Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Full Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive
Once arrived at the Entebbe International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed by Cookie and the local, English speaking guide and then transferred to the cosy accommodation where you'll settle in and unwind after your flight. There is a bar/restaurant on site as well as a swimming pool so it's a great place to relax before the main adventure kicks off! Wildlife can be seen with Giant African Snails, monkeys, a variety of birdlife and even the rare Sitatunga potentially visiting - Genets are also around!!
Day 2 - Dinosaur Bird
Your first full day in Uganda! We’re up early for a lovely breakfast where we can enjoy the native birds calling away before heading out for our first super exciting adventure, Shoebill tracking! We're heading to Mabamba swamp on our search and to get there, we need to cross the gigantic Lake Victoria by boat. Once we've arrived, we'll hop in to traditional canoes and then be guided by local experts around the swamp in search for the superstar of this area, the Shoebill! Bird life is plentiful here so we can move slowly and really take it all in. A multitude of Kingfisher species, African Jacana and Swamphens all reside here. After our morning excursion for the Shoebill, we'll make our way to our nearby accommodation - a tranquil retreat on the hill! You can overlook the Swamp from here and really take it all in with the on-site swimming pool. After a restful afternoon, it's time to head back out for sunset on the search for Shoebills once again - photo opportunities here could be immense! We'll end the day at the peaceful lodge around the bar/restaurant with the sounds of the forest echoing away
Day 3 - The Scenic Route
Rise and shine, it's breakfast time! Tuck in to a lovely breakfast before we head out on our mammoth journey across Uganda towards Queen Elizabeth Park! We'll be winding our way through the countries lush green countryside that features rolling hills, fertile plantations and many birds! You'll get an insight in to rural Ugandan life along the way. We'll make a stop for lunch before meandering our way on to our gorgeous riverside accommodation for the next few nights. Here we will be in tented accommodation so you will be able to hear all the sounds of the bush - if we're lucky, there will be Lions roaring!
Day 4 - Animals everywhere
After an early breakfast, we'll head out for our first taste of Safari with a morning game drive. There are many sights to see before we arrive at our mongoose tracking adventure, where we'll follow these small but fascinating creatures through their natural habitat, observing their social behavior and foraging patterns. Accompanied by expert trackers, we'll observe the troop as they forage for insects and small reptiles, all while maintaining their intricate social bonds. After we'll enjoy another game drive before heading back to the lodge for a hearty lunch and some time to relax. In the afternoon, we'll embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffalo along the banks. The channel is alive with birds like African fish eagles, Kingfishers and a variety of Herons. After the cruise we'll enjoy another short evening game drive before returning to the lodge to enjoy dinner and unwind after a full day of adventure.
Day 5 - Chimp Trek
After breakfast, we'll set out for Kyambura Gorge, known as the Valley of the Apes for a class Chimpanzee tracking experience. Here we will join the rangers and venture down into the Gorge in what's described as one of the most unique Chimpanzee tracking locations. Depending on where the Chimps are or if they are on the move the activity can take from 2-5 hours. Once we find the them, we get to spend one hour with them. After this fascinating encounter, we'll return to the lodge for lunch and in the evening head out for another game drive.
Day 6 - Tree Climbers
Today we say goodbye to Queen Elizabeth Park as we head to Bwindi via Ishasha sector, this is a long but scenic drive through the park. As we pass through the Ishasha sector, we'll keep an eye out for the famous tree climbing Lions. We continue our journey toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dense rainforest and endangered Mountain Gorillas. Before reaching Bwindi, we'll make a meaningful stop at the Pangolin Rescue Centre where conservationists work to rehabilitate and protect these critically endangered creatures. We'll learn about Pangolin ecology, the threats they face from poaching and trafficking and the ongoing efforts to safeguard them. If they have a Pangolin under care at the time of our visit we will be able to observe them search for ants and termites among the trees and roots. The Pangolins are typically only kept for one week to monitor them before being released to the nearby Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Please bear in mind that this is a rescue centre and Pangolins aren't guaranteed to be here. After the visit, we continue to Bwindi, settle into our lodge that offers stunning views of the surrounding Forest.
Day 7 - Gorilla Trek
Today is the big one! After an early breakfast, we'll head to Bwindi headquarters. They’ll explain Gorilla behavior, trekking etiquette and safety guidelines before assigning us to a Gorilla family group. Accompanied by experienced guides, we'll trek through the dense rainforest of Bwindi. The trek can range from 2 to 6 hours depending on the Gorillas location, but the reward is unforgettable, spending one hour observing a Gorilla family in their natural habitat. Watch them feed, groom, and interact in a truly humbling and once-in-a-lifetime experience. The trek is physically demanding so the afternoon is best spent relaxing and enjoying the forest views.
Day 8 - Equator
After a nice breakfast overlooking the Forest, we'll depart Bwindi and start the return drive back to Entebbe. The journey takes you through rolling hills and rural landscapes, offering a glimpse of traditional village life along the way so its never a boring drive. We'll stop for lunch on the way. Its a very long drive of approximately 10+ hours but that's plenty of time to remember what it was like to be next to Gorillas! Along the way, we'll stop at the Ugandan Equator, a popular landmark where we can take photos and browse local craft stalls. We'll arrive back to where it all started in the late evening. We'll enjoy one final dinner together, reliving the best moments from the trip.
Day 9 - Depart
1 final breakfast and then it's all over! a trip filled with memories that will never be forgotten. We'll escort you back to the airport and send you on your way knowing the best time was had!
Things to consider
What IS included
- Accommodation - All accommodation is covered on a 2 person sharing basis. There is a mix of lodges and tented camps all with ensuite bathrooms. There is a single supplement option available on enquiry.
- Airport pick-up/drop-off - You'll be collected from Entebbe International Airport as you arrive and dropped back off once the trip is finished, no worries!
- Transport - Full guided adventure around Uganda in a modern 4x4 game viewing vehicle.
- Tuition - Cookie is on hand throughout the trip for any questions you may have around photography, editing and social media.
- Food - Full board. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner is accounted for on Day 2-8. Dietary requirements can be accommodated for.
- Permits - Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits included.
What IS NOT included
- Flights - I can recommend which flights to get
- Visa - A Tourist visa is required.
- Travel insurance - Travel insurance is required.
- Medical - Please consult your GP about travelling to Uganda and if you need vaccinations/jabs. This is a high risk Malaria country. Yellow fever is present.
- Personal Expenditure - Anything additional to what is laid out in the 'included' section.