6 Days Gorilla Trekking & Queen Elizabeth Safari
This 6 Days Gorilla Trekking & Queen Elizabeth Safari takes you to Uganda is an excellent destination for wildlife safaris, offering a unique opportunity to see a diverse range of animals in their natural habitats, including some of Africa’s most iconic species.
Here are some of the highlights and popular destinations for a wildlife safari in Uganda:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
While most famous for its mountain gorillas, Bwindi is also home to various other primates, such as chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and baboons. The lush forest and hilly terrain make it a beautiful destination for trekking and wildlife viewing.
Queen Elizabeth National Park:
This park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, and forests. It offers the chance to see a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
Murchison Falls National Park:
This Park is Uganda’s largest and offers stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. The Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gap in the rocks, is a must-see attraction. Wildlife sightings here can include elephants, giraffes, lions, hippos, and many others.
Kibale National Park:
Famous for its chimpanzee tracking, Kibale is home to one of the highest densities of primates in Africa. Apart from chimpanzees, visitors can also spot red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and other primate species.
Semuliki National Park:
This lesser-known park is a great destination for birdwatching and is home to various bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. It also offers opportunities to spot forest elephants and different primates.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:
For those interested in rhino conservation, this sanctuary is the place to visit. It is the only place in Uganda where you can see white rhinos in the wild.
Kidepo Valley National Park:
Though remote, this park is known for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. It’s a great destination for seeing large herds of buffaloes, zebras, elephants, lions, and other wildlife.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth and an Evening Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise.
Your journey to the wild continues to the renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is one of Uganda’s most famous and diverse wildlife reserves. The drive from Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park will take you through picturesque landscapes, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the Ugandan countryside.
Upon arrival at the park, you’ll be greeted by its diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, and crater lakes, which create a haven for a wide variety of wildlife.
After settling into your accommodation, you’ll embark on an exciting afternoon game drive. Accompanied by experienced guides, you’ll set out in a safari vehicle to explore the park’s vast plains and tracks. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to an impressive array of animals, and during your game drive, you can expect to spot elephants, buffaloes, various antelope species like Uganda Kob and Topi, and many bird species.
The park’s birdlife is particularly remarkable, with over 600 recorded species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Keep an eye out for the African fish eagle, saddle-billed stork, African jacana, and many other colorful and fascinating birds.
Furthermore, as the sun sets over the park, you’ll have the chance to witness breathtaking vistas and the opportunity to capture some stunning photographs of the African wilderness.
Queen Elizabeth National Park also offers other exciting activities such as boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds, as well as exploring the scenic Kyambura Gorge for a chance to track chimpanzees.
Throughout your wildlife encounters, remember to maintain a safe distance from the animals and follow the park’s guidelines to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the wildlife.
Enjoy your time in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and may you be enchanted by the diverse wildlife and natural wonders it has to offer.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge |Katara Lodge
Mid-Range: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge | Elephant Hub Lodge
Day 2: Game drive, Safari Queen Elizabeth National Park
Wake up and have your breakfast and then prepare the day’s activities.
Morning Game Drive
The morning game drive offers an opportunity to witness the awakening of the park’s wildlife as they start their day. Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll set out in a safari vehicle to search for animals such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species. The game drive is a fantastic way to observe wildlife behaviors and interactions in their natural habitat.
Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel:
In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward to Lake George. The boat cruise offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, as the shores of the channel attract a diverse range of animals.
As you cruise along the water, you’ll have the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and more. Elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes are also known to come to the water’s edge to quench their thirst, providing excellent photo opportunities.
The boat cruise is a peaceful and scenic way to explore the park’s wildlife and offers a different perspective on the animals’ behaviors and interactions near the water.
Both activities, the morning game drive and the afternoon boat cruise, provide distinct and enriching experiences, immersing you in the wonders of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
As always, remember to adhere to the park’s guidelines and maintain a respectful distance from the wildlife to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and the animals.
Enjoy your day in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and may it be filled with remarkable wildlife encounters and cherished memories
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Option:
Ishasha Wilderness Camp | Ishasha Jungle Lodge
Drinking Water throughout
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 3: Game drive Ishasha sector to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Early morning breakfast and a morning game drive through the Ishasha Sector in search of tree climbing lions as we continue with our journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorillas.
The drive to Bwindi takes you through picturesque landscapes, passing rural villages and lush greenery. As you approach the park, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the thick, ancient rainforest.
Upon arriving at the park
You’ll check into your lodge, which is often nestled within or close to the forest. These lodges offer a unique experience of being immersed in nature while providing comfortable accommodations to ensure a relaxing stay.
