Overview
Explore Uganda’s unique wild side on this 6 days Uganda gorilla safari that channels you through the misty territories of the mountain gorillas in Bwindi. Sail with the birdlife at Mabamba wetland and Lake Bunyonyi. Topping all this up will be Lake Mburo National Park with its scenic views of sights of the abundant wildlife. Check out this day-by-day plan for this safari below.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Mabamba wetland tour
Upon entry in Uganda, our driver guide will be waiting to welcome you with a briefing. Drive to your booked hotel where lunch will be served. Travel to Nakiwogo landing site and board a boat ride to the Mabamba wetland. This wetland is famous for hosting the giant shoebill stock that runs this wetland as its hunting ground. Spot this bird as it stealthy hunts fish and frogs for hours standing and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. You can only spot this bird alone as it lives a solitary life and if luck with a pattern just for the mating season. Other birds like the cormorant and jacanas, among others can also be spotted. Transfer back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Kick start your day with breakfast which will be followed by a checkout. Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the whole day with an en route lunch in the middle of this journey. Catch a glimpse in the daily lives of the local people as witness their lifestyles from the urban centers to the countryside while driving to the park. This is topped up with the changing landscape of different ecosystems. Arrive in the park and proceed to the lodge by evening thereafter have dinner and sleep.
Day 3: Gorilla trekking and Batwa cultural tour
Embark on a life changing encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas in their highland shelters of tropical and montane vegetation after your breakfast. Spend up to an hour in the presence amazed by their gentleness, massive strength and agility, matched up by their intellect. This will all be after a short briefing and also a relatively long trek as you search for them but all is worth the wait upon encountering them. Their likeness to humans in behavior will blow you away in awe. Return to the lodge for lunch after your hour with the gorillas. An interaction with the Batwa pygmies will be next in the afternoon while on a cultural tour. Dig deep through their lifestyle as the forest keepers while learning their cultures from customs and norms to beliefs and values. Close off your experience in the Batwa community with an interesting traditional dance from their dancers honouring your visit. At dusk, have dinner at your lodge and rest.
Day 4: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi and canoe experience
Break the day with a warm breakfast and follow it up with a checkout of the lodge. Drive to Lake Bunyonyi a popular sight of the birds and impressive views of nature. By noon, check into your lodge in time for lunch. Start your afternoon with a canoe experience on the deepest lake in the country. Captained by the local guide, sail through the lake dotted with many islands as described by the guide. Enjoy the views of the many terraced hills that surround the lake and the Virunga ranges of Congo that claim the horizon in the backdrop. Ride back to the shores continuing to the lodge for dinner at sunset and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and boat cruise
Wake up early, have breakfast, checkout, and the driver guide transfers you to Lake Mburo National Park. Drive in adventure on the meandering roads that are carved around the endless hills of Kigezi through to the plains of the park arriving by lunchtime at the lodge. Set your sight on the next adventure of boat cruise in the afternoon. Spot the various animals of the park like hippos and crocodiles, the common residents of the lake with shore guests of buffaloes, impalas, zebras, and waterbucks. As the sun sets behind the hills of Kigarama, return to the lodge for dinner and sleep.
Day 6: Game drive and departure
Take on a game drive experience after your breakfast to seal off your 6 days Uganda gorilla safari in style. Meet the abundant wildlife species of the park from the large herds of buffaloes, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, giraffes, topis, and warthogs to even the most elusive creatures like leopards and hyenas the main predators of the park. This incredible experience will take you until noon as you head to the lodge for lunch. Checkout in the afternoon and depart for the capital to your hotel or airport to catch your next flight back home.