This 5-day safari in the west and south-west of Uganda combines the best that spectacular Queen Elizabeth National Park and verdant Bwindi Impenetrable National Park have to offer. Uncover the magnificent sceneries in both safari destinations, including craters (with and without water) in Queen Elizabeth National Park, densely forested slopes, freshwater Lakes, sweeping savannah plains, deep valleys, to mention but a few.
You will also encounter savannah and forest dominating wildlife species as well as relishing more intimate and off-beaten track wildlife experiences such as meeting tree-climbing lions, gorilla trekking and so much more.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a 1978-square kilometer Protected Area in the western side of Uganda, with over 95 mammal species and about 600 bird species. Here, lions, chimpanzees, leopards, spotted hyenas, Topis, Uganda Kobs, Hippos, Defassa waterbucks, warthogs, Olive baboons, bushbucks, duikers and others are found during safari game drives, guided nature walks, hot air balloon tours, experiential tours and boat rides.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is 321 square kilometers in the south-western side of Uganda with about 120 mammal species and over 350 bird species. This Park is known for its high concentration of mountain gorillas, almost half of the world’s population. Here 20 habituates gorilla families are open for tracking with 160 permits available each day.
Brief Itinerary of 5 Days Queen Elizabeth tour
- Day 1: Bush flight from Entebbe to Kasese airstrip, Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 2: Game viewing and Boat ride in the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Day 3: Drive to Bwindi via Ishasha sector, south of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Day 4: Mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi and community walk.
- Day 5: Bush flight from Kihihi to Entebbe, connecting flight back home.
Detailed Itinerary of 5 Days Queen Elizabeth tour
Day 1: Bush flight from Entebbe to Kasese airstrip, Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast at the hotel, in Entebbe, you will be transferred by our company representative to Entebbe Airport for a bush flight to Kasese airstrip. Remember that check-in is at least one hour before the flight. This flight departs by 7:00am and arrives by about 10:00m.
On getting to the airstrip, our driver will offer briefing then transfer you to the safari lodge. Check-in, settle-in, have lunch. You can start-off your adventure by enjoying a simple game drive with chances of seeing elephants, buffaloes, bushbucks, waterbuck, Uganda Kobs and warthogs among others. By nightfall you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight:
- Elephant Plains Lodge or Kyambura Game Lodge (luxury).
- Mweya Safari Lodge or Buffalo Safari Lodge (moderate).
Meals: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2: Game viewing and boat ride in Queen Elizabeth National Park
This day you will set out on a thrilling exploration journey through the diverse landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park by undertaking a game drive and later a boat ride. Meet your private driver at the Lodge and be transferred from the Lodge into the Park for this drive where lions, Uganda Kobs, warthogs, Defassa waterbucks, spotted hyenas, cape buffaloes, elephants, topis, bushbucks, and others are sighted aboard the private safari land cruiser.
Afterwards, drive to the crater area for some craft shopping and photography of the views. You will later get back to the lodge for siesta and lunch.
In the afternoon get transferred to the Mweya jetty for the start of your second adventure of the day – a boat ride through Kazinga Channel. Here, the Nile crocodiles, hippos, some elephants and buffaloes as well as numerous aquatic/wetland bird species are unmissable.
Get off the boat after a rewarding boat ride and hop into the safari vehicle for a transfer back to the lodge. Freshen-up and join other guests at the dining area for a meal and later overnight.
Overnight:
- Elephant Plains Lodge or Kyambura Game Lodge (luxury).
- Mweya Safari Lodge or Buffalo Safari Lodge (moderate).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3: Drive to Bwindi via Ishasha sector, south of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Get breakfast and start the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey goes through the pristine and unexplored Ishasha sector in the southern side of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Topis, Uganda Kobs, elephants, buffaloes and the stars of the show – the tree climbing lions, will be seen in the southern sector.
Enjoy a traditional lunch at Savannah Resort Kihihi and continue until Bwindi for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation:
- Bwindi Lodge or Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (luxury).
- Mahogany Springs or Silverback Lodge (midrange).
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 4: Mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi and community walk
Spend this day on a gorilla trekking adventure across the densely forested slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. First, attend briefing at the park headquarters, provided by trained park rangers and get allocated to one of the habituated gorilla families with whom you will spend quality time with.
Begin searching for the mountain gorillas by following behind the park ranger who gets directions from trackers on walkie-talkie.
The ranger will keep providing information on park history, animals, birds and other interesting things encountered along the way, then behold, the mountain gorillas. The hour you have been waiting for, when you meet face to face with one of the friendliest Giants of the jungle.
Watch these giant apes feeding on vegetation, resting, playing and grooming each other, for about one hour. Make sure that your camera is well functioning so that you don’t miss the best shots. You will get back to the park headquarters for your gorilla trekking certificate and then back to the Lodge for lunch.
The afternoon is basically for learning about the simple and exciting culture of the local community. Learn about the Batwa pygmies and return to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Bush flight from Kihihi to Entebbe, connecting flight back home.
Get your early morning breakfast and be transferred to Kihihi airstrip, check-in is one hour before the flight. The flight leaves at about 09:45am (although is subject to changes) and arrives at Entebbe at about 11:25 (earlier or later). Depending on your flight schedule, you either enjoy a tour of Entebbe town, before being transferred to a nice restaurant for lunch or right away check-in.
Meals: Breakfast only.
Flight time: About one hour and 30 minutes.
5-Day Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi safari inclusions:
- 4 nights’ accommodation- two in Queen Elizabeth Park and two nights in Bwindi.
- Bush flight (Entebbe to Kasese and Kihihi to Entebbe).
- Services of an experienced guide.
- Park entry fees.
- A comfortable safari land cruisers.
- Water and snacks
- Relevant Government taxes.
- Meals per the itinerary.
- Community tours.
- Game drive by closed, but open-hatched land cruiser.
- Boat ride along Kazinga Channel.
Exclusions:
- Premium wines and spirits.
- International flights.
- Visa where required.
- Personal expenses like laundry fees, telephone calls, souvenirs and tips.