Day 1: Travel to Bwindi impenetrable national park
Following your breakfast at your place of residence in Kampala, you will embark on the trip to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the journey of 500km which is about 9 hours’ drive. The drive to the south west of the country will be halted by a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe 72km from Kampala to encounter the world’s main latitude that marks the point where the globe is divided into two halves, the southern and northern hemispheres.
A photo session at this world’s most unique position is a must for memories and remembrance for having stood in two different hemispheres at the same time. A local water experiment in a basin is also carried out to prove the geographical split-up between the two halves of the globe. After this encounter, you will continue on the journey to Bwindi; driving past the pastoral lands of Ankole with impressive scenery and the views of cattle both long horned and Friesian grazing in this savannah rangeland.
The views of Burchell’s Zebras and Impala straying from the adjacent Lake Mburo National Park may also be spotted; as they graze among herds of cattle which is always an amazing encounter. All this is before making another stop at Igongo Cultural Center 12km to Mbarara town for a traditional lunch buffet; exploring the local cuisine in detail. After lunch, you continue on the drive arriving in Bwindi late in the evening. Then finally check-in at your lodge, relaxation, dinner and an overnight.
Accommodation options
Upmarket: Chameleon hill lodge
Mid range: Gorilla Mist Camp
Budget: Broadbill Forest camp
Day 2: Gorilla tracking and Transfer to Bunyonyi
After an early morning breakfast you will be briefed by your ranger / tour guide and after start your gorilla trekking journey. You will enter into the amazing rain-forest (gorilla sanctuary); as it offers an exciting, heavily forested and dense landscape interrupted by plenty of animal trails that provide access for tourists tracking these resident animals. Mammals thriving here include; majorly the endangered mountain gorillas, elephants, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, the rare golden monkey, black-fronted Duikers, bushbucks, leopards to mention but a few. However, you will continue to the misty Bwindi forest in search of the world’s most sought after and endangered species. The trekking adventure takes you through impressive hikes; exploring the attractive forest landscapes characterized by rugged terrain which makes it quite challenging to explore.
The time and track taken while looking for these beautiful primates varies according to their movements; “Remember they are also wild animals”. The duration of the activity is between 2 – 8 hours inclusive of one (1) hour direct contact with these unfamiliar creatures as they forage, socialize and make their joyous tactics with the frightening eyes of the Silverback. Once tracked, observing, spending time with and photographing these gentle, peaceful and shy apes is a unique, breathtaking, inspiring, and thrilling life time memorable adventure that leaves you desiring to have it again.
Upon reaching the starting point, you will proceed to Lake Bunyonyi driving through the fascinating over hanging highlands of Kigezi with splendid sceneries. Arrive at the legendary Lake Bunyonyi in the afternoon and relax at your lodge; before you would embark on a fascinating sunset boat cruise to discover the lake. It has 29 Virgin Islands that have earned it a nick name as the lake of a thousand Islands. Then retreat from this experience and unwind at the banks, relax, dinner and overnight.
Accommodation options
Upmarket: Bird nest @ L. Bunyonyi resort
Mid range: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Budget: Nature’s Prime Island retreat
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & Boat cruise
After breakfast, embark on the trip to Lake Mburo National Park; a journey of 199 km about 4 – 5 hours’ drive traversing the impressive plain lands in the countryside of south western Uganda; before getting to Igongo Cultural Center 12km past Mbarara town for a traditional sumptuous lunch. You will later continue for a distance of 33km to Lake Mburo National Park for an evening thrilling boat cruise; exploring its rich bird diversity that are sheltered around the banks of this amazing water body. Then retire for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation options:
Upmarket: Mihingo Safari Lodge
Mid range: Arcadia Cottages
Budget: Eagles’ Nest
Day 4: Game drive and travel back to Kampala
After early morning breakfast; before leaving back to Kampala, you have an opportunity to go for the morning game drive to explore the park’s savannah. It has low lands with impressive fauna and flora species; including the Impala, Eland, the herds of Zebra, and other savannah species. Also search for bird species like; Papyrus, Bush Shrike African Fin foot. Then later, hit the road to Kampala with lunch en route at the equator. Drop off at the hotel in Kampala or Airport.
End of safari with love Uganda safaris
