5-day Gorilla Safari and Lion Tour

Tour Overview:

Embark on an extraordinary 5-day Gorilla Safari and Lion Tour in Uganda, a land of diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. This thrilling adventure combines the captivating experience of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with an exhilarating lion safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, witness the majesty of lions and other wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of Uganda. This safari promises unforgettable memories and remarkable encounters with some of Africa’s most iconic creatures.

Tour Highlights:

– Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

– Intimate encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas.

– Guided nature walks in the lush forests of Bwindi.

– Lion safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

– Game drives to spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, and more.

– Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, home to diverse wildlife.

– Chance to spot tree-climbing lions in Ishasha sector.

– Cultural experiences with local communities.

– Expert guides providing valuable insights during the tour.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Your 5-day Gorilla Safari and Lion Tour begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. Upon landing, you’ll be warmly greeted by your tour representative who will brief you about the upcoming adventure. From Entebbe, embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda. The journey will take you through picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and rolling hills, providing a glimpse into the country’s natural beauty and cultural diversity.

After several hours on the road, you’ll arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity and home to approximately half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. Check-in to your preferred accommodation, whether it’s luxury lodges like Mahogany Springs Lodge, midrange camps like Gorilla Valley Lodge, or budget-friendly options like Buhoma Community Rest Camp. Each choice ensures a comfortable stay amidst the lush surroundings of the forest.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today is the most anticipated day of your safari – the Gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi! Wake up early in the morning for a hearty breakfast before meeting with your experienced guides and trackers. They will provide essential information about gorilla trekking etiquette and safety precautions before leading you on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Embark on a trek through the dense forest, accompanied by expert guides who will share their knowledge about the flora and fauna of the park. The duration of the trek can vary depending on the location of the gorilla family, but the experience of walking through this ancient forest is awe-inspiring in itself.

Once you encounter the gorilla family, you’ll spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Watch them interact, play, and groom each other, all under the watchful eye of the silverback, the dominant male of the group. The encounter is both humbling and exhilarating, leaving you with a profound appreciation for these magnificent creatures and their conservation.

After the trek, return to your accommodation and take time to relax and reflect on the incredible experience you’ve just had. Enjoy a well-deserved rest and relish the serene ambiance of Bwindi.

 

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Game Drive

Bid farewell to Bwindi and set off on a thrilling journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a diverse wildlife sanctuary. The drive will take you through picturesque landscapes and the opportunity to observe local village life. As you approach Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll be greeted by expansive savannahs and rolling plains, the perfect habitat for an exciting lion safari.

Upon arrival at the park, check-in to your chosen accommodation, whether it’s a luxury lodge like Mweya Safari Lodge, a midrange retreat like Parkview Safari Lodge, or a budget-friendly option like Simba Safari Camp. Each lodging option offers excellent views of the park’s landscapes and ensures a comfortable stay.

In the evening, head out on a game drive in the Kasenyi plains, well-known for lion sightings. Led by experienced rangers, you’ll have the chance to encounter lions and other wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species. The thrill of witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is an experience you’ll treasure forever.

 

Day 4: Morning Game Drive, Boat Cruise, and Tree-Climbing Lions

Start the day with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, setting out in search of the park’s magnificent wildlife. The plains are a prime location for spotting lions, and the early hours offer the best chance to witness these predators in action. Keep your camera ready as you may also encounter other predators, such as leopards and hyenas, as well as herbivores like elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kob.

After the game drive, return to your lodge for breakfast before embarking on a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The channel is a haven for diverse birdlife, hippos, and numerous wildlife species that come to its banks to drink and bathe. Enjoy the serenity of the channel’s waters as you glide along, taking in the breathtaking scenery and wildlife.

In the afternoon, proceed to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions. This unique phenomenon sees the lions resting on tree branches during the day, providing a rare and remarkable sight. Together with your expert guides, search for these elusive lions, and be captivated by this extraordinary behavior.

 

Day 5: Departure from Queen Elizabeth National Park

On the final day of your Gorilla Safari and Lion Tour, bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth National Park and begin your journey back to Entebbe. The drive back will offer more picturesque views and the chance to observe local village life as you pass through the scenic countryside.

Upon reaching Entebbe, your captivating 5-day safari comes to an end. If you have an evening flight or plan to stay in Entebbe for another night, you may have time to explore the city or relax by Lake Victoria before your departure.

Inclusions:

– Gorilla trekking permits.

– Lion safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

– Accommodation as per selected category (luxury, midrange, or budget).

– Meals as specified in the itinerary.

– Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.

– Ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.

– Services of an experienced English-speaking driver/guide.

– Bottled water during the safari.

– All park entry fees and activities.

Exclusions:

– International airfares.

– Visa fees and travel insurance.

– Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

– Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, tips, laundry, etc.).

How to Get There:

To embark on your Gorilla Safari and Lion Tour, book a flight to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Uganda. Entebbe is well-connected with major international airports worldwide. Upon arrival at Entebbe, your tour representative will meet you at the airport and guide you through the entire safari itinerary. The road journey from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will take approximately 8-9 hours, while the drive from Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park will take around 5-6 hours. After the safari, you can return to Entebbe to catch your international flight or stay for an additional night before departing.