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: Shoebill Tracking at Mabamba Wetland
Begin the safari with an early breakfast before heading to Mabamba Wetland, home of the legendary Shoebill Stork. Spend 2–4 hours exploring the marshes by local boat, capturing incredible photographs and observing the unique birdlife in their natural habitat. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Meals & Accommodation: Hotel No.5, Entebbe
Day 2: Fly to Kisoro and Optional Lake Mutanda Activities
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for a scenic domestic flight to Kisoro, flying over Uganda’s lush landscapes, hills, and volcanoes such as Sabyinyo and Muhabura. Upon arrival, your driver-guide will transfer you to your luxury lodge. Spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoy optional activities such as canoeing on Lake Mutanda or guided community walks, offering cultural insights and a chance to interact with locals.
Meals & Accommodation: Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge, Bwindi
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Rise early for gorilla trekking, a highlight of your safari. After a briefing from your ranger guide, trek through dense jungle in search of the endangered mountain gorillas, spending up to one hour observing and photographing these gentle giants. Trekking duration may vary between 2–4 hours depending on gorilla locations. Keep an eye out for other Albertine endemics, including chameleons, birds, antelopes, and sometimes forest elephants. Return to your lodge for relaxation in luxury.
Meals & Accommodation: Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge, Bwindi
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga National Park
After breakfast, set off for golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park. Trek through lush forests with your ranger guide to locate these playful primates, spending approximately 1 hour in their presence. Wear appropriate jungle attire, hiking shoes, and bring sufficient water and snacks. After the trek, relax at your lodge or opt for a cultural visit to local communities for interaction and history.
Meals & Accommodation: Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge, Bwindi
Day 5: Fly Back to Entebbe
Enjoy a relaxed morning before transferring to Kisoro airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe. Depending on your schedule, freshen up at the guesthouse before connecting to your onward flights, marking the conclusion of your luxury primate adventure in Uganda.
Meals: Breakfast | No accommodation
Day 1: Pick-up from Entebbe | Transfer to Lake Mburo | Evening Game Drive
Your safari begins with a warm welcome from our representative in Entebbe. After the briefing, set off towards Lake Mburo National Park — Uganda’s smallest but most scenic savannah park. En route, enjoy short stopovers for refreshments and photo moments along the countryside.
Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and head out for an evening game drive, where you’ll encounter giraffes, zebras, topis, impalas, buffaloes, and countless bird species. End your day with a beautiful sunset over the acacia woodlands.
Meals and Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock / Similar Midrange Lodge
Day 2: Morning Milking Experience | Nature Walk | Transfer to Bwindi
Begin your morning with a local milking experience at a nearby cattle kraal. Learn about the traditional lifestyle of Ankole herdsmen, enjoy fresh milk, and hear fascinating stories about the long-horned cattle.
After breakfast, embark on a guided walking safari — a rare opportunity to walk alongside zebras, giraffes, and impalas while learning about the park’s ecosystem. Later, continue your journey through the stunning Kigezi Highlands to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Meals and Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp / Similar Midrange Lodge
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience | Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today is the highlight of your safari! After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing before venturing into the misty forest. Follow your guide through thick vegetation to meet a family of mountain gorillas — observing their feeding, grooming, and playful behaviour for one unforgettable hour.
After this life-changing encounter, travel north through the scenic Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions, before entering Queen Elizabeth National Park for your overnight stay.
Meals and Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge / Similar Midrange Lodge
Day 4: Morning Game Drive | Afternoon Boat Cruise
Enjoy an early morning game drive through the Kasenyi plains in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and leopards. Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most biodiverse reserve, home to over 600 bird species.
In the afternoon, relax on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll see massive pods of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and vibrant birdlife. The close-up views of wildlife along the water make this one of Uganda’s most memorable safari experiences.
Meals and Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge / Similar Midrange Lodge
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge | Drive to Entebbe
After breakfast, descend into the dramatic Kyambura Gorge, also known as the Valley of Apes, for a fascinating chimpanzee trekking experience. This three-hour adventure lets you observe our closest relatives in their natural habitat while exploring a remarkable ecosystem of tropical forest and riverine life.
