5 Days Uganda Safari

The main activities are:

1. Tracking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable national park
2. Visiting the Batwa Pygmies
3. Game drives in Kasenyi and Ishasha to see tree climbing lions
4. A launch cruise along the Kazinga channel for wildlife viewing

Day 1: Pickup and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

A guide from Mission Africa Safaris will pick you up from the airport in Entebbe on arrival or from your hotel to start your 5 days Uganda wildlife safari. After the briefing, you will start the 6 hour journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park.  Queen Elizabeth is located in the south western part of the country which is arguably the most scenic. Expect to catch sight of lakes, rivers, mountains, forests, national parks and other physical features. Take time to observe the countryside, the amazing Ankole cattle and the local people working in their gardens or doing business in small trading centers. The driver will stop at the equator crossing, the Igongo cultural Centre and in local markets to check out fresh tropical fruits. The equator crossing is particularly interesting because it is where the earth’s southern and northern hemispheres are separated. Lunch will be taken along the way (Probably at the Igongo Cultural Centre).

Overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge (High-end), Park view lodge (Moderate) and Simba safari camp (basic).

Day 2: Game drive and boat cruise

You will set off early from your lodge with packed breakfast for an early morning game drive to spot early risers, nocturnal mammals and predators before they retreat to their hideouts. The early morning game drive is one of the most popular activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Expect to spot hippos, buffaloes, antelopes, leopard, lions and a collection of both resident and migratory birds. The game drive takes about 3 hours and could be done in the Kasenyi or Mweya plains. After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for lunch and rest.

At 2.00 pm, the company driver will transfer you to the Kazinga Channel for the afternoon boat cruise. The Channel is a magnet for all wildlife in the park. It boasts of a great variety of bird species –  more than any other single destination in Africa. Expect to spot crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and hippos bathing or swimming in the waters. The launch cruise takes between 2 to 3 hours.

Overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge (High-end), Park view lodge (Moderate) and Simba safari camp (basic).

Day 3: Game drive in Ishasha to see tree climbing lions – Transfer to Bwindi national park

You will wake up to sumptuous breakfast and get ready to transfer to Bwindi. Before leaving for Bwindi, you will have a final game drive in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Tree climbing lions are only found in Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa. They are very few but Uganda has about 4 prides. Kruger National Park in South Africa has 1 pride while Tanzania’s lake Manyara has 2. The lions are said to love trees because it protects them from bugs living on lower ground. From the top of their trees, they can have an aerial view of their prey and plan where to go during the night. After spotting the lions on top of acacia and fig trees, you will set off for Bwindi impenetrable forest and have lunch along the way. Once you arrive at your lodge in Bwindi, shower and relax by the lodge premises.

Dinner and overnight at Chameleon Hill Lodge (luxury), Bakiga Lodge (Mid-range) and Rushaga Camp (Budget).

Day 4: Tracking gorillas in Bwindi – Visit the Batwa Pygmies

Briefing for gorilla trekking takes place at 7:00 am by and is conducted by park Guides/Rangers at the head offices. All trackers must be at the park by this time and must attend the briefing to get an overview of what to expect during the trek. Gorilla tracking in Bwindi involves choosing from among 15 habituated gorilla families. You will be allocated one based on your age and overall fitness. After the briefing, you will go into the jungle looking for the primates. Tracking gorillas can be challenging but it is worth every penny. The one hour spent with the gorillas in the wild is a once in a lifetime experience and you will never forget it. Moreover, you get an opportunity to observe other forest creatures like monkeys, chimpanzees, birds and butterflies. Prepare to take as many photos as you can but also instructions from your guide. Stay calm and never make sudden movements that could alert the gorillas. After your one hour with the gorillas, you will return back to the starting point where you will meet our guide to take you back to your hotel for lunch and rest.

Later in the afternoon, you will be visiting the Batwa pygmy community. The Batwa originally lived in the Bwindi impenetrable forest before being relocated to their current homes. The government thought it would be reserving the forest for gorilla conservation programs but they didn’t consider the negative impact it would have on a community that had lived for thousands of years as hunters and gatherers. Most of the Batwa never adapted to life outside the forest. They had to deal with new diseases, alcoholism and chronic poverty. Moreover, they also had to learn to live with aggressive neighbors whom they had avoided for thousands of years. Most Batwa now survive as squatters in farms owned by the more progressive tribes. While visiting them, the Batwa will entertain you with traditional dances, songs and stories about the past way of life.

