale Forest
    • Queen Elizabeth National Park
    • Bwindi National Park
    • Bwindi National Parki – Entebbe
    • Entebbe

    Places to Visit

    Bwindi Impenetrable NPBwindi Impenetrable NP
    Kibale NPKibale NP
    Queen Elizabeth NPQueen Elizabeth NP

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Meet and greet at Entebbe airport – Time to be advised. Transfer to Kampala – 1 hr

    Accommodation:Forest Cottages / Golf Course Hotel / Kampala Serena Hotel
    Meals: Breakfast

    After breakfast, drive south via Fort Portal through verdant countryside and past traditional homesteads and farms. Fort-Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon.

    Afternoon visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary to search for smaller mammals and primates. Look out for the rare red colobus monkey and the sitatunga. The guided 4.5km circular trail through the swamp is also one of the best guided bird trails in East Africa as well as offering a realistic opportunity to see up to six different primate species in a space of a few hours.

    Accommodation: Chimp Nest Guesthouse / Kibale Forest Camp / Primate Lodge
    Meals: Lunch and Dinner

    All day search of chimpanzees and 10 other primate including l’ hoestes, red colobus, blues, red tailed and gray – cheeked mangabey. The guide will provide detailed explanations, not only on primates, but on all the forest fauna and flora and will ensure that your walk is both informative and enjoyable. This walk is excellent for viewing bird life and seeing primates at close quarters.

    Accommodation: Chimp Nest Guesthouse / Kibale Forest Camp / Primate Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    Proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park following the mystical Ruwenzori Mountain range for much of the journey.

    A game drive en route may be rewarded with views of lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, hyena and a variety of antelope species.

    In the afternoon, enjoy the unique 2 hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and into Lake Edward. This trip passes through possibly the highest concentration of hippos and many animals may be seen drinking at the water’s edge. This launch cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing. The prolific bird life is colourful and stupendous with well over 550 resident species.

    Accommodation:Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge / Enganzi Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    Two game drives today. Queen Elizabeth National Park’s diverse eco-system of grassy plains, tropical forest, rivers, swamps, lakes and volcanic craters is home to an incredible abundance of wildlife. Game drives in this park, with the massive Rwenzoris as a backdrop provides excellent opportunities to see lion, leopard, giant forest hog, Cape buffalo, elephants, defassa waterbuck, Uganda Kob, Topi and bush buck. These two game drives and the boat trip (taken prior) are a memorable method of discovering a vast array of Ugandan wildlife

    Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge / Enganzi Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    Drive through the “Switzerland of Africa” area known as the Kigezi Highlands with its terraced hillside and winding roads to Bwindi.

    Accommodation: Buhoma Community Rest Camp / Mahogany Springs / Buhoma Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    Early morning entry into Gorilla sanctuary. This rainforest is spectacular.

    It offers a dramatic steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense, but criss-crossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. Mammals recorded include the endangered mountain gorilla, rare golden monkey, buffalo, elephant, black-fronted duiker, bushbuck, leopard, giant forest log and others. This park is best known for the fascinating gorillas. The time taken and the terrain varies according to the movements of this marvelous primates. The thrill of spending time and observing the gorillas is a rare, moving, awesome and exciting adventure. The gorilla is a shy and peaceful animal and it is unforgettable experience to watch and photograph them as they interact.

    Accommodation: Buhoma Community Rest Camp / Mahogany Springs / Buhoma Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe via Kampala stopping at the Mpigi Royal Drum Makers en route where you will able to watch the ceremonial drums being crafted using methods passed down through generations. There will also be time to stop at the equator for photographs. You arrive Entebbe in the early evening.

    Accommodation:Airport Guesthouse / The Boma Hotel / Laico Lake Victoria Hotel
    Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

    After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe airport for your onward flight.

    Accommodation:None
    Meals: Breakfast

    Inclusions

    • Gorilla Permit
    • A professional driver/guide
    • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
    • All Taxes/VAT
    • All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
    • Drinking water on all days

    Exclusions

    • International flights (from/to home)
    • Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
    • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
    • Services not mentioned in the program
    • Travel insurance and medical repatriation
    • Items of a personal nature

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What’s Included and Excluded in Every Tour?

    The inclusions and exclusions vary by tour. Each tour has its specific set of inclusions and exclusions. Please refer to the individual tour page to see what is specifically included in that tour.

    What Are Your Cancellation Terms?

    Our cancellation terms are standard within the industry. For more information on our cancellation policy, please visit the designated page.

    What Vaccines and Health Requirements Are Needed?

    The requirements vary depending on the country and nationality. For the most accurate information, please visit the page specific to your destination and consult the corresponding embassy page for the latest information.

    Can I Choose Other Accommodation Than What’s Specified?

    Yes, if you have a special preference, let us know, and we will offer alternatives from our vast network of company-owned and partner accommodations. Booking with us allows you to enjoy discounted rates as we have special agreements with our partners.

    Will My Mobile/Cellular Phone Work During the Tour?

    Yes, though signal strength may vary in different areas.

    What Activities Can My Kids Do While on a Safari?

    A safari offers an enriching experience for children, allowing them to observe animals in their natural habitat. Some camps and lodges offer amenities for children, such as playrooms and pools, though these are not universally available. We suggest bringing activities that your children enjoy.

    What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

    We accept various payment methods, including card payments. For more information on acceptable payment methods, please visit our payment information page.

    What If I Have Special Needs or Requirements?

    We strive to cater to all requirements, such as providing wheelchair-friendly accommodation or rooms on the first floor if stairs are a challenge. Please communicate with us in advance about your needs.

    What Are the Road Conditions Like?

    Most safari parks have bumpy but manageable roads, with some roads being paved. Generally, guests do not view this as a problem.

    Is Electricity Available 24 Hours in the Lodges and Camps?

    Most standard camps and lodges are equipped with generators, so electricity is generally available 24 hours. However, some interruptions may occur but are typically not a significant concern for guests.

    What About My Special Diet and Food Preferences?

    We cater to all diets, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, among others. Please inform us in advance about your dietary preferences.

    Is Tipping Required?

    Tipping is not required but is recommended. The amount varies by country, but you should tip according to what you feel is appropriate.

    Take Off on a Memorable Safari Experience and Explore the Wild Right Away!

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