A 6-day adventure in Uganda, combining cultural immersion with wildlife encounters. Starting with a relaxing stay at Hotel No.5 in Entebbe, the journey continues to Kibale National Park, where guests can track chimpanzees, explore the Bigodi swamp, and experience local culture. The trip culminates in a thrilling gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, followed by a scenic flight back to Entebbe for departure.
Itinerary
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, you will be transferred to Hotel No.5 in Entebbe for your overnight stay. Nestled in the leafy suburbs of Entebbe, is the stylish boutique hotel, Hotel No.5. From the moment you arrive, you are warmly welcomed and cared for. With luxurious rooms open onto the garden and swimming pool, the ideal option for guests looking for an intimate stay in a tranquil setting.
- Overnight: Hotel No. 5 (Bed and Breakfast)
After breakfast, you will fly from Entebbe to Kasese Airstrip after which you will be driven to Kyaninga Lodge. While driving, you will pass by scenic tea plantations before arriving at your accommodation. Tucked away in the beautiful countryside surrounding Kibale Forest, Kyaninga is one of Uganda’s must visited lodges. The setting of the lodge is truly breathtaking.
The lodge has a welcoming atmosphere with open fires and spacious rooms for you to unwind in after a day of exploring the great outdoors. Time allowing, you could explore the nearby crater lakes, visit the local communities and get to learn more about their way of life, culture and traditions, albeit at a small fee. Otherwise you could spend the rest of the day relaxing at the lodge.
- Overnight: Kyaninga Lodge (full board)
Spend your morning tracking the most famous inhabitants of Kibale National Park: the chimpanzees. With over 1,450 individuals protected within the park, Kibale forest is home to the largest number of the endangered chimpanzees in Uganda, as well as the threatened red colobus monkey and the rare Lhotse’s monkey. The forest has one of the highest diversity and density of primates in Africa totaling 13 species including the black and white colobus, blue monkey and grey-cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkey, bush babies and pottos.
In the afternoon, you will go for a three-to-four-hour culture and experience walk around Bigodi swamp area. Explore the atmospheric village of Bigodi accompanied by one of the field-guides. You will visit a traditional healer who will share his knowledge about spirits, herbs, plants and local medicines; homes of elderly men and women who tell interesting stories about birth, marriage, ceremonies, clans and their traditional life. Along the way, you will also visit Bigodi’s trading center, a hub of rural life and activity. Return to the lodge for an overnight.
- Overnight: Kyaninga Lodge (Full board)
Today you will be transferred to Kasese Airstrip for your flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On arrival at Kihihi Airstrip, you will be met by your driver-guide who will transfer you to your lodge. The park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. This fascinating mountain forest hosts chimpanzees and spectacular birds. There are 23 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemic bird species including Blue-throated Broadbill, bar-tailed Trogon and other beautiful forest species. On arrival, you will visit the Ride for woman project, an organization that looks after widows and women living with HIV, interact with the women as you learn how to make crafts. You shall go to bed earlier this evening, since you should be fit for gorilla trekking the next day.
- Overnight: Bwindi Lodge (full board)
You will have an early morning in preparation for the upcoming gorilla trekking. It will be a two-to-six-hour trek, and is well worth the effort as it is one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on earth. You will be led by an experienced ranger who will edify you tell you interesting facts about flora and fauna, and the lifestyle of the Gorillas.
- Overnight: Bwindi Lodge(full board).
After breakfast, you will transfer to Kihihi Airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe. Aboard, you will enjoy the beautiful aerial view of south western Uganda, the hills and thick vegetation as well as the farming practiced by the locals. You will land at Entebbe from where you’ll connect your outbound flight.