In the evening, take some time to rest and unwind as you prepare for the highly anticipated gorilla trekking experience the following day. Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come face-to-face with these gentle giants and observe them in their natural habitat.
Your trekking adventure will be guided by experienced trackers and rangers who are well-versed in the gorillas’ behavior and movements. They will lead you through the dense forest, using their knowledge and tracking skills to locate the gorilla family assigned for your visit.
Gorilla trekking requires some physical fitness as you may hike through rugged terrain and thick vegetation. However, the reward of encountering a gorilla family in the wild is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of these magnificent creatures.
During the trek, you might also encounter other forest dwellers, including various monkey species and a rich diversity of birdlife.
It’s essential to follow the guidelines and rules set by the park authorities during gorilla trekking to ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and the gorillas. Remember that gorillas are wild animals, and maintaining a safe distance and adhering to the instructions of your guides is crucial.
Prepare for an extraordinary encounter with the mountain gorillas, a unique and soul-stirring experience that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Gorilla Safari Lodge | Buhoma Lodge
Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp | Silverback Lodge Bwindi
Budget: Bakiga Lodge | Buhoma Community Camp
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drinking Water Throughout
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Your day in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park bound to be an unforgettable adventure as you embark on the highly anticipated gorilla trekking experience.
Gorilla Trekking:
Early in the morning, you’ll gather at the park’s briefing point. Where experienced guides will provide you with essential information and guidelines for the gorilla trekking adventure. Assigned to a gorilla family group. And with your trekking party, including guides and rangers, you’ll set off into the dense forest.
The trek can vary in duration and difficulty, depending on the location of the gorilla family on that particular day. It may take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours (or more) of hiking through rugged terrain, steep slopes, and thick vegetation. However, the anticipation and excitement will keep you motivated.
Once you find the gorilla family, you’ll have a precious hour to observe and share moments with them. Watching these majestic creatures up close, interacting, playing, and feeding, will be a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. It’s a rare privilege to witness their peaceful and family-oriented behavior in their natural environment.
Please remember to maintain a safe distance and follow the park’s guidelines to ensure the well-being of the gorillas and your safety during the encounter.
After the Gorilla Trek: After your exhilarating gorilla trek, you have some wonderful options to choose from:
- Explore the Local Community: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is surrounded by local communities, and engaging with the local people can be a rewarding cultural experience. You can visit nearby villages, interact with residents, and learn about their traditional way of life, customs, and crafts.
- Forest Walk: If you’re up for more exploration, consider participating in a guided forest walk. This activity allows you to discover the beauty of the park beyond the gorilla trekking area. You can explore different forest trails, encounter more wildlife, and learn about the diverse flora and fauna of Bwindi.
- Rest and Relaxation: Alternatively, after the physically demanding gorilla trekking, you may prefer to relax at your lodge, savoring the memories of your incredible encounter with the mountain gorillas.
Meanwhile, whichever option you choose, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park promises a deeply rewarding and enriching experience. The encounters with both the gorillas and the local community. Offer insights into the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and community development.
As always, please be respectful of both the gorillas and the local people during your interactions. Ensuring a positive impact on the environment and communities you visit.
Day 5: Depart Bwindi for Entebbe
Depending on your next adventure plans will aim to leave Bwindi. After your breakfast to embark, you can make your way to your accommodation in Entebbe or prepare for your departure from the country. Taking with you wonderful memories of your time in Uganda’s diverse and beautiful landscapes.
The drive will take you through rural communities, rolling hills. And picturesque vistas, providing you with a chance to reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had during your wildlife safari.
Location: Kampala/Entebbe
Accommodation options:
Luxury: Latitude 0 Degrees Serena Hotel Kigo
Mid-range: Cassia Lodge, Boma Guest House
Budget: Via Via hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Departure
As your incredible journey in Uganda comes to an end. It’s time to bid farewell to this beautiful country and its remarkable wildlife. Make your way to Entebbe International Airport for your departure.
As you head to the airport, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable memories you’ve made during your gorilla and wildlife safari. The encounters with the majestic mountain gorillas. The thrilling game drives with diverse wildlife sightings, the boat cruises on serene lakes. And the immersive experiences in the national parks have surely left a lasting impression.
The 6 Days Gorilla Trekking & Queen Elizabeth Safari with Njia African Adventure may be ending. But the memories and experiences will stay alive in your heart. Reminding you of the wonders of the natural world and the magic of exploring new destinations.
Tour Includes
- Gorilla permit (700USD)
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
- Bottled drinking water
- An experienced English speaking tour driver/guide
- Park entry fees
- Park ranger and guiding
- Fuel
Tour Excludes
- Personal expenses such as beverages, crafts, cigars, souvenirs and tips
- Flights and Visa Fees