Classical Uganda

Day 1: Entebbe

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to your hotel.

Set on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is a small town that is easy to explore on foot or local boda bodas (motorbike taxis).  Explore the markets, hunt for souvenirs or crafts, meander through the Botanical Gardens or relax with a boat cruise on Lake Victoria. You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, bars and clubs where you can sample the local beer, catch a game of football and meet the friendly locals.

Day 2: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

This morning’s flight on a light aircraft to Kihihi airstrip takes just over an hour. Transfer through local villages and along mountain roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a World Heritage site.

Considered the most diverse forest in Uganda, Bwindi is one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa and home to over 120 mammals, 345 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies and 160 species of trees. The park contains an estimated one half of the world’s population of the endangered Mountain Gorilla, making it an extremely valuable conservation site.

Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare and exhilarating wildlife encounter that is hard to capture in words. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest on the steep mountain slopes.

Head back to Buhoma Lodge for a complimentary massage after your trek, or explore the surrounding Bwindi community.

Day 4: Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Travel to Ishasha in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, with a brief stop en route at a community project near Ishasha Village.

Located in the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, leopard, lions, hippos, buffalo, Uganda kob, baboon, and many species of birds. With both a riverine and savannah habitat, the southern Ishasha area includes the massive Maramagambo, one of the largest surviving natural forests in Uganda.

Afternoon game drives will be enjoyed in the Ishasha area, looking for the huge herds of buffalo, elephant, Uganda kob and the famous tree-climbing lion typically found in the area.

Day 5: Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Spend the day enjoying game drives in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, rounding things off with scenic bush sundowners including drinks and snacks. This is what memories are made of!

Day 6: Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Head north toward the ‘Mweya’ sector of the park which is rich with wildlife. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel – Kazinga’s shores are dotted with herds of lazy buffalo, pods of hippos wallowing without a care, and countless bird species. You may encounter herds of elephant, buffalos and antelopes, families of warthogs, large groups of hippos, and crocodiles basking on the shore. The cruise also provides a spectacular view of the beautiful Mweya Peninsula and life in local fishing villages set along the banks.

Day 7: Kyambura

Enjoy chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge and game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The forest is alive with noise! Chimpanzees can be quite active and may move quickly through the forest canopy… or, if you are lucky, you may find them resting or eating near the forest floors.

Day 8: Kibale Forest National Park

Early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Continue onto Kibale.

Kibale Forest comprises an interesting blend of lowland tropical rainforest, montane forest, and mixed tropical deciduous forest. The forest is rich in wildlife and is most noted for its primate population. These include red-tailed monkey, diademed monkey, olive baboon, chimpanzee, and black and white colobus.

Day 9: Kibale Forest National Park

Your Kibale Forest chimp trek will generally take place in the morning. Your guides will be able to show you different bird species and will give details of the plant species within the forest.

Afternoon Bigodi Swamp visit – considered one of Uganda’s best bird watching locations, Bigodi Swamp’s rich ecosystem makes it a spectacular venue for viewing numerous primate and bird species in their natural habitat.

Day 10: Departure

Depart after an early breakfast for the drive back to Entebbe, arriving late afternoon.

Included:

• Small group scheduled safari, min 2 max 7 participants per vehicle
• Meet & greet at Entebbe airport
• Airport transfers throughout
• 1 night accommodation at Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe, or similar, including breakfast
• Return domestic flights from Entebbe to Kihihi/ Kasese to Entebbe on a scheduled flight (light aircraft)
• 4×4 transport with English speaking local driver/guide as above
• Bottled water in safari vehicle
• 2 nights accommodation at Buhoma Lodge including all meals and local drinks*
• Community visit en route from Bwindi to Ishasha
• 2 nights accommodation at Ishasha Wilderness Camp including all meals and local drinks*
• 2 nights accommodation at Elephant Plains Lodge or similar including all meals and local drinks*
• 2 nights accommodation at Primates Lodge or similar including all meals and local drinks*
• All park entrance fees
• Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Full liability insurance cover and 24-hour emergency contact

Excluded:

• Due to pricing fluctuations, Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits are NOT included!
• Chimp permits Kyambura & Kibale
• All international flights and airport taxes
• All health entry requirements including any Covid related testing and Yellow Fever inoculations where required
• Personal expenses such as porters, drinks, tips, visas and travel insurance
• Services/activities/meals not included above

Tracking Permits not included and range from $65-1700 per person. Your destination specialist will include exact costs in your bespoke itinerary.