“Pearls of the West” – 9 Days CTC Conservation, Lake Mburo, Bwindi, Lake Bunyonyi & Queen Elizabeth Safari
Western Uganda , Lake Mburo, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth , Uganda
This 9-day journey captures the true Pearls of the West.
Tour Overview
From the CTC Conservation Experience to the savannahs of Mburo, the misty gorilla trails of Bwindi, the serenity of Lake Bunyonyi, and the wild beauty of Queen Elizabeth and Kyambura Gorge, this 9-day journey captures the true Pearls of the West — where adventure meets conservation and every day brings a new wonder.
Itinerary
- Meet & greet at Entebbe International Airport.
- Transfer to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala for relaxation after your flight.
- Evening safari briefing with your guide to prepare for the journey ahead.
Overnight: Entebbe / Kampala hotel or lodge.
- Breakfast at the hotel before departure.
- Begin the journey southwest toward Lake Mburo National Park via the Kampala–Masaka highway.
- En route, make a 2-hour stop at CTC Conservation Centre — an inspiring wildlife rescue and education project.
CTC Conservation Experience:
- Guided conservation tour highlighting animal rescue, rehabilitation, and release programs.
- Close-up encounters with selected animals under ranger supervision.
- Photo opportunities and interactive sessions on Uganda’s conservation efforts.
- Optional symbolic “Adopt-an-Animal” participation.
- Continue to Lake Mburo, stopping at the Equator for memorable photos and local crafts.
- Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon and relax.
Overnight: Lodge inside or near Lake Mburo National Park.
- Breakfast before activities.
- Choose one of the following for your morning safari:
- Guided Bike Safari: Ride through the park alongside zebras, giraffes, and impalas.
- Safari Game Drive: Explore the savannah plains for buffaloes, elands, and topis.
- Lunch by the lakeside restaurant.
- Afternoon Boat Cruise on Lake Mburo — observe hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife such as kingfishers and fish eagles.
- Evening relaxation or optional short nature walk.
Overnight: Lake Mburo lodge.
- Breakfast before departure.
- Scenic drive through Ankole’s rolling hills and tea plantations toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
- Arrive in the afternoon, check in, and rest ahead of your gorilla trekking adventure.
Overnight: Lodge near Bwindi.
- Breakfast before park briefing.
- Morning briefing at park headquarters.
- Trek through the misty rainforest in search of a mountain gorilla family.
- Spend an unforgettable hour watching them in their natural habitat.
- Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
- Optional evening Batwa cultural visit to learn about the forest’s indigenous people.
Overnight: Bwindi lodge.
- Breakfast before departure.
- Drive to the scenic Lake Bunyonyi, known for its serenity and 29 lush islands.
Optional activities:
- Canoe ride to explore the islands (e.g., Punishment Island).
- Guided nature walks through nearby villages and terraces.
- Birdwatching (200+ species).
- Sunset viewing and bonfire by the lakeside.
Overnight: Lodge overlooking Lake Bunyonyi.
- Breakfast before departure.
- Scenic drive north through Kabale and Kasese to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Afternoon arrival for check-in and relaxation at the lodge — no activities scheduled today.
Overnight: Lodge in or near Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Breakfast before the game drive.
- Morning game drive across the Kasenyi plains — look out for elephants, lions,
leopards, warthogs, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs.
- Return to the lodge for lunch and rest.
- Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting
Lakes Edward and George. Spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and prolific birdlife.
- On the return journey, stop at the Kikorongo Equator Point for memorable photos.
Overnight: Queen Elizabeth lodge.
- Breakfast before activities.
- Morning visit to Kyambura Gorge, the “Valley of Apes.”
Highlights:
- Guided chimpanzee trekking through the gorge’s lush forest.
- Encounters with monkeys, birds, and stunning scenery.
- Photography of the gorge’s dramatic landscapes.
- After the trek, begin your return journey to Entebbe / Kampala (approx. 6–7 hours).
- Drop-off at Entebbe International Airport for your evening flight.
What's Included
- CTC Conservation Experience (guided tour & up-close animal encounters).
- Park entrance fees (Mburo - Bwindi - Queen Elizabeth).
- Gorilla trekking permit (Bwindi).
- Chimp trekking permit (Kyambura Gorge).
- Boat cruises on Lake Mburo & Kazinga Channel.
- Choice of guided bike safari or game drive at Lake Mburo.
- All activities mentioned at Lake Bunyonyi.
- Accommodation on full board basis (FB: breakfast - lunch - dinner).
- Safari van hire & professional English-speaking driver-guide.
- Crew allowances (driver - guide - support staff).
- Fuel for the entire trip.
- Government taxes & levies.
- Unlimited WiFi and mineral water on board.
- Comprehensive safari insurance cover (included while on safari).
- All activities listed in the itinerary.
What's Not Included
- International flights.
- Uganda entry visa.
- Alcoholic beverages & soft drinks.
- Optional activities not listed.
- Personal expenses (tips - souvenirs - laundry
- etc.).