Uganda Private Safari Experience
Uganda offers one of the wonders of the natural world, to watch the endangered Gorillas up close. This private itinerary is available on both 6, 8 or 10-day durations. Trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gets you right into the heart of Africa. Conservation of the natural habitat of the gorillas is high on the agenda and you will learn from the expert trackers how this is done to protect the future of this wonderful animal. This trip can but arranged for private groups of 2, 4 and 6 with a single supplement should there be an additional traveller. An experience not many will be able to have so it will stay with you for a lifetime. On the 8 and 10-day duration, you can explore Uganda further and its safari wildlife in other national parks.
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest
- Gorilla Trekking
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Safari Game Drives to spot lions, elephants and other game wildlife
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest
The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforest, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. More famously, this “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 400 mountain gorillas – including several habituated families for tourism gorilla tracking . This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 species of mammal, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as monkeys and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park’s diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savannah, shady humid forests, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands, make it the ideal habitat for classical big game, ten primate species including chimpanzees, and over 600 species of birds. Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the park’s magnificent vistas include dozens of enormous craters carved dramatically into rolling green hills, panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel with its banks lined with hippos, buffalo and elephants, and the endless Ishasha plains, whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce on herds of unsuspecting Uganda kob. As well as its outstanding wildlife attractions, Queen Elizabeth National Park has a fascinating cultural history, and there are many opportunities for visitors to meet the local communities and enjoy storytelling, dance, music, and more.
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met and transferred to Hotel No.5
Set in the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is a small town that is easy to explore on foot or local boda bodas (motorbike taxis). Explore the markets, hunt for souvenirs or crafts, meander through the Botanical Gardens or relax with a boat cruise on Lake Victoria. You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, bars and clubs where you can sample the local beer, catch a game of football and meet the friendly locals.
Nestled in the leafy suburbs of Entebbe, Hotel No.5 is a stylish boutique hotel. With all luxurious rooms opening onto the garden and swimming pool, this is a great option for guests looking for an intimate stay in a tranquil setting. Make yourself at home – unwind beside the swimming pool, pamper yourself with a spa treatment, or work up a sweat in the hotel gym. Attention to detail , outstanding dining and an attentive guest experience are synonymous with Hotel No 5.
This morning’s flight on a light aircraft to Kihihi airstrip takes just over an hour. Transfer through local villages and along mountain roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a World Heritage site (a drive of +- 90 mins).
Considered the most diverse forest in Uganda, Bwindi is one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa and home to over 120 mammals, 345 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies and 160 species of trees. The park contains an estimated one half of the world’s population of the endangered Mountain Gorilla, making it an extremely valuable conservation site.
Set within the National Park and just steps away from the Gorilla Trekking headquarters, Buhoma Lodge offers cosy accommodation in wooden chalets with uninterrupted views of the pristine rainforest canopy. Renowned for its warm welcome and attentive service, Buhoma is an eco-friendly lodge operating on solar power, and has been constructed using sustainable local materials. Each of the ten wooden chalets has a private verandah and enormous windows, giving spectacular views. Awaken to chattering forest birds, and watch out for the occasional mountain gorilla that has ventured right in to visit the lodge. Your stay at Buhoma Lodge for the next few nights with all meals and local drinks included.
Gorilla Tracking – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Few words can describe the thrill of today’s lifetime experience! Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare wildlife encounter that is exhilarating, humbling and enthralling. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest on the steep mountain slopes. Please note that gorilla tracking is strenuous with treks ranging from 45 mins up to eight hours, at high altitudes in hot African conditions. The thrill of the hour you spend quietly observing these gentle giants once you find them is so worth the trek to get there! Although mountain gorillas are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are over 95%.
Head back to Buhoma Lodge for a complimentary massage after your trek, or explore the surrounding Bwindi community. Overnight at Buhoma Lodge with all meals and local drinks included.
Those with additional pre-purchased permits will depart for a second gorilla tracking experience. Guests not tracking have the day free to explore the Bwindi area – optional activities include forest walks, a visit to a Batwa pygmy village, and some local curio shopping. Overnight at Buhoma Lodge with all meals and local drinks included.
Depart Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park this morning and travel to Ishasha in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park (a 2-3 hour drive), with a brief stop enroute at a community project near Ishasha Village.
Located in the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, the park is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, leopard, lions, hippos, buffalo, Uganda kob, baboon, and many species of birds. With both a riverine and savannah habitat, the southern Ishasha area includes the massive Maramagambo, one of the largest surviving natural forests in Uganda, and is home to the tree climbing lions typically found in the area. Afternoon game drives will be enjoyed in the Ishasha area, looking for the huge herds of buffalo, elephant, Uganda kob and of course the famous tree-climbing lion typically found in the area.
Overnight at Ishasha Wilderness Camp including all meals and local drinks
This exclusive 10 tented camp offers the only luxury accommodation in the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth. Set on the banks of the Ntungwe River, the eco-friendly Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy remote wilderness. The thatched central lounge and dining area offers a comfortable area for guests to enjoy wholesome dining, although meals are often served ‘al fresco’ next to the river. The outdoor fireplace is the perfect place for guests to relax with sundowners and wind down after an exciting day’s game viewing.
