5 Days Uganda wildlife & Gorilla trekking safari

Overview

Welcome to Uganda – the Pearl of Africa as described by Winston Churchill in his famous book titled “My African Journey” following his visit to African countries including Uganda. Uganda is a one-stop destination for all tourists from different corners of the world. The country is home to the endangered mountain gorillas roaming Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Uganda is home to the source of the longest river in the world – River Nile as well as Murchison falls – the world’s strongest waterfall. We cannot say it all about Uganda, all you need is to travel and visit this prime destination.

I take the pleasure to welcome you to this amazing Uganda wildlife & Gorilla trekking safari. The safari is one of the best safari packages offered by Beyond Travel and Tours Limited. It is a journey that will give you an opportunity to explore Uganda right from the capital Kampala and then hit the road whilst enjoying spectacular views of the rolling hills, human settlements, trading centers, lush savannah vegetation, and plantations, to mention but a few.

Your trip will start with pick up from Entebbe International airport or a hotel in Kampala depending on your inbound flight. You will then embark on the drive to Murchison falls national park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in the Nakasongola district. The trip includes visiting two national parks that are Murchison falls national park (Uganda’s biggest and oldest national park) and Bwindi Impenetrable national park (the home of mountain gorillas). Safari activities include; rhino tracking, game drive, boat cruise on River Nile, hiking to the top of Murchison falls (the world’s strongest waterfalls), and gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable national park.

We can’t wait to see you!

Safari summary for the 5 Days Uganda wildlife & Gorilla trekking safari

1. Day 1: Transfer to Murchison falls national park and en route to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary
2. Day 2: Morning game drive, afternoon boat cruise & hike to the top of the falls
3. Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable national park
4. Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable national park
5. Day 5: Transfer to Kampala / Entebbe international airport – Departure

Detailed Itinerary 

Day 1: Transfer to Murchison falls national park en route to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International airport/breakfast at your lodge in Kampala, you will meet our professional driver guide who will brief you about your 5 days Uganda wildlife & gorilla trekking safari.
You will then embark on the 6 to 7-hour drive road to Murchison falls national park. You will use Kampala – Bombo- Nakasongola – Masindi highway. You will enjoy spectacular views of endless rolling hills that make you feel like you are touching the horizon.
You will make a stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in the Nakasongola district and track the rhinos. You will enjoy the amazing stories of how the rhinos were on the verge of extinction before the establishment of the sanctuary.
You will then have the second stopover (Lunch) at any hotel of your choice in Masindi town while you take some time off the safari vehicle.
You will continue immediately after lunch and reach Murchison falls national park. Check in to your earlier booked lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Driving distance: 305 Kilometers

Driving time: 6 to 7 hours

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Morning game drive, afternoon boat cruise & hike to the top of the falls

After a morning breakfast at around 6:00 am, you will meet your driver/guide and embark on the amazing morning game drive in Murchison falls national park. The reason for starting this activity early is that you are able to stop the early risers of the park as well as see the night hunters before they retreat to their hiding places. Murchison falls National Park is home to multiple animal, plant, and bird species. It is in this park that you have a chance of seeing all the big 4 animals-: lion, leopard, buffalo, and elephant. You can see other species such as giraffes, Uganda kobs, Bushbucks, Hartebeests, oribis, waterbucks, warthogs, hyenas, and many others. In the late morning hours, you will return to your lodge for relaxation as you wait for lunch. Relaxation may be swimming in a pool or reading a magazine in the compound of your lodge.
After your delicious lunch at the lodge, you will go for an afternoon boat cruise on River Nile (the longest river in the world). The boat will introduce you to aquatic species such as different types of fish, crocodiles, hippopotamuses, and many water birds. It will also take you all the way to the bottom of Murchison falls (the world’s strongest waterfalls.
From the bottom of the falls, alongside a park guide and other tourists, you will hike to the top of the falls. At the top of the falls, you will enjoy spectacular views and enjoy the way water roars as it penetrates through the gorge. This is one of the best safari experiences every traveler wants to have on a Uganda safari. Thank God you are here! You will then meet your driver and go back to your lodge. Relax, have dinner, and spend the night over.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable national park

Upon finishing your breakfast at the lodge, check out and meet your driver and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable national park. Bwindi Impenetrable national park lies in the western part of Uganda and is the prime destination for mountain gorillas having three-quarters of the world’s gorilla population. The journey involves a lunch stopover as well as spectacular views of rolling hills, plantations, lush vegetation, and rugged landscapes, to mention but a few.

Upon reaching the park, you will check in to your earlier booked lodge for relaxation, dinner, and a sleepover.

Driving distance:Approximately 708 Kilometers

Driving time: 10 to 12 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and optional Batwa Community tour in Bwindi Impenetrable national park

Start your day with a delicious morning breakfast at about 6:00 am then meet your driver and go to the park headquarters for gorilla trekking. You will have to move with a water bottle and lunch box since trekking takes 2 to 8 hours. The activity starts with a briefing for 30 minutes. You are then grouped into 8 people which is the limit for trekking per gorilla family. At 8:00 am, the trek begins. You will follow the trails and the markings by the gorillas such as dung and urine. Seeing them depends on where they spent the previous night and how fast your group walks. Upon encountering the gorillas, you will be given one full hour to spend in their presence while taking pictures (Do not use a flush light camera). Endeavor to follow the gorilla trekking rules and regulations.
During the trekking, you will encounter many other animals, plants, and bird species. On a good day, you may land on forest buffaloes, one of the world’s elusive species.
Return to the lodge for relaxation or late lunch.In the evening you may choose to embark on the optional Batwa Community walk (at an additional cost) which will introduce you to the culture of the Batwa people. You will enjoy their traditional ways of making fire, dancing, and brewing local beer.
In the evening return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Kampala / Entebbe international airport – Departure

After your lip-smirking morning breakfast at your lodge, you will embark on the drive to Kampala / Entebbe International airport.
The journey involves 2 stopovers – one at the Igongo Cultural center and the second one at the Uganda Equator. At Igongo Cultural Center, you will enjoy the stories behind the Ankole kingdom as well as spectacular views from the eclipse monument. At the Uganda Equator in Mpigi district – close to Kampala, you will perform a water balance experiment and step into the two hemispheres of the earth at the same time.
Your driver will drop you at either a hotel of your choice in Kampala or Entebbe International airport for your outbound flight. This marks the end of your 5-day Uganda wildlife & Gorilla trekking safari. Read Related packages here.

Driving distance: 512 kilometers

Driving time: 9 to 12 hours

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

Safari Inclusions

• Accommodation as mentioned
• Gorilla permit – $700 each
• 4WD Vehicle
• Meals
• A professional English-speaking driver/guide
• Site entrance fees
• All ground transportation and fuel
• Drinking water in the vehicle 

Safari Exclusions

• Visas
• International airfares
• Activities/services not included in the itinerary
• Alcoholic drinks/wines
• Laundry and any service of personal nature
• Travel insurance cover

Note: You are advised to fully read our terms and conditions. In case of any questions Beyond Travels & Tours remains at your disposal.

Thanks for choosing us! We can’t wait to see you!