The Best of Uganda: Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth National Park & Kyambura Gorge

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met by Goway's local representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, a half-day trip to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary may be arranged at an additional cost. This could also be arranged at the end of your safari if you prefer. This evening, you will receive a short pre-trip briefing at the hotel.

Check out and transfer to the airport this morning. This morning's flight on a light aircraft to Kihihi airstrip takes just over an hour. Transfer through local villages and along mountain roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a World Heritage site (a drive of +- 90 mins). Considered the most diverse forest in Uganda, 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 forest and just steps away from the Gorilla Trekking headquarters, Buhoma Lodge offers cosy accommodation in wooden chalets with uninterrupted views of the pristine rain forest canopy. Renowned for its warm welcome and attentive service, Buhoma is an eco friendly lodge operating on solar power, and has been constructed using sustainable local materials. Each of the ten wooden chalets has a private verandah and enormous windows, giving spectacular views. Awaken to chattering forest birds, and watch out for the occasional mountain gorilla that has ventured right in to visit the lodge.

You will be escorted to the National Parks headquarters to meet your guides for your gorilla tracking experience. An early morning trek into the forest on the slopes of the volcanoes, led by experienced trackers will bring you amongst a family of Mountain Gorillas. These massive primates are extremely rare, only approximately 650 remaining. You will get within metres of the family, and be privileged to spend time amongst them. The trekking may be fairly strenuous; up to six hours or longer is not uncommon - at relatively high altitude. Mountain Gorillas are wild animals, as such sightings cannot be guaranteed; however the success rate is well over 95%. The trekking may be fairly strenuous; up to six hours or longer is not uncommon-at relatively high altitude. Mountain Gorillas are wild animals and as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed 100%. PLEASE NOTE: on certain departures, due to Gorilla Permit availability, this leg of your safari may be undertaken in Rwanda. A similar standard of accommodation will be utilized in Rwanda, but there may be a surcharge depending on availability. Please check at time of booking.

Today you will have the option of a second Gorilla Trek or Forest Walk in Bwindi. Please inform at the time of booking. In the afternoon, depart Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and travel to Ishasha, located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park (a 2-3 hour drive) with a possible community visit enroute (time permitting). Check into your accommodations this and enjoy dinner at your safari camp.

Located on the banks of the Ntungwe River, the eco-friendly Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy remote wilderness. This exclusive 10 tented camp offers the only luxury accommodation in the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The thatched central lounge and dining area offers a comfortable area for guests to enjoy wholesome dining, although meals are often served "al fresco" next to the river. The outdoor fireplace is the perfect place for guests to relax with sundowners and wind down after an exciting days game viewing.

Today is spent exploring Queen Elizabeth National park with Morning and afternoon game drives in the park. Enjoy a sundowner in the park as you take in the glorious African sunset before returning to your camp for another delicious dinner.

Located in the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, leopard, lions, hippos, buffalo, Uganda kob, baboon, and many species of birds. With both a riverine and savannah habitat, 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. Afternoon game drives will be enjoyed in the Ishasha area, looking for the huge herds of buffalo, elephant, Uganda kob and of course the famous tree-climbing lion typically found in the area. 

This morning, you’ll have one last chance to do some game viewing in the Ishasha section of the park. From Ishasha, you drive approximately 2 hours to the northern region of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. 

After breakfast at your lodge, head to Kyambura for your first chimp trek. The forest is alive with noise! Chimpanzees can be quite active and may move quickly through the forest canopy...or, if you are lucky, you may find them resting or eating near the forest floors. It's an exhilarating walk, in the beautiful scenery. As with gorilla trekking, sightings cannot be guaranteed. After your trek, return to your lodge for lunch a bit of leisure time before heading out on your afternoon game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe arriving mid afternoon with drop off at the airport in time for your onward flight.