Discover Uganda's Entebbe & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe, Explore the City, Welcome Dinner

Welcome to Uganda! You'll arrive in the bustling city of Entebbe, nestled along the shores of Lake Victoria. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel. Stay in and relax by the outdoor pool, or venture out to explore the city on your own before dinner. A great place to start is the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for a stroll through the peaceful oasis. Walk among the collection of exotic trees and flowers, looking out for the many birds who call this haven home. 

Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

After a restful night in the city, wake up early and have breakfast before meeting your driver for an 11-hour transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwestern Uganda spans over 123 square miles (320 sq km) and is home to roughly half of the world's remaining population of endangered mountain gorillas. Break up the long drive with a stop in Kayabwe to visit the monument marking the equator. Stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time, then continue to Mbarara.

This vibrant town, known as the "Land of Milk and Honey," is a hub for cattle farming and dairy production, with rolling hills dotted with herds of Ankole cattle. Sit down for lunch at a local restaurant before completing the drive to the Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, situated on the edge of the national park. Ichumbi means "a cool, comfortable home" in the local language, so you can unwind in your cozy cottage and enjoy a delicious dinner in the on-site restaurant.

Day 3: Gorilla Trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Get ready for what's sure to be a highlight of the trip—gorilla trekking in the national park. Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge, then transfer to the park's office for an 8:00 am briefing. Then, follow your experienced guide through the dense bamboo forest in search of signs of gorillas, such as broken branches, footprints, and leftover food. The trek can be challenging due to the park's steep, rugged terrain, but the reward will be well worth the effort.

When you find the endangered mountain gorillas, maintain a distance of 22 feet (7 m) for everyone's health and safety. Leave your belongings behind and approach the gentle giants with just your camera. Watch them play, sleep, and feed in their natural habitat. If you're lucky, you may spot a few babies high in the trees. After spending one hour with these magnificent creatures, it's time to return to base to minimize the transmission of diseases. 

Day 4: Transfer to Entebbe, Farewell Dinner

Say goodbye to the gorillas and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park as you return to Entebbe this morning. Break up the 11-hour drive with stops at the equator and a local restaurant for lunch. When you arrive, check into your hotel and have a farewell dinner to commemorate your last night in Uganda. Choose from a range of traditional dishes like luwombo (rich stew made with meat, vegetables, and groundnut sauce) or matoke (green bananas cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices). End the night with a slice of coconut cake or mandazi (deep-fried doughnut-like pastry).

Day 5: Boat Tour of Mabamba Bay, Depart

Although you're leaving Uganda today, you have time for one last adventure: a visit to Mabamba Bay on the northern shore of Lake Victoria. This Ramsar Wetland site is renowned for its population of elusive shoebill storks, which can stand over four feet tall (1.2 m). Transfer to the Nakiwogo landing site and board a 10-minute ferry to the Kasanje landing site. Then, meet your driver for a 20-minute transfer to the bay, where you can board a motorized wooden boat in search of the shoebill stork, as well as other bird species.

The bay's lush vegetation and calm waters create a picturesque backdrop for bird-watching and nature photography. Along the way, your guide will teach you about local conservation efforts and traditional fishing practices, giving you insight into the natural environment and local culture. When it's time, you'll transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!