The Primate & Plains Expedition

This 5-day Ugandan expedition is an expertly paced Power Circuit that connects the mist-shrouded peaks of Bwindi with the golden savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This journey is designed to maximize wildlife encounters while ensuring the long transits are broken up with cultural and geographical landmarks.

This holiday is a deep dive into the Pearl of Africa, focusing on two distinct ecosystems:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: An ancient, UNESCO-protected rainforest that serves as the final stronghold for half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park: A vast mosaic of savannah, crater lakes, and wetlands, famous for its high biodiversity and the unique tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to the Pearl

Upon landing at Entebbe International Airport, you will be greeted by your private guide.

• The Transfer: A short drive to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala.
• Optional Activity: If you arrive early, choose between a visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens (great for birding) or a Kampala City Tour to see the Gadhafi Mosque and local craft markets.
• Evening: A detailed safari briefing over dinner.

Accommodation:

1. Kampala Serena (Luxury)
2.  Latitude 0° (Mid-Range)

Day 2: The Scenic Transit to Bwindi

Drive Time: ~9 hours.

• Stopover 1: The Equator (Kayabwe). Stand in two hemispheres at once and enjoy a quick coffee break.
• Stopover 2: Mbarara City. A lunch break at Igongo Cultural Centre, where you can explore the museum of the Ankole Kingdom.
• Optional Activity: A quick walk through the Agter-hill villages to stretch your legs and photograph the rolling tea plantations.
• Evening: Arrive at the edge of the forest and settle into the sounds of the jungle.

Accommodation:

1. Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary (Luxury)
2. Gorilla Mist Camp (Mid-Range)

Day 3: The Great Gorilla Encounter

• The Morning: After an early breakfast, head to the park HQ for your briefing.
• The Activity: Embark on your Gorilla Trek. The hike can be physically demanding, but the reward is a transformative hour spent just meters away from a gorilla family.
• Afternoon Activity: After receiving your trekking certificate, choose an optional Batwa Forest Experience to learn about the indigenous hunter-gatherer tribe that lived in these forests for millennia.
• Evening: Relaxation and reflection at the lodge.

Day 4: Savannah Bound & The Kazinga Channel

Drive Time: ~4–5 hours.

• The Journey: Transit north through the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Optional Activity: A search-on-the-go for the famous Tree-Climbing Lions often found lounging in the massive fig trees of Ishasha.
• Afternoon Activity: A 2-hour Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel. Watch hippos, crocodiles, and elephants congregating at the water’s edge.

Accommodation:

1. Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury)
2. Bush Lodge (Mid-Range)

Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Departure

• The Activity: A sunrise game drive through the Kasenyi Plains. This is the best time to spot lions on the hunt, hyenas, and the elegant Uganda Kob.
• Optional Activity: A visit to the Katwe Salt Lake to see traditional salt mining that has supported the local community for centuries.
• The Return: Begin the drive back to Entebbe/Kampala.
• Stopover: A final lunch break in Mbarara to break up the journey.
• Departure: Drop-off at the airport for your evening flight.

Included Activities & Logistics

The Safari Package Includes:

• Permits: All Mountain Gorilla trekking permits ($800 value).
• Transport: Private 4×4 Safari Landcruiser or Van with a pop-up roof and fuel.
• Expertise: Professional English-speaking guide/driver for 5 days.
• Sustenance: Full board accommodation and bottled drinking water throughout the vehicle.
• Parks: All national park entrance fees and Kazinga Channel boat fees.

The Safari Package Excludes:

• Travel: International flights and Uganda entry visas.
• Insurance: Personal travel and medical insurance.
• Optional Extras: Tips, laundry, alcoholic beverages, and activities marked as optional in the itinerary.