After the trek, begin your return journey to Entebbe. Stop at the Equator for photos and souvenir shopping before concluding your safari, marking the end of an incredible 5-day gorillas, chimpanzees, and walking wildlife adventure.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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: Kigali – Volcanoes National Park & Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience
Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda’s charming and vibrant capital, before heading north through rolling hills to Volcanoes National Park, home of the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
In the afternoon, enjoy an immersive cultural visit at the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll experience the traditional Rwandan way of life — from drumming and dancing to local crafts and storytelling.
Meals & Accommodation: Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge (Full Board)
Day 2: Golden Monkey Tracking – Dian Fossey Museum – Transfer to Uganda
After breakfast, head into Volcanoes National Park for a golden monkey tracking experience. Watch these lively primates leap through bamboo forests with their distinctive golden-orange fur shimmering in the sunlight.
After lunch, visit the Dian Fossey Museum in Musanze to learn about her groundbreaking conservation work and lifelong dedication to protecting mountain gorillas.
In the afternoon, cross the border into Uganda through Cyanika or Katuna, arriving at Mutanda Lake Resort, perched above the scenic Lake Mutanda.
Meals & Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort (Full Board)
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today is the highlight of your safari — gorilla trekking in the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After a briefing, venture deep into the forest with expert trackers until you locate a gorilla family. Spend one precious hour in their presence, observing their behavior, interactions, and sheer power in the wild.
Return to your lodge for relaxation and reflection on this truly moving encounter.
Meals & Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort (Full Board)
Day 4: Canoeing on Lake Mutanda – Return to Kigali
Enjoy a peaceful morning canoe ride on Lake Mutanda, surrounded by volcanic peaks and lush hillsides. Spot aquatic birds and take in the serene atmosphere before beginning your scenic drive back to Kigali, where your safari concludes.
(Note: Canoe activity is subject to flight departure time)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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 – Welcome to Uganda
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, meet your professional driver-guide, and get briefed on your adventure. Depending on arrival time, explore Entebbe Botanical Gardens or relax by Lake Victoria.
Accommodation: Karibu Guest House, Entebbe
Meals: Dinner included
Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Drive to Murchison Falls
After breakfast, drive north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino trekking walk, the only place in Uganda to see white rhinos in the wild. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, enjoying an en-route game drive.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison Falls
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner included
Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Safari in Murchison Falls
Begin with a sunrise game drive, spotting lions, leopards, giraffes, hartebeests, and diverse birds. After lunch, take a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls, watching hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the way.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest via Fort Portal
Drive to Kibale Forest National Park, passing small villages, rolling hills, and tea plantations. Stop in Fort Portal for a short break before arriving in Kibale.
Accommodation: Turaco Tree Tops, Kibale Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner included
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, observing their social behavior. In the afternoon, enjoy a walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community conservation area teeming with birds and monkeys.
Accommodation: Turaco Tree Tops
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Crater Lakes Visit
Travel to Queen Elizabeth NP, stopping at the crater lake region near Fort Portal. Arrive in time for an evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, spotting elephants, buffaloes, and possibly lions.
Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness, Mweya, Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner included
Day 7: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Begin with a morning game drive, famous for predator-prey interactions. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on Kazinga Channel, home to hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless birds including pelicans and kingfishers.
Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness, Mweya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Day 8: Drive to Bwindi via Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions
Depart Queen Elizabeth NP and visit Ishasha, home to the rare tree-climbing lions. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and check in at your lodge.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Lodge, Bwindi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner included
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Community Visit
Embark on gorilla trekking in Bwindi, spending up to one hour observing a habituated gorilla family. In the afternoon, visit the Batwa community, learning about their culture and forest traditions.
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner included
Day 10: Drive to Lake Mburo – Evening Game Drive
Travel to Lake Mburo NP, known for its mix of savannah and acacia woodland. Enjoy a sunset game drive, spotting zebras, impalas, giraffes, and elands.
