Seven Days in the Heart of Nature: Ishasha Big Cats,Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Safari Experience

Discover Uganda's wildlife wonders on a thrilling 7-day safari, spotting Ishasha's big cats and trekking gorillas in Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi.

Itinerary:

Day 1: No.5 Boutique Hotel, Entebbe           

Entebbe

Situated on a peninsula in Lake Victoria, the former seat of Uganda’s government, Entebbe is just a short drive from the current capital and offers plenty to keep visitors amused. This charming town features tree-lined streets and serves as an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. Tourists can look forward to spending days on beautiful beaches along the banks of Lake Victoria, stroll through the fields and forests of the magnificent Botanical Gardens, or pay a visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a haven for country’s orphaned chimps.

Day Itinerary

• TBA: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
• TBA: VIP Meet & Greet service on arrival.
• TBA: Go through Immigration procedures.
• TBA: Meet our company representative for a transfer to your hotel. 
• TBA: Arrive and check in at your hotel. 
• TBA: Overnight stay and dinner at your hotel. 
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Overnight: No.5 Boutique Hotel

Nestled in the leafy suburbs of Entebbe, is the new and stylish boutique hotel, Hotel No.5. From the moment you arrive, you are warmly welcomed and cared for. With 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. For one of the most flavoursome dining experiences in Entebbe, carefully planned menus are paired to an international wine list, and served with pride.

Attention to detail and an attentive guest experience are synonymous with Hotel No. 5, making it the perfect choice for a restful stay in this busy town.

Basis

Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 2: No.5 Boutique Hotel, Entebbe            

Day Itinerary

• 0700: Morning breakfast. 
• 0800: Transfer to Mabamba Wetland and visit the Shoebill Bird
• 1300: Return to Entebbe for your lunch and refreshments.
• 1500: Rest of the day relaxation at the hotel. 
• 1900: Overnight stay and dinner at your hotel. 

Activities

Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Bird Watching

Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Bird Watching

The Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Bird Watching activity is located at the Mabamba Ramsar site in Zziba, Kasanje Town Council in the Wakiso District of Uganda. Visitors taking part have a high chance of seeing endangered birds including shoebills, papyrus gonolek, blue swallow, as well as the endangered sitatunga, spotted-necked otter, and monitor lizard among others. The Mabamba Swamp measures over 2424-hectares and is teeming with bird species, plants, butterflies, dragonflies, reptiles and other fauna and flora.

Basis

Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 3: Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park          

Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Surrounded by other wonderful parks in the western region of Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its rich biodiversity, wildlife and history. In the southern part of the park, the remote Ishaha sector is home to tree-climbing lions who spend long lazy days dozing in the pretty fig trees. The Uganda Kob, a type of antelope, are watched carefully by the tree lions while grazing the plains  Around Lake Edward, enjoy fishing and more game watching - make sure to look out for chimpanzees, elephants, crocodiles, and perennial and migratory bird species.

Day Itinerary

• 0600: Begin the day with a morning cup of coffee.
• 0630: Drop off at the Airport for your flight to Queen Elizabeth 
• 0925: Estimated time of arriving Ishasha. 
• 0940: Pick up and drive to your lodge for check-in.
• 1030:Mid-morning game drive in Ishasha for the tree climbing lions 
• 1330: Lunch for the day
• 1700: Another evening relaxation. OR another game drive in Ishasha. 
• 1830: Dinner and overnight stay. 

Overnight: Ishasha Wilderness Camp 

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wilderness, coupled with superb accommodation and exceptional service.

The thatched central lounge and dining area provides a cosy and relaxed space for guests, although meals are often served ‘al fresco’ beside the river. In the evening, the outdoor fireplace beside the river is the perfect place for guests to relax over sundowners and share their day’s experiences.

Each of the ten spacious framed canvas rooms, privately nestled along the riverbank, is comfortably furnished and feature en-suite bathrooms. Wake to the delicious aroma of morning coffee served on your private verandah.

Resident troops of Black-and-White Colobus and Vervet monkeys abound and if you are lucky you’ll spot Henry, the lone hippo, wallowing lazily below our viewing deck. Game roams freely through camp, with Elephant making frequent guest appearances.

