Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Optional Shoebill Tracking or City Tour
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose from several optional activities. The most popular is a boat excursion to Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria in search of the iconic shoebill stork, a fascinating prehistoric-looking bird. Alternatively, you may opt to visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, local craft markets, or simply relax at your lodge.
Meals & Overnight: Boma Guest House Entebbe
Day 2: Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park – Nature Walk
After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park but a haven for zebras, impalas, giraffes, and over 300 bird species. En route, you will stop at the Equator line for photos, fascinating demonstrations, and a chance to browse through local craft shops. Upon arrival at your lodge, enjoy lunch and later embark on a guided walking safari. This experience brings you close to wildlife on foot, with opportunities to observe animals such as zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes while accompanied by an experienced ranger.
Meals & Overnight: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Kisoro
Begin the day with a morning game drive in Lake Mburo to spot species you may have missed the previous evening. Look out for topis, warthogs, baboons, elands, and more. Afterward, continue your journey southwest through rolling hills and terraced landscapes, arriving in Kisoro town – the base for exploring the Virunga Volcanoes. Relax at your lodge as you prepare for the upcoming adventure.
Meals & Overnight: Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro
Day 4: Hike Mount Sabyinyo (3,645m)
Today is dedicated to the challenging but exhilarating hike up Mount Sabyinyo. After an early breakfast, transfer to Ntebeko Visitor Centre for a briefing before setting off. The trek takes you through swampy grasslands, dense bamboo forests, and thick montane vegetation before reaching steep ridges that require determination and effort. The reward is spectacular: at the summit, you will stand at the tri-border point of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with breathtaking views of all three countries. This experience is both physically demanding and deeply rewarding. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.
Meals & Overnight: Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking – Transfer to Lake Mutanda
After breakfast, head back to Mgahinga National Park for golden monkey trekking. These lively primates are known for their playful behavior, constant movement, and unique golden-orange fur. The trek takes you through bamboo forests where the monkeys thrive, offering fantastic opportunities for photography and observation. After the trek, proceed to Lake Mutanda, a serene volcanic lake surrounded by dramatic landscapes. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your lodge overlooking the lake.
Meals & Overnight: Lake Mutanda Resort
Day 6: Lake Mutanda Exploration & Community Visit
Spend the day at leisure by the lake. You may choose to canoe or take a boat ride on Lake Mutanda’s crystal-clear waters, where fishermen in traditional dugout canoes share stories of life on the lake. Enjoy panoramic views of the Virunga volcanoes in the distance, and visit nearby communities to interact with locals and learn about their daily lives. It’s also a perfect day to unwind, sip coffee, and reflect on your safari experience.
Meals & Overnight: Lake Mutanda Resort
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The highlight of your safari arrives today – gorilla trekking in Bwindi. After an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting out in small groups to track one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek may take between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once located, you will spend a magical hour observing them feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat. This experience is emotional, humbling, and unforgettable. Afterward, return to your lodge for a relaxed evening.
Meals & Overnight: Lake Mutanda Resort
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali – City Tour & Departure
After breakfast, cross into Rwanda and drive through scenic hills and valleys towards Kigali. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving tribute to Rwanda’s history. Depending on your flight schedule, you may also explore Kimironko Market, art galleries, and local craft centers before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.