Dinner and overnight at Chameleon Hill Lodge (luxury), Bakiga Lodge (Mid-range) and Rushaga Camp (Budget).

Day 5: Transfer back to Kampala for departure

After completing the main activities in your 5 days Uganda safari, you will wake up at your own leisure and depending on your flight arrangements. Take breakfast and wait for the Guide to come pick you up. The driver will start the 8 hour journey from Bwindi to Entebbe while making several stops along the way. If you didn’t visit the Igongo Cultural Centre or the equator crossing, this will be the time to do so. You will also have a great chance to stop at the Buganda royal drum makers for a chance to see these giant communication devices being built using skills transferred from their ancestors. The driver will drop you at airport or your hotel in Kampala/Entebbe if you are still in the country.

End of Tour

The final cost of the tour will include: –

1. A Full-time and experienced safari Guide
2. A vehicle to be used during the trip
3. Fuel for the entire 5-day tour
4. Gorilla Permits
5. Accommodation for 4 nights (meals included)
6. Bottled drinking water and lunch while traveling or outside the hotel
7. Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
8. A launch cruise at the Kazinga Channel
9. All activities mentioned in the Itinerary
10. Pickup and drop-off at the airport or your desired location
11. Batwa cultural experience

The final tour cost will exclude local and international flights, visas and personal expenses (like tipping, cigars, wines and personal Insurance).

If you want to have the best experience tracking gorillas, you need to show up with packed snack, water, hand gloves, good hiking boots a raincoat and gators. If you have any luggage, try to hire a porter to carry them. The services of a porter costs between $10 to $15 and they can be got at the starting point of the trek or during the briefing. Have in mind that many of the porters were once poachers. They have been given an opportunity to earn a livelihood by carrying bags and other equipment for tourists during gorilla trekking. Although being in great shape is not a requirement for gorilla trekking, you will have a better experience if you are fit enough.

1. Dinner and accommodation for the day before and after the trip is not included in the overall tour cost.
2. You may not be allowed to track gorillas unless you are 15 years and above.
3. You may not be allowed into Uganda unless you have a yellow fever immunization card.
4. The Uganda Visa can be got online, at the airport or while crossing borders.

Parkview Safari Lodge: This is a high quality and mid-range lodge found in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge has 25 private cottages with bath tubs/showers, toiletries, clean towels, bottled water, sitting area, ironing boards, ceiling fans, working tables, television, a large bed and a modern bathroom. The lodge also has a poolside bar, restaurant, swimming pool, children’s pool, a health club, free breakfasts, room service, a coffee shop, shuttle services, dry cleaning service, spa services, bicycle rentals, parking space and Wi-Fi in all public places. They also have a safe at the front-desk, baby care services, newspapers at the lobby and a library.

Bakiga Lodge: Bakiga lodge is a Non-Profit mid-range accommodation facility found in the middle of Bwindi forest (Ruhija sector) and close to the starting point for gorilla tracking/birding. It is run by an NGO called the Bakiga Community Project. This project implements water and health-related activities in communities living in Kabale. By booking with them, you indirectly support their water projects and help lift the standard of living of communities living close to the park. They offer self-contained tented rooms with modern bathrooms, a bed, flush toilets, a sink, warm showers, hot water and balconies overlooking the dense forests of Bwindi. There is also a restaurant, bar and central balcony where guests can gather to get to know each other. Other amenities include private parking and charging facilities.

Rushaga Gorilla Camp: Rushaga Gorilla Camp is a mid-range lodge found in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest. The lodge offers 20 self-contained rooms. Each room has its own balcony overlooking the forest. There is also bottled water, slippers, toiletries, ironing boards, 24-hour room service, modern showers, chairs and desks. Other notable amenities include laundry facilities, a meeting room, parking space, a reception area, shuttle services, free breakfast, a bar, central lounge area and free Wi-Fi in all public places.