Day 1: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel or Kigali International Airport for a warm welcome and safari briefing.
Begin with a Kigali city tour including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Continue to Nyamirambo Women’s Center for a hands-on cultural experience where you may participate in traditional cooking, weaving, or tailoring activities before enjoying a local lunch.
After lunch, drive to Akagera National Park through Rwanda’s scenic countryside.
Upon arrival, check in at your luxury lodge and relax before heading out for an exciting night game drive in search of lions, hyenas, and other nocturnal wildlife.
Accommodation: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Hot Air Balloon Safari & Sunset Boat Cruise
Start your morning with a breathtaking hot air balloon safari over Akagera’s savannah plains. Spot wildlife from above as the sun rises over the park.
After landing, enjoy a bush breakfast before returning to the lodge.
In the afternoon, take a sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you may see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife.
Accommodation: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Return to Kigali
Enjoy an early morning game drive — the best time to see predators and grazing wildlife.
After the drive, exit the park and return to Kigali. Drop-off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Cultural Gateway to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Wild Compass Africa guide and briefed about your safari adventure.
If time permits, embark on a Kigali city tour including a moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you’ll gain insight into Rwanda’s history and resilience.
Afterward, depart on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in northern Rwanda. The journey takes you through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, lush countryside, and vibrant local communities.
Before heading to your lodge, enjoy a cultural experience at the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Centre in Kinigi. Here, you’ll witness traditional dances, music performances, and learn about Rwanda’s customs and heritage.
Later, check into your lodge near the park and relax in preparation for your first gorilla trekking experience.
Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)
Meals: Dinner
Drinks: Drinking water provided
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Transfer to Lake Mutanda
After an early breakfast, proceed to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a detailed gorilla trekking briefing.
Accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers, you will hike through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once located, you will spend one magical hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat — watching them feed, groom, and interact.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and refreshment.
Before crossing into Uganda, visit the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Museum in Musanze to learn about Dian Fossey’s conservation legacy and the ongoing protection of mountain gorillas.
In the afternoon, cross the Rwanda–Uganda border and continue to Lake Mutanda, a stunning crater lake at the edge of Bwindi Forest. Arrive in the evening and check into your lakeside lodge.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort (Mid-range)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Drinking water provided
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Boat Ride on Lake Mutanda
Today you trek gorillas for the second time — this time in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dense rainforest and incredible biodiversity.
After briefing at the park headquarters, begin your trek through the misty forest. The terrain can be steep and challenging, but the reward is extraordinary — another intimate one-hour encounter with a different gorilla family in a completely different ecosystem.
In the afternoon, return to Mutanda Lake Resort and enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Mutanda. Surrounded by volcanic peaks and lush hills, this peaceful experience provides time to reflect on your remarkable gorilla encounters.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort (Mid-range)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Drinking water provided
Day 4: Return to Kigali & Departure
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive back to Kigali, enjoying panoramic countryside views across Uganda and Rwanda.
If you were unable to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial on Day 1, you may do so today (time permitting).
You will be transferred to Kigali International Airport in time for your international departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: None (End of Tour)
Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe | Kampala
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your guide will welcome you and transfer you to a comfortable lodge near Lake Victoria. Settle in and relax, preparing for the immersive journey ahead.
Overnight: The Boma Hotel | similar
Day 2 – Mabamba Swamp | Full Day Exploration
Travel to Mabamba Swamp, home to the legendary shoebill stork. Spend the day in quiet papyrus canoes, gliding through the swamp in morning and evening light, capturing authentic bird behavior and local fishing life.
Overnight: The Boma Hotel | similar
Photographic Opportunities
Shoebill stork hunting and preening
Papyrus wetlands at sunrise and sunset
Local fishermen navigating traditional canoes
Day 3 – Lake Mburo National Park | Evening Nature Walk & Night Drive
Depart from Mabamba and journey toward Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s intimate and wildlife-rich savannah gem. The drive itself presents opportunities to observe pastoral communities, grazing cattle, and scattered wildlife against rolling hills and acacia-studded plains. Upon arrival, settle into Rwakobo Rock Lodge, perched atop rocky outcrops with sweeping views over the park.
