Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Gateway to Uganda’s Wildlife
Your adventure begins upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where your private guide will warmly welcome you to Uganda, often called the “Pearl of Africa.” After a short introduction and briefing about your upcoming adventure, you’ll be driven to your accommodation in Entebbe. The town, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, offers a calm atmosphere and beautiful scenery, perfect for unwinding after your long flight. If you arrive early, enjoy a stroll around the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or explore the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre to see a variety of animal species.
Overnight: Protea Hotel by Marriott Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 2: Scenic Drive to Ndali Kasenda Crater Lake – Exploring Uganda’s Volcanic Wonders
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to the stunning Ndali Kasenda Crater Lakes region. This is a 5–6-hour journey that offers a visual feast of Uganda’s rolling hills, lush farmlands, and small rural villages. The drive also reveals the striking beauty of the area’s volcanic crater lakes, nestled within a picturesque landscape of green forests and wildlife. Once you arrive, check-in to your lodge situated on the edge of the Crater Lakes. The tranquility of the area, with views over the sparkling blue lakes and the surrounding hills, will immediately captivate you. Spend the afternoon unwinding, perhaps with a guided walk around the lake, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings from your lodge.
Overnight: Turaco Treetops Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park – The Home of the Gorillas
After breakfast, you’ll journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, one of Uganda’s most renowned national parks, and the habitat of half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive is approximately 4-5 hours, taking you through the rugged and beautiful southwestern highlands of Uganda. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush landscapes and small villages, offering a glimpse into rural Ugandan life. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge, nestled within the heart of the forest. Spend the afternoon resting, taking in the natural beauty of the surroundings, and preparing for your gorilla trekking adventure the next day.
Overnight: Mahogany Springs Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – A Close Encounter with the Giants
Today is one of the highlights of your safari: a gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to the park headquarters, where you’ll be briefed by park rangers and assigned to a group. Each group will track one of the gorilla families, and the trek can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on the location of the family. The forest itself is dense, with rugged terrain, but the reward of seeing the gorillas is priceless. You’ll have an hour to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat, watching as they go about their daily activities eating, playing, or even resting. The experience is intimate, educational, and deeply moving, leaving you with lasting memories of your encounter with these gentle giants. Once the trek concludes, with visitingBatwa Cultural Village
The Batwa Cultural village is where the Batwa (Pigmies) still live in the same way they used to years ago in tree houses. The Batwa only began leaving their forest homes around 15 years ago and they have been able to remain on this land thanks to the support of a generous American benefactor who donated the land back to them and created a cultural program. The fees from visiting tourists and are given to the Batwa project and they delight in welcoming visitors to their village and demonstrating how they make weapons, dance, make fires using sticks and cook return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch. Return to your lodge You can relax in the peaceful surroundings of the lodge or enjoy a nature walk nearby to learn more about the flora and fauna of the forest. In the late afternoon, consider visiting the Batwa community. The Batwa are the indigenous people of the forest and can share insights into their rich cultural heritage and their traditional way of life in the forest
Overnight: Mahogany Springs Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Transfer to Airstrip for Domestic Flight to Entebbe
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to a nearby airstrip for your domestic flight back to Entebbe. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a relaxing morning before your transfer. The flight offers a scenic view of Uganda’s stunning landscapes as you head back to Entebbe. Upon arrival at Entebbe, you will be transferred directly to the international airport for your return flight home or onward journey. This marks the end of your incredible 5-day Chimpanzee & Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda, leaving you with cherished memories of your time in the heart of Africa.
