Private Uganda Gorilla Safari

Boma Guesthouse
Converted from a 1940s home, the Boma is a relaxed guesthouse situated within easy driving distance of Entebbe International Airport. It offers fifteen en-suite rooms, all individually designed and furnished to modern standards. A quiet garden with swimming pool terrace make this a lovely spot to relax at the start or end of your stay in Uganda.

On arrival at Kihihi Airstrip, meet with your safari guide and driver and transfer by road through Queen Elizabeth National Park to the Ishasha region, enjoying a game drive en route. Arrive at Ishasha Wilderness Camp, your home for the next two nights, in time for lunch.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp
This remote bush camp is situated on the banks of the Ntungwe River, in the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is a fabulous game-viewing region, famous particularly for its tree-climbing lions, which are found in Ishasha and only a few other places in Africa. During the day, they can often be seen lolling in the giant figtrees, not far from the camp.

The camp itself is a lovely little wilderness retreat. It's very much an eco-camp, powered largely by solar and with basic bush showers. The large canvas tents, of which there are just ten, are very comfortable and spacious, and beautifully positioned on the banks of the river.

Elephant and leopard are also seen, though more rarely. In the early afternoon, stop at the Ishasha River, where Uganda and the Congo border, and where many hippo pods have made their home, before returning to camp for lunch.

Late afternoon, you'll be treated to a river cruise and sundowner on the Ntungwe River. Return to Ishasha Wilderness Camp for dinner and overnight.

As you get closer to your destination, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the plains and African bush of Queen Elizabeth National Park will give way to lush rainforest, interspersed with tea and coffee plantations. This is one of the richest agricultural regions in East Africa, and along the way you’ll pass through several farming communities.

Expect to arrive in Bwindi, home of the endangered mountain gorillas, early this afternoon. On arrival, check-in at Buhoma Lodge and then enjoy lunch, Late afternoon, you might like to take a walk down to the river.

Buhoma Lodge
Sister property to Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Buhoma Lodge is a rustic retreat with a homely atmosphere and a fantastic location on the edge of Bwindi National Park. It offers just ten cottage rooms, all with verandahs and uninterrupted views of the Munyaga River Valley and Bwindi Forest. The cottages are large and spacious, each with bathroom en-suite (some with bathtub, some just with shower).

The main building at Buhoma is built on two levels, with a cosy lounge with fireplace on the top floor overlooking the forest, and a relaxed dining area, where you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner this evening.

You will spend one hour with a single family, and anything from one to seven hours trekking through the forest to find them. The conditions can be wet, muddy and hilly, but whatever the travails en route, the experience of observing a gorilla family at close range as they eat, play and rest makes it all worthwhile.

And it's not all tough work. The rainforest trek is also an opportunity to explore the unique rainforest eco-system, and learn more about Bwindi’s distinctive flora and fauna, particularly its birdlife, from your guide and ranger.

After an hour spent with the gorillas, return to Buhoma Lodge. Depending on the time of your arrival back at the lodge, you may like to take the time to enjoy a walk through Buhoma village this afternoon.

In the evening, share the day's stories around the fireplace lounge and enjoy another delicious meal.

Morning activities can be arranged in the Bwindi region or afternoon activities in and around Entebbe, if your flight schedule permits it.