Overview
Our newest East African destination is rich with biological and cultural diversity. Visit four national parks where you’ll track gorillas and chimpanzees. You’ll also see elephants, rhinos, lions, buffalo, and giraffes during the more traditional safari portion of the itinerary. This impressive list of animals is due to Uganda’s location between east and central Africa at the headwaters of the River Nile in the Great Lakes region. The result is a wide range of habitats–from dense forest in misty mountains to wide-open savanna. The trip takes you to the most famous parks of western Uganda. Along the way, you’ll stay at comfortable lodges. We only work with local guides and drivers with 10 or more years of experience.
Itinerary
Expand All FieldsDay 1: Welcome to Uganda!
Upon your arrival, your Wilderness Inquiry guide will meet you at the Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and travel with you to The Victoria View Guest House.
Day 2: Head west to Fort Portal before continuing to Kibale National Park.
After breakfast depart Entebbe and head west to Fort Portal. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon” and is famous for its many tea plantations. After lunch in town, continue to Kibale National Park. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at the Mountains of the Moon.
Day 3: Track chimpanzees in the Kibale Forest before traveling to the Bigodi Swamp.
Today the forest opens up for chimpanzee tracking. Kibale Forest is reputable for having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk in this tropical rainforest. After lunch travel to the Bigodi Swamp. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the local community and is known for its rich diversity of birds and primates.
Day 4: Search for elephants, buffalo, and more on a game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After breakfast travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park while passing the region of the Crater Lakes. Have lunch and relax at the pool before going on a game drive in search of warthogs, buffalo, waterbucks, and elephants. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at the Ihamba Lodge.
Day 5: Spot fascinating creatures on another game drive. In the afternoon, cruise along the Kazinga channel.
The day begins early for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Search for lions, elephants, and buffalos in their natural habitat before returning for lunch. In the afternoon take the opportunity to relax on a luxury boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Abundant birdlife, elephants, buffalos, and hippos make their homes here.
Day 6: Take a short game drive through Ishasha before journeying to Bwindi National Park.
After breakfast head south, passing the southern sector of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. This part of the park is called Ishasha and is famous for tree-climbing lions. After a short game drive, continue to Bwindi National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Stay at the Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Day 7: Hike through Bwindi National Park where you'll encounter gorillas.
Gorilla tracking–a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi National Park! Expect to walk in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before encountering any gorillas. Those who prefer not to participate in the gorilla tracking can go for a guided forest walk or explore the surroundings.
Day 8: Travel to Lake Mburo National Park where you'll see birds and hippos.
After breakfast depart Bwindi and head to Lake Mburo National Park. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Mburo to view the rich bird life and hippos. Tonight will be an early dinner to allow time for a night game drive in an open Land Cruiser. This special game drive provides an opportunity to see the elusive leopard. Spend the night at Aracadia Cottages Lake Mburo.
Day 9: Rise early for a ranger-guided safari walk before heading to Kampala.
Eat an early breakfast before a safari walk guided by a ranger. Lake Mburo is the only National Park where you can experience a safari on foot. Enjoy a game drive as we travel to Kampala. Arrive in the afternoon for time to visit shops or relax at the pool.
Day 10: Say farewell to your trip mates before departing Uganda.
Depending on your flight schedule you can join us on a Kampala city tour. You will be brought to Entebbe Airport in time for your flight.
Dates & Fees
| 2020 Dates | Fee | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Dates | Fee | Registration |
What to Expect
TERRAIN/ROUTE: Uganda varies in terrain from tall mountains to vast plateaus. The country borders massive Lake Victoria. You will experience a variety of diverse ecosystems and wildlife on this safari adventure.
Read more »Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do we meet?
Standard Meeting Places and Times
Start: Uganda - Entebbe International Airport at 8:00 PM (local time)
End: Uganda - Entebbe International Airport at 5:00 PM (local time)
Transportation
This trip begins at Entebbe International Airport at any time on the first date of the trip itinerary. Our guides will be given your flight information and meet you at the airport baggage claim. You will be transported to the The Boma bed and breakfast. The trip ends in the early evening, when the guides will drive you back to the Entebbe International Airport in time for a night flight. If you need help making travel arrangements, call Travel One at (800) 247-1311. They can help you make the best flight connections at the best prices. Detailed meeting place instructions will be sent to you when you are confirmed for the trip.
Will I see gorillas?
Yes! Our groups have always seen the gorillas up close. They are friendly and gentle, but you will need to respect their boundaries. Hiking to see the gorillas varies from trip to trip as they move around a lot. Sometimes it is very easy, other times it is up steep mountain sides. Seeing these beautiful animals in the wild is truly a life-changing experience.
Can I go to Uganda if I use a manual wheelchair?
We have had participants who use manual wheelchairs successfully join us in Uganda. The basic activity of riding in a vehicle for game drives is very accessible, but persons using wheelchairs will most likely need assistance transferring in and out of the vehicles and some accommodations. As you can imagine, Uganda was not designed for people who use wheelchairs. We have a variety of ways to make each trip more accessible, like using our "Rick-shaw" device to help on hiking trails, but the reality is it will be more difficult than getting around in the States. For this reason, we may ask you to bring a "Trip Assistant" to help with transfers and some physical issues, and we will ask for your patience as there may be situations that are just not practical for persons who use wheelchairs to participate in -- like a steep climb to a waterfall.
Seeing the gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest presents special challenges to anyone with a mobility impairment. Part of the adventure is that the gorillas move around every night, so there is no exact way of predicting where they will be. They could be nearby within a relatively easy stroll, or they could be on top of the mountain requiring a steep climb that would be too much for a person using a wheelchair. Local porters are very helpful and they have helped carry people, when necessary, but as you can imagine, flexibility is key!
Please call us to discuss.
Will I have access to electricity in Uganda?
Yes, you will be staying in very nice lodges that electricity, so you can charge your phone, iPad, CPAP machine or whatever you need.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
We require a nonrefundable deposit of 10% of the trip fee or $100, whichever is smaller. So, for example, if the trip fee is $250, the deposit would be $25. If the trip fee is $3995, the deposit would be $100.
If you choose to cancel your trip:
For trips in the continental United States:
• 6 weeks prior to start date — we will refund fees paid minus deposit.
• Less than 6 weeks — we will refund 50% of the total trip fee, or 100% of fees paid can be transferred to a future trip.
• Less than 1 week— no refunds will be issued.
For trips outside the continental United States:
• 12 weeks prior to start date— we will refund fees paid minus deposit.
• Less than 12 weeks — we will refund 50% of the total trip fee, or 100% of fees paid can be transferred to a future trip.
• Less than 2 weeks — no refunds will be issued.
In the rare event that WI cancels a trip, or we are unable to serve you, all fees are immediately refunded, including the deposit. Unfortunately, we cannot be responsible for personal expenses such as airline tickets. To protect your investment in your travel plans we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Information on travel insurance is included in your trip confirmation packet. If after registering you wish to switch trips, you may do so subject to availability. Fees may apply.
Under certain circumstances, such as death of a family member, change in health status, loss of employment, etc., we may make exceptions to our refund policies. Please let us know immediately if your plans change!
Do you have a single supplement for Uganda Safari and Gorilla Tracking?
You can elect to guarantee a single room for the duration of the trip for $795 during the registration process.