Overview
This itinerary blends adventure and
serenity: experience the thrill of trekking
endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi
Impenetrable Forest, then retreat to the
tranquil waters of Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s
second-deepest lake. Known as the “Lake
of a Thousand Islands”, Bunyonyi offers a
peaceful finale with canoeing,
birdwatching, swimming, and cultural
encounters. It’s the perfect balance of
adrenaline and relaxation.
Itinerary
5 Days Gorillas & Lake Bunyonyi –
Mid-Range Safari
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Style: Mid-Range Adventure & Relaxation
Safari
Day 01 :
Entebbe/Kampala – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Morning departure in a comfortable 4x4
safari vehicle. - Scenic drive southwest through the lush
countryside. Along the way: - Stop at the Equator monument for
photographs and a demonstration of the
Coriolis effect. - Lunch in Mbarara, Uganda’s cultural and
economic hub of the west. - Drive through the terraced Kigezi
Highlands, a dramatic landscape
nicknamed the “Switzerland of Africa.” - Arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. This
ancient rainforest is home to nearly half
the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. - Evening relaxation at lodge surrounded
by misty hillsides and the sounds of forest
birds. - Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
/ Rushaga Gorilla Havens.
Day 02 :
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
- Early breakfast, then transfer to park
HQ for briefing. - With your ranger-guide, set off into the
forest, trekking 2–6 hrs depending on
gorilla location. Along the way, watch for
butterflies, forest hogs, and primates like
black-and-white colobus. - The highlight: one precious hour with a
gorilla family. Watch silverbacks
command their troop, mothers care for
their young, and playful juveniles tumble
through the vegetation. A deeply
emotional and humbling experience. - Afternoon at leisure, or enjoy a Batwa
cultural performance—songs, dances, and
storytelling from the forest’s original
inhabitants. - Overnight at lodge.
Day 03 :
Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi
- After breakfast, transfer (3 hrs) to Lake
Bunyonyi. The winding drive reveals
breathtaking mountain vistas. - Arrive at your lakeside lodge. In the
afternoon, enjoy a canoe ride on
traditional dugout canoes, visiting
Punishment Island and learning the
folklore behind it. - The lake is bilharzia-free, hippo-free,
and crocodile-free—making it safe for
swimming. - Accommodation: BirdNest Resort /
Arcadia Cottages.
Day 04 :
Leisure on Lake Bunyonyi
- Full day to relax and enjoy the lake.
Options include: - Guided birdwatching: Lake Bunyonyi is
a haven for over 200 bird species. - Hiking & community visit: Walk through
island villages, meet locals, and visit
schools. - Swimming & canoeing: The calm,
crocodile-free waters are perfect for a
dip. - Pure relaxation: Enjoy the lodge’s
panoramic views with a book, sundowner,
or lakeside bonfire. - Overnight at lodge.
Day 05 :
Lake Bunyonyi – Entebbe/Kampala
- After breakfast, begin the scenic drive
back to Entebbe (8–9 hrs). - Stop for lunch en route and revisit the
Equator for last-minute souvenirs. - Evening drop-off at airport or hotel.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- • 1 Gorilla trekking permit (USD $800)
- • 4 nights mid-range accommodation (full
- board)
- • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with
- English-speaking driver-guide
- • Lake Bunyonyi canoe tour
- • Park entrance fees
- • Drinking water in the vehicle
- • Amrefy flying doctor insurance
Cost Excludes
- • International airfare & visas
- • Travel & medical insurance
- • Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
- • Optional activities (birding, guided
- hikes, cultural visits not listed)
- • Alcoholic drinks & personal expenses