Gorilla Express: Entebbe, Bwindi & Ishasha

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to the No. 5 Boutique Hotel.

Set in the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is a small town that is easy to explore on foot or local boda bodas (motorbike taxis). Explore the markets, hunt for souvenirs or crafts, meander through the Botanical Gardens or relax with a boat cruise on Lake Victoria. You'll find a wide variety of restaurants, bars and clubs where you can sample the local beer, catch a game of football and meet the friendly locals.
Nestled in the leafy suburbs of Entebbe, Hotel No.5 is a stylish boutique hotel. With all luxurious rooms opening onto the garden and swimming pool, this is a great option for guests looking for an intimate stay in a tranquil setting. Make yourself at home - unwind beside the swimming pool, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or work up a sweat in the hotel gym. Attention to detail, outstanding dining and an attentive guest experience are synonymous with Hotel No 5.

This morning's flight on a light aircraft to the 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 is 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 cozy accommodation in wooden chalets with uninterrupted views of the pristine rainforest 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 ten wooden chalet 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 to visit the lodge.

Few words can describe the thrill of today's lifetime experience! Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare wildlife encounter that is exhilarating, humbling and enthralling. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest on the steep mountain slopes. Please note that gorilla tracking is strenuous with treks ranging from 45 mins up to eight hours, at high altitudes in hot African conditions. The thrill of the hour you spend quietly observing these gentle giants once you find them is so worth the trek to get there! Although mountain gorillas are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are over 95%.

Head back to Buhoma Lodge for a complimentary massage after your trek, or explore the surrounding Bwindi community.

Those with pre-purchased permits will depart for a second gorilla tracking experience. Guests not tracking have the day free to explore the Bwindi area - optional activities include forest walks, a visit to a local school / orphanage / hospital or Batwa pygmy village, and some local curio shopping.

Please note that days 3 and 4 are interchangeable depending on when we can secure gorilla permits.

Depart Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park this morning and travel to Ishasha in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park (a 2-3 hour drive), with a brief stop en route at a community project near Ishasha Village. This afternoon, enjoy a game drive in the park.

Located in the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, leopards, 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 most extensive 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 exclusive 10-tented camp offers the only luxury accommodation in the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth. Set on the banks of the Ntungwe River, the eco-friendly Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the remote wilderness. The thatched central lounge and dining area offer 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 day's game viewing.

Transfer to the airstrip for your return flight to Entebbe. Please do not book an international flight out of Entebbe before 08:00pm in case of delays.