In the afternoon, embark on a nature walk through the savannah, photographing zebras, impalas, and warthogs in their natural habitat. The golden hour casts long shadows and bathes the landscape in soft, warm light, perfect for environmental portraits of wildlife and the expansive terrain.
As darkness descends, take part in a night drive, exploring the park’s nocturnal world. With only your spotlight cutting through the shadows, watch for elusive bush babies, civets, genets, and perhaps a shy serval. This is raw, untouched Africa, where the nocturnal rhythms of the savannah reveal themselves to those patient enough to observe and capture them.
Overnight: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Photographic Opportunities
Golden-hour savannah landscapes with zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, elands, birds impalas and ,much more
Close-up wildlife portraits in natural light
Nocturnal species under subtle illumination, highlighting the raw and intimate side of African nights
Wide-angle vistas capturing Mburo’s undulating hills and scattered acacia trees
Day 4 – Transfer to Rushaga | Mgahinga National Park | Scenic Highlands
Travel from Lake Mburo toward the ascending hills and misty mountains of southwestern Uganda, arriving at Rushaga or Mgahinga National Park (depending on gorilla permit availability). The drive offers sweeping views of rolling tea plantations, terraced hillsides, and rural villages, perfect for capturing Uganda’s highland landscapes in soft light.
Overnight: Ichumbi gorilla Lodge | similar
Photographic Opportunities
Misty highland panoramas
Rural village life along winding roads
Tea plantations and hillside patterns in morning or late afternoon light
Days 5–6 – Double Gorilla Tracking | Bwindi / Mgahinga Impenetrable Forest
Spend two full days in the heart of Bwindi or Mgahinga, tracking habituated mountain gorilla families, one of the world’s most endangered species. The forest is dense, ancient, and mist-shrouded — a cathedral of towering trees, ferns, and lianas. Move quietly through this primeval landscape, listening for the subtle rustle of leaves and distant grunts that announce gorilla presence. Encounter silverbacks overseeing their families, mothers tenderly caring for infants, and juveniles at play — each moment a rare, fleeting insight into a species teetering on the edge of extinction.
The interplay of dappled light filtering through thick canopies creates dramatic opportunities for intimate portraits and environmental storytelling. The forest itself — moss-laden trunks, creeping vines, and textured undergrowth — becomes a vital part of your composition, framing these incredible primates in their natural, wild habitat.
Overnight: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Similar
Photographic Opportunities
Close-up portraits of gorillas: silverbacks, mothers, and infants
Family interactions, play, and social dynamics
Misty forest shafts of light creating moody, cinematic scenes
Environmental context: textured understory, moss, and towering forest flora
Day 7 – Golden Monkey Tracking | Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Begin the day tracking the golden monkey (Cercopithecus kandti), a rare and visually stunning primate found only in Bwindi and Mgahinga’s high-altitude bamboo forests. Agile and acrobatic, these monkeys dart through dense bamboo thickets, their shimmering golden-orange fur catching the soft morning light. Photographers can capture dynamic movement, playful interactions, and intimate group behaviors, set against a backdrop of misty hills and bamboo stalks.
After the morning session, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s jewel of biodiversity, famous for its Kazinga Channel, savannah wildlife, and volcanic rift valley landscapes. The drive showcases rolling hills, local villages, and rift valley panoramas, offering additional opportunities to photograph rural life and scenic vistas.
Overnight: The Bush Lodge
Photographic Opportunities
Agile golden monkeys leaping through bamboo with soft light highlights
Group behaviors and intimate family interactions
Misty bamboo forests for dramatic compositions
Rift valley landscapes and roadside village life en route
Day 8 – Sunrise Game Drive | Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise | Kyambura Gorge Nature Walk
Start the morning with a sunrise game drive, seeking elephants, lions, buffaloes, and Uganda kob against the soft early light. Mid-morning, embark on a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, photographing hippos, crocodiles, and abundant waterbirds. In the afternoon, hike Kyambura Gorge, capturing chimpanzees in the lush canopy set against the savannah backdrop.
Overnight: The Bush Lodge
Photographic Opportunities
Wildlife silhouettes at sunrise
Hippos, crocodiles, and birds in reflective water
Chimpanzees and forest textures in natural light
Environmental storytelling: savannah meets gorge forest
Day 9 – Early Sunrise Kazinga Boat Cruise | Transfer to Kibale / Bigodi Swamp
Enjoy an early Kazinga Channel boat cruise, capturing the golden morning light across the water and spotting wildlife activity before the park fully awakens. After breakfast, transfer to Kibale Forest, with the option for an evening Bigodi Swamp walk to photograph swamp birds, primates, and local community life.