If you have booked the 6 day safari, you will be transferred in the morning to the airstrip for your return flight to Entebbe. For those who have booked the 8 or 10 day safari, spend today enjoying game drives in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, rounding things off with scenic bush sundowners including drinks and snacks. This is what memories are made of!
Head north toward the ‘Mweya’ sector of the park which is rich with wildlife, visitors will find vast numbers of Uganda’s unique and strange Euphorbia, or “candelabra” tree. The many nearby crater lakes and mountain ranges provide a beautiful backdrop for your journey.
In the afternoon enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometre long natural channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George. Kazinga’s 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. (Cruise normally departs at 14h00, although this depends on availability when booking and is subject to change – no drinks/ snacks included on boat).
You may encounter herds of elephant, buffalos and antelopes, families of warthogs, large groups of hippos, and crocodiles basking on the shore. Kazinga’s 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.
Early morning start today, with the highlight being your Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge. The forest is alive with noise! Chimpanzees can be quite active and may move quickly through the forest canopy… or, if you are lucky, you may find them resting or eating near the forest floors. It’s an exhilarating walk, in beautiful scenery. As with gorilla trekking, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
For those who have booked the 8 day safari, after this activity, we depart to the nearby Mweya airstrip for your return flight to Entebbe.
For those on the 10 day safari, a 3-4 hour drive takes you to Kibale Forest, comprising an interesting blend of lowland tropical rain forest, montane forest, and mixed tropical deciduous forest. In addition to forest, you will also notice areas of grassland and of swamp. The forest is rich in wildlife and is most noted for its primate population.
These include red-tailed monkey, diademed monkey, olive baboon, chimpanzee, and black and white colobus. The birdlife is also abundant, with close on 300 species identified here. The forest is also home to 144 species of butterfly and a diverse population of moths and other insects Overnight at Primate Lodge or similar including all meals.
Your Kibale Forest chimp trek will generally take place in the morning. The forest is alive with noise! Chimpanzees can be quite active and may move quickly through the forest canopy… or, if you are lucky, you may find them resting or eating near the forest floors. It’s an exhilarating walk, in the beautiful scenery. As with gorilla tracking, sightings cannot be guaranteed even though the chimps are habituated to humans. 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. Rest of the day at leisure.
Bigodi Swamp Walk – Optional extra
Considered one of Uganda’s best bird-watching locations, Bigodi Swamp’s rich ecosystem makes it a spectacular venue for viewing numerous primate and bird species in their natural habitat. This two to three-hour walk can be tailored to individual schedules and interests.
In the morning depart after an early breakfast for the drive back to Entebbe, arriving back late afternoon to allow for onward flights home.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
Health Requirements
Please contact us for updated Covid-19 regulations/ requirements to ensure you have the latest information.
Yellow fever inoculation is compulsory & malaria prophylactics are recommended. For gorilla trekking it is imperative that you are healthy and free of any disease or virus – officials do have the right to refuse entry if you are found to have or show any signs of communicable illnesses. Should you opt to spend time participating in any UWEC Wildlife Integration programme, you may require additional inoculations and health clearances.
Visa Requirements
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Uganda. All visitors who require a visa should apply through the online application system prior to arrival at https://visas.immigration.go.ug. Cost is USD 50,single entry. Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after return date of travel, and have at least 3 blank pages in it. The newly established EAC Visa allows entry into Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya for one fee of USD100 – handy if you are visiting all three regions.
Travel Insurance
Is compulsory for all guests travelling
For 6 day safari:
- Meet and greet services
- Airport transfers throughout
- Transport in our specially adapted safari vehicles with English speaking local driver/guide
- Bottled water in safari vehicle
- 1 night accommodation at Hotel No. 5 in Entebbe including breakfast
- Return domestic flights from Entebbe to Kihihi on a scheduled flight in a light aircraft (15 kg luggage restriction)
- 3 nights accommodation at Buhoma Lodge in Bwindi on a full board basis
- Community visit en route from Bwindi to Ishasha
- 1 night luxury tented accommodation at Ishasha Wilderness Camp on a full board basis
- Game drives in Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Full liability insurance cover and 24 hour emergency contact
- Full board at Buhoma and Ishasha includes breakfast, lunch/packed lunch, dinner and local drinks
For 8 day safari: inclusions as above and:
- An additional night accommodation at Ishasha Wilderness Camp including all meals and local drinks (Total 2 nights)
- 1 night accommodation at Mweya Safari Lodge including all meals (no drinks)
- All park entrance fees
- Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- Note domestic flights will be Entebbe to Kihihi and return from Kisoro to Entebbe
For 10 day safari: inclusions as above and:
- 2 nights accommodation in Kibale at Primates Lodge or similar including all meals (no drinks)
- Note domestic flight will be one way Entebbe to Kihihi and return to Entebbe will be by road
- Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Permits – Please consult with your executive for up to date costs.
- All international flights and airport taxes
- Personal expenses such as porters, drinks, tips, visas and travel insurance
- Services/activities/meals not included above
- Murchison Falls National Park, Vehicle entrance to Murchison Falls National Park, Hike to the top of the park and the view (each view) require an additional charge.
Suitable for ages 16 to 80
