Arrive in Entebbe in the morning (or the day before). Meet and greet on arrival at the airport and take an early lunch at Lake Victoria Hotel. We then drive to Lake Mburo National Park on sealed roads passing through papyrus swamps close to Lake Victoria and tracts of tropical rain forest and the rolling plains of Ankole cattle country. Lake Mburo National Park is a small park, excellent for birding, antelope and other grazers, one of the only places to easily see Impala and zebra in Uganda. Game drives offer particularly picturesque game viewing with the Parkʹs mixture of savannah, acacia woodlands, grassy valleys, rocky outcrops, swamps, lakes and rolling hills. Herds of impala (found nowhere else in Uganda), buffalo and zebra, plus waterbuck and eland are amongst the variety of wildlife to be seen. Birders will enjoy the Parkʹs 310 recorded water and dry land species. In this valley we can operate night drives and walks. This is the only park where we will see Impala and Burchellʹs Zebra. It is an excellent place for walking and exploring a nearby Khopji to perhaps see Klipspringer. Game drive to the lodge.

Overnight at Mihingo Lodge (LD)

This morning we explore the park with a short games drive, and then continue southwest into the area known as The Switzerland of East Africa; the road is sealed for half the drive, turning into an all-weather dirt road. The route passes through areas of breathtaking scenery, high hills and low valleys that are for the most part cultivated. We arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, famous for gorilla trekking and now a World Heritage Site.

Overnight at Buhoma Lodge (BLD)

Gorilla tracking day.
After breakfast take a short drive to Park Headquarters and meet with excellent local guides and trackers who will give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. We then hike into the forest where the gorillas were seen the night before and track from that point. The trekking can take from 1 to 6 hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 7,500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. Picnic lunches are provided and it is important to take plenty of water. Cameras and plenty of fast speed film are recommended. It can rain at a few minutes’ notice; hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including zip lock bags for cameras and film. N.B. We cannot guarantee seeing Gorillas.

Overnight at Buhoma Lodge (BLD)

Second gorilla tracking day.

Overnight at Buhoma Lodge (BLD)

We drive back to Lake Mburo National Park and the luxury of Mihingo Lodge.

Overnight at Mihingo Lodge (BLD)

This morning we drive back to Entebbe, this takes approximately 5 hours – road and weather dependent. If time permits it is possible to stop in Kampala for shopping and lunch and a visit to the Mpigi Royal Drum Makers. You are then transferred to Entebbe International airport to connect with your departure flight. Please note the departure flight must be in the late afternoon or evening, alternatively we can arrange another overnight in Entebbe