Toro Semuliki & Bwindi Safari
Overview
Safari Overview
This short but rich itinerary lets you explore two very different ecosystems: the warm, lowland forests and savannah of Toro Semuliki  Uganda’s hidden gem for birding, forest walks, and natural hot springs and the misty mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Safari Highlights
- Visit the unique Sempaya Hot Springs in Semuliki National Park
- Walk the lush Semuliki River forests for rare primates and birds
- Explore the Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, known for forest elephants and buffaloes
- Track endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Scenic drives through the beautiful crater lakes region and the Albertine Rift
Included/Exclude
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle and English speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation and meals as indicated
- Park entry fees for Toro Semuliki and Bwindi
- Guided Sempaya Hot Springs and forest walk
- 1 Gorilla trekking permit Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees (or East Africa Tourist Visa if exiting via Kigali)
- Tips for guides, rangers, and lodge staff
- Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
- Optional activities not listed
Tour Plan
After an early breakfast, depart from Entebbe or Kampala and head west through the lush countryside and tea plantations of Fort Portal. Arrive in the afternoon at your lodge near the Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve. If time allows, take an evening nature walk or relax by the lodge.
Drive time: 6 to 7 hours
Accommodation: Semuliki Safari Lodge / Ntoroko Game Lodge / Kirimia Guesthouse
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, visit Semuliki National Park and hike the forest trails to see the famous Sempaya Hot Springs, where you can watch hot bubbling water jet from underground. Walk with a local guide through the lowland rainforest to spot De Brazza’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and rare forest bird species. In the afternoon, take a game drive through Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve for a chance to see forest buffaloes, elephants, and savannah species.
Accommodation: Same lodge as above
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, set off southwards through the beautiful tea growing highlands and crater lakes of the Fort Portal region. Continue past the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and Queen Elizabeth corridor into the lush forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Drive time: 6 to 7 hours
Accommodation: Buhoma Haven Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Camp / Mahogany Springs Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing. Join rangers and porters to trek through dense rainforest to find a habituated gorilla family. Spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their misty mountain home. Return to your lodge to relax and reflect on this once in a lifetime experience.
Accommodation: Same lodge as above
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, begin your return journey. You can choose to drive back to Entebbe (8 to 9 hours) or cross the border and drive to Kigali (4 to 5 hours) if your departure is from Rwanda. Your driver guide will drop you off at the airport or your hotel for your onward flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
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