Uganda Highlights Safari for 5 Days
The Uganda Highlights Safari for 5 Days is crafted for travelers keen on a short safari to witness mountain gorillas and experience the diverse wildlife in one of Uganda’s national parks. This 5 Day adventure includes gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park, two game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park (including one to spot tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector), and a memorable boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Uganda is celebrated for its incredible tourism destinations, prompting Winston Churchill to famously describe it as “The Pearl of Africa”. Let’s delve into the detailed itinerary, starting with insights into the two national parks, beginning with Bwindi.
Itinerary
Day 1: Pickup and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Upon your arrival at Entebbe airport or from your hotel, our team will pick you up to commence your 5 Day Uganda Highlights Safari. Following a brief orientation, you’ll embark on a captivating 6-hour journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Situated in the southwestern part of Uganda, this region is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, including lakes, rivers, mountains, forests, and national parks. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to soak in the sights of the countryside, observe the majestic Ankole cattle, and witness the local populace engaged in their daily activities. We’ll make notable stops at the equator crossing, the Igongo cultural Centre, and local markets to savor fresh tropical fruits. The equator crossing is a particularly intriguing spot, marking the division between the earth’s northern and southern hemispheres. Lunch will be enjoyed en route, perhaps at the Igongo Cultural Centre.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge
Meals Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Cruise
Following breakfast at your lodge, kick off your day with an early morning game drive to catch sight of the wildlife awakening to the day’s activities. The early hours offer a prime opportunity to spot nocturnal mammals and predators before they retreat into hiding. The game drive, lasting approximately 3 hours, is among the most sought-after activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Anticipate encounters with hippos, buffaloes, antelopes, leopards, lions, and an array of resident and migratory birds. This drive can be conducted in either the Kasenyi or Mweya plains. Following the game drive, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. At 2:00 pm, embark on a journey to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat cruise. The channel serves as a magnet for wildlife within the park and is renowned for its diverse bird species, surpassing any other destination in Africa. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and hippos as they frolic in the waters. The boat cruise typically spans 2 to 3 hours.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Game Drive in Ishasha to See Tree Climbing Lions – Transfer to Bwindi National Park
Start your day with a delightful breakfast before embarking on a journey to Bwindi. Prior to departing for Bwindi, enjoy a final game drive in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Notably, tree-climbing lions are a unique attraction found only in Uganda, Tanzania, and South Africa. Uganda boasts approximately four prides of these distinctive lions. Kruger National Park in South Africa hosts one pride, while Tanzania’s Lake Manyara is home to two. These lions have a penchant for trees, finding refuge from ground-dwelling bugs in the branches. From their elevated vantage points, they survey their prey and strategize for nocturnal activities. Following a successful lion-spotting excursion, journey onward to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, pausing for lunch en route. Upon arrival at your lodge in Bwindi, freshen up and unwind amidst the lodge’s serene surroundings.
Accommodation: Chameleon Hill Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Tracking Gorillas in Bwindi – Visit the Batwa Pygmies
Rise early for breakfast and make your way to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking, commencing at 7:00 am. Led by experienced park guides/rangers, this briefing offers essential insights into the trek ahead. Gorilla tracking in Bwindi involves selecting from among 15 habituated gorilla families, with allocation based on age and overall fitness. Following the briefing, venture into the jungle in search of these remarkable primates. While tracking gorillas can pose challenges, the experience is truly invaluable. Spending an hour in the company of wild gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter, accompanied by sightings of other forest inhabitants such as monkeys, chimpanzees, birds, and butterflies. Capture as many photographs as you can, while adhering to your guide’s instructions to remain calm and avoid sudden movements that could startle the gorillas. After your captivating hour with the gorillas, return to the starting point to rendezvous with your guide, who will escort you back to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Accommodation: Chameleon Hill Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Transfer Back to Kampala for Departure
On this final day of Uganda Highlights Safari, wake at your leisure, considering your flight arrangements. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and await your guide for pickup. Embark on the 8-hour journey from Bwindi to Entebbe, making intermittent stops along the way. If you missed visiting the Igongo Cultural Centre or the equator crossing, seize the opportunity during these stops. Additionally, take advantage of a visit to the Buganda royal drum makers to witness the craftsmanship behind these cultural artifacts, passed down through generations. Concluding your journey, the driver will drop you off at the airport or your hotel in Kampala/Entebbe if you’re extending your stay.
End of Tour
