Journeys tour 1.1
Uganda Great Apes
Nicknamed the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda glows with stunning greenery, deep lakes, soaring mountains, and perhaps the greatest natural treasure of all – a third of the world’s last remaining mountain gorilla population. With our Uganda Gorilla Safari you travel deep into the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to experience these elusive and endangered creatures first hand.
Silverback Lodge located in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an intimate and charming forest lodge located with spectacular views over the valleys of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Daily guided gorilla treks afford first hand experiences to view these elusive and endangered creatures in their natural environment, a spine-tingling wildlife experience without peer. Take an opportunity to interact with the Batwa Pygmies who lived in the forest interiors, forest walks, the Gorilla Centre, local winemaking and coffee experiences all make great day excursions.
Beyond the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the tour takes you to Queen Elizabeth National Park to Mweya Safari Lodge which is located on the Mweya Peninsular. On a clear day, the Rwenzori Mountains provide an incomparable backdrop while the dining veranda enjoys a grandstand view of the opposite Kazinga Chanel, which routinely attracts large herds of buffalo and elephant. Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its big cats, large mammals, and recognised for having the largest elephant population in Uganda. Experience plains game, including the rare Uganda kob, Cape buffalo and the famous tree-climbing lions. No stay is complete without a Kazinga Channel River Cruise where you come close to the abundant game along the river banks. Tree – climbing lions and over 600 bird species are found around the crater lakes and numerous game drive routes. A visit to Katwe Salt Pans is fascinating, Kyambura Gorge is home to the chimpanzees and these attractions make for great day excursions from the Lodge.
Itinerary Summary
YOUR JOURNEY
Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda, a nation of stunning greenery, deep lakes, soaring mountains and rich biodiversity. Transfer to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
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Depart Entebbe after early morning breakfast and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest. Spend the afternoon on a cultural experience of local coffee, banana, wine, and gin-making with the Buhomo community. End your day with a cocktail on the decks of Silverback Lodge with views over the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
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Spend today tracking endangered mountain gorillas, spending up to an hour amongst them with local UWA guides. See mothers keeping infants close as they knucklewalk on three limbs. Watch scampering toddlers reined in by an attentive father, whose job is to protect his family. When you encounter a mountain gorilla in the wild, there is no mistaking the bond that exists between primate and man — and no escaping the poignant fact these creatures lie on the brink of extinction. Should time allow after your return from the forest and lunch, you will be taken to the Batwa community who is commonly known as pygmies, they are an endangered group of people living around the Bwindi Forest Reserves of South-Western Uganda. The Batwa are believed to have migrated from the Ituri Forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo in search of richer game-filled areas. In past times the Batwa live in small huts mainly made from sticks and grass and survived on the produce of the forest.
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Depart Bohomo and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to elephants, lions, hippos, buffalo, and baboons. Participate in game drives this afternoon and the next day. While exploring, watch above for tree-climbing lions, a sight rarely seen anywhere else in Africa. You may also spot some of Uganda’s largest elephant herds.
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Set off early in the morning and head for the Kyambura Gorge (pronounced “Chambura” by the locals) where you hike in a deep opening in the ground that is about 100 meters deep and is home to Chimpanzees. Then head off to view the ancient volcanic lake known as the “ Katwe Salt Lake” see these beautiful salt pans and learn how the local community mines salt, a real asset to the community.
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Drive to Entebbe and spend tonight at one of our partner hotels, enabling you to relax and enjoy the city of Kampala before heading out on your return home.
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Transfer to Entebbe international airport for your international flight home.
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YOUR JOURNEY