Main Info
This 6 days Gorilla Habituation and Wildlife Safari introduces you to the most unforgettable wildlife experiences on Earth. There is no better way to spend time during an African safari than being in the presence of the Mountain gorillas and with this safari, you will have four hours in the presence of these great apes, undeniably the greatest wildlife encounter ever experienced. The safari starts in Kampala but visitors from Rwanda can also undertake the safari.
Highlights of the 6 days Gorilla Habituation and Wildlife Safari
- Gorilla Habituation Experience
- Guided forest walks
- Game drives
- Launch cruise
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Community visit
- Road trip by a private safari vehicle
Brief itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 2: Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Day 3: Guided forest walk and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 4: Morning game drive and launch cruise.
Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking.
Day 6: Return to Kampala.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, south-western Uganda
Pick-up from Kampala or Entebbe after breakfast for 8-9 hours’ transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in South-western Uganda. Driving to Uganda’s tourist destinations is one of the most exciting experiences because of breathtaking views of the countryside and stopovers, in this case the Uganda Equator for 30 minutes for experiments showing Northern and southern hemispheres, Continue with the scenic drive until Igongo Cultural Center, another fantastic stop for Lunch as well as a chance to learn about Ankole Culture. Continue past the Towns of Kabale and Kisoro known for their terraced hills and arrive the southern sector that on a clear day offers spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Overnight stay:
- Luxury: Gorilla Safari Lodge.
- Midrange: Chameleon Hill Lodge.
- Budget: Nshongi Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.
Travel time: 8-9 hours.
Day 2: Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest
The Driver of the 6 days Gorilla Habituation and Wildlife safari will pick you up from the Lodge after your breakfast for a drive to the sector Headquarters. Be briefed on the guidelines of the Gorilla Habituation Experience that are not different from those of normal gorilla treks. In the company of 3 other trekkers, porters and guidance of UWA Ranger Guide, begin the hike into the deep jungles of Bwindi in search for the endangered mountain gorillas.
The trek can last one to several hours depending on the movements of the mountain gorillas within their natural habitat and is normally characterized by hiking steep and densely forested hills, unpleasant vegetation and muddy trails before finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged within the forest. On finding them, you have four hours with these semi-habituated gorillas and later return to the Park Headquarters for your trekking certificate. Unwind at the Lodge for the rest of the evening.
Overnight stay:
- Luxury: Gorilla Safari Lodge.
- Midrange: Chameleon Hill Lodge.
- Budget: Nshongi Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3: Guided forest walk and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, head for a guided forest walk that will allow you to explore the true beauty of the Park-waterfalls, bird species, primates, reptiles and other wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After the hike, return to the Lodge for Lunch and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for an evening game Drive, dinner and overnight.
Overnight at:
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge.
- Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge.
- Budget: Bush Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Travel time: 4-5 hours.
Day 4: Morning game drive and launch cruise
After a hot cup of coffee/tea, set out for a morning Game Drive through the Northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a wildlife rich area. This rewarding drive lasts 3-4 hours and offers opportunities of spotting the different wildlife species of the Park. After this game drive, return to the lodge for a mid-morning breakfast as well as lunch. In the afternoon you will have a launch cruise along the Kazinga channel where schools of hippos, Nile crocodiles as well as plethora of bird species that can be seen on the shores of the lake as well as the nearby wetlands.
Overnight at:
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge.
- Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge.
- Budget: Bush Lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and community visit
Have an early breakfast and transfer to Kyambura Gorge for the unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience. Chimpanzees are one of the endangered great apes that you can encounter in Uganda and the trek in this Park offers a chance to see other primates, bird species that cannot be found in other destinations offering the same activity. After your time with these great apes, return to the Lodge for Lunch.
The afternoon will be dedicated for cultural encounters of which your guide will choose from the Kikorongo Women Community, Leopard Village, Nyanz’ibiri Cave Community and many others.
Overnight at:
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge.
- Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge.
- Budget: Bush Lodge.
Meal Plan: Full board.
Day 6: Return to Kampala
Breakfast will be served early morning to allow you have a guided nature walk for more wildlife encounters and a chance to see other features of the Park not seen the previous days. After the guided nature walks, have Lunch and embark on a return trip to Kampala/Entebbe or Kigali.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.
End of your 6 days Gorilla Habituation and wildlife safari
Inclusions;
- Gorilla Habituation permit
- Game drives.
- Guided nature walks.
- Chimpanzee permit.
- 5 nights’ accommodation.
- Road trip by a Private safari vehicle.
- Meals per the itinerary.
- Services of a fulltime English speaking guide.
- Park entrance fees.
- Fuel fees.
- Launch cruise.
- Bottled water.
- Relevant Government taxes.
- Airport transfers.
Exclusions;
- Personal expenses such as laundry fees, gratuities, shopping, telephone and cigarettes among others.
- Visa fees.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Accommodation in Kampala/Entebbe or Kigali.
- Optional activities not included on the itinerary.
