7-Day Pearl of Africa Highlights: Gorillas, Chimps & Big Game Safari

#Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe & Welcome to the Pearl of Africa

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional Haven Africa Journeys driver-guide. After completing airport formalities, transfer in your private 4x4 safari vehicle to your hotel situated near the shores of Lake Victoria. Spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for your adventure ahead.

- Drive Time: ~15–20 minutes
- Mid-Range Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
- Meal Plan: Dinner included (depending on arrival time)

---

#Day 2: Scenic Drive to Kibale Forest via Fort Portal

After an early breakfast, board your 4x4 safari vehicle and embark on a scenic drive west through vibrant countryside, traditional homesteads, and sprawling green tea plantations. Stop in the charming town of Fort Portal for a delicious lunch with views of the Rwenzori mountain ranges. Continue to the edge of Kibale National Park, home to 13 primate species. Depending on arrival time, opt for a crater lake hike or a community walk before unwinding at your lodge.

- Drive Time: ~5–6 hours (~300 km)
- Mid-Range Accommodation: Turaco Treetops
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

---

#Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start the day with an exciting morning chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest. Accompanied by experienced rangers, follow the calls of wild chimpanzees as they swing through the canopy and forage on the forest floor. After lunch, take a 2 to 3 hour drive south across the Equator into Queen Elizabeth National Park. Cap off the afternoon with your first game drive on the Kasenyi plains as the sun sets over the savanna.

- Drive Time: ~2–3 hours (~120 km)
- Mid-Range Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

---

#Day 4: Kasenyi Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Rise early for a dawn game drive across the Kasenyi plains. Your pop-up roof 4x4 provides great vantage points to spot lions, leopards, African elephants, Cape buffaloes, and herds of Uganda kob. Return to the lodge for a warm lunch and midday rest. In the afternoon, embark on a 2-hour boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, offering close encounters with giant pod hippos, Nile crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species along the water's edge.

- Activity Duration: Morning game drive (3–4 hrs) + Afternoon boat cruise (2 hrs)
- Mid-Range Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

---

#Day 5: Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, drive south through the park toward the remote ishasha sector. Embark on a game search focused on spotting Ishasha’s famous tree-climbing lions resting in the branches of fig trees. After a picnic or lodge lunch, leave Queen Elizabeth behind and journey up into the terraced hills toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, sanctuary to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.

- Drive Time: ~5–6 hours total (including game viewing)
- Mid-Range Accommodation: ICHUMBI GORILLA LODGE
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

---

#Day 6: Ultimate Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience

Transfer early to the park headquarters for a safety briefing and allocation of gorilla families. Set off on a guided trek through dense, misty rainforest alongside Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas nested the previous night. Upon finding them, spend 1 magical hour observing their social interactions, feeding, and grooming up close. Return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest or an optional Batwa cultural interaction.

- Trek Duration: ~2–6 hours
- Mid-Range Accommodation: ICHUMBI GORILLA LODGE
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Packed Trekking Lunch, Dinner

---

#Day 7: Overland Return to Entebbe via the Equator & Departure

Enjoy an early breakfast before beginning your scenic overland drive back to Entebbe. Pass through the rolling green hills of Kigezi and the cattle country of Ankole. Make a lunch stop at the Uganda Equator marker in Kayabwe for photo opportunities, coffee, and souvenir shopping. Continue onward to Entebbe International Airport for your late evening international departure flight home.

- Drive Time: ~8–9 hours (~460 km)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Night 1: 2 Friends Beach Hotel** | Mid-Range Beachfront | Lake Victoria views, outdoor pool, high-standard hospitality, 15 minutes from Entebbe International Airport.

Night 2: Kibale Forest | Turaco Treetops | Mid-Range Semi-Luxe | Rainforest setting near park headquarters, Rwenzori mountain views, cozy cottages, swimming pool.

Nights 3 & 4: Queen Elizabeth NP | The Bush Lodge | Mid-Range Safari Lodge | Located along the Kazinga Channel, eco-friendly self-contained bandas, open-air starlit dining.

Nights 5 & 6: Bwindi (Rushaga/Nkuringo) | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Mid-Range Wildlife Lodge | Located 10 minutes walk from Bwindi park gate, birding views, private en-suite cottages.

Note: All selected properties operate on a full-board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included) during the safari days, offering comfortable en-suite rooms with hot showers.

A customized 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof & fuel.

All meals as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch, dinner)