A special week of exploring Uganda Wildlife viewing, Gorilla trekking & a nice lake to relax
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Gallery
- Similar Safaris
- Notes & Packing
What's included
- 1 Chimp tracking permit per person
- 1 Gorilla tracking permit per person
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Ground transportation in 4WD safari car
- Meals indicated in the itinerary
- Park / Activity Fees
- International flights
- Personal expenses
- Personal travel insurance
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Visa fees
7 Days Uganda Safari Special
Quick Overview
This 7 day Uganda safari special is designed to take you to explore the wild Savannah of Queen Elizabeth NP, meet the gorillas of Bwindi and relax by the fresh waters of Lake Bunyonyi.
Starting in Kampala, you will to to Queen Elizabeth National Park where you will see many animals such as elephants, lions, hippos, buffaloes, antelopes, crocodiles, warthogs on game drives and the Kazinga channel boat cruise. From here, you continue to Bwindi for your chance to meet the gorillas and spend 1 hour amongst them in the forest.
You will finally spend some time relaxing and exploring Lake Bunyonyi before heading back to Kampala. At the start of every month, Exclusive African Safaris offers this fantastic 7-day Uganda safari special for groups and solo travelers.
Highlights
Destinations: Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kazinga Channel, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Mbarara.
Activities: Game drives in QENP, Launch cruise on Kazinga Channel, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Hiking, Canoeing, Community visits.
- Day 1;
- Day 2:
- Day 3:
- Day 4:
- Day 5:
- Day 6:
- Day 7:
Drive to Queen Elizabeth N.P, Kazinga channel boat cruise
Meet and greet at 7:30 am in Kampala or Entebbe, and then transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
You will drive through Ugandan countryside with farms, ranches and small towns along the way. There will be a stopover at the equator for some photography moments, and another one in Mbarara for lunch.
You will reach Queen elizabeth late in the afternoon, the perfect time to go for a relaxing 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel - and into Lake Edward. This will take you through possibly the highest concentration of hippos and many animals will be seen drinking at the water's edge. The launch cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing.
Accommodation
- Budget: Simba Safari Camp
- Midrange: Marafiki Lodge
- Luxury: Mweya Lodge
Gamedrives in Queen Elizabeth NP
This day will include two game drives, offering the chance to view Queen Elizabeth National Park's diverse ecosystems. The grassy plains, tropical forests, rivers, swamps, lakes and volcanic craters are home to an incredible abundance of wildlife - all of it ready for you to explore.
During the game drives, you will have great opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, water bucks, hippos, leopards and many antelope species. Combined with the boat cruise of the previous day, you will be able to see all the popular wildlife and birds that make Queen Elizabeth National Park a special wilderness.
Accommodation
- Budget: Simba Safari Camp
- Midrange: Marafiki Lodge
- Luxury: Mweya Lodge
Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Today, you will leave Queen Elizabeth and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Driving from the hot rift valley floor to the high altitude Kigezi highlands is quite the experience. From the steep (and yet cultivated) hills with winding roads, you will attest to why many people refer to Kigezi as the 'Switzerland of Africa'.
In Bwindi, the temperatures will be much cooler (even cold) and you will check into your accommodation. You can relax around the lodge or take a leisurely visit to the nearby communities to meet the locals and interact.
You will rest for the night as you have to wake up early the next day for gorilla tracking.
Accommodation
- Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp
- Midrange: Engagi Lodge
- Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable N.P
fter an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the park offices for a briefing about gorilla trekking. After the briefing, you will be assigned the gorilla family and experienced ranger guide to lead your gorilla tracking experience.
The rangers are experienced and know the forest very well and will lead your hike to see the gorillas. Your hike goes through dense untamed rain forest, steep slopes and simple trails and it can take 2-8 hours depending on how the gorillas move around.
During your gorilla trek, the rangers will share a lot of information and insights about the gorillas and the forest. You can ask any questions you have and they will answer you.
Upon meeting the gorillas, you will spend 1 hour with them, watching them play, eat, groom and go about their day. You will ask more questions, get to take pictures and take in the moment of peace among the gorillas.
After your time with gorillas, you will hike back to the starting point for your gorilla trekking certificate.
