5 Days – Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, and Kalinzu Forest

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park was first established in 1942. Later, in 1964, it became a wildlife sanctuary to help protect the endangered mountain gorillas. Finally, in 1992, it was officially designated as a national park.The park is located in southwestern Uganda and is known for its dense, mist-covered hills and valleys. It is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth, home to many species of plants, birds, and mammals. However, its most famous residents are the mountain gorillas.Mountain gorillas are a critically endangered species, with only a few hundred left in the wild. They live in the high-altitude forests of central Africa, and Bwindi is one of the few places where they can still be found. Protecting these gorillas is vital because their populations are still very fragile.

The park was founded in 1952 as Kazinga National Park. Two years later, it was renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park to honor a visit by Queen Elizabeth II of England. The park has more than 95 types of mammals and over 600 types of birds.

Day 1: Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

At around 7:00 am, you will be picked up from your hotel in Kampala (or Entebbe) by our guide. The guide will brief you about your tour before you start your journey. You will travel in a comfortable and secure touring vehicle to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in the South-West of Uganda. The drive will take around 9 hours. During the journey, you will have lunch at Mbarara. You will reach Bwindi in the evening and check into your accommodation. Meals: lunch, dinner

Day 2: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorilla Trekking) to Ishasha

You will start your day early with breakfast at 6:30 am. After breakfast, you will take a packed lunch and head to the park headquarters. There, you will join other trekkers for a briefing about the gorilla trekking rules at 7:30 am. You will then trek through thick creepers and undergrowth with your guides to find the gorillas. This trek can take from 1 to 8 hours. The forest is dense and steep, but there are many animal trails that make it accessible to tourists. Once you find the gorillas, you will spend some time with them. After the trek, you will transfer to Ishasha Sector for your accommodation. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Ishasha Sector (Game Drive) to Queen Elizabeth National Park, North

After breakfast, you will take a packed lunch and go to Ishasha. Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions. These lions can often be seen lounging in the tree branches, watching herds of Uganda kob, which are their favorite prey. You might get a chance to spot these tree-climbing lions. After your picnic lunch, you will continue with the game drive. In the evening, you will drive to the northern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park for your stay. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park (Game Drives and Boat Cruise at Kazinga Channel)

Your day will start early at 6:30 am, as sunrise is the best time to see animals in their natural habitats. You will go for a game drive at dawn to see Africa’s famous “Big 4,” which include lions, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes. You will also see bushbucks, giant hogs, antelopes, waterbucks, and many birds. After the game drive, you will return to your accommodation for lunch. After lunch, you will go on a two-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. During the cruise, you will see large groups of hippos, elephants, and crocodiles. You will also see many birds along the shores. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Kalinzu Forest (Chimp Tracking) to Kampala

You will wake up early, have breakfast, and go to Kalinzu Forest Reserve for chimpanzee trekking. The trekking lasts for 3-4 hours and you will be accompanied by a tracker and a guide. Kalinzu Forest Reserve is home to 6 groups of chimpanzees, with over 300 individuals. The success rate of seeing chimps during the trek is more than 80%. Make sure to wear suitable closed walking boots and long trousers for the trek. Meals: breakfast

You will then return to Kampala, marking the end of your 5-day tour.