There are so many reasons one should explore Uganda. Sir Winston Churchill was so in awe of the country he called it the “pearl of Africa.”
Ugandans’ smiles are as warm as their sun. It’s been said over and over again that Ugandans are the friendliest people in the region. They are welcoming and curious about their visitors and where they come from, and a Ugandan will go out of their way to make anyone feel welcome.
Although Uganda is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant) it also boasts unique wildlife such as tree-climbing lions and the Nile crocodile. Uganda is a must on any birder’s bucket list, with over 1,000 bird species, including some of the very rarest, such as the shoebill, the great blue turaco, Shelley’s crimsonwing, and many more. Indeed, Uganda’s wetlands and savannah are great habitats for some of the world’s most spectacular birds and wildlife.
Uganda is lucky to be the home of the famous endangered mountain gorillas, and it has the highest population of mountain gorillas in the world. They can’t be found anywhere else on earth but in the Virunga Massif that is shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These gentle giants can be found in two of Uganda’s national parks: Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda and after finalising the formalities, you will be welcomed by your guide, who will then drive you to No.5 Boutique Hotel (10 minutes from the airport).
All arriving guests are to present negative PCR test results taken within 72 hours before arrival. Upon arrival, all guests are to take a mandatory PCR test and this is applied and paid for online.
After breakfast, you will drive to Kibale National Park; while driving, you will pass by tea plantations along the way. You will continue and, on the way, stop in Fort Portal. In the afternoon you will arrive at Primate Lodge (the only lodge in Kibale National Park). Time allowing, you could explore the crater lakes nearby or visit the local communities and get to learn more about their way of life, culture and traditions. Otherwise spend the rest of the day relaxing.
It is approximately a 6 hour drive from Entebbe to Kibale National Park
Today you will track the most famous inhabitants of Kibale National Park, the chimpanzees.
With over 1,450 individuals protected within the park, Kibale forest is home to the largest number of the endangered chimpanzees in Uganda, as well as the threatened red colobus monkey and the rare L’Hoest’s monkey. The forest has one of the highest diversity and density of primates in Africa totaling 13 species including the black and white colobus, blue monkey and grey-cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkey, bush babies and pottos. In the afternoon after tracking, you have the option of going for a guided walk through the swamps of Bigodi. Or choose to relax at your accommodation or community walk in a village nearby. Alternatively, you can visit a school in the local community, talk to the students and teachers and participate in the lessons.
Depart for Bwindi National Park in the morning, to the home of the Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi National Park is one of Uganda’s Forested Parks, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is best known for gorilla tracking, but it also provides refuge to elephants, chimpanzees, monkeys and various small antelopes, as well as 23 bird species restricted to the Albertine.
You will be staying at Bwindi Lodge for the next 2 nights.
It is approximately a 7 hour drive from Kibale to Bwindi National Park
This morning you will get up very early for gorilla trekking (yay)!
Trekking the Mountain Gorilla is one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on earth. The trek will take between 2 and 6 hours, but is well worth the effort. You will be led by an experienced ranger who will tell you interesting facts about flora and fauna and the lifestyle of the Gorillas.
In the afternoon depending on the time, you return from the trek, you may choose to visit the Batwa or Ride for women projects (which we highly recommend).
The Batwa are the oldest inhabitants of the Great Lakes region of Central Africa. Like most of the tribes in Africa, they have moved from place to place and are now found in Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and eastern portions of the DRC. The first records of the Batwa are dated over 4,000 years ago by the Egyptians. They described them as short statured people living near the "Mountains of the Moon". You will get to learn more about their history, cultural beliefs and Norms, and their way of life as hunters and gatherers.
After breakfast, you will fly back to Entebbe enjoying the beautiful aerial view of south western Uganda, the hills and thick vegetation as well as the farming practiced by the locals.
Afterwards you will arrive at the Airport and proceed for your PCR test which will be required for departure, thereafter drive to the eastern part of Uganda - Jinja; you will visit the source of the Nile if time allows. The Nile is a major north-flowing river in north eastern Africa, regarded as the longest river in the world (6,853 km long).
Alternatively, you can drive straight to your accommodation.
Spend the day relaxing at the lodge or choose from the optional activities available. These include half / full day white water rafting on the Nile, Kayaking, Horse riding where you enjoy leisurely rides through the villages and farm lands along the Nile or opt for a bike ride.
After breakfast, you will start your journey back to Entebbe at your own leisure or depending the departure time for your international flight; have time to take photos on your way. Buy a few souvenirs and have a quick picnic lunch. Later you be dropped at the airport and depart. You can also visit the source of the Nile on this day should you have not done this activity on the first day.
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