Day 1: Shoebill Tracking in Mabamba Swamp and Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Your safari begins with an early pickup from Entebbe or Kampala. Head first to Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places in Africa to search for the rare and highly sought-after shoebill stork.
Travel by local canoe through papyrus channels as experienced guides help track this remarkable bird, famous for its prehistoric appearance and giant shoe-shaped bill. Mabamba is also rich in wetland birdlife, making it a rewarding start to the journey.
After the excursion, continue north through Uganda’s countryside to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where rhinos can be seen in the wild.
Dinner and overnight near Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Day 2: Rhino Trekking – Transfer to Murchison Falls – Top of the Falls – Night Game Drive
After breakfast, enjoy a guided rhino trekking experience on foot with sanctuary rangers. Walking through the bush and observing rhinos at close but safe distance is one of Uganda’s most memorable conservation experiences.
Afterward, continue to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest safari park.
Visit the dramatic Top of the Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow rock gorge before plunging powerfully below. The sound, spray, and force of the water create one of Africa’s most impressive natural spectacles.
Later in the evening, head out for a night game drive, where nocturnal wildlife may include hyenas, civets, genets, owls, and possibly leopard.
Dinner and overnight inside or near Murchison Falls National Park.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Nile Boat Cruise
Rise early for a morning game drive across the northern savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park.
Watch for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeest, oribi, Uganda kob, and many bird species. The open grasslands and acacia woodland make this one of Uganda’s best safari areas.
Return for lunch and relaxation before heading for the afternoon boat cruise on the River Nile to the base of Murchison Falls.
This cruise is one of the highlights of the park, with excellent chances to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife along the riverbanks.
Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Enjoy another early morning game drive for any species missed the previous day and to experience the park in fresh morning light.
After breakfast, begin the scenic transfer southwest toward Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of East Africa.
The drive takes you through changing landscapes of villages, tea estates, crater country, and fertile farmland before reaching the lush forested region near Fort Portal.
Dinner and overnight near Kibale Forest.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking – Coffee and Vanilla Experience – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, head into Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking.
Guided by park rangers, walk through tropical forest as you listen for calls and movement in the canopy. Once found, spend time watching these intelligent primates interact, feed, groom, and communicate.
Later, enjoy a local organic highland coffee experience, learning how beans are grown, roasted, and prepared traditionally. Continue with a visit focused on vanilla cultivation, one of western Uganda’s important cash crops.
In the afternoon, proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Dinner and overnight at your safari lodge.
Day 6: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start the day with a sunrise game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, especially around the Kasenyi plains where wildlife is often active.
Look out for elephants, buffaloes, lions, antelope, warthogs, and numerous birds.
After lunch, enjoy the famous Kazinga Channel boat cruise, one of Uganda’s top safari activities. The channel attracts large concentrations of hippos and water birds, with elephants and buffaloes often seen drinking along the shoreline.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 7: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi
After breakfast, drive south through the Ishasha sector, known worldwide for its rare tree-climbing lions.
Search the fig trees and open plains for these unusual lions, often seen resting in branches during the heat of the day. Ishasha is also scenic and less crowded, adding to the wilderness feel.
Continue through the highlands to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of mountain gorillas.
Dinner and overnight near Bwindi.
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Lake Mutanda
Today is one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth.
After briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, enter the rainforest to begin your gorilla trek. Depending on the location of your assigned family, the trek can take several hours through steep and beautiful terrain.
When the gorillas are found, spend one unforgettable hour in their presence, watching their natural behavior at close range.
After the trek, transfer to the stunning Lake Mutanda, surrounded by volcanoes and small islands.
Dinner and overnight at a lakeside lodge.
Day 9: Lake Mutanda Exploration – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring Lake Mutanda, either by canoe or boat depending on lodge arrangements. The lake is one of the most scenic areas in the region and ideal for photography.
Later, cross into Rwanda via the Cyanika Border and continue to the area near Volcanoes National Park.
The dramatic Virunga volcano chain forms the backdrop to your final safari nights.
Dinner and overnight near Volcanoes National Park.
Day 10: Golden Monkey Trekking – Dian Fossey Museum – Transfer to Kigali
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for briefing before your golden monkey trekking experience.
These rare and lively primates are endemic to the Virunga region and are known for their playful nature and beautiful golden coloring.
After the trek, visit the Dian Fossey / Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where you gain insight into mountain gorilla conservation and Fossey’s legacy.
Later, transfer to Kigali, arriving in time for airport drop-off or hotel transfer.
End of safari.