Overnight: Kibale Forest Camp
Photographic Opportunities
Early morning wildlife activity along Kazinga
Birds, swamp reflections, and primate behavior at Bigodi
Environmental and cultural portraits of local guides
Day 10 – Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Swamp Walk
Spend the morning tracking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, observing family interactions, playful juveniles, and the alpha male in action. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Swamp, photographing birds, small primates, and local activities along boardwalks and forest trails.
Overnight: Kibale Forest Camp
Photographic Opportunities:
Close-up chimp portraits and natural behaviors
Birds in dynamic forest light
Swamp reflections, insects, and plant textures
Environmental and community photography
Day 11 – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Evening Rhino Trek
Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s white rhinos. Capture these magnificent animals in open grasslands, with dramatic late afternoon light emphasizing their massive forms. An evening rhino trek offers opportunities for wide-angle landscapes and intimate wildlife storytelling.
Overnight: Ziwa Rhino Lodge
Photographic Opportunities
White rhinos at golden hour
Birds and small wildlife cohabiting the sanctuary
Grassland vistas and light-infused landscapes
Day 12 – Morning Rhino Photography | Transfer to Entebbe / Departure
Spend the final morning photographing rhinos in the sanctuary before transferring to Entebbe International Airport for departure, concluding the expedition.
Photographic Opportunities
Early morning rhino activity and interactions
Scenic transfer landscapes
Final shots of Uganda’s raw wildlife and rolling countryside
Day 1: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – The Primate Capital
Upon arrival in Uganda, meet your Wild Compass Africa driver-guide for your transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, the renowned “Primate Capital of the World.” The scenic drive leads you past Kampala’s vibrant suburbs, lush tea plantations, and the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. En route, enjoy lunch and a few photography stops before arriving at your lodge for dinner and an evening of relaxation amid the sounds of the forest.
Meals and Accommodation: Turaco Tree Tops or similar
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, head to the park offices for a morning briefing before venturing into the rainforest in search of chimpanzees. Watch them swing, groom, and interact in their natural habitat, an experience that offers a deep connection to our closest relatives. After an hour with the chimps, drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park via scenic crater lakes and panoramic views of the Rwenzori ranges. Arrive in time to relax at your lodge overlooking the savannah.
Meals and Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge or similar
Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
Today promises a full day of wildlife viewing. Begin with an early morning game drive across the Kasenyi plains, where lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs roam freely under the golden sunrise.
After lunch, set out for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural link between Lakes Edward and George. The cruise offers spectacular sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and hundreds of birds along the shoreline — a paradise for photographers. Return to your lodge at sunset.
Meals and Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge or similar
Day 4: Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions & Transfer to Bwindi
After breakfast, travel south through the Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Keep your camera ready as you may spot these majestic cats lounging on fig tree branches. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Arrive at your lodge nestled in the misty hills for dinner and overnight.
Meals and Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or similar
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
The day begins early with a briefing at the park headquarters, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure. Trek through dense jungle terrain until you encounter a family of mountain gorillas. Spend a magical hour observing their behaviors, from playful youngsters to the mighty silverback leader.
After trekking, transfer to the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, a peaceful haven surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with 29 islands. Relax or enjoy an optional boat ride and visit the Batwa pygmy community for cultural insight.
Meals and Accommodation: Birdnest Resort or similar
Day 6: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park – Evening Game Drive
Enjoy a relaxed morning at the lake before continuing your journey to Lake Mburo National Park, the only park in Uganda with both zebras and impalas. Check into your lodge and later head out for an evening game drive, where you may spot elands, giraffes, warthogs, leopards, and abundant birdlife.
Meals and Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge or similar
Day 7: Nature Walk & Transfer to Mabamba Wetland
Begin your day with a guided nature walk, an intimate way to experience the park’s wildlife on foot. Get close to zebras and giraffes as your ranger explains the ecosystem and its unique species.
Later, depart for Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar-listed wetland along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, famed for its population of shoebill storks. Overnight near the swamp in Entebbe.
