Day 1 – Arrive in Entebbe
You will arrive in Entebbe and be picked up by your private safari driver to be driven to your hotel. Situated on a peninsula in Lake Victoria, the former seat of Uganda’s government, Entebbe, is just a short drive from the current capital and offers plenty to keep visitors amused. This charming town features tree-lined streets and serves as an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. Tourists can look forward to spending days on beautiful beaches along the banks of Lake Victoria, stroll through the fields and forests of the magnificent Botanical Gardens, or pay a visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a haven for the country’s orphaned chimps.
Day 2 – Ndali kasenda Crater Lakes
After breakfast, you will be driven to Kibale Forest National Park (a 5-hour drive), and upon arrival, have lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, go for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. Expect imposing cone-shaped hills cradle tranquil calderas in the enchanting Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes in Western Uganda near Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Formed approximately 8,000-10,000 years ago by volcanic activity, these craters now feature a variety of lakes. Some boast clear, blue water, while others remain emerald green with a sulfuric odour due to residual volcanic gases. Lush vegetation cloaks the crater rims, offering views of nearby hills, tea plantations, and even the Rwenzori Mountains on clear days. While some lakes are safe for swimming, others contain toxic water and should be avoided. Activities around the lakes include nature walks, boat rides, bird-watching, and visiting the “Top of the World” viewpoint for panoramic vistas.
The trek lasts 2-3 hours, and although chimpanzees are the most sought-after primate by visitors, you should look out for the black & white colobus, red-tailed monkey, or the grey-cheeked mangabey. Your guides will be able to show you pittas and different bird species, and will provide details about the plant species within the forest. This walk is for 6 people in a group.
Day 3 – Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
After breakfast, you will head for the Bigondi Wetland Walk and combine it with a tour of the crater walk tour before going back to the hotel for lunch. After lunch, you will drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (a 41/2 hour drive) just in time for dinner. Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities – the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges. The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance, and aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other marvels such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot, and a variety of brightly-coloured butterflies to identify. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes, three of which are still active.
Day 4 – Gorilla Trekking at the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Start your day with a hearty breakfast to strengthen you for the trek. The trek is approximately five hours. The trek is combined with a visit to the Batwa village to learn more about the community that has lived and forayed in the forests for generations. A reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them ‘talk’ to one another, and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male, the Silverback. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas. It’s amazing to think there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left.
Batwa Cultural Village
The Batwa Cultural village is where the Batwa (Pigmies) still live in the same way they used to years ago in tree houses. The Batwa only began leaving their forest homes around 15 years ago and they have been able to remain on this land thanks to the support of a generous American benefactor who donated the land back to them and created a cultural program. The fees from visiting tourists and are given to the Batwa project and they delight in welcoming visitors to their village and demonstrating how they make weapons, dance, make fires using sticks and cook.
Day 5 – Return to Entebbe
After breakfast you will be driven to the Kihihi airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe. The flight time is 11/2 hours and you can be in time for your outbound flight back home.
