Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorilla Trekking) to Lake Bunyonyi

Commence your day with an early morning breakfast at 6:30 am. Armed with a packed lunch, head to the Park headquarters to join fellow trackers for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules at 7:30 am. Navigating through thick creepers and undergrowth alongside your guides, embark on the search for gorillas, a journey that may span 1-8 hours. The densely forested landscape, though steep, is interwoven with various trails. Once you locate the gorillas, relish an hour in their company before transferring to Lake Bunyonyi.

Your driver will guide you to this breathtaking region often likened to the 'Switzerland of Africa' due to its unique cool weather despite its proximity to the Equator. Lake Bunyonyi is renowned as one of the most beautiful places in western Uganda. Notably, it is the second deepest lake in Africa (900 meters deep) and considered one of the few safe places in the country for swimming, being free of bilharzias.

Note: Depending on your arrival time at Lake Bunyonyi, you may choose to pay an additional fee for various activities (Community Walk, Canoe Ride, Boat Ride, Bicycle Ride, Bird Watching, and Cray Fishing) directly at the accommodation. You can opt to engage in these activities on the same day or the following day before heading to Ishasha. Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay at Arcadia Cottages.

Ishasha to Kazinga Channel (Boat Ride)

After enjoying breakfast at the Ishasha Sector, renowned for its tree-climbing lions leisurely resting in the branches while closely observing herds of Uganda kob (their preferred prey), you may have the opportunity to spot these unique lions during your game drive. Following the game drive, proceed to your lodge.

In the afternoon, partake in a Boat Cruise along the captivating Kazinga Channel. This cruise offers a close-up view of water-dwelling animals, including hippos, buffalos, crocodiles, and elephants bathing along the channel banks. The water banks also host a diverse array of bird species, with the famous Shoebill, pelican, and Jacana being notable highlights.

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk

The adventure kicks off at 8:00 am with a briefing on the rules for chimpanzee trekking. Following the briefing, you set out to explore the forest in search of these incredible primates. Kibale Forest National Park holds the distinction of having the highest number of primate species globally, including chimpanzees. With around 5,000 chimpanzees living in the wild in Uganda, the park offers an excellent chance to encounter them. An experienced ranger will guide you through the morning chimp tracking experience. Upon locating the chimpanzees, you'll spend an hour observing them before returning to the accommodation for lunch.

After lunch, venture on a guided swamp walk at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This 2.5 to 3-hour walk takes you closer to observing primates, particularly monkeys, as well as a variety of birds and butterflies. The wetland is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, boasting around 138 species, with the Great Blue Turaco being a notable resident.

This walk, a must for bird lovers, is almost as popular as the Kibale Forest Walk. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended, as part of the walk may be muddy. The chance to spot the elusive Sitatunga antelope and the majestic Shoebill Stork makes this experience truly special. Encounter various primate species, including black-and-white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed, l’Hoest’s and blue monkeys, and olive baboons. Other fauna, such as bushbucks and mongooses, can also be found. Bigodi Sanctuary, located outside the park in Magombe Swamp, is home to an abundance of butterflies, creating a rich and diverse natural environment.

Murchison Falls National Park (Game Drives and Boat Ride)

You will set off at 6:30 am cross to the northern bank of river Nile head for a sunrise game drive in the Nyamsika plateau to see the Cape buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, Uganda kob, hartebeest and waterbucks. You may also spot oribi, bushbuck, Bohor reedbuck, shy sitatunga, bush duiker, warthog and bush pig plus large carnivores including lions, leopards and spotted hyenas. Chimpanzees and olive baboons head the list of six species of primates found in the park. Crocodiles and hippos will be seen along the banks of the Nile. Some of the more common birds that can be seen include goliath heron, Egyptian geese, pelican, bee- eaters, kingfishers, hornbill, cormorant, saddle-bill stork and the rare shoebill stork.

You will return to your lodge for a late breakfast some relaxation before setting off in the afternoon for a Boat cruise on the placid Victoria Nile, upstream, to the base of the falls. En route you will see hippos, crocodiles, water buck and a wide variety of birds including the unusual shoebill stork. The boat stops just tens of meters from the “Devil’s Cauldron” for pictures to be taken of the photogenic and majestic Murchison Falls.

COVID 19 test and departure

In the morning, you will take your COVID 19 test and wait for the results needed for permissions to travel. Afterwards you will be taken by our driver to the airport for departure.
What to carry
Binoculars, gears and cameras