Meals and Accommodation: Karibu Guest House or similar
Day 8: Shoebill Tracking & Airport Transfer
Start your final day with an exciting boat excursion through Mabamba Swamp, navigating narrow channels surrounded by papyrus reeds. Keep your eyes peeled for the iconic shoebill, a prehistoric-looking bird that stands tall among the reeds. Other sightings may include African jacanas, kingfishers, and ducks.
After this magical finale, you’ll be transferred to Entebbe International Airport or your hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable safari adventure.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch | No Accommodation
Day 1: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Murchison Falls
Depart early from Entebbe or Kampala, heading north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Embark on a guided walk to track white rhinos, observing these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park and visit the top of the falls to witness the Nile being funnelled through a narrow 7-meter gorge into a 42-meter deep chasm — a truly breathtaking spectacle. Transfer to your lodge for an overnight stay.
Meals & Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise
Begin the day with an early morning game drive, spotting lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and diverse birdlife. After lunch, embark on a boat cruise along the Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls. Watch for hippos, crocodiles, elephants along the riverbanks, and bird species like kingfishers and fish eagles. Return to your lodge for relaxation.
Meals & Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Day 3: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park & Night Game Drive
Depart early for Kidepo Valley National Park, located in northeastern Uganda near the borders with South Sudan and Kenya. This remote park features expansive savannahs, rugged valleys, and abundant wildlife, including cheetahs, ostriches, giraffes, elephants, and over 500 bird species. In the evening, enjoy a night game drive, spotting nocturnal animals such as leopards, hyenas, civets, and serval cats.
Meals & Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Day 4: Morning Nature Walk & Evening Game Drive
Experience the park on foot with a morning nature walk, capturing stunning photos of wildlife and landscapes. Spot giraffes, lions, leopards, elands, buffaloes, and diverse bird species while learning about the park’s ecosystem from your guide. In the evening, go on a game drive to observe wildlife as they become more active during cooler hours.
Meals & Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Day 5: Bush Breakfast & Cultural Experience
Wake early for a bush breakfast surrounded by Kidepo’s wild landscapes. Visit Karimojong homesteads to experience traditional life, or opt for a hike into the mountains to meet the Ike community, learning about their customs and way of life. This is an immersive cultural experience, perfect for photography and interaction with local communities.
Meals & Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Day 6: Return to Entebbe or Kampala
After breakfast, begin the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. Enjoy scenic stops along the way for photos and refreshments. Arrive late afternoon or evening, marking the end of your unforgettable northern Uganda safari.
Meals: Half board | No accommodation
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where a Wild Compass Africa representative will warmly welcome you. Transfer to your hotel near the shores of Lake Victoria and spend the day at leisure. You can visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, explore local markets, Explore the Mabamba Swamp for the Shoebill search or simply relax and prepare for your gorilla adventure.
Overnight: Karibu Guest House | Alternative
Day 2: Fly to Kisoro & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, take an early scheduled flight to Kisoro Airstrip, offering spectacular aerial views of Uganda’s landscapes — rolling hills, crater lakes, and terraced farms. Upon arrival, your guide will transfer you to your lodge in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Spend the afternoon soaking in the mountain views, visiting a local community, or exploring nearby trails before a restful evening.
Overnight: Four Gorillas | Alternative
Day 3: The Gorilla Habituation Experience
Today is the highlight of your safari — the Gorilla Habituation Experience.
After an early breakfast and briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, you’ll venture into the dense forest with trackers and researchers to locate a semi-habituated gorilla family. Once found, you’ll spend up to 4 hours observing and photographing them as they feed, play, and interact.
Learn about gorilla behaviour, their role in the forest ecosystem, and the ongoing conservation work that protects these endangered creatures.
This rare, extended encounter offers unmatched insight and emotional connection — a once-in-a-lifetime experience for wildlife lovers.
Overnight: Four Gorillas | Alternative
Day 4: Return to Entebbe or Continue to Rwanda
After breakfast, you may choose to:
Fly back to Entebbe from Kisoro for your international connection, or
Drive back via the scenic southwestern countryside.
Alternatively: Cross into Rwanda through Cyanika Border to continue your adventure (e.g., Kigali City or Volcanoes National Park).
Your safari ends with unforgettable memories of one of Africa’s most profound wildlife experiences.
Day 1–2: Arrival in Nairobi – Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome in Nairobi. After a briefing, embark on a scenic drive to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, journeying through the dramatic Rift Valley escarpment and rolling hills. Upon arrival, check in, enjoy lunch, and later head out for a relaxed evening game drive. Expect to see giraffes, zebras, elephants, and antelopes.
The following day, dedicate a full day to wildlife viewing. Begin with a sunrise game drive when predators are most active. Explore the savannah in search of lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, and wildebeests. Enjoy a bush breakfast and packed lunch as you proceed to the Mara River to observe hippos and massive crocodiles. Sunset in the Mara is magical—perfect for photos and reflection.
Overnight: Mtiti Mara Camp or equivalent
Meals: Full Board
Day 3: Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, depart Masai Mara and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, famously known as a sanctuary for black and white rhinos. Upon arrival, have lunch and embark on a thrilling afternoon game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for buffaloes, lions, waterbucks, pythons hanging from acacia trees, and elusive serval cats. Admire the Makalia Waterfalls and large flocks of pink flamingos along the shores.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge
Meals: Full Board
Day 4–5: Lake Nakuru – Amboseli National Park
Drive south toward Amboseli, known for its majestic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and iconic tuskers. En route, observe Maasai homesteads and expansive plains. Arrive in time for lunch, rest briefly, then head out for an evening game drive. Capture incredible images of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and the snow-capped mountain backdrop.
On day 5, start early for the best views of Kilimanjaro before clouds gather. Spend the day exploring Amboseli’s marshlands, where elephants bathe, buffaloes graze, and hundreds of bird species reside.
Overnight: A A Lodge
Meals: Full Board
Day 6: Amboseli – Nairobi – Entebbe (Uganda)
After an early breakfast, depart Amboseli and return to Nairobi. Board your flight to Uganda, where our driver-guide will pick you up at Entebbe International Airport. Transfer to your accommodation for relaxation and overnight rest.
Overnight: The Boma Hotel or Karibu Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Entebbe – Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, embark on a scenic 6.5-hour drive westward to Kibale Forest. The journey offers stunning views of tea plantations, lush forests, and crater lakes. Make stopovers for photography, lunch, and restroom breaks along the way. On arrival, check in to your lodge and relax or enjoy a nature walk in the forest.
Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Camp | Similar
Meals: Full Board
Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start the day early with a hearty breakfast before heading to the ranger station for a briefing. Carry essentials like water, snacks, hiking boots, a rain jacket, and a camera. Trek through Kibale’s rainforest to find a habituated troop of chimpanzees, an exhilarating and educational experience.
After your trek and lunch, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via scenic crater lakes. Watch the terrain shift from rainforest to savannah as you approach the park.
Overnight: Elephant Hab Lodge | Similar
Meals: Full Board
Day 9: Kazinga Channel Boat Safari – Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha
Start the morning with a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel. Watch hippos yawning, crocodiles basking, elephants drinking, and colorful birdlife soaring above. This 40-km channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward and is rich in biodiversity.
Later, drive south through the Ishasha sector, home to rare tree-climbing lions and herds of topis and buffaloes, before arriving in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Overnight: Four Gorillas | Similar
Meals: Full Board
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Today is the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking! After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing. With packed water, snacks, and gear, trek through dense forest to find a gorilla family. Once found, spend an awe-inspiring hour in their presence—watching them play, feed, and interact.
After your trek, you’ll receive a certificate and continue to Lake Bunyonyi for a peaceful evening on the shores.
Overnight: BirdNest Resort | Similar
Meals: Full Board
Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi – Boat Tour – Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, take a boat tour on Lake Bunyonyi. Learn the history of its 29 islands, including the famous Punishment Island and Upside-Down Island. Later, transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda’s smallest yet richest parks in terms of biodiversity.
Enjoy a late afternoon game drive in search of zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands, and leopards.
Overnight: Rwakobo Rock
Meals: Full Board
Day 12: Nature Walk – Transfer to Entebbe for Departure
Start your final day with a guided morning nature walk. This close encounter allows you to track wildlife on foot and learn about plants, insects, and animal tracks from your ranger guide. After the walk, return for breakfast, check out, and drive to Entebbe via the Equator line for souvenirs and photos.
