Countries: Uganda
Destinations: Entebbe , Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Group Size: 2
Duration (days): 5
Number of Adults: 2
Number of Children: 0
Fly in to access the northern Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and fly out after the experience of looking deep into the expressive brown eyes of the mountain gorillas, arguably the most exciting and poignant wildlife encounter that Africa has to offer.
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 : Entebbe
Upon arrival at the Entebbe International Airport you will be met and transferred privately to No.5 Boutique Hotel where you will spend 1 night on a bed & breakfast basis.
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 : Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After an early breakfast you will be transferred to the Entebbe International Airport for your light aircraft flight departing at 07h15 for Kihihi. Upon arrival at the Kihihi Airfield at approximately 09h35, you will be met by your private guide and transferred in a 4x4 vehicle to Buhoma in the Northern Sector of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. You will arrive at the Bwindi Lodge by mid/late morning to spend 3 nights on a fully inclusive basis. After check-in and a little down-time, you will have a unique Ugandan cultural experience.
Ride 4 a Woman
A locally founded and managed women’s empowerment initiative, learn, have fun and spend time with the local women as they go about their daily life. Today, you will join the women in the kitchen and learn how to cook some traditional dishes of the Bakiga tribe (Kalo, G-Nut Sauce, Matoke, Goat’s Meat, Irish Potatoes & Obushera). Enjoy the fruits of your labour and eat all of the delicious food you have prepared in Ride 4 a Woman’s dining room.
After this truly enriching Ugandan experience, you will return to the Bwindi Lodge.
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.
Overlooking the primeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Bwindi Lodge is the finest gorilla lodge at Bwindi. With dramatic intense views of the forest canopy across a serene stream, it is one of Africa’s unique lodges.
The property has dramatic views of the impenetrable forest and is a great place to spot the monkeys and birds hidden in the foliage. During 2021 two new delxue bandas have opened, standard bandas have been rebuilt and upgraded, and the lounge and library have been reimagined.
The award-winning Bwindi Bar, in the high street of the village nearby is the most stylish and colourful bar in the area! Guests also enjoy informal tapas style meals inspired by Ugandan dishes. It’s the Harry’s Bar of Bwindi! Guests can make their ‘rolex’ wrap and the delicious Gorillini Cocktail, a must-have after a gorilla tracking in Bwindi! The bar was set up by Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust to train disadvantaged local young people in hospitality.
Day 3 : Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today, a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi awaits you!
Gorilla Trek in Bwindi
You will be transferred to the Rushaga National Park offices, where you will be divided into groups of 8 and allocated a gorilla family as well as a gorilla tracking guide. After a pre-tracking briefing by your guide, touching on the gorillas generally, your assigned gorilla family, as well as appropriate safety precautions, you drive to the trailhead for the start of a thrilling adventure. Porters are on hand to be hired to assist you up and down the steep slopes. Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. But it will definitely be worthwhile as for one hour you observe them closely while they eat, play and rest.
Day 5 - Day of Departure
After an early breakfast, you will have a private transfer back to the Kihihi Airfield for your light aircraft flight departing at approximately 09h35 back to Entebbe. Upon arrival at the Entebbe International Airport at approximately 11h00, you will be met and transferred to The Boma Hotel for lunch (on own account). This afternoon, you will be transferred back to the Airport in time to board the departure flight on your travel schedule.