Join us for an unforgettable 5-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you’ll experience the thrill of encountering gorillas and the serenity of floating in a hot air balloon above two remarkable national parks in Uganda. Your journey will lead you to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can experience the thrill of a hot air balloon safari to observe wildlife. Additionally, you can delight in the beauty of marine life on the Kazinga Channel by embarking on a two-hour boat cruise along its waters. Your journey begins at Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you’ll then venture to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, before making your way back to Kampala or Entebbe.
Overview
- Day 01: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Equator crossing
- Day 02: Morning hot air balloon safari and afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga channel
- Day 03: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 04: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park
- Day 05: Drive back to Kampala
Booking this African safari itinerary guarantees an unforgettable wildlife experience, immersing you in breathtaking landscapes and close encounters with iconic animals like gorillas, lions, elephants, and rhinos. It combines luxury and adventure, with expert guides ensuring safety and the best game-viewing opportunities. Carefully planned routes take you through diverse ecosystems, from savannas to lush wetlands, maximizing your chances of witnessing the Big Five. With seamless accommodations, cultural experiences, and conservation-focused travel, this itinerary offers a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the heart of Africa.
DAY 1: Start your 5 Day Gorilla and Hot air balloon safari in Queen Elizabeth N P
In the early morning, our friendly representative will greet you at your hotel for a quick briefing to ensure everything you booked matches what we have prepared for you. Your exciting journey begins at 8:00 am as you embark on a thrilling 5-day adventure, exploring the wonders of gorillas and soaring high in a hot air balloon over Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park takes around 6-7 hours, especially with the delightful stops you’ll make along the way. Your journey will take you to the Mpambire royal drum makers, where you can witness the craftsmanship behind our traditional drums and stools. You’ll also have a chance to stand at the equator, experiencing both the northern and southern hemispheres at once, before continuing on to Mbarara town for a delightful lunch break. Leaving Mbarara town, you’ll embark on a journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, making delightful stops along the way to take in the lush tea plantations, the stunning rift valley escarpments, and the serene crater lakes. You’ll arrive in the evening, ready to enjoy dinner and settle in for the night.
Travel duration: About 6 to 7 hours
Lunch and Dinner Menu
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge or Kasenyi Safari Camp
DAY 2: Hot Air balloon safari and afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
Queen Elizabeth hot air balloon safaris begin bright and early at 5:30 am, with all guests being whisked away to the launch site. While the balloon comes together, you’ll enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee. At 6:30am, one of the pilots will share an exciting briefing, setting the stage for your flight adventure, which could last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the day’s conditions. During this time, you’ll experience the beauty of wildlife from a unique perspective, exploring the rift valley floor and its stunning escarpments, as well as the captivating crater and lift valley lakes, alongside the majestic Rwenzori and its remarkable surroundings. Upon your arrival at approximately 7:30am, you’ll be treated to a delightful bush breakfast accompanied by fine wines, followed by the presentation of certificates. Head back to the lodge to unwind and enjoy a leisurely lunch before making your way to the jetty for an afternoon boat cruise along the beautiful Kazinga channel. Kazinga Channel truly stands out as a remarkable spot, where countless animals gather to quench their thirst. Embark on a delightful two-hour boat cruise where you’ll have the chance to encounter a variety of bird species, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, numerous antelopes, buffaloes, and so much more. Head back to the lodge for a cozy dinner and a restful night.
Dining Options: Morning, Midday, and Evening Meals Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge or Kasenyi Safari Camp
DAY 3: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Once you’ve enjoyed your breakfast, you’ll set off on a drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The ride from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes about 4 to 5 hours. You’ll get there in the late afternoon, perfect for unwinding or taking a leisurely stroll through the community or the serene forest. Evening meal and a night spent under the stars.
Estimated travel duration: around 4 to 5 hours
Dining Plan: Morning, Midday, and Evening Meals
Accommodation: Broad Bill Forest Camp
DAY 4: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Following breakfast and with your packed lunch in hand, you’ll stroll over to the park headquarters for an exciting briefing on the upcoming gorilla trekking experience. Your guide will share essential tips for your time with the mountain gorillas, and then you’ll be taken to the starting point to meet your gorilla family. Keep in mind that the assignment of gorilla families is influenced by your personal interests, fitness level, and age. Share your interests with your guide, and he’ll do his best to arrange for the gorilla family you’d like to visit before you embark on your journey into the forest. Embarking on a journey to trek with gorillas can be quite the adventure, and it’s important to be prepared with a good level of fitness. Gorilla trekking can last anywhere from half an hour to nearly a full day, so it’s important to be ready for either scenario. Your guide will share insights about the trees, birds, and other wildlife in the forest as you journey towards a specific family of gorillas. You’ll have a precious hour to capture the beauty of mountain gorillas as they engage in their daily routines. Afterward, you’ll trek back to the park headquarters to collect your certificates, followed by a delightful dinner and a cozy overnight stay at your lodge.
Accommodation: Broad Bill Forest Camp or a comparable option Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
DAY 5: End of your 5 day Lake Mburo, Bwindi gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi Safari
After enjoying breakfast, you’ll embark on a drive back to Entebbe International Airport, making a delightful lunch stop at the Equator crossing along the way. Make your way to Entebbe International Airport to catch your flight out.
Includes
Excludes
- All transportation as scheduled
- All Activities Included in the itinerary
- All park entrance fees
- Meals: breakfast – lunch and dinner as shown
- English speaking driver guide
- Complementary bottled water
- Airport transfers on first and last day
- Every Accommodation included
- Anything outside the regular itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks
- Any items of personal nature
- International vaccinations
- Local and international flights
- Personal Travel insurance
- Visa Fees
- Tips and souvenirs
Collection of Unforgettable Moments
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