4-Day Luxury Fly-in Safari: Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi Gorilla Trekking

Trip Highlights

• Ultimate Mountain Gorilla Trekking: The unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience of spending a magical hour observing and photographing a habituated family of endangered Mountain Gorillas in the dense rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Spectacular Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: A highlight of Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering up-close views of large concentrations of Hippos, Nile Crocodiles, Elephants, Buffaloes, and a plethora of water birds along the channel connecting Lake George and Lake Edward.
• Prime Game Viewing in Kasenyi Plains: Classic African safari game drives with high chances of spotting Elephants, Buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, Warthogs, and predators such as Lions and Leopards.
• Choice of Morning Activity: Select between an additional Game Drive, a thrilling Chimpanzee Trekking experience in the dramatic Kyambura Gorge (permit dependent), or searching for the famous Tree-Climbing Lions in the Ishasha sector.

Luxury & Convenience:

• Exclusive Charter Flights: Utilizing private or scheduled charter flights (Entebbe-Kasese & Kasese-Kisoro & Kisoro-Entebbe) to significantly reduce travel time, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey.
• Luxury Lodge Experience: Staying in hand-picked, exclusive lodges like Mweya Safari Lodge/Kyambura Gorge Lodge and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge/Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge, offering world-class service, gourmet dining, and breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.
• Personalized Service: Seamless ground transfers in custom 4x4 Luxury Safari Vehicles with dedicated driver-guides, providing personalized attention and optimal viewing comfort.
• Altitude Acclimatization & Relaxation: Built-in leisure and relaxation time in the afternoon of Day 2 to acclimatize to the higher altitude of Bwindi before the highly anticipated gorilla trek.
• Cultural Connection (Optional): Opportunity to visit a local Batwa (Pygmy) community for cultural exchange and insight into their traditional forest life.

Summary of the Itinerary

 LUXURY ITINERARY

Day 1: Charter Flight to Kasese & Queen Elizabeth National Park Activities

• Morning (Post-Breakfast): Your private guide or lodge representative will transfer your guests from their Entebbe accommodation to the VIP section of Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or Kajjansi Airstrip.
  • Charter Flight: Depart for Kasese Airstrip (KSE) or Mweya Airstrip, near Queen Elizabeth National Park. (Approx. 1.5 - 2 hours flight time).
• Late Morning/Lunch: Upon arrival, meet your dedicated safari vehicle and driver-guide. Transfer to your luxury lodge for check-in and lunch.
  • Luxury Lodge Suggestion: Mweya Safari Lodge (stunning location on a peninsula) or Kyambura Gorge Lodge (overlooking the gorge).
• Afternoon Activity: Enjoy a spectacular Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This two-hour cruise is a highlight, offering phenomenal views of water birds, large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and elephants and buffaloes drinking on the banks.
• Late Afternoon: A short Game Drive as you return to the lodge, offering a chance to spot lions, elephants, Uganda Kobs, and various antelope species.
• Evening: Enjoy a gourmet dinner at the lodge.

Day 2: Queen Elizabeth Activity & Charter to Kisoro (Bwindi)

• Early Morning Activity (Choice of One):
  • Option 1: Morning Game Drive in the Kasenyi Plains (northern QENP) for high chances of spotting predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas alongside vast herds of antelopes.
  • Option 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in the dramatic Kyambura Gorge (permits required and pre-booked).
  • Option 3: Tree-Climbing Lions Search in the Ishasha Sector (Southern QENP) - Requires a longer drive from the north, may impact the time for the charter flight.
• Late Morning: Return to the lodge for a full breakfast and check-out.
• Mid-Day: Transfer to the nearest suitable airstrip (likely Kasese/Mweya) for your second Charter Flight.
  • Charter Flight: Depart for Kisoro Airstrip (KSO), which provides direct access to the southern sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Nkuringo or Rushaga). (Approx. 1 hour flight time).
• Afternoon: Upon arrival at Kisoro, meet your new ground team and transfer to your exclusive Gorilla trekking lodge.
  • Luxury Lodge Suggestion: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge.
• Late Afternoon: Relax and acclimatize to the higher altitude, or take a gentle nature walk around the lodge property. Your guide will brief you on the highly anticipated gorilla trekking for the next day.
• Evening: Fine dining and preparation for the morning trek.

Day 3: Ultimate Encounter: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

• Early Morning: Enjoy an early, hearty breakfast. Carry a packed lunch and plenty of drinking water.
• 7:30 AM: Transfer to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules, safety, and assignment of a gorilla family.
• 8:30 AM: Begin the unforgettable Gorilla Trekking experience.
  • The trek duration is highly variable (1 to 8 hours) depending on the location of the habituated gorilla family. The dense forest and terrain can be challenging, but porters will be available to assist with bags and stability (recommended).
• Mid-Day: Upon finding the family, your guests will be allowed to spend a magical one hour observing and photographing the mountain gorillas.
• Afternoon: Return from the trek to the park headquarters, meet your guide, and transfer back to the lodge.
  • Enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Options include a massage, visiting a local Batwa (Pygmy) community for cultural exchange (optional activity), or simply relaxing by the fire or on your private deck with breathtaking forest views.
• Evening: Celebration dinner to commemorate the bucket-list experience.

Day 4: Leisure & Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a relaxed, late breakfast with spectacular views. There is no rush, allowing guests to savor the peaceful atmosphere of the rainforest.
  • Optional Activity: Short forest walk or birdwatching near the lodge.
• Late Morning: Check out and transfer to Kisoro Airstrip (KSO).
• Mid-Day: Depart on your final Charter Flight back to Entebbe International Airport (EBB). (Approx. 1 - 1.5 hours flight time).
• Afternoon: Arrive at EBB, where your guide will assist with luggage and transfer to the international departure terminal for your onward flight.

Luxury Logistics Notes:

• Charter Flights: All domestic flights are arranged by private charter companies (e.g., Aerolink, BAR Aviation and Pearlsky) using light aircraft, prioritizing convenience, and maximizing time in the parks. Kisoro Airstrip is weather-dependent and operates primarily in the morning.
• Gorilla Permits: Crucial: Gorilla permits must be secured months in advance. The itinerary assumes permits have been successfully booked for Day 3.
• Luggage: Charter flights have strict luggage limits (typically 15-20 kg per person in soft-sided bags). This is vital information for your tourists.
• Vehicles: Transfers in the parks will use custom 4x4 Luxury Safari Vehicles (e.g., Extended Land Cruisers) with pop-up roofs for optimal game viewing.

Inclusions (What is Covered by the Safari Price)

• Permits & Fees:
  • One Mountain Gorilla Trekking Permit per person.
  • All National Park Entry Fees for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
  • All Activity Fees (e.g., Game Drives, Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise).
  • All government taxes and levies related to included activities.
• Accommodation & Meals:
  • Luxury Lodge or Tented Camp Accommodation as per the itinerary.
  • Full Board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) throughout the safari.
• Transportation:
  • Round-trip Domestic/Scheduled Flight Transfers between Entebbe (or Kajjansi) and the airstrips near the parks (e.g., Kihihi/Kasese).
  • Private Ground Transfers in a luxury 4x4 Safari Vehicle (e.g., Land Cruiser) with a pop-up roof for game viewing.
  • Fuel and airport transfer costs within the itinerary.
• Guiding & Services:
  • Services of a Professional, English-speaking Driver-Guide.
  • Bottled Drinking Water provided in the safari vehicle during transfers and game drives.
  • Park Ranger/Tracker fees for included activities.

Exclusions (Personal Expenses Not Covered)

• International Travel:
  • International Airfare to and from Entebbe International Airport (EBB).
  • Uganda Tourist Visa Fees (usually paid upon arrival or online).
• Health & Safety:
  • Comprehensive Travel Insurance (covering medical, evacuation, and cancellation).
  • Vaccinations and mandatory health requirements (e.g., Yellow Fever Certificate, COVID-19 tests if required).
• Personal Spending & Optional Extras:
  • Gratuities or Tips for the safari guide, lodge staff, park rangers, and trackers/porters.
  • Alcoholic Beverages, soft drinks, and other items of a personal nature.
  • Laundry Services (unless stated as complimentary by the lodge).
  • Optional/Upgraded Activities not listed in the main itinerary (e.g., Chimpanzee Trekking, Hot Air Balloon Safari, and Batwa Cultural Visit).
  • Hiring of a Porter for the Gorilla Trek (recommended but a separate cash expense).
  • Souvenirs and personal shopping.

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