Uganda Express

In the morning, we join the Mabamba Swamps, a wetland with exceptional biodiversity, in search of a unique bird highly prized by ornithologists: the Shoebill, an extraordinary bird with dinosaur-like features that can only be observed here in Ouganda.

The site remains relatively uncrowded and is well preserved by certain members of the local community who have become eco-tourism guides, leading you by canoe through the swamp to observe birds. In addition to the Shoebill, we may have the chance to encounter the Papyrus Gonolek, African Jacana, Yellow-billed Duck, various herons, kingfishers, and more.

Then we set off on a long drive through the countryside of deep Uganda that awaits us today to reach the Kibale Forest National Park.

The laterite track we take crosses many villages where we observe scenes of daily life, these serve as gathering places for farmers transporting their harvests. From Mubende to Fort Portal, we discover a highland plateau area carved with steep valleys at the bottom of which rivers transform into marshes. Further west, large tea plantations spreading their verdant expanse will brighten our route before the landscape becomes more rugged as we approach the foothills of the Ruwenzori, whose snow-capped peaks we will be able to see in the distance.

Arrival at the edge of Kibale Forest and check-in at the Lodge.

An extraordinary day awaits us today, discovering the Kibale Forest which is home to one of the densest primate populations in the world (more than 12 species recorded). In the morning, we set off on a walk through the forest where we can observe many monkeys, including chimpanzees, red colobus and blue monkeys. 

In the afternoon, our expedition takes us to the Bigodi Wetlands which are home to more than 300 bird species that we will have the pleasure of admiring.

We continue our journey towards the South-West of the country. The track crosses numerous villages and we will enjoy views of the Ruwenzori mountain range and its snow-capped peaks. After Kasese village, we cross the symbolic equator line and the vast plains we encounter are merely a prelude to what awaits us in the Queen Elizabeth National Park and its sublime landscapes composed of extinct volcanoes, crater lakes, marshes and grassy plains. 

This enchanting place, in the midst of the great African rift, also contains within it the Edward and George lakes which are connected to each other by the natural Kazinga channel.

During this first day in the park, we set off on a boat excursion on the Kazinga channel for an unforgettable moment meeting the birdlife. The latter, 36 km long, attracts a large number of migratory and permanent animals and birds (over 500 bird species are recorded)

We continue our discovery of the Queen Elisabeth National Park, but begin its southern exploration.

We leave our accommodation and explore the Kasenyi plains in the morning. These bare plains covered with candelabra euphorbias are the favorite playground of Lions. We also observe large herds of Uganda Cobs, topis, buffalo as well as numerous bird species.

In the afternoon we head to the Ishasha region, well known for its scenes of Lions perched in trees, and where cactus forests will give way to a large savanna dotted with acacia trees.

Finally in the late afternoon, we go on a Jeep Safari during which we can observe the many Ugandan Cobs, lions, topis, and other buffalo, etc.

Early departure for 4 hours of track through a region of hills that will lead us to the renowned Bwindi Forest where our encounter with the Mountain Gorillas awaits us. Along the way, the landscape offers us an incredible palette of greens, the blue-green of eucalyptus trees that separate the countless plots, the dark green of cypress trees that border the tracks, the tender green of rice fields at the bottom of steep valleys.

Note: In Uganda, we purchase gorilla permits for a specific group. We purchase permits for 4 sectors spread across the entire Bwindi park and not for a given group of gorillas. Each of these 4 geographical entities has an office where travelers converge on the morning of the trek and where the manager assigns them the group to visit. As a result, the hotels as well as the travel time may change depending on the availability of gorilla permits.

Here at last has arrived the long-awaited experience of your trip to Ouganda: the encounter with Mountain Gorillas

Early morning wake-up, then departure for the Park reception where we will leave accompanied by trackers and our specialized guide in search of Gorillas. These animals appreciate humid forests and are vegetarians. The clans are made up of 8 to 20 individuals including the dominant male, adult females and adolescents. The male has a silvery-colored back and can reach a height of 1m70 and weigh up to 250 kg. Our distant cousins are peaceful and good-natured animals that will observe us while continuing to search for their food in their plant world. Intense emotion and sensation guaranteed for all nature lovers!

Hours of hiking: 3 to 7 hours of forest with ranger-trackers depending on the assigned group.

Early morning departure towards Lake Bunyoni where we can appreciate the beauty of the terraced cultivated hillside landscapes descending abruptly into the lake. It stretches in sinuous curves at nearly 2000 meters altitude and encompasses 29 islands and islets.

We take a walk in the surrounding area where we will have the chance to observe some of the 200 bird species recorded in the surroundings, which gave the place its name in Rugika: "The place of many birds"

Since the lake is perfectly suited for swimming, why not let yourself be tempted by a few strokes in these enchanting waters.

We get back on the road and head to the Mburo Lake National Park, renowned for its ornithological richness which we can appreciate in the marshes covered with papyrus.

Discovery of the Park during a safari where we can admire in their natural environment zebras, buffalo, impalas and other ruminants such as the famous Cape elands.

In the morning, we continue to enjoy Uganda's wild nature, with a final guided walk in the Mburo Lake Reserve.

Finally, we take to the road to Entebbe and make the most of our last moments on Ugandan soil. Transfer to Entebbe Airport where you will board your return flight.

See you soon in Ouganda!