GORILLAS IN BWINDI - DETAILED ITINERARY
⚠ Breakfast is included at every hotel! The itinerary is subject to change – activities may be added or removed at the organizer's discretion and due to unforeseen circumstances.
DAY 1 – Welcome to Uganda – from the pulse of Kampala to the secrets of Victoria
After landing at Entebbe Airport and completing the border formalities, we set off on the adventure called Uganda. This country will instantly captivate you with its vibrant culture and pristine nature.
Our first stop is the capital, Kampala. Here we will visit the Uganda Martyrs Basilica, and then climb the famous Gaddafi Mosque for a bird's-eye view of the city.
In the afternoon we swap the urban rhythm for the tranquility of Lake Victoria. We glide by boat among the papyrus of the Mabamba swamps – our mission is to find the legendary, prehistoric-looking shoebill (shoebill). The area is a true paradise for birdwatchers. We end our first day with dinner and an overnight stay at a cozy hotel in the Entebbe area.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Overnight in ...
Note: The daily schedule may be changed in terms of timing according to local conditions, traffic and travel organization. The listed sites and activities remain part of the program.
DAY 2 – Eye to eye with the white rhinos at Ziwa
In the morning a pleasant drive awaits us to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – home to the successful restoration of rhinos in Uganda.
We arrive in time for lunch and a short break. The real excitement begins a little later, when, together with experienced local rangers, we set off on foot to track the majestic white rhinos. To be within meters of these giants in their natural environment, while observing strict safety rules, is a memory for a lifetime. In the evening we will share our emotions at the sanctuary itself, where dinner and an overnight stay await us.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Overnight in ...
Note: The daily schedule may be changed in terms of timing according to local conditions, traffic and travel organization. The listed sites and activities remain part of the program.
DAY 3 – To the heart of Kibale and the magic of Bigodi
After breakfast we head west to the iconic Kibale National Park. The road itself is an experience – emerald green hills, lively villages and the farmland landscapes typical of the region will pass before our eyes.
After settling into a lodge, we will visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary eco-reserve. This unique place is managed entirely by the local community. During the walking trek we will look out for exotic birds and various species of monkeys, while learning how the people here live in complete harmony with nature. We spend the night right next to the dense tropical forest.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Overnight in ...
Note: The daily schedule may be changed in terms of timing according to local conditions, traffic and travel organization. The listed sites and activities remain part of the program.
DAY 4 – Meeting the cousins – chimpanzee trekking
Today's day starts early and promises high adrenaline. Before we venture into the jungle of Kibale – recognized as the best place in Africa for primate viewing – we will go through a mandatory briefing from our guides.
Led by the experienced rangers, we will follow the sounds of the forest in search of the wild chimpanzees. The moment we find them is magical: we will have precious time to observe how they communicate, feed and play in the branches of the trees. After this powerful experience we return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest and a free afternoon.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Overnight in ...
Note: The daily schedule may be changed in terms of timing according to local conditions, traffic and travel organization. The listed sites and activities remain part of the program.
DAY 5 – Crossing to the savannas of Queen Elizabeth
We say goodbye to the tropical forests and head to Queen Elizabeth National Park – the crown jewel of Uganda's parks. As we travel there, you will notice how the dense vegetation gradually gives way to endless savannas, glittering lakes and ancient volcanic craters.
Immediately after checking into our lodge, we set out on our first exciting photo safari. The hours before sunset are ideal for capturing moments with elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and, with a little luck, the proud lions that come out to hunt in the cool hours. Dinner and overnight in the heart of the park.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Overnight in ...
Note: The daily schedule may be changed in terms of timing according to local conditions, traffic and travel organization. The listed sites and activities remain part of the program.
DAY 6 – Chasing shots at dawn and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
The day starts with a morning and very dynamic safari. Getting up early is worth it, because that is when the predators are still active and the savanna literally wakes up to a new life.
The great climax of the day is our afternoon cruise along the Kazinga Channel – the natural water channel connecting Lakes Edward and George. From the boat we will observe incredible scenes: whole families of hippos, huge crocodiles, elephants that have come to drink, and dozens of species of water birds. We return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation to the sounds of the African night.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Overnight in ...
Note: The daily schedule may be changed in terms of timing according to local conditions, traffic and travel organization. The listed sites and activities remain part of the program.
DAY 7 – The tree-climbing lions of Ishasha and the road to Bwindi
After breakfast we head to the mysterious Ishasha sector in the southern part of the park. This area is world-famous for its unique population of lions that love to climb the huge fig trees to rest in the shade and escape the heat.
We will spend time searching for these "cats in the trees", after which we continue to the mythical and ancient forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. We settle into a lodge on the outskirts of the park for dinner, feeling the cool mountain air.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Overnight in ...
Note: The daily schedule may be changed in terms of timing according to local conditions, traffic and travel organization. The listed sites and activities remain part of the program.
DAY 8 – The great encounter with the mountain gorillas of Bwindi
This is the day you will remember for a lifetime. The morning starts with an important briefing, at which the rangers will divide us into small groups and tell us about the gorilla family we are about to track.
The trek through the dense, prehistoric forest of Bwindi can be a challenge, but every step is worth it. When we finally find ourselves eye to eye with these gentle giants, time stops. We have exactly one hour to observe them, photograph them and share their presence in complete silence. After this emotional peak we return to the lodge for rest and dinner.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Overnight in ...
Note: The daily schedule may be changed in terms of timing according to local conditions, traffic and travel organization. The listed sites and activities remain part of the program.
DAY 9 – Back to Entebbe – farewell to Uganda
We have breakfast and set off on a long drive back to Entebbe. This day is the perfect time to reflect on everything we have seen, as the last beautiful landscapes of Uganda pass by our windows.
After arriving in the Entebbe area we settle in for a final overnight stay and share a final dinner on African soil. The next morning an organized transfer to the airport awaits us for our flight to Bulgaria.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Overnight in ...
Note: The daily schedule may be changed in terms of timing according to local conditions, traffic and travel organization. The listed sites and activities remain part of the program.
Here ends our unforgettable journey in Uganda! We started in Kampala with the Uganda Martyrs Basilica and the Gaddafi Mosque, ventured into the Mabamba swamps for the rare shoebill (shoebill) and walked on foot to the white rhinos at Ziwa.
We lost ourselves in the magic of Bigodi and tracked the chimpanzees in Kibale, before setting off on safaris across the savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of elephants, buffaloes and antelopes. We sailed along the Kazinga Channel among hippos and crocodiles, photographed the unique tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and experienced the climax – the eye-to-eye encounter with the mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Every single corner and animal left an indelible mark on our hearts. Thank you for sharing the magic of Uganda together!