Countries: Uganda
Destinations: Entebbe , Mgahinga Gorilla National Park , Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Group Size: 2
Duration (days): 7
Number of Adults: 2
Number of Children: 0
This exciting itinerary is aimed at those fit and active travellers who want to experience the best of Southern Uganda “up close and personal”. Climb the volcano Mt. Gahinga, explore ancient Batwa trails, cross through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on foot, and trek endangered Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi. There is the opportunity to trek gorillas in both Mgahinga as well as Bwindi forests, but they must be pre-booked. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the fauna and flora of this East African gem, whilst experiencing one of the greatest wildlife encounters on the planet – coming face to face with a mountain gorilla.
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 : Entebbe
You will be met at the airport and transferred to Hotel No.5. You will have an afternoon excursion to Mabamba Swamp, looking for the elusive shoebill stork.
Uganda - The "Pearl of Africa." Uganda offers a vastly different experience from the standard safari itinerary, with lush jungles, volcanic mountains, plenty of primates, and the Nile River all creating a fabulous adventure.
Uganda has earned the well-deserved reputation of being the friendliest country in Africa, and you will be delighted by the local hospitality. While having quite a turbulent history, the people of Uganda have remained warm and welcoming.
With wonderful birdlife, a vast array of plains game, and the most extensive species list of primates, a wildlife safari in Uganda offers something special.
As asked on Uganda's Tourism website, "where else but in this uniquely lush destination can one observe lions prowling the open plains in the morning and track chimpanzees through the rainforest undergrowth the same afternoon, then the next day navigate tropical channels teeming with hippos and crocodiles before setting off into the misty mountains to enjoy viewing the unique mountain gorillas?"
Nestled in the leafy suburbs of Entebbe, Hotel No.5 is a stylish boutique hotel.
From the moment you arrive, you are warmly welcomed and cared for. 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.
For one of the most flavoursome dining experiences in Entebbe, carefully planned menus are paired to an international wine list, and served with pride.
Attention to detail and an attentive guest experience are synonymous with Hotel No 5, making it the perfect choice for a restful stay in this bustling city.
Make yourself at home – unwind beside the swimming pool, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or work up a sweat in the hotel gym.
Day 2 : Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
This morning you will fly from Entebbe to the Kisoro region in Southern Uganda. Overnight at Lake Chahafi Resort.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Uganda's smallest and probably most scenic National Park is situated in the extreme south western corner of the country, forming part of a large conservation area that straddles political boundaries to include Parc des Volcano in Rwanda and Parc de Virungas in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mountain gorillas form the main attraction at Mgahinga National Park, which protects the Ugandan portion of the Virungas, an imposing string of 9 freestanding extinct and active volcanoes that runs along the border with Rwanda and the Congo.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits high in the clouds, at an altitude of between 2,227m and 4,127m. As its name suggests, it was created to protect the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit its dense forests, and it is also an important habitat for the endangered golden monkey.
As well as being important for wildlife, the park also has a huge cultural significance, in particular for the indigenous Batwa pygmies. This tribe of hunter-gatherers was the forest’s “first people”, and their ancient knowledge of its secrets remains unrivalled.
Mgahinga’s most striking features are its three conical, extinct volcanoes, part of the spectacular Virunga Range that lies along the border region of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. Mgahinga forms part of the much larger Virunga Conservation Area which includes adjacent parks in these countries. The volcanoes’ slopes contain various ecosystems and are biologically diverse, and their peaks provide a striking backdrop to this gorgeous scenery.
A boutique hotel near Kisoro town, conviniently located on the pretty Lake Chahafi that is a habitat for spectacular birds and Ugandas only mirror carp fish for catch and release fishing. The recently refurbished expansive facility offers fine dining options in the restaurant and personalised outdoor set up options; nine unrivalled family style ensuite cabins designed using local resources. There are plently of activities to unwind by the lake side resort and what beats them all is that you can combine water sporting activities like sports fishing, canoeing and nature walks with active gorilla and volcano hike day trips to Mgahinga and Bwindi and return to your private retreat with singing birds and crickets in the evening.
Day 4 : Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Today you will have the opportunity to hike along an ancient Batwa Trail. There is also an option to do a Gorilla Trek.
Day 5 : Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today you will be transferred to Nkuringo and from here you'll take the stunning Nkuringa Trail to Bwindi.
Located in the south-western corner of Uganda, in the Virunga Mountains along the border with the DRC, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a thick, lush, green jungle, housing heaps of wildlife and half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population.
This pocket of huge primeval forest is one of the most biologically diverse areas on earth. It has
an eco-system that defines the very essence of the continent and has therefore been designated as a World Heritage Site.
Buhoma Lodge, an intimate and charming property that commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the rare and elusive Mountain Gorilla. One of only two lodges situated within the National Park, within a short walking distance from the meeting point for gorilla tracking and other activities in the Buhoma area. An elevated central area, complete with lounge, bar and dining area, offers a cosy, comfortable environment to discuss the day’s activities around the fireplaces which add atmosphere and warmth in the cool evenings.
Day 6 : Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Gorilla Trekking - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare and exhilarating wildlife encounter that is hard to capture in words. 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 trekking can be strenuous, with treks ranging from 45 mins up to eight hours, at high altitudes in often hot conditions. We do recommend hiring a local porter to assist you on your trek. Although mountain gorillas are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are over 95%.
Once you have located your gorilla family, spend an hour quietly observing them. The time passes so quickly; be sure to enjoy this experience fully and not just through your camera lens.
On our scheduled departures, we typically buy permits for Buhoma & Ruhija, which are accessible from Buhoma area. One of the Buhoma families, and the Ruhija families, require a road transfer to the start point. This does not deviate from the enjoyment of the trek (and could be considered as enhancing your trip as you are seeing a different part of the region). Your permit may be organised for day 3 or 4 - depending on availability at the time of purchase.
Head back to Buhoma Lodge for a complimentary massage after your trek, or explore the surrounding Bwindi community.