Designed to respect and complement the environment, this low impact, eco-sensitive camp is really something special, and after a few days unwinding here, you may well not want to leave.

Activities

Ishasha Game Drive

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4: Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park          

Day Itinerary

• 0?700: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
• 0800: Morning bush walk in Ishasha. 
• 1000: Another game drive in Ishasha. 
• 1300: Lunch at your lodge. 
• 1600: Sundowner experience in Ishasha. 
• 1800: Dinner and Overnight stay at your lodge. 

Activities

bush walk in Ishasha

Ishasha Game Drive

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park           

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities - the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges. The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance, and aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot, and a variety of brightly-coloured butterflies to identify. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes, three of which are still active.

Day Itinerary

• 0800: Begin the day with a morning cup of coffee.
• 1000: Drive and continue to Bwindi
• 1200: Arrival and check in at your lodge. 
• 1240: Lunch at the Lodge 
• 1500: Visit Batwa Cultural Village. 
• 1830: Dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp   

Once-in-a-lifetime encounters with Uganda’s endangered gorillas await when you stay in one of these ten private luxury tents in the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Ecologically respectful, contemporary-yet-classic in style, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp blends in sensitively with the dramatic African mountain landscape and, situated uniquely inside the national park, you are only minutes away from the start of your gorilla trekking adventure.

Located in one of the remotest areas of Africa, these comfortable canvas spaces are dressed with indigenous prints and furniture made from natural materials. Beds are draped in neutral-toned linens, and local artefacts set a scene that ensures memorable moments both inside and out the accommodation. Each tent has a spacious, stone-walled bathroom with private sections, and a free-standing bath for a relaxing soak after a day’s trekking. The trees around the camp light up in the morning when the sun starts shining, and thanks to there being so few tents, the camp retains an intimate, exclusive feel, enabling you to experience Africa’s magic with the lightest of footprints yet with practically every mod con.

Activities

Batwa Cultural Village

Batwa Cultural Village

The Batwa Cultural village is where the Batwa (Pigmies) still live in the same way they used to years ago in tree houses. The Batwa only began leaving their forest homes around 15 years ago and they have been able to remain on this land thanks to the support of a generous American benefactor who donated the land back to them and created a cultural program. The fees from visiting tourists and are given to the Batwa project and they delight in welcoming visitors to their village and demonstrating how they make weapons, dance, make fires using sticks and cook.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park           

Day Itinerary

• 0600: Start the day with morning breakfast ready for the day's gorilla trek
• 0700: Transfer/walk down to the park headquarters for the gorilla trek 
• 0800: Start the gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi. 
• 1300: Estimated time of returning from the jungle.
• 1500: Afternoon relaxation at your lodge. 
• 1830: Dinner is served at the Lodge. 

Activities

Gorilla Trekking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Gorilla Trekking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Wake early for a hearty breakfast to give you the energy needed for gorilla trekking. Before 8:00 am, report to the ranger station for registration and a talk by one of the rangers. The guides will then take you through the bush, pushing your way through the undergrowth, to track the gorillas. (Please note this trek can take from 30 minutes to 5-6 hours). A reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them ‘talk’ to one another, and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male, the Silverback. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas. It's amazing to think there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7: End of Itinerary    

Day Itinerary

• 0700: Breakfast is served.
• 0730: Transfer to the Airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe.
• 0945: Flight departs Kihihi-Entebbe.
• 1125: Estimated time of arrival at Entebbe Airport. 
• 1145: Onward for your flight connection to your next destination. 

End of service. 

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Included

• Airport transfers.
• VIP Meet and greet through immigration. 
• All ground transportation by a 4wd safari Land Cruiser 
• A one-way flight to Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Accommodations and meals are as per the itinerary.
• All boat trips are included in the itinerary.
• Visit Mabamba Wetland for Shoebill sighting. 
• One-way flight from Bwindi to Entebbe. 
• Park fees.
• Bush walk Ishasha
• Batwa cultural walk
• Services of English-speaking driver/guide.
• Enroute lunches.
• All Game drives.
• Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
• All government taxes.
• Our assistance 

Excluded

• Other drinks.
• Laundry.
• Tips to local guides.
• Telephone expenses.
• Porter fees while trekking Gorillas and chimpanzees.
• Personal insurance.
• Cigarettes.