20 days Escape in to the wild and cultural lands of Uganda

Enjoy morning game drive in the Queen Elizabeth National Park whose diverse ecosystems include sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands, that make it the ideal habitat for classic big game, primates and over 600 species of birds.  

Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the park’s magnificent vistas include dozens of enormous craters carved dramatically into rolling green hills and the panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel.  You will get to visit the communities around and learn about their ways of living. Get to do some fishing on the lake

Return to the lodge for lunch and later You will take a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, 32 Kms long followed by a game drive. This water system has the highest concentration of Hippos in the world and you will get quite close to them. See also crocodiles, buffalos and other game that drink from the channel, also marvel at the abundant ornitho-life that is supported here. 

Have a game drive before heading to the lodge for dinner. 

Overnight at  Twinlakes Safari Lodge or similar (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Today you proceed to Ishasha, home to the famed tree climbing lions.  The lions are located in the Southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and are best seen in early hours of the morning.  Have a game drive before stopping for lunch, and another game drive in the afternoon before dinner.

Overnight at  Ishasha Jungle Lodge or similar (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Today you will continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for two nights. Bwindi is a home to over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Interacting with these gentle giants is one of the most moving experiences that Africa has to offer and should not be missed! The ancient rainforest of Bwindi spans 321 sq km and   boasts 90 mammal species, including a range of primates, as well as 23 Albertine Rift endemic bird species, including the African Green Broadbill, the Bar Tailed Trogon and many others. Relax in the evening and get ready for the following day’s gorilla tracking. 

Overnight at  Lake Mulehe Gorilla lodge or similar (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Today after an energizing breakfast, you will embark on your gorilla trek. Before 8 am report to the ranger station for registration and briefing by one of the rangers; the guides will then lead you through the undergrowth, parting thick creepers, to track the gorillas.  

The trek can take anywhere from half an hour to 7 hours – a reasonable degree of fitness is required as well as a sturdy pair of walking boots. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas.

Later in day, if time allows, there a range of optional activities unique to Bwindi that you can engage in.

Optional Activities:

Batwa Trail: During this moving tour, the Batwa demonstrate hunting techniques; gather honey; point out medicinal plants and demonstrate how to make bamboo cups. 

Guests are then invited to the sacred Ngarama Cave, once home to the Batwa King to be entertained by traditional music and dance.

Village Walk: Overlooking the imposing hillsides of Bwindi Impenetrable forest, with the mist swirling over the summits, this is one of the most dramatic settings for your cultural tour! Among others, meet a traditional healer, who not only treats the sick, but uses his knowledge to conserve and educate about the various medicinal plants.

Bwindi Community Hospital:  Started by a Canadian doctor BCH revolutionized health care for the Batwa and the Bwindi community. This free hospital tour provides insight into the region and issues that the local community member’s face.

Waterfall Walk:  Walk along the Congolese border and Bwindi to see the magnificent waterfalls and the incredible scenery.

Overnight at  lake mulehe gorilla lodge or similar (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

This morning after breakfast, you will drive to Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi (“Place of many little birds”) is the perfect place to stop for a break.  The serene lake is rumored to be the deepest in Africa, reaching depths of 900 meters.  The lake stretches around 25 km in length and 7 meters wide, with 29 islands scattered throughout.  Although it can be very tempting to just sit by the water and soak up the sun, there are many different activities available, including a boat ride to the different islands, bird watching, zip lining to mention but a few.

Overnight at Arcadia cottages or similar (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

The adventure continues as you spend two nights at Lake Mburo National Park.

The 371 sq km park is an extension of the Tanzanian Plains and has distinctly different fauna compared to other Ugandan parks. It is the best place in the country to see Eland Antelope, Zebra, Topi, Impala, and Acacia. The five lakes within the park attract hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds, while fringing swamps hide black and yellow papyrus gonalek.  Arriving in the park for lunch you can rest before exploring the park on game drive for the rest of the afternoon.

Optional Activities:

1. Horseback Riding Safaris:  What better way to explore the park than on horseback!  Horseback riding safaris are available for various times and are suitable for all levels of riders including the non-experienced.

2. Boat Safari:  Take a cruise along Lake Mburo which is home to dense populations of hippos and crocodiles.  

Cycling trips are also available on request

Overnight at  Rwakobo Rock lodge or similar (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

This morning you will have breakfast and then proceed to Entebbe having lunch enroute. You will stop at the Equator-where you will be able to stand in both hemispheres simultaneously arriving in Entebbe in the early evening for your flight back home.