End your journey with drop-off at the airport or your preferred location.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport where a Wild Compass Africa representative will warmly welcome you. Transfer to your hotel for a relaxed evening. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Entebbe town, visit local markets, wander through the Botanical Gardens, or opt for a scenic Lake Victoria cruise to Mabamba Swamp in search of the iconic shoebill.
Meals and Accommodation: Karibu Guest House
Day 2: Fly to Kisoro Airstrip – Transfer to Bwindi
Return to the airport for your scenic flight to Kisoro, offering breathtaking aerial views of lakes and volcanoes. On arrival, transfer to your lodge nestled at the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Spend the rest of the day unwinding and enjoying the jungle atmosphere. You will have a chance to visit the community for more local experience if the weather and time allow.
Meals and Accommodation: Four Gorillas
Day 3: Gorilla Habituation Experience – Bwindi
Today is extraordinary. Join researchers and rangers for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, spending up to four hourswith a semi-wild mountain gorilla family as they become accustomed to human presence. This slow, immersive encounter is one of the most intimate wildlife experiences on the continent.
Meals and Accommodation: Four Gorillas
Day 4: Classic Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi
Return to the forest for a second gorilla encounter—this time with a fully habituated group. Trek through Bwindi’s ancient rainforest, and once you find the gorillas, enjoy a magical hour observing their behaviour up close.
Meals and Accommodation: Four Gorillas
Day 5: Drive to Ishasha Sector – Afternoon Game Drive
Leave the forest behind and drive to the remote Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy an afternoon game drive searching for the region’s world-famous tree-climbing lions, along with elephants, buffaloes and topi.
Meals and Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge
Day 6: Ishasha Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Kasenyi | Sunset Sundowner
Enjoy a sunrise game drive in Ishasha in search of tree-climbing lions before driving north to the wildlife-rich Kasenyi plains. Arrive at your lodge in time to unwind with a peaceful sundowner as the savannah turns golden.
Meals and Accommodation: Elephant Hub Lodge
Day 7: Kasenyi Game Drive – Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise – Transfer to Kibale
Enjoy an early game drive in the Kasenyi sector before heading to the Kazinga Channel. Cruise along the waterway, famous for Africa’s highest hippo density and fantastic birdlife. Later, drive to Kibale Forest, arriving in the evening.
Meals and Accommodation: Turaco Tree-Tops
Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking – Bigodi Community Visit
Venture into Kibale Forest, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees. Enjoy an exciting trek and spend time observing them at close range. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi community for a guided walk, showcasing local culture and wetland wildlife.
Meals and Accommodation: Turaco Tree-Tops
Day 9: Fly from Kasese Airstrip to Entebbe – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kasese Airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe. Connect to your international departure or continue with further travel arrangements.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – The Heart of Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our professional driver guide and transferred to your luxury hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may embark on a short city tour to explore Kigali’s highlights—visit the poignant Kigali Genocide Memorial, enjoy the city’s green hills, shop local crafts, or take a stroll through open markets.
Meals & Accommodation: Kigali Marriott Hotel – Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Visit Dian Fossey Museum
After breakfast, journey north through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside to Kinigi, near Volcanoes National Park. This 4-hour scenic drive offers striking views of terraced hills and rural life. On arrival, visit the Dian Fossey Museum to learn about her dedication to gorilla conservation.
Meals & Accommodation: Sambora Kinigi Lodge – Full Board
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
A magical day begins with an early breakfast followed by a short drive to the park headquarters. Enjoy a hot cup of Rwandan coffee during your pre-trek briefing. You’ll then set off into the thick forest with an expert ranger in search of a habituated gorilla family. Trekking time varies from 1 to 8 hours depending on the location of the gorillas, and you’ll spend one unforgettable hour in their presence. If time allows, an optional visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village provides a glimpse into Rwandan traditions.
Meals & Accommodation: Sambora Kinigi Lodge – Full Board
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking & Cross into Uganda
With the same trekking gear, set out once more to find the rare and playful golden monkeys, known for their energetic jumps and social behavior. After your trek, proceed to the Uganda border and continue through scenic landscapes toward the southern sector of Bwindi. The drive takes around 6 hours, with beautiful forested views along the way.
Meals & Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge – Full Board
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Ishasha (Tree-Climbing Lions)
Set out into the mystical Bwindi Forest for another incredible encounter with mountain gorillas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is teeming with biodiversity—expect a chorus of birds and distant primate calls as you hike. After the trek, drive through the remote Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famed for its population of tree-climbing lions.
Meals & Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp – Full Board
Days 6–8: Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park – Wildlife, Chimpanzees & Boat Safaris
Spend the next three days uncovering the wonders of Uganda’s most diverse park. Begin with game drives in Ishasha searching for lions lounging in fig trees, then head north for chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge—a lush sunken forest within a savannah. Cruise along the Kazinga Channel, spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, and hundreds of bird species. Drive through volcanic crater lakes and visit the open Kasenyi plains for prime big cat viewing.
Meals & Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge – Full Board
Days 9–10: Kibale Forest & Chimpanzee Tracking
Drive to Kibale Forest National Park, Africa’s primate haven. On arrival, relax with views of crater lakes or enjoy a complimentary massage. The next day, trek into the tropical forest in search of chimpanzees—watch them play, feed, and call in their natural habitat. You may also visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a cultural and ecological experience involving local brew tasting, traditional dances, and basket weaving.
Meals & Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale – Full Board
Days 11–13: Fly to Murchison Falls National Park – Wildlife Bonanza on the Nile
Catch a domestic flight to Murchison Falls National Park from Kasese Airstrip. Upon arrival, settle into your luxury riverside lodge with sweeping Nile views. Explore the northern game-rich tracks, cruise upstream to the base of Murchison Falls, and witness elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and birds in abundance. Visit the top of the falls for a dramatic view of the Nile crashing through a 7-meter gorge. Optional experiences include a Delta birding cruise or a romantic sundowner boat ride.
Meals & Accommodation: Nile Safari Lodge – Full Board
Day 14: Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Transfer to Entebbe
After an early breakfast, exit Murchison Falls National Park and drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary—the only place in Uganda where rhinos roam freely. Trek on foot with a ranger to see these endangered giants up close. After lunch, continue to Entebbe for your overnight stay in comfort.
Meals & Accommodation: Hotel No.5 – Half Board
Day 15: Optional Entebbe Tour & Departure
Enjoy a relaxed morning depending on your flight schedule. Optional activities include a boat ride in search of the elusive shoebill stork on Lake Victoria, a visit to the botanical gardens, or craft shopping in local markets. You will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your outbound flight.
Meals: Breakfast Only
Day 1: Arrival in Juba – South Sudan
Your cultural safari begins the moment you land in Juba, South Sudan’s capital city. Upon arrival, your driver-guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a leisurely evening in the city, relaxing and preparing for the adventure ahead. This first day is all about settling in and getting ready to step into one of Africa’s least explored cultural landscapes.
Day 2: Journey to the Mundari Community in Terekeka
After breakfast, you’ll set off for Terekeka, the heartland of the Mundari people. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by the elders, who will share stories about their traditions and beliefs over a communal lunch. In the evening, you’ll set up camp near the cattle kraals. As the sun sets over the plains, enjoy stunning photo opportunities with the cattle before gathering around a campfire for dinner, storytelling, and starlit conversations.
Day 3: Full Day with the Mundari Tribe
This is the most immersive day of your safari. Spend time with the community as they go about their daily activities. Join herders in grazing their long-horned cattle, assist in milking, and try your hand at small-scale gardening. The Mundari’s unique scarification traditions will also be explained, offering insight into cultural practices that are slowly disappearing. In the evening, the village comes alive with vibrant music and energetic dances. You’ll share in their meals, sampling local dishes prepared with milk, cow ghee, and other traditional staples. This is a day of total cultural immersion, and it is also a key highlight of our South Sudan Photography Tours.
Day 4: Return to Juba
Wake up to the sights and sounds of the Mundari camp before preparing to say goodbye to your hosts. After breakfast, you will journey back to Juba, where you’ll check into your hotel. The rest of the day can be spent at leisure—either resting or exploring the city’s lively streets at your own pace.
Day 5: Juba City Tour & Departure
On your final day, enjoy a guided tour of Juba. Visit important cultural and historic sites such as churches, local markets filled with crafts and fabrics, museums showcasing South Sudan’s heritage, and art galleries that reflect the creativity of its people. After the tour, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable cultural safari.