On this week-long Uganda safari you’ll experience the Mountain Gorillas in the majestic Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and, before getting to the lost chimps of Kyambura Gorge, you’ll pass by the open savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and a chance to see the famous tree-climbing lions.
Safari Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at Entebbe airport where an Aerolink member of staff will assist you with the check-in and transfer to your 07:45am (arrival 10:05am) or 12:30pm (arrival 14:35pm) domestic flight to Kasese, check-in time is one hour before the flight. Once in Kasese you will be welcomed by your expert guide who will provide knowledge and assistance throughout your journey.
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and the contemporary Kyambura Gorge Lodge. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the veranda that overlooks the savannah plains with the magnificent Rwenzori Mountains in the distance.
Approximate Travel Times: Flying 2 hours; Driving 2 hours
O/N Kyambura Gorge Lodge (L, D)
Day 2
The Kyambura Gorge is an extraordinary natural environment and forms a stark contrast to the surrounding grasslands. Here you can track one of our closest animal relatives: the chimpanzee. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing can be unpredictable but the walk itself is enchanting.
In the afternoon take a cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which flows between Lakes Edward and George. Kazinga is home to one of the greatest concentrations of hippo in Africa and herds of elephant, buffalo and other animals come to drink at the water’s edge. The channel is a magnet for waterbirds, with great flocks of pelicans and others birds on the shore, and a great spot to see African fish eagle.
O/N Kyambura Gorge Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 3
Second chimpanzee trek in Kalinzu, a forest reserve 30 minutes’ drive from Kyambura Gorge Lodge where there is a community of about 40 habituated chimpanzees.
You can also visit various community projects from the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT) including: Kyambura Gorge Buffer, Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative, Kyambura Wetland Restoration, Kyambura Dance Group, Kyambura Community Playground and much more.
O/N Kyambura Gorge Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 4
Join a local scientific researcher on his daily game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park to locate and record the behavior of a lion pride he is studying.
Transfer by road to Ishasha Wilderness Camp.
Approximate Travel Times: Driving 2 hours
O/N Ishasha Wilderness Camp (B, L, D)
Day 5
Take an early morning or evening game drive for the best opportunity to see game. What you see depends on the season, but the Kasenyi plains are excellent for sighting lion and large herds of Uganda kob. The Mweya peninsula is one of the best places to look for leopard, which live in the dense, scrubby thickets.
O/N Ishasha Wilderness Camp (B, L, D)
Day 6
Your safari now continues to the primeval Bwindi forest. Travelling via Ishasha – subject to road conditions – you can observe the unusual behaviour exhibited by the tree-climbing lions. The long journey through the rapidly changing landscape takes you to Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, which looks across to the towering trees of the forest. Depending on when you arrive, there maybe time to explore the lodge grounds with its clear mountain stream or visit the local village.
You can also visit the Bwindi bar a VSPT project located just 3 minutes from the lodge. They serve chilled drinks and delicious snacks at pocket friendly prices. A few minutes at Bwindi bar will give you an insight in what life in Bwindi Community is like.
Approximate Travel Times: Driving 2 hours
O/N Bwindi Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 7
After enjoying an early breakfast, you set off gorilla tracking. Trekking through the steep, densely forested hills and then finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring and privileged moment. Tracking in the Bwindi forest requires stamina and can often take most of the day.
O/N Bwindi Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 8
Transfer from Bwindi lodge to the Kihihi airstrip. Leave with the 09:45am (arrive at 11:25am) or 14:05pm (arrive at 15:55pm) return flight to Entebbe and connect in time for your return flight.
Approximate Travel Times: Flying 2 hours; Driving 2 hours
Please book return flights departing after 08:00pm
Bwindi Lodge (B)
