4 Days Uganda Safari

The Main Activities are:

1. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
2. A game drive at the Kasenyi Plains
3. Wildlife and bird viewing along the Kazinga channel
4. Chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu forest

Day 1: Pick up from Entebbe or Kampala – Transfer to Bwindi National park

Our Guide will pick you up from your hotel after early morning breakfast and take you on a 6 to 8 hours’ journey to Bwindi impenetrable national park in South Western Uganda. The journey is long but use the time to admire the beautiful nature and the Ugandan countryside. Expect to bypass forests, game parks, towns, lakes, rivers, markets and local farms. The driver will make stops at some of the markets and other landmarks for photography. There will also be a stop at the Equator crossing and the Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara for lunch. Expect to arrive at your lodge late in the afternoon.

Dinner and overnight at Chameleon Hill Lodge (luxury), Bakiga Lodge (Midrange) and Tarvan Trekkers Bwindi (Budget).

Day 2: Gorilla trekking – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

You will wake up very early to take your breakfast then go for the briefing at the park office at 7:00 am. This briefing by the park Guides prepares you for your time with the primates (what to carry along and how to act around the gorillas). It is also during the briefing that gorilla groups are assigned and porters are hired to help with any heavy luggage. There are several Gorilla groups in Bwindi but you will be assigned one  based on your overall fitness. After the briefing, the Rangers will take you deep into the forest in search of the primates. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi takes between 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorilla group you are assigned. In most cases you will have to walk through dense vegetation, valleys, streams and hills before finding the gorilla group. Take as many photos as you can and follow instructions from the Park Guides. Don’t surprise the gorillas with sudden movements and stay calm.

You are only allowed one hour with the primates. After that, you will return back to the park offices where you will meet our guide. The driver will take you back to the lodge for check out and a shower before starting the journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This will be a tight schedule and expect to reach Queen Elizabeth National Park late.

Dinner and Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury), Ihamba Lodge (Mid-range) and Simba safari camp (budget).

Day 3: Game drive in Kasenyi Sector – Boat Cruise at the Kazinga Channel

After breakfast, you will set off very early in the morning for a game drive at the Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth national park. The morning game drive allows you to spot the early risers and predators coming from a night of hunting. Expect to see leopards, hyenas, lions, buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, warthogs and many other mammals. After you have completed the game drive, the driver will take you back to the lodge for lunch and refreshment. Later in the afternoon, you will be taken to enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga channel. The Kazinga channel has one of the largest concentration of wildlife and you should expect to spot hippopotamuses, waterbucks, crocodiles and other mammals drinking along the banks. The channel is a birders paradise and has both resident and migratory species. Once you have completed the 3-hour boat cruise, you will return to the lodge to rest.

Dinner and Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury), Ihamba Lodge (Mid-range) and Simba safari camp (budget).

Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu – Transfer back to Kampala

Wake up early, take breakfast and prepare to go to Kalinzu forest for the briefing on chimpanzee trekking. Kalinzu forest is managed by the Uganda Forest Authority and not the Wildlife Authority. Chimps behave very differently from gorillas. Some say they are more intelligent but not as wise as gorillas because they are not organized. A dominant male chimpanzee has to work harder to maintain his hold on the group. Chimpanzee groups are also more dramatic and mobile than gorilla families. They tend to spend more time on top of trees. Expect to follow them at high speed even after locating them. It is only when they settle down that you can take all the photos and videos you want. After the one hour with the chimps, our driver will start the journey back to Kampala. You will be dropped at your residence, hotel or at the airport for departure.

End of Tour

The cost of the safari will include: –

1. A safari vehicle
2. An English speaking guide who will also be the driver
3. Fuel for the safari
4. Gorilla Permits
5. Chimpanzee Permits
6. A game drive
7. A boat cruise at the Kazinga Channel
8. Bottled drinking water and meals when out of the hotel
9. Full-board accommodation and meals for 3 nights
10. Pickup and drop-off at your desired location within Kampala or Entebbe Airport

The cost of the safari will exclude flight, visas, personal costs like tipping, beverages, wines and personal Insurance.

For the best gorilla trekking experience, travel with suitable hiking boots, thick cotton gloves, a thin raincoat, light snacks and drinking water. Try to hire a porter if you have extra luggage or equipment. Many of these porters were once poachers and by employing them, you make them see the value of protecting wildlife. Porters are very knowledgeable about the terrain and can lend a hand when you get too tired after trekking for a long time. It is also important to give tip to the guides and rangers if you can. They need encouragement as they do a lot and often with little remuneration. The recommended tip is $15 or an equivalent in the local currency.

1. The tour plan does not include lodges and dinner the day before and after the trip (but can be arranged)
2. You need to be 15 years and above to track mountain gorillas. The minimum age for chimpanzee tracking is 13 years.
3. You are required to have a yellow fever immunization card to enter Uganda.
4. Visas can be got online or at the airport at a cost of $50. If you plan to visit other East African countries, you should consider getting the East African Tourist Visa.

Chameleon Hill Lodge: This is a luxury lodge located on the shores of lake Mutanda – Between Mgahinga and Bwindi National Parks. The lodge has 10 luxury chalets with great views of the forest, the Virunga Volcanoes, lake Mutanda and its islands. Each Chalet is self-contained with very colorful interiors. In each room, there is flush toilet, a shower, hot water, a wash basin, bath towels, a laundry basket and a private garden. The lodge has a beautiful private garden, a dining area, a bar, free Wi-Fi and a lounge area with comfortable sofas. Chameleon Hill Lodge is excellent for tourists who are planning for gorilla trekking in Bwindi and golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga.

Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge: This mid-range lodge is found in Queen Elizabeth National Park and on the shores of Lake George. The lodge is an excellent choice for tourists who want to experience the tranquility of the African wilderness while enjoying tasty meals and quality services.  The Lodge has 10 cottages (double and twin birds) and a family cottage. Each cottage has a private deck, a private shower, a bathroom, drinking water, slippers, a working desk and balconies with great views of Lake George. Other amenities include housekeeping services, a swimming pool, parking space, a main lounge and laundry services.

Simba Safari Camp: This budget facility is situated outside the park entrance to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Of all the lodges within the park, Simba Safari Camp is the closest to the Kasenyi plains. The Kasenyi plains are were most of the game drives are carried out. An accommodation facility is incomplete without great views and Simba Safari Lodge doesn’t disappoint. It offers great views of the numerous crater lakes in the area as well as the Kazinga Channel. The lodge has both cottages, tents and dormitories. Each cottage has a private veranda, a large bed and garden views. The dormitories have shared showers and bathrooms. Other amenities in the lodge include a well-stocked bar, a central dining area and a large swimming pool.