The Details

What’s Included?

1. Park Entry Fees

2. Shared accommodation in 4* lodges – (2 people per room)

3. All government taxes

4. Transport in custom built 4×4 safari van

5. Game drives and boat cruise

6. Gorilla permit (costs $700 per person)

7. Professional English speaking guide

8. Meals & activities listed below

9. Bottled water & fruit snacks

Package Excludes

1. Travel Insurance

2. Meals & activities not listed

3. Personal Expenses

4. Tips while on safari

5.  Beverages

6. Visa fees

7. Flights to/from Uganda

Why Partner with Buutu Safari?

1. Encourage more people to TRAVEL to Africa

In my 5 years of globetrotting, East Africa became my favorite place to travel. Yet, most of the foreigners I met while backpacking were either missionaries or volunteers. Where were all the travelers?! One of the missions of my blog is to inspire more people to travel to Africa.

2. Support  Local Economies

Local companies are crucial in fighting poverty in Uganda as they create employment opportunities for the locals. Foreign companies continue to sustain the colonial extractive economy by taking the much-needed profit out of the country. This has led to poverty and its perpetuation in Uganda. Local companies, like Buutu Safari, are wholly invested in the growth and development as they create avenues for Ugandans to earn and rise out of poverty.

Local tourism companies, like Buutu Safari:

• Reinvestment profits in Uganda.
• Offer real long term sustainable means of fighting poverty.
• Help development as they earn and retain much needed foreign exchange.
• Have an unparalleled understanding of Uganda and can share the full picture as you learn about the wildlife, culture, and history of Uganda from a local perspective.  Uganda cannot be experienced through just a wildlife prism but from a holistic view that appreciates the intricate relationship between the people, the wildlife, and the lands of Africa.
• Encourage locally-led conservation solutions and create opportunities for Ugandans to take full responsibility for conservation. There has been a disconnect between biodiversity and Ugandans. However, the benefits from tourism arising, incentivize locals to conserve biodiversity.

3. My Personal Connection with Daudi

Daudi works with Buutu Safaris, and I met him at a hostel in Uganda in 2018. After learning more about him, he became an inspiration, so when he asked me to partner with him, I easily said yes.

To share Daudis story:

Daudi left Uganda to study finance at the University of Exeter in England. After graduation, it was tough for him to find a job, but eventually, he ended up with a dream job at a hedge fund in London. But one day, while working, he looked out the window and realized that he was contributing to the brain drain out of Uganda. Was he living his best life, by enjoying his life in London, and staying a safe distance from the troubles and challenges of his home country? He realized it was time to stop criticizing Uganda’s government and failures, and return home to become more involved with developing Uganda. Daudi made a courageous effort to leave his job and return to Uganda to help build Uganda’s economy. Once in Uganda, Daudi was unemployed for close to a year; he realized there were virtually no advanced markets. Eventually, he joined a family safari company and figured out the future of Uganda lay in creating companies to create employment for fellow citizens.  Tourism provides a particularly useful starting point for Ugandans because inclusive conservation-based tourism gives the best foundation for building sustainable green economies of the future.

4. I Recommend Group Travel While in Uganda

Uganda is not the most accessible country for solo travel because there are not many backpackers, and a car is required to visit many of the destinations. A group tour helps consolidate the costs of hiring a driver and provides instant company to enjoy the beautiful destinations.

7-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Drive via Equator to Queen Elizabeth Park for evening game drive

Set off from Entebbe Town at 7:00 am for Queen Elizabeth National Park. Stop at Equator crossing for photos and a lunch break. Proceed to the park where you’ll arrive in the evening. Embark on a game drive through the savannah grasslands as the backdrop of the sun setting against the Rwenzori mountain ranges affords you a spectacular sunset. With luck, some of the big cats like lions will be seen in addition to other big game like elephants and buffaloes. Arrive at the lodge at sunset and settle in for dinner and the night.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 – Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise

Wake up to the sound of wilderness and embark on an early morning game drive. Look out for the leopards, buffalo, antelope, and lion, among other big game that inhabits the Mweya peninsula. Also, look out for the smaller wildlife, especially the banded mongoose troops in this area. Return to the lodge for lunch then set off for a boat cruise along the beautiful Kazinga channel. The channel is swarming with aquatic wildlife like crocodiles and various bird species that flock this area. Return to the lodge for dinner, and an overnights stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3 – Drive via Ishasha sector to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Arise early for a morning game drive through the remote, beautiful Ishasha sector, where the famous tree-climbing lions can be seen in close proximity. On the drive, look out for more game, including elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. After that, proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you arrive in the late afternoon. Unwind in the peaceful forest side lodge as you prepare for the action-filled day of gorilla trekking.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4 – Gorilla Trekking In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Arise early for breakfast, head to the park office at 08:00 am for briefing. After that, the rangers will walk you down the narrow forest paths through thick undergrowth, with the bird sounds in the background as you search for the gorilla families.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to lake Bunyonyi for the rest of the day. Arrive in time for lunch and thereafter head for a hike in the hills followed by a canoe ride on the lake in a dugout canoe.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Lake Bunyonyi

Spend the day by taking a hike around the hills, zip lining across the lake and a canoe ride on the lake. Swimming is also be possible here as it is a bilharzia free lake.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7: Drive back to Entebbe

After breakfast starts the 5-hour journey to Entebbe. An extra free night of accommodation is included.

UPDATE: Accommodation provided
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

On this trip, you’ll be traveling with Kesi Irvin as your host.

Kesi fell in love with Uganda because of the friendly locals, the beautiful green scenery, and the wildlife. She believes this country is underrated and wants to encourage more travelers to visit. She has been backpacking around the world since 2015 and has an adventurous travel style. Join her and a select few individuals to explore Uganda and participate in one of the best activities in the world – Gorilla Trekking!

 1. Is there a payment plan and what is the refund policy?

A second invoice of $500 dollars is due November 15, 2020. The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure.  If the trip must be postponed or canceled due to events beyond our control (for example, a global pandemic), you will be offered the choice between a full refund and applying your payment to a future trip. Feel free to email kesitoandfro@gmail.com to discuss a payment plan that works for you.

Fine Print: If the tour is postponed or canceled due to COVID-19, then a refund could take up to 4 months or more after the event date. 

2. What airport should I fly in and out of?

UPDATE: Book roundtrip flights to Entebbe. 

You should fly into Kampala-Entebbe Airport [EBB], Uganda, on Feb 2, since the tour starts at 7 am on Feb 22. You should fly out of Entebbe Airport [Ebb], on March 1 (Week 2).

3. Do I need a visa?

For most nationalities, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland, 90-day tourist visas can be purchased on arrival at Entebbe airport for $50 or at the Ugandan embassy in your home country prior to departure. Your passport must be valid for at least six months following the date of entry.

4. What vaccinations do I need?

You will need a Yellow Fever vaccine, so bring a yellow fever certificate to enter Uganda.

5. Who will I share a room with? 

Shared accommodation is offered and there are 2 people per room. You will share a room with someone else on the tour. If you want your own room, there is an additional cost.