Remarkable Western Uganda
This is a more expansive 11 or 12 night Ugandan itinerary which really shows you all facets of this remarkable country, focusing especially on the more remote south-western region.
Overview
Entebbe * Kibale Forest * Queen Elizabeth National Park * Bwindi Impenetrable Forest * Mount Gahinga
This Remarkable Western Uganda Safari is designed to showcase the diversity of Western Uganda, with longer stays that allow you to fully experience each region.
Remarkable Western Uganda (11 or 12 nights) at a glance
- 1 night in Entebbe, No 5 Boutique Hotel
- 3 nights in Kibale Forest, Kyaninga Lodge, Full Board
- 3 nights in Queen Elizabeth National Park: 2 nights at Kyamburu Gorge Lodge, Full Board AND 1 night Ishasha Wilderness Lodge, Full Board
- 2 nights in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Full Board
- 2 nights in Mount Gahinga region, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Full Board
- Drive back to Entebbe where you overnight again
Safari Description
Begin in Entebbe before flying down to Kibale Forest. Over three nights, you track chimpanzees and explore this rich forest ecosystem known for its diversity of primates and birdlife. From Kibale, you travel south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Time here is divided between the Kyambura and Ishasha regions. Continue south towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Over two nights, you undertake gorilla trekking, a highlight of any visit to Uganda, with the opportunity to explore the surrounding forest and communities. Your final stop is the Mount Gahinga region, a quieter and less visited corner of Uganda.Β
Highlights
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale region
- Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Explore the beautiful lake and mount region of Mount Gahinga
- More relaxing than some other itineraries with 3 nights in many areas
Shorter 11-night Version
We can also do a slightly shorter 11 night version which has only 2 nights in the Queen Elizabeth National Park and then 3 nights in Mount Gahinga Lodge. This allows you time to do a day of Golden Monkey trekking. It ends with a flight back to Entebbe rather than a long road transfer.
Good to KnowΒ
- Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking require a moderate level of fitnessΒ Β
- Travel distances are balanced with longer stays in each locationΒ Β
- MountΒ GahingaΒ offers a quieter alternative to more visited areasΒ Β
- Ideal for travellers seeking a deeper exploration of UgandaΒ
Tour Video
Our Digital Itinerary
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On arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel, No 5 Boutique Hotel
Drive to Kibale/Rwenzori Mountain region (approx 5 hours drive). Have a relaxed afternoon at the lodge.
This is an early morning guided nature walk in a community-managed wetland.
Your Kibale Forest chimp trek will generally take place in the early morning. The forest is alive with noise! Chimpanzees can be quite active and may move quickly through the forest canopyβ¦ or, if you are lucky, you may find them resting or eating near the forest floors. Itβs an exhilarating walk, in beautiful scenery. Your guides will be able to show you different bird species and will give details of the plant species within the forest. The trek allows you to spend 1 hour observing the chimps once you have found them.
Relaxed day β visit Kyaninga lodge community development projects β child development centre, wheelchair factory, dairy, forest foundation. Kyaninga Lodge Take a guided village and cultural walk in the surrounding, farms and get an insight to village life as you interact with the village people.
Travel 2-3 hours to Queen Elizabeth National Park through the beautiful crater lakes region. Visit the coffee cooperative in Kyambura. Learn about coffee growing and production.
Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth accompanied by a researcher. Learn how lions are monitored and more about their habitat and behaviour.
In the afternoon enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometre long natural channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George. Kazingaβs shores are dotted with herds of lazy buffalo, pods of hippos wallowing without a care, and countless bird species.
Drift past local fishing villages and soak up the peaceful tranquillity of this beautiful African day.Β You may encounter herds of elephant, buffalos and antelopes, families of warthogs, large groups of hippos, and crocodiles basking on the shore. Kazingaβs shores are a haven for numerous birds, including many migratory species as they make their way south to warmer climates. The cruise also provides a spectacular view of the beautiful Mweya Peninsula and life in local fishing villages set along the banks
Transfer to Ishasha sector approx. 2 hours away. Game drive in search of the rare tree-climbing lions and other animals including large herds of buffalo and antelope.
The campβs remote location means that you are unlikely to encounter many other people during your game drives and you may feel you βownβ the park! The area is renowned for frequent sightings of hyenas and tree-climbing lions. Savour Ishashaβs vast vistas and the atmosphere of this beautiful area of the park with a bush breakfast or late afternoon sundowner besides the Ntungwe River or along the ridge.
Game drive in the morning. Then drive to Bwindi Impenetrable national park approx. 2 hours.
If time allows, join a local guide for a community walk including meeting members of the Batwa tribe (known locally as the forest people).
A trek into the forest on the slopes of the volcanoes, led by experienced trackers, will bring you amongst a family of Mountain Gorillas. These massive primates are extremely rare, only approximately 700 remaining, and you will get within metres of the family, and be privileged to spend time amongst them. The trekking may be fairly strenuous; up to six hours or longer is not uncommon β at relatively high altitude. Mountain Gorillas are wild animals, as such sightings cannot be guaranteed, however, the success rate is well over 90%.
Drive approx. 5 hours to Lake Mburo national park. Cultural experience with the Bahima cattle-keepers. Learn about the treasured long-horned cows and the Ankole cultural values.
Explore Lake Mburo national park on a guided cycling safari in the morning and get closer to the wildlife in the park.
Venture further afield on a afternoon game drive in the park.
As you travel back to Entebbe, visit a bark cloth making community en route. Learn how bark is removed from the trees and locally processed into a cloth of cultural significance.
Time permitting, take a speed boat (approx. 45 mins) to Mabamba wetlands, then go birding in a local dugout canoe in search of Shoebill and other water birds. Then return to Entebbe in the afternoon in time for your eveing departure.
In Pictures
Accommodation
Gloria Darvall
AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST
Hi I'm Gloria, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience
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