10-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Mafia Island

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda & Transfer to QENP

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your driver-guide, who will assist you with your luggage and escort you to your vehicle for the scenic journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP). This drive offers a stunning introduction to Uganda's diverse landscapes, as you head west towards one of the country's most popular parks.

En route, you'll stop for a leisurely lunch in Mbarara, a charming town situated in the heart of southwestern Uganda. After enjoying your meal, you’ll continue on your journey, passing through picturesque rural landscapes, rolling hills, and vibrant villages. You may even have the chance to stop at the Equator Experience—a unique photo opportunity at the geographical center of the world. Here, you can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere, while learning about the significance of the Equator. Your guide will share interesting facts about the region, and you’ll have time to shop for local souvenirs.

Continuing on, you'll arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park in the late afternoon. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, including savannah, forest, and wetland ecosystems. Upon arrival at your lodge, you’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and shown to your room. Enjoy the evening at your leisure, taking in the serene surroundings before settling in for a restful night.

Day 2: Game Drive & Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today begins with an early morning breakfast, preparing you for a thrilling game drive in the Kasenyi plains. This part of Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its abundance of wildlife. As the sun rises over the savannah, you’ll have the chance to spot a wide variety of animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and possibly even leopard. Your expert guide will help you track animals and provide fascinating insights into their behaviors and habitats.

After your game drive, return to your lodge for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. This 26-kilometer-long channel is a haven for wildlife, and you’ll have the opportunity to see hippos wallowing in the water, crocodiles basking in the sun, and a variety of bird species, such as pelicans, kingfishers, and hornbills. The boat ride provides a relaxing and unique perspective of the park's wildlife, as you cruise past lush vegetation and the abundant creatures that call the channel home.

After an afternoon of exploration, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Relax and reflect on the day’s adventures, perhaps enjoying the lodge’s facilities or simply taking in the tranquil surroundings.

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll start your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its population of mountain gorillas. On your way, you’ll drive through the Ishasha sector, an area within Queen Elizabeth National Park famous for its tree-climbing lions. This is a rare sight, and your guide will help you search for these magnificent creatures as they rest in the branches of fig trees. Stop along the way for some wildlife viewing and photos, capturing the beauty of this remote and untouched part of Uganda.

The drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on road conditions. As you approach Bwindi, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the Impenetrable Forest—an ancient rainforest filled with lush vegetation and diverse wildlife. Upon arrival in the late afternoon, you’ll check into your lodge, which is nestled in the forested hills of Bwindi. Take some time to relax and unwind after the day’s journey, preparing for your upcoming adventure with the mountain gorillas. Dinner will be served at the lodge, and you can enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Bwindi & Lake Bunyonyi

Begin your day with an early breakfast, fueling up for the exciting adventure ahead. After breakfast, you'll head to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park headquarters, where you will meet your experienced guides. Here, you’ll receive a detailed briefing on safety, proper trekking etiquette, and important guidelines to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the gorillas during the trek.

Once the briefing is complete, you’ll begin your trek through the lush, dense forest of Bwindi. The path can be challenging, with steep climbs and muddy trails, but the anticipation of seeing the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat makes it all worth it. Your expert guide will lead you through the forest, sharing fascinating insights about the flora and fauna, as well as the conservation efforts in place to protect these magnificent creatures.

After your rewarding gorilla trek, it's time to head towards the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda's most scenic and tranquil destinations. Following a well-deserved rest at your lodge, you'll embark on a scenic transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, which is approximately a 2-3 hour drive from Bwindi. As you journey through the stunning Ugandan countryside, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of rolling hills, terraced farmland, and traditional villages.

Upon arrival at Lake Bunyonyi, you'll be greeted by the serene beauty of the lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and the lush, green islands scattered across its surface. You’ll check into your lodge, where you can unwind and take in the peaceful surroundings.

As the day comes to a close, get ready for a magical experience — a sunset boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi. The calm waters and the cool breeze create the perfect setting for this relaxing and picturesque cruise. As you glide across the lake, you’ll pass by several small islands, each with its own unique charm and stories to tell. The golden hues of the setting sun reflecting on the water create a truly unforgettable scene.

This sunset boat cruise provides the perfect opportunity to relax, reflect on your day, and soak in the beauty of this stunning location. After the cruise, you’ll return to your lodge, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and a peaceful evening by the lake, ready to rest before your next adventure.

Day 5: Transfer to Kigali & Flight to Mafia Island

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation, then prepare for an exciting transfer to Rwanda. After breakfast, you'll board your vehicle for a scenic drive to the border, where you'll cross into Rwanda. The journey will take you through beautiful landscapes as you head towards Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital city.

Once you arrive in Kigali, expect to reach Kigali International Airport around midday. Here, you'll check in for your flight to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours, and upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, you’ll have a brief layover before catching your connecting flight to Mafia Island.

The flight from Dar es Salaam to Mafia Island typically takes about 30 minutes, and you will be arriving at your destination by 6:30 PM. Upon landing, a transfer vehicle will be waiting to take you to your lodge on Mafia Island. Enjoy a comfortable and relaxing journey as you make your way to your accommodation.

Once you reach your lodge, you’ll have time to unwind and settle in. Take in the peaceful surroundings of Mafia Island, known for its pristine beaches, marine life, and serene atmosphere. Enjoy a quiet evening at the lodge, perhaps savoring a delicious dinner and preparing for the adventure that awaits on this beautiful island.

Day 6-9: Mafia Island Relaxation & Exploration

For the next four days, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Mafia Island, a hidden gem of the Indian Ocean. Spend your days unwinding on pristine beaches, with the gentle sounds of the waves creating a tranquil backdrop. Enjoy the island’s vibrant marine life, perfect for snorkelers and divers alike. Explore the world-renowned coral reefs within the Mafia Island Marine Park, home to a rich variety of colorful fish and marine species, including the chance to spot sharks during the season.

For those seeking adventure on land, visit local villages and experience the island's authentic culture. Take a trip to the Kua Ruins, an ancient site that offers a glimpse into the history of the island. In the evenings, relax on a traditional dhow cruise as the sun sets over the horizon, casting a golden glow across the calm waters.

Indulge in fresh seafood at the local restaurants, savoring the island’s finest catch while soaking in the laid-back, peaceful atmosphere of Mafia Island.

Day 10: Departure

On the final day of your journey, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to Mafia Island Airport for your departure flight. As you bid farewell to this paradise, you’ll carry with you the memories of an unforgettable 10-day safari in Uganda and a relaxing beach getaway on Mafia Island.