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge, Lake Mburo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner included
Day 11: Morning Nature Walk & Departure
Take a morning walking safari with a ranger in Lake Mburo. Afterward, drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, stopping at the Equator line for photos before your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 1 – Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome in Kigali, either at the airport or your hotel. After introductions, embark on a city tour that provides insight into Rwanda’s past and present. A moving visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial offers reflection on the tragic events of 1994, while the city’s vibrant craft markets and bustling local stalls showcase Rwanda’s resilience and creativity. In the afternoon, you will drive across the border into Uganda, heading toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey, lasting 4–6 hours, is filled with scenic hills, farms, and roadside communities. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meals & Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness Mweya
Day 2 – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Awake to the sounds of the wild and prepare for a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. The park’s diverse landscapes support a variety of animals including elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, lions, and leopards. After lunch, embark on a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lakes Edward and George. This excursion reveals large pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, elephants at the water’s edge, and an impressive range of birdlife including kingfishers, fish eagles, and pelicans. Return to your lodge to relax and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Meals & Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness Mweya
Day 3 – Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzees, Ishasha Sector & Transfer to Bwindi
After an early breakfast, descend into the mystical Kyambura Gorge, also known as the “Valley of the Apes.” Here, lush tropical forests hide a resident population of chimpanzees, along with black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and a host of forest birds. The trek can last 2–5 hours depending on the chimpanzee movements. Continue southwards to the Ishasha sector, home to the world-famous tree-climbing lions. With luck, you may spot them lounging in fig trees while scanning the savannah for prey. After lunch (packed or hot, depending on timing), drive through picturesque landscapes to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Meals & Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp | Alternative
Day 4 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Kisoro
This day is the pinnacle of your safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Once assigned a gorilla family, you will set out with experienced rangers through dense forest and rugged terrain. The trek may take 1–7 hours, but the reward is extraordinary—spending a precious hour in the presence of these gentle giants. Watch them forage, groom, and interact, while marveling at their striking resemblance to humans. After trekking back, begin your scenic drive to Kisoro, passing through rolling hills and terraced farmlands. The route offers stunning vistas of the Virunga volcanoes.
Meals & Accommodation: Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro
Day 5 – Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
This morning, venture into Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for golden monkey tracking. Led by a ranger, you will navigate bamboo forests in search of these endangered primates, whose playful antics and striking golden coats make for an enchanting experience. After an hour of observation, return to Kisoro and continue to Lake Bunyonyi. Known as the “Lake of a Thousand Islands,” it is the second-deepest lake in Africa and a perfect retreat after days of trekking. Enjoy the cool breeze, panoramic views, and the tranquility of the islands.
Meals & Accommodation: Birdnest Resort
Day 6 – Lake Bunyonyi Exploration & Return to Kigali
After breakfast, embark on a boat excursion around Lake Bunyonyi. With 29 islands, each steeped in folklore and history, the lake offers cultural stories such as the infamous Punishment Island, once used to exile young women. Birds, lush terraced hills, and the calm waters make this a memorable outing. In the afternoon, begin your drive back to Kigali (approximately 4 hours) in time for your onward flight from Kigali International Airport. This marks the end of your unforgettable 6-day safari.
Day 1: Entebbe to Bwindi – Into the Jungle
Highlights:
- Domestic flight or scenic road transfer to southwestern Uganda
- Stunning views of volcanic peaks and terraced hills
- Optional cultural walk (time permitting)
Fly from Entebbe to Kisoro (or drive overland through the lush countryside), where your Wild Compass Africa guide will greet you. Transfer to your lodge in the Rushaga or Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Check in, unwind with views of the forest canopy and soak in the serene jungle atmosphere.
Optional: Take a short nature walk or visit the Batwa community for a glimpse into the forest’s indigenous culture.
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge or similar
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Cross to Kigali
Highlights:
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Scenic drive to Rwanda via Cyanika or Gatuna border
- Optional Kigali drop-off or overnight stay
Rise early for your gorilla trek—an unforgettable experience deep in the rainforest. After a pre-trek briefing, hike through the jungle with your expert guide to find one of Bwindi’s habituated gorilla families. You’ll spend up to an hour observing their behaviors, from powerful silverbacks to playful juveniles.
After returning to the lodge for lunch and a freshen-up, cross the border into Rwanda and drive to Kigali. Arrive by early evening for drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
Accommodation: Not included (optional Kigali add-on)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch