Combining Bwindi Gorilla Trekking With A Kidepo Safari
A combined Gorilla Trekking and Kidepo Safari offers two distinct Ugandan wildlife experiences: the remote wilderness and savannah of Kidepo Valley National Park and the unique, intimate encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga National Park. This type of safari can be done by road, though it often requires a significant amount of travel time, or by flight to combine the locations more efficiently. Highlights include viewing large mammals like elephants and lions, cultural experiences with communities like the Karamojong, and the chance to see a wide variety of birds and other primates.
By combining a safari in the Kidepo Valley with gorilla trekking, guests can spend more time in the park and less time travelling. With its huge savannas, numerous wildlife, and mountainous landscapes, Kidepo Valley National Park provides a one-of-a-kind safari experience that combines seclusion with stunning natural beauty. This safari is well-curated and includes an exploration of the park. Visits with majestic gorillas and other animals, breathtaking scenery, and fascinating local cultures will round off your vacation.
A Complete Bwindi Gorilla Trekking With A Kidepo Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
A friendly host will be waiting for you at Entebbe International Airport’s meet-and-greet lounge. They will see to it that you have a smooth exit from the airport and will be able to help you with expedited immigration processing and baggage claim. You will be transferred to our driver guide to begin your safari adventure once you clear immigration and have your bags collected. After that, you’ll be taken to your hotel where you can have dinner and spend the night.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Number 5 (Luxury), Protea Hotel by Marriott (Midrange) Airport Guest House.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 2: Scenic Flight to Kidepo Valley National Park – Evening Game Drive
Take off from Entebbe International Airport to Kidepo airstrip on a chartered aeroplane after breakfast at 0600hrs. The flight leaves at 0800 and arrives at 1000.You may take in the beautiful scenery of northern Uganda as you travel along this picturesque path. Instead of enduring the long, difficult drive, you can take a 2-hour flight. The vast meadows and majestic mountains that characterise Kidepo Valley National Park will welcome you when you arrive. Take it easy and get used to your new surroundings after you’ve settled into your lodge. You will go on your first game drive at 1500hrs in the afternoon to see the park’s beautiful scenery and fascinating animals, such as cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and lions. Get a feel for the local flora and fauna on this first game drive, which will pave the way for more exciting animal encounters later on. A revitalising sundowner experience awaits you at a picturesque location within the park as the sun sets over the expansive plains. Get back to your lodge in time for a sumptuous dinner with dishes inspired by traditional Ugandan cuisine.
Dinner and overnight at Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury), Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Midrange).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Karamojong Cultural Experience
We start our first full day in Kidepo Valley National Park with a wildlife drive first thing in the morning in one of the park’s least popular areas, so you may enjoy a safari without any other visitors. The Narus Valley is home to an abundance of wildlife, and our morning game drive will take you right into the middle of it. Among the most recognisable animals in Africa are lions, zebras, elephants, buffalo, and giraffes. Kidepo Valley is unlike any other park in Uganda because of the exceptional opportunity to witness endemic animals like the African wild dog and cheetah. The Karamojong village is our next stop after the morning game drive. The Karamojong are a culturally diverse and semi-nomadic herding people. Interacting with natives will allow you to see traditional dances, take part in storytelling sessions, and gain insight into their culture. We have a better understanding of the area and its people through this cultural contact, which enhances our safari.
Dinner and overnight at Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury), Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Midrange).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: Morning Game Drive – Scenic Flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your last chance to see any elusive wildlife is on an early morning game drive at 0600hrs, which will begin your last day of your safari. Animals tend to be more active in the cooler morning hours before the day gets hot, so that’s when you should go out in search of them. Having a late breakfast at the resort will be your last meal before being transferred to the runway to catch your charter flight to Bwindi. This aircraft departs at 1000 and arrives at 1200, taking you straight to a rural airstrip near the gorilla refuge in Kihihi. From above, you may see the vast valleys, mountains, and forests of the Bwindi and Virunga regions in all their glory on this picturesque journey. A short transfer will whisk you away to an opulent safari lodge as soon as you touch down.
The Batwa, or “Keepers of the Forest,” will be your cultural hosts at 1500 hours. Their way of life is intricately linked to the forest, and you may learn about it through a guided cultural encounter. Traditional songs, dances, and displays of Batwa honey-gathering, medicine-making, and hunting skills will enhance your appreciation for and knowledge of the area’s history.
Dinner and overnight at Bwindi Lodge (Luxury) Mahogany Springs Lodge (Midrange).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking Adventure – Afternoon at Leisure.
At 0600hrs, after a filling breakfast, your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure starts. An educational and exciting encounter awaits you at 0730hrs at the park reception for a briefing about gorilla behaviours, family structures, and conservation initiatives. You will venture into the ancient forest of Bwindi with the help of informed guides while trailing the advance trackers team in an effort to see a family of gorillas. Depending on the gorillas’ whereabouts and activity, a trek could last anywhere from two to six hours; yet, the time spent waiting for clues about these docile giants is always worth the wait. Arriving at the gorilla family will grant you the unique opportunity to spend an hour viewing and photographing these wonderful creatures in their native environment. Under the watchful eye of the silverback, you will observe gorillas engaging in grooming, playing, and socialising with one another. Lunch will be waiting for you when you get back to the resort from this incredible adventure. You are free to enjoy the afternoon as you choose.
Dinner and overnight at Bwindi Lodge (Luxury), Mahogany Springs Lodge (Midrange).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6: Return Flight to Entebbe – Departure
The last day begins with a leisurely breakfast, and then you’ll be taken to the runway to catch your aircraft back to Entebbe. The flight departs at 1000 and arrives at 1200. From undulating hills to thick woods and shimmering lakes, this flight offers one of the last great vistas of Uganda’s varied landscapes. You will board a plane bound for your home country the moment you touch down in Entebbe. Your time in the Pearl of Africa will be filled with amazing experiences as you bid farewell.
End of the Bwindi Gorilla Trekking With A Kidepo Safari
Inclusions
- All Gorilla trekking permits.
- All Park entrance fees.
- All ground transportation in a 4WD Vehicle with a pop-up roof for easy game viewing and photography.
- All Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary.
- English-speaking Experienced Safari guide.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Game Drive Through the Savannah plains.
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Batwa Community Visit.
- Refreshments and snacks in the vehicle.
Exclusions
- All Tips to Hotels/Lodges/Camps staff and Safari Guide.
- Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that are not accompanying meals.
- International flight/s and departure taxes and other taxes.
- Visa fees. Visas are available online or upon arrival at all Entry points.
