Embark on an incredible journey that combines thrilling wildlife encounters in Queen Elizabeth National Park with the awe-inspiring experience of trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This 5-day adventure takes you through some of Uganda’s most breathtaking landscapes, offering diverse wildlife sightings, cultural encounters, and unforgettable moments with nature.
Highlights
Equator Stopover: Stand at the center of the world with a memorable photo opportunity at the equator, where you’ll witness the fascinating water experiment.
Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park: Explore the Kasenyi Plains for a chance to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and more. Experience the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: Enjoy a scenic cruise on the Kazinga Channel, known for its dense hippo and crocodile populations, alongside numerous bird species like pelicans, fish eagles, and kingfishers.
Scenic Drive through the Kigezi Highlands: Admire the breathtaking landscapes of Uganda's "Switzerland of Africa," featuring terraced hills and verdant valleys.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi: The ultimate highlight of your safari! Spend a magical hour observing mountain gorillas up close in their natural environment, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Cultural and Scenic Stops: Enjoy opportunities to interact with locals, purchase unique souvenirs, and capture stunning photos of Uganda's countryside.
Morning Departure from Kampala Start your adventure with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Kampala. Enjoy a scenic drive through Uganda’s countryside as you make your way to the national park. Stop at the Equator Along the way, take a brief stop at the equator. This unique location offers a fantastic photo opportunity and a moment to stretch your legs. Arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park In the afternoon, you will arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Check in and enjoy a delicious lunch at your midrange lodge or camp. Afterward, take a moment to relax and appreciate the beautiful surroundings. Afternoon Game Drive In the afternoon, head out on an exciting game drive. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, and antelopes. This thrilling experience gives you the chance to see these animals up close in their natural habitat. Dinner and Overnight Stay After the game drive, return to your lodge or camp for a freshly prepared dinner. Unwind and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the park, ready for a restful overnight stay.
Accommodation: Midrange Lodge or Camp Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Start the day early with a thrilling game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. This area offers some of the best wildlife sightings in the park. Look out for a variety of animals, including lions, buffaloes, and elephants. It’s a great way to experience the park at its most active.
Breakfast and Relaxation
After the game drive, return to your lodge for a hearty breakfast. Enjoy a relaxing morning, taking in the views and refreshing yourself before your next adventure.
Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This channel is renowned for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. It’s a perfect opportunity to see wildlife from a different perspective and enjoy the tranquil waters.
After a delicious breakfast, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive offers breathtaking views as you pass through the Kigezi Highlands, often called the "Switzerland of Africa" due to its lush, hilly landscapes.
Scenic Journey Through the Kigezi Highlands
As you drive through the Kigezi Highlands, take in the stunning views of rolling hills, terraced farms, and beautiful valleys. This scenic route offers a peaceful and picturesque experience as you approach your destination.
Arrival in Bwindi and Preparation for Gorilla Trek
Arrive in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest by the late afternoon. Take some time to relax and unwind after the long journey. You will also have the opportunity to prepare for the gorilla trek the following day, ensuring you're ready for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This is the highlight of your safari! After an early briefing at the park headquarters, meet your experienced guide and trackers. Together, you will set off into the dense Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of the mountain gorillas.
Trekking Through the Forest
The trek can last from a few hours to a full day, depending on the location of the gorillas. The forest’s dense vegetation and rugged terrain make for an exciting adventure, with the possibility of encountering various wildlife along the way.
Gorilla Encounter and Observation
Once you locate the gorillas, you’ll have an unforgettable hour to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Watch as they go about their daily routines, feeding, playing, and interacting with each other in their peaceful environment.
After a leisurely breakfast, begin your drive back to Kampala. As you travel, enjoy the beautiful scenery and the picturesque landscapes of Uganda.
Scenic Stops Along the Way
Make stops along the route to buy souvenirs or capture photos of the stunning views and local culture. These moments offer a great opportunity to remember your journey through Uganda.
Arrival in Kampala
Arrive in Kampala in the evening, marking the end of your unforgettable safari experience.
Inclusions
Gorilla trekking permit
Park entry fees for Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi
Game drives and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Private 4x4 safari vehicle and experienced driver-guide
Accommodation in midrange lodges or camps (4 nights)
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Bottled water during the safari
Exclusions
International and domestic flights
Uganda visa fees ($50 per person)
Travel insurance
Optional activities and personal expenses (e.g., tips, souvenirs)
The price includes accommodation, park entry fees, a gorilla trekking permit, game drives, a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, meals as outlined in the itinerary, bottled water, and transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced guide.
Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, with hikes ranging from 2 to 8 hours depending on the gorilla group’s location. Moderate fitness is recommended, and porters are available to assist for an additional fee.
Key items include sturdy hiking boots, lightweight long-sleeved clothing, rain gear, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, a camera (no flash for gorilla trekking), and a reusable water bottle.
Children under 15 are not permitted to participate in gorilla trekking. However, they can enjoy game drives and other activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll likely see elephants, lions, buffaloes, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. In Bwindi, the main attraction is the mountain gorillas, but you might also spot monkeys, forest elephants, and unique birdlife.
While this itinerary focuses on wildlife, you may have the opportunity to interact with local communities and learn about their culture during stops along the way.
The best time for this safari is during Uganda’s dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. These periods offer better trekking conditions and higher chances of wildlife sightings.
At Gemfinders Safaris, we specialize in crafting unique itineraries that explore East Africa’s most mesmerizing locations. Whether you’re interested in cultural immersion, thrilling adventures, peaceful relaxation, or luxurious experiences, our personalized tours are tailored to accommodate every type of traveler.
