7 Days Gorillas and Big Game Safari
About This 7-Day Safari
Encounter gorillas & other primates on this tour through Savannah plains and West African jungles as you navigate Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi National Parks. The rainforests, gorges and lush savannah of Uganda are the scene for this 7-day adventure that has you seeking out gorillas, big game and birds in some of the country’s most pristine wildlife reserves.
You will be transferred to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest In the southwestern corner on the border with Rwanda and Congo to find endangered mountain gorillas but also for the opportunity to spot hundreds of species of endemic birds and butterflies. Go on to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, the second largest protected wildlife park in Uganda. Queen Elizabeth is home to four of the African big five with the exclusion of the Rhino, the biggest population of hippos in Africa seen while cruising on the Kazinga Channel and over 600 bird species.
You will as well visit Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest national park which is home to zebras, giraffe, elands, buffalo, and lots of antelopes among other wildlife. A walking safari in this little gem takes you close to nature.
- Only 1063 Gorillas remain in the world and half of them are found at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Bwindi National Park offer some of the best montane-forest bird watching in Africa with about 350 recorded different bird species including rare ones
- You will embark on game drives in Queen Elizabeth and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel looking for predator, grazers and a variety of birds
- You will have walking safaris in Lake Mburo National Park amidst zebras, giraffe, buffalo, lots of antelope, and warthogs among others.
Where You Will Go
The places this safari visits, in the order you will reach them.
A UNESCO World Heritage rainforest in south-western Uganda and home to around half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Savannah, crater lakes and the Kazinga Channel, with hippos, elephants and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
Uganda’s smallest savannah park, walkable and home to zebras, giraffes, elands and buffalo.
The “primate capital of the world”, famous for chimpanzee trekking and 13 primate species.
A green, hilly region of crater lakes, tea estates and the lowland forest of Semuliki.
The “Mountains of the Moon”: snow-capped peaks, alpine moorland and Uganda’s toughest trekking.
Day By Day Itinerary
Every day is planned by our local team and can be adjusted to your pace.
ENTEBBE
Entebbe International Airport
You will arrive at Entebbe International Airport and will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your booked hotel at Entebbe. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
You shall wake up for your morning breakfast, checkout of the hotel and start your transfer journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park driving towards Kibale with en-route lunch at Fort Portal; Uganda’s Tourism City, the only city with an English name in Uganda. Fort Portal is set on the foothills of the Rwenzori, the tallest block of mountains in Uganda and third tallest in Africa. The jagged hills give the city an amazing wallpaper look that will leave you wondering about its creation story.
After lunch, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, checking in at your lodge that is set on the boundary with the park. Enjoy the natural views as you settle in for dinner and overnight.
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
After an early morning breakfast, depart for your morning game drive in the Kasenyi savannah plains. Look out for grazers and predators such as Lions, Leopards, Buffalos, Elephants, Antelopes, Warthogs, Waterbucks, Bush bucks and so on. You shall go for a mid-morning boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel after your game drive; the channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George. It is home to one of Africa’s largest hippo populations and bird species. This 3hrs boat cruise will enrich you with views of the water loving animals such as Hippos, Elephants, Buffalos, Crocodiles and other antelopes as well as bird species.
Return to your lodge for lunch and relax. Later in the evening go for a sundowner experience before returning to the lodge for dinner and Overnight.
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast this morning, embark on your journey to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park. The park is well known for being a habitat to the endangered species of Mountain Gorillas. The drive shall take you through the Kigezi Highlands popularly referred to as The Switzerland of Africa, marvel at the beauty of the rolling hills dotted with banana and tea plantations before checking in at your Lodge.
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
Wake up very early to prepare for the supposed most significant highlight of your safari, the remarkable meet with the Gentle Giants! After breakfast, we take a drive to the park offices where you will be briefed about the dos and don’ts of the jungle and then you will be off for a forever-memorable adventure of your life. Trekking through the steep, densely forested hills of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and then finally coming across the gorillas cloaked in the foliage is an amazing experience, and indescribable because of the difficulty to paint a verbal picture of the vegetation, terrain, smells, colors and the animated entertainment from the gorillas and other residents of the jungle. After your tracking, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Do not leave these items behind; sunscreen, insect repellent, your passport, camera, hiking boots, long safari pants and long sleeved shirts or T-shirts plus a light rain jacket. Please avoid very bright and hot colored clothes- These not only attract insects to you but also can be offensive to the residents of the jungle. These items will come in handy as you go through the thick forest and encounter the unpredictable weather of Bwindi: Expect rain or sunshine anytime.
LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast today, you shall check out of the lodge and set off for the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park with lunch en-route at Igongo Country Hotel. You will have a simple game drive through the park as you make way to your lodge for check in. After some relaxation, you will go on an evening walking safari through the park amidst zebras, giraffe, lots of antelope, buffalo among others. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Lunch: Igongo Country HotelDinner: Mihingo Safari Lodge
ENTEBBE - DEPARTURE
This morning after your breakfast, you shall head out into the park for your game drive that shall be combined with a walking safari in the park. Lake Mburo National Park is the only park in Uganda where you can walk in close proximity with wildlife. Animals like zebras, elands, giraffe, buffalo, and lots of antelope call this small savannah park home.
After your game drive, you shall check out of the lodge and get ready for the transfer journey to Entebbe with a stop-over at the Equator for lunch and buying some souvenirs. You shall be dropped off at the airport for your outbound flight.Note: Please book flights that leave not earlier than 21:00hrs
Where You Will Stay
Lodges are subject to availability. If a lodge is full we replace it with one of an equal standard.
K Hotels
Buffalo Safari Lodge
Four Gorillas Lodge
Mihingo Safari Lodge
Non
What To Pack
- A small light weight day backpack
- Light, water proof hiking boots or shoes
- Walking sticks
- Canvas or leather gloves (In case you need to protect your hands from “spiky” vegetation)
- Water proof trousers / pants
- Water proof jacket or poncho with hood (or waterproof hat)
- Light water proof quick dry hiking trousers
- Short-sleeved shirt or T-shirt
- Water bottle or canteen (Boiled water and a packed lunch will be provided by your lodge)
- A camera or video-camera with high speed settings (or 800 ASA speed film minimum – no flash photography)
- Long sleeved shirts and trousers
- Short sleeved shirts, T-shirts, and shorts
- A down / fleece vest or safari jacket
- Travel alarm clock
- A sweat shirt or sweater for chilly evenings and early mornings
- Sunscreen & after sun care
- Insect repellent (Tropical formula recommended)
- Personal Medication in case of sicknesses
Best Time To Go
Dry seasons run from December to February and June to September: easiest trails and best game viewing. March to May and October to November are wetter, greener and quieter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the 7 Days Gorillas and Big Game Safari?
The package includes 1 Night accommodation at K Hotels Entebbe on Bed and Breakfast basis; 2 nights’ accommodation at buffalo safari lodge; 2 nights’ accommodation at four gorillas lodge; 1 night accommodation at mihingo safari lodge; 1 gorilla permit per person and all national park entrance fees; all game drives as per itinerary; water during lunch and dinner (500ml per person per meal); one drink per person at dinner; tips and porterage at the hotels and lodges including tips at meals. It does not include all international flights and taxes; any domestic flights; visas at usd 50 per person for single entry visa; travel and personal accident insurance; excursions not detailed in the itinerary; personal nature items like laundry.
Where does the 7 Days Gorillas and Big Game Safari start and end?
The journey starts with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport and finishes with your transfer back to the airport for your departure flight.
Do I need a gorilla permit?
Yes. Mountain gorilla trekking requires a permit and the number of permits is limited each day, so we recommend booking as early as you can, especially for the dry months of June to September and December to February. Giravex reserves your permit once your dates are confirmed.
Do I need a visa for Uganda?
Most visitors need a visa. Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda are covered by the East Africa Tourist Visa, which allows travel between all three on one visa. We will confirm exactly what applies to your passport when you book.
When is the best time to take this safari?
Dry seasons run from December to February and June to September: easiest trails and best game viewing. March to May and October to November are wetter, greener and quieter.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. Every Giravex itinerary can be adjusted to your dates, pace, budget and interests. Tell us what you would like to change and a trip specialist will tailor it for you.
How do I book or get a quote?
Send a quote request or message us on WhatsApp. A trip specialist will reply with availability and a detailed quote for your group size and dates.
Ask About This Tour
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