Queen Elisabeth National Park

Uganda is situated right on the Equator. With its 37 million inhabitants, it is a large country of savannah grasslands dotted with lakes and papyrus marshes. Uganda is also the land of the Rwenzori Mountains, the famous “Mountains of the Moon” with their snow-capped peaks; of the Western branch of the Rift Valley with its sparkling lakes; of impenetrable forests of jungle vegetation; of hills that have been cultivated with care by meticulous local farmers; of vast stretches of grassland used by the proud nomadic herdsmen of the Banyankole tribe; of tea plantations whose endless green carpet stretches to the distant horizon. The National Parks scattered throughout the country are home to an unparalleled abundance and variety of wildlife. It is not, therefore, without good reason that it had so impressed Winston Churchill, who referred to Uganda as “the Pearl of Africa” in the heart of the British Empire.

Itinerary

• Day 1 – ARRIVAL

  Meet at Entebbe Airport, probably the friendliest in Africa, met by our smiling guides. Overnight in Entebbe or Kampala.

• Day 2 – KAMPALA – KIBALE NATIONAL PARK

  Briefing on the great African adventure. Set off on the west bound road; bargain at the roadside markets bursting with fruit and vegetables, stop at extensive tea plantations. Continue to the Kibale National Park. Overnight near the park.

• Day 3 – CHIMPANZEE TRACKING IN KIBALE – BIRDING IN BIGODI SWAMP

  Start early for chimpanzee tracking. Kibale National Park protects a large block of rainforest that harbors the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in East Africa. After lunch, transfer to nearby Bigodi Swamp, a papyrus and tree-filled swamp home to an abundance of birds including the Great Blue Turaco. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the local community and takes approximately 2 hours. Overnight near the park.

• Days 4 and 5 – QUEEN ELISABETH NATIONAL PARK

  Drive to Queen Elisabeth NP along the foothills of the Rwenzoris. The game seen will depend on the season. The Mweya peninsula is good for a variety of animals, including elephants, while the Kasenyi plains are known for lions and Uganda cobs. Have lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where a vast array of birds and wildlife come to drink. On the second day, go for an early game drive searching for big African game. In the afternoon, take an easy walk in Maramagambo Forest to observe groups of Colobus monkeys or for a second chimpanzee tracking in the lush Kyambura Gorge. Finish with an evening game drive. Overnight in the park.

• Day 6 – QUEEN ELISABETH NATIONAL PARK – BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

  Today we have two options for reaching Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, depending on the weOther conditions. If dry, we take the road south toward Ishasha, home of the tree-climbing lions. Near the Congolese border, we begin to climb eastwards out of the rift and follow the rough track leading to Buhoma at the edge of the forest. If the weOther conditions are not favorable, we take the mountain track through cultivated expanses in the Rukungiri region to reach Buhoma. Overnight near the park.

• Day 7 – MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

  As the first light of dawn breaks through the curtain of mist clinging to the summits of the evergreen hills, we make our way into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Tracking the gorillas through the unique vegetation can take several hours of challenging walking in wet and muddy conditions. To see a gorilla, the trek will have been worth the hardship. Overnight near the park.

• Day 8 – DEPARTURE

  Leave Buhoma in the very early morning hours and reach Kampala via Mbarara, Masaka. Continue to Entebbe for your late evening flight.

This itinerary showcases Uganda's stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable encounters, making it a top destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers.