You will be picked up from either the hotel or the airport upon arrival by your assigned professional, English-speaking tour driver-guide. We will then embark on a transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular tourist destinations. The park boasts diverse ecosystems, home to a variety of wildlife including ten primate species (such as chimpanzees), over 600 bird species, and classic big game. We will stop for lunch en route and then continue to Queen Elizabeth NP, arriving in the late afternoon or evening. Upon arrival, you will check into your accommodation and relax. If time permits, we can go for a late afternoon-to-evening game drive.

Start your day early with breakfast, then head out for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains. Look out for Cape buffalo, herds of elephants, and, with some luck, lions and leopards. After the game drive, return to your accommodation to rest and have lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a 2-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes George and Edward. During the trip, you’ll be captivated by sightings of giant hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of birds along the shores. After the boat trip, you can choose to return to the lodge to rest or go for a brief late afternoon game drive before heading back to the lodge.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before traveling to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions. While there’s a 60-70% chance of spotting these lions, they can sometimes be difficult to find when hunting in the grasslands. If you’re fortunate enough to see them in the trees, it’s a truly picturesque and memorable sight. After Ishasha, continue to the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Given the strenuous day ahead, you’ll simply check into your accommodation and relax in preparation for the gorilla trekking experience tomorrow.

Optional (additional cost of $100): If interested, you can opt for chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge before heading to Ishasha. Please note that permits for chimp tracking must be secured in advance.

After breakfast, head to the rangers’ post for a briefing on the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking. Then, embark on your adventure into the Bwindi Forest. The beauty of this rainforest is spectacular, with its dramatic, steeply forested landscape and dense vegetation crisscrossed by numerous animal trails. The duration and terrain of your trek will vary depending on the movements of the gorillas. Once you locate a gorilla group, you will spend an unforgettable hour in their presence. After this incredible experience, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, where you will be greeted by lush, green-terraced hills rising to heights of 2,200 – 2,478 meters. The lake’s 29 islands, each with unique shapes and sizes, create a magical landscape that you could admire all day.