THE GORILLAS AND THE PARKS - U0SL010

Tour Summary/ Features:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is located in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the western rift valley covering 331 sq. kms. It is one of the largest natural forests in East Africa, supporting a large number of plants and animals not found elsewhere. About half the world's population of 600 mountain gorillas reside in Bwindi. Queen Elizabeth National Park's diverse Eco-system of grassy plains, tropical forest, rivers, swamps, lakes and volcanic craters is home to an incredible abundance of wildlife. Game drives in this park, with the massive Rwenzoris as a backdrop provides excellent opportunities to see lion, leopard, giant forest hog, cape buffalo, elephants, de fassa waterbuck, Uganda Kob, Topi and bush buck.

Day 01:
Meet and greet at 0730 hrs. Drive west, with a stopover at the Equator for photos, through volcanic formations of the Western Rift Valley towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. The descent reveals a stunning panorama of Lakes George and Edward amidst game-filled plains. In the evening, proceed for a unique 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and into Lake Edward. The trip passes through possibly the highest hippo concentration in Africa and many mammals may be seen drinking at the water's edge. The cruise offers an excellent platform for photography and game viewing. The birdlife is colorful and abundant. For dinner and overnight return to Mweya Safari Lodge that is beautifully situated on a bluff overlooking the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward.

Day 02:
Two game drives today. Queen Elizabeth National Park's diverse Eco-system of grassy plains, tropical forest, rivers, swamps, lakes and volcanic craters is home to an incredible abundance of wildlife. Game drives in this park, with the massive Rwenzoris as a backdrop provides excellent opportunities to see lion, leopard, giant forest hog, cape buffalo, elephants, defassa waterbuck, Uganda Kob, Topi and bush buck. These two game drives and the boat trips (taken prior) are a memorable method of discovering a vast array of Ugandan wildlife.

Day 03:
After breakfast depart for Maramagambo Forest, visitors can climb through tropical forest and catch a glimpse of a variety of primates, including chimpanzee. Visit the Bat Caves and the " Blue Lake". Drive through the "Switzerland of Africa" area known as the Kigezi Highlands with its terraced hillside and winding roads to Kisoro or Bwindi. Dinner/overnight at the respective property.

Day 04:
Early morning entry into Gorilla sanctuary. This rainforest is spectacular. It offers a dramatic steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense, criss-crossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. Mammals include the endangered Mt. gorillas, rare golden monkey, buffalo, elephant, black-fronted duiker, bushbuck, leopard, giant forest hog etc. This park is best known for the fascinating gorillas. The time taken and the terrain vary according to the movements of these marvelous primates. The thrill of observing the gorillas is a rare, moving, exciting adventure. The gorilla is a shy and peaceful animal. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Homestead .

Day 05:
Leisurely drive back to Kampala with a stopover in Mbarara for Lunch.