Runonko Bushland Experience: From Survival to Story

Safari Highlights

  • A local flight from Entebbe to Kisoro for the best aerial view of Western Uganda.
  • Encounter Batwa(pygmies) Cultural experience.
  • Face to face encounter with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi
  • Enjoy the best of Uganda’s park with chances to spot big 4
  • Track the Chimpanzee which is human’s closest relative.

Detailed Itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe.

You will be picked from the airport and check in a hotel for bed and breakfast.

  • The hotel to arrange the transfers.

Bed and breakfast: Hotel No. 5

Day 2: – Entebbe to Kisoro & Batwa Cultural Immersion

Welcome to the start of your unforgettable primates and wildlife safari! You will start with early morning transfer to Aero link.

Early morning hotel pickup for your Aero Link flight. Have a Scenic Flight as you enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the terraced hills of the Kigezi Highlands, Misty forests and lush valleys, The dramatic Virunga volcano chain

 Upon landing, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your lodge. Settle into Rushaga Gorilla Camp, nestled near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

 Afternoon-Batwa Cultural Experience in Rushaga, Takes place just outside Bwindi, in old-growth forest adjacent to the park. You will have a guided Nature Walk Led by Batwa elders—indigenous forest dwellers with deep ancestral ties to the land, you participate in Learning traditional hunting techniques with bows and arrows, discovering Forest survival skills and medicinal plant use, cooking local dishes and making fire using sticks, Exploring Batwa homes and storytelling traditions

By participating, you’re directly supporting the Batwa community—helping preserve their heritage and improve livelihoods through sustainable tourism

Rushaga Gorilla camp

Day 3: – Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

This is the crown jewel of your primate safari—an experience so rare and profound, it’s often called a “once-in-a-lifetime” moment.

 Rise at 6:00 AM for a hearty breakfast at Rushaga Gorilla Camp to be on trail head early. Arrive at the park headquarters for a mandatory briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will be guided about Gorilla etiquette especially maintaining a 7-meter distance, Safety protocols and environmental respect, Group assignment based on fitness and gorilla family location

Trekking Through Bwindi’s Ancient Forest Led by expert trackers and rangers, your trek winds through dense rainforest. On well designed trail you will explore the towering trees and medicinal plants, Colorful butterflies and rare bird species, Insights into the forest’s rich biodiversity

🦍 The Encounter Mountain Gorillas, once located, you’ll spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants. Your expectations Include, watching silverbacks command their troop, observing grooming rituals and playful juveniles, learning about their diet, social behavior, and conservation status, capturing photos (without flash!) to preserve the moment

 Why It’s Worth Every Step

  • Bwindi is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
  • Your visit supports conservation and local communities.
  • The emotional impact of locking eyes with a gorilla in its natural habitat? Unforgettable.

 Evening: Return to Rushaga Gorilla Camp for a well-earned dinner and reflection on the day’s awe-inspiring adventure.

Day 4: Journey to Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your adventure continues with a scenic road transfer to one of Uganda’s most unique wildlife regions—the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known as Ishasha, famed for its rare tree-climbing lions.

 Enjoy views of rolling savannah, rural villages, and lush landscapes as you head southwest.

Arrive at Ishasha Wilderness Camp, a tranquil eco-lodge nestled along the Ntungwe River. Relax and refuel with a delicious meal before heading out for your afternoon adventure.

Have an Afternoon Game Drive in Ishasha Sector- Search for the famous tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging on fig and acacia branches to escape heat and insects Other Sightings May Include Uganda kobs and Topis grazing in the plains, Elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species, over 600 bird species that call the park home

In the evening-Return & Relax

Enjoy a riverside meal at the lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the wild. Have an overnight as you drift off to sleep in your safari tent at Ishasha Wilderness Camp, with the possibility of hearing distant lion calls..

Day 5– Big Game & Birdlife in Queen Elizabeth, Transfer to Kibale

This day is a thrilling blend of classic safari action and serene river exploration, capped off with a journey into Uganda’s primate paradise.

The morning Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park makes you explore the elusive Big Four (BRELL)—lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes-animals that rules in savannah

Drive toward the Mweya Peninsula, known for its panoramic views and rich wildlife. Have a midday Lunch at Mweya Safari Lodge

 Enjoy lunch overlooking the Kazinga Channel, a wildlife magnet and birding hotspot.

Embark on the afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise, Glide along the 32–40 km channel linking Lake George and Lake Edward, Spot elephants, buffaloes, and antelope cooling off at the water’s edge. Observe hippos and Nile crocodiles basking or swimming

Have a birdwatching Bonanza, over 600 recorded bird species, including kingfishers, fish eagles, bee-eaters, and the rare African shoebill. Wetland habitats offer close encounters with shy and secretive species

After boat cruise head north to Kibale, home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees. Check in at Primates Lodge, nestled in the heart of the forest. National Park for an overnight at Primates Lodge.

 

Day 6 – Chimpanzees & Wetland Wonders in Kibale

This day is a deep dive into Uganda’s primate capital and one of its richest birding and cultural landscapes. After breakfast, a short drive takes you to Kanyanchu Visitor Center for your pre-trek briefing. Kibale is famed for hosting the highest density of primates in the world, with 13 species including, Grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus, Black-and-white colobus, blue monkey, L’Hoest’s, and red-tailed monkey

You will have Guided Walk-through lush rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzees. Once located, you’ll spend one hour observing their behavior, social dynamics, and forest lifestyle.

In the afternoon-experience Bigodi Swamp Sanctuary– A community-run wetland adjacent to Kibale Forest. On the nature walk you will Learn about local village life and conservation efforts, Spot monkeys swinging through the canopy, discover medicinal plants and towering trees, birdwatching galore—Bigodi is home to the Great Blue Turaco, white spotted flufftail

🌙 Evening: Return to Primates Lodge for dinner and overnight Relax and reflect on the day’s encounters in the heart of the forest.

 

Day 7: June 19, 2021 – Scenic Return to Kampala

Your safari winds down with a reflective journey back to Uganda’s vibrant capital, offering one last taste of the country’s rich landscapes and local life.

 After an early breakfast at Primates Lodge, begin your road transfer to Kampala. You will drive through, rolling hills and tea plantations, Bustling roadside markets and small towns, Stopovers to stretch, snack, and soak in the rhythm of Ugandan town life

 As you approach the capital, the scenery shifts from rural tranquility to the lively pulse of city life.

Check-in Settle into Hotel No.5, a boutique retreat offering comfort and elegance in the heart of Entebbe. Enjoy a final evening of Ugandan hospitality, perhaps with a quiet dinner and a toast to the unforgettable journey you’ve just completed.

Day 7: June 20, 2021 – Farewell to Uganda, The Pearl of Africa

Your journey concludes with a heartfelt goodbye to the landscapes, wildlife, and people that made this safari unforgettable.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your outbound flight. Along the way, take one last look at Uganda’s vibrant countryside and reflect on the memories made.

🌍End of Safari

  • From gorilla encounters in Bwindi to chimpanzees in Kibale, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha to boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel—this 8-day adventure has been a tapestry of nature, culture, and connection.
  • As you say goodbye to Uganda, you carry with you not just photos, but stories, friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the wild heart of Africa.
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