The Heart of Uganda
7 Days
Medium
Uganda, rightfully called the Pearl of Africa, is situated in the Great Lakes region, offering its visitors incredible diversity with its multitude of different ecosystems. In Uganda, the eastern savannah meets the Impenetrable Forest of Bwindi, the place in the world with the highest number of mountain gorillas.
Information about
The Heart of Uganda
Uganda, rightfully called the Pearl of Africa, is situated in the Great Lakes region, offering its visitors incredible diversity with its multitude of different ecosystems. In Uganda, the eastern savannah meets the Impenetrable Forest of Bwindi, the place in the world with the highest number of mountain gorillas.
The Heart of Uganda journey is a private tour that takes us to discover the most representative places of the country. In this wonderful journey, we will live diverse and exciting experiences, starting with trekking in Kibale, where we will have the opportunity to get close to chimpanzees. We will venture on a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where we can observe, among other wild animals, the tree-climbing lions characteristic of this region. One of the most exclusive experiences in the world awaits us: a trek that will take us for a face-to-face encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, the Impenetrable Forest of Bwindi. There is no other place in the world, except Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, that can offer this unique experience! Before ending the trip, we will visit Lake Mburu National Park for another unforgettable safari.
The Heart of Uganda journey is a private tour that takes us to discover the most representative places of the country. In this wonderful journey, we will live diverse and exciting experiences, starting with trekking in Kibale, where we will have the opportunity to get close to chimpanzees. We will venture on a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where we can observe, among other wild animals, the tree-climbing lions characteristic of this region. One of the most exclusive experiences in the world awaits us: a trek that will take us for a face-to-face encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, the Impenetrable Forest of Bwindi. There is no other place in the world, except Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, that can offer this unique experience! Before ending the trip, we will visit Lake Mburu National Park for another unforgettable safari.
The trip includes
Assistance on arrival at Entebbe airport and transfer to the hotel.
Private tour in a 4×4 vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide.
1 night in Entebbe on a bed and breakfast basis, drinks not included.
5 nights’ accommodation in standard lodges on a full board basis, drinks not included.
Permits for gorilla tracking in Bwindi.
Permits for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale.
Safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburu National Park.
Boat ride on the Kazinga Channel.
Entrance fees to visited National Parks.
Water in the tour vehicle.
Flying Doctors emergency medical insurance.
Welcome gift.
Itinerary
1
Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe airport and after customs procedures, a representative of the agency will be waiting to transfer us to the hotel (approximately 15 minutes). In case of morning arrivals, the room may not be available until the afternoon.
Rest of the day free to relax and/or engage in optional activities (with supplement) in the city.
Entebbe is a small and quiet town located on the shores of Lake Victoria and is easy to explore. You can visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, where you can see and learn about the country's native wildlife, local markets to buy clothing and crafts, curiosity shops to buy souvenirs, and the botanical gardens of Lake Victoria, where you can stroll among beautiful trees, watch monkeys moving through the treetops, and spot many species of native birds.
Dinner on your own and accommodation.
Day 1
2
Day 2
Entebbe - Kibale
After breakfast, departure to Kibale National Park (approximately 5 hours). Upon arrival, lunch at the lodge.
Kibale National Park comprises an interesting mix of lowland tropical rainforest, montane forest, and tropical deciduous mixed forest. In addition to the forest, there are also grassland and swamp areas. The forest is rich in fauna and flora, and stands out especially for its population of primates. Among them are chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, diadem monkeys, olive baboons, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. The birdlife is also abundant, with nearly 300 identified species. The forest also hosts 144 species of butterflies and a varied population of moths and other insects.
Free afternoon.
Optional, with supplement: nature walk safari in Bogodi Wetland.
Dinner and accommodation at the lodge.
3
Day 3
Kibale - Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, we will head to the park headquarters for registration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. After a briefing with the guards, we will begin trekking to track chimpanzees. These primates can be very active and move quickly from tree to tree, or if we are lucky, we may find them resting or feeding near the ground.
After the trekking, we will head to the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park (approximately 3 hours), rich in wildlife and flora, where we will find the characteristic Ugandan Euphorbia, or "candelabra" tree. The numerous craters and mountains in this region form a beautiful backdrop for the journey.
Picnic lunch upon arrival, followed by a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel, a natural 32-kilometer-long channel that connects Lake Edward and Lake George.
The shores of Kazinga are dotted with herds of lazy buffaloes, elephants, and hippos wallowing in the water, as well as countless species of birds. The cruise also offers a spectacular view of the Mwenya Peninsula and life in the fishing villages along the channel.
Dinner and accommodation at the lodge.
4
Day 4
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Bwindi
Breakfast at the lodge and safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, in the Ishasha sector, in search of wild animals, including the tree-climbing lions characteristic of the park.
Surrounded by other wonderful parks in the western region of Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its rich biodiversity, wildlife, and history. In the southern part of the park, the remote Ishasha sector is home to tree-climbing lions that spend long, lazy days resting in the trees. Hippos, elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, and different bird species are some of the other animals that can be seen in the park.
After lunch at the lodge, we will head to the Impenetrable Forest of Bwindi (approximately 5 hours), on a journey that will allow us to admire beautiful mountain landscapes and local villages.
Bwindi National Park is Uganda's most diverse forest. The area, one of the few large forested areas in East Africa, is home to over 120 mammals, 345 bird species, 200 butterfly species, and 160 tree species. The park contains almost half of the world's population of mountain gorillas, an endangered species, making Bwindi a place of great value for conservation.
Dinner and accommodation at the lodge.
5
Day 5
Impenetrable forest of Bwindi
After breakfast, a day dedicated to the most exciting experience of the trip: mountain gorilla tracking in the Impenetrable Forest of Bwindi.
Few words can describe the excitement of today's experience. Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare encounter with wildlife that is fascinating, thrilling, and exciting. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany the group on a morning hike through the dense tropical forest on the steep slopes of the mountain.
Return to the lodge for a late lunch and the rest of the afternoon free to rest.
Dinner and accommodation at the lodge.
6
Day 6
Bwindi - Lake Mburu National Park
After breakfast, depart for Lake Mburo National Park (approximately 6 hours). Lunch at the lodge and embark on a photographic safari in the park. Instead of the 4x4 safari, it's possible to opt for a walking safari accompanied by a ranger for an additional fee.
Lake Mburo National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity. Despite being one of Uganda's smallest national parks, it hosts a wide variety of wildlife. It's famous for its populations of zebras, impalas, buffaloes, elands, and a diverse array of water birds, offering safari experiences in a tranquil and uncrowded environment.
Dinner and accommodation at the lodge.
7
Day 7
Lake Mburu National Park - Entebbe
After breakfast, we'll depart for Entebbe (approximately 5 hours), with arrival in the afternoon. Transfer to the airport.