You will go back to the lodge to refresh and relax for the rest of the day.
Accommodation
- Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp
- Midrange: Engagi Lodge
- Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Explore Lake Bunyonyi Islands
After breakfast, you will leave Mgahinga to Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale - some 2 hours away.
It is a beautiful, mountainous area with steep-sided hills, neatly terraced cultivation, and many small Islands. Lake Bunyonyi is a popular destination for relaxing and you will reach in time for lunch - the rest of the day being free for relaxation.
Accommodation
- Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Camp
- Midrange: Arcadia Cottages
- Luxury: Birdnest Resort
Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi, Village Visit
After breakfast, you can hire a canoe and explore the surroundings of lake. Drift quietly to the several small islands and enjoy the rich birdlife, as well as learning about the various islands.
Return for lunch and then take on a Bird Walk in Mukoni Village. Pass small farms and enjoy the spectacular view as you look out for many birds. Generally, 40 to 50 different species may be seen on this walk, including the African Hobby, Black Kite, Swamp Flycatcher, Scarlet-chested, Bronze and Red-chested Sunbirds, White-headed Saw-wing etc.
We will also have a chance to visit the local pygmy community
Accommodation
- Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Camp
- Midrange: Arcadia Cottages
- Luxury: Birdnest Resort
Drive Back to Kampala
After breakfast, you will leave Bunyonyi and drive back to Kampala - and have lunch along the way in Mbarara.
Much of today will be spent driving and you will have some stops for photography and lunch. You will reach Kampala in the evening and your guide can take you to your accommodation or the airport if your outbound flight is on the same day.
ACCOMMODATION:
- X (Last Day)
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, -
Notes of Chimp & Gorilla Trekking
Here are some important things to know about tracking gorillas or chimps in Uganda and Rwanda.
- Minimum age allowed to track chimps is 12 years old.
- Minimum age allowed to track gorillas is 15 years old.
- Tracking gorillas is quite strenuous and one should be physically fit to best enjoy the experience.
- Anyone with signs of communicable diseases will not be allowed to track chimps or gorillas.
- Maximum time allowed with the gorillas or chimps is 1 hour.
Packing Recommendation
Here are some general safari packing recommendations to consider. Your agreed itinerary will have recommendations based on your trip and schedule.
- Lightweight rain poncho
- Long sleeve shirt
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Waterproof trousers
- gardening-type gloves
- Sunscreen
- Wide brim hat
- Insect repellent
- Camera with extra batteries and cards
- Your regular medication
- Phone/gadget chargers
Visas for Uganda or Rwanda
Both Rwanda and Uganda have simple to use online visa self-service portals where you can apply and get your visa in a few days. Here are the full articles to guide you about visas.
- Uganda visa requirements and processes for tourist
- Rwanda visa requirements and processes for tourist
Best time to visit Uganda or Rwanda
For most people, it is more pleasant and enjoyable to visit Uganda or Rwanda during the dry season months (June to September and December to February). The general climate is warm and sunny all year round, and you can visit at any time of the year.
If you don't enjoy crowds, the shoulder seasons are ideal since the tourist numbers are lower and the attractions are more intimate to explore.
Safety. Is its safe to visit?
Both Uganda and Rwanda are very safe countries to visit and live in. They are some of Africa's most visited countries and hailed for the friendly locals and warm welcoming smiles.
If you have any safety concerns or specifics your are worried about, simply reach out to us and we'll do everything to help you.
Why Choose Exclusive African Safaris
We are a full service Destination Management Company started and operating in Uganda since 2008. In more than 15 years, we have served guests from all parts of the world and helped them to enjoy wonderful experiences of the wild places, cultures and people in Uganda and Rwanda.
Choosing Exclusive African Safaris, is choosing to go with a trusted company whose wide network, experienced guides and staff will make sure that your safari experience is all that you wanted - and more.
Customizing your safari experience
All our safari packages can be customized and personalized to fit your budget, preferences and schedule. You can start the process through an already existing safari which is speaking to you - but not quite fully, and we shall tailor that trip to your wishes.
You can also directly reach out for us and request for a custom safari, and we shall work closely with you, start from scratch and build a safari that is 100% you.
