Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Wild Compass Africa guide and transferred to your hotel near Lake Victoria. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed evening briefing about the journey ahead, followed by dinner and rest as you prepare for your adventure into Uganda’s wilderness.
Meals & Accommodation: Karibu Guest House
Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Nature Walk & Night Game Drive
After an early breakfast, depart Entebbe for Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s most accessible savannah park. Arrive in time for lunch before heading out on a guided evening nature walk, where you encounter zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands, and rich birdlife on foot — a rare and intimate safari experience.
After dinner, set out on a night game drive, offering a chance to spot nocturnal wildlife such as bush babies, porcupines, hyenas, and leopards under the African night sky.
Meals & Accommodation: Rwakobo rock
Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Enjoy an early morning game drive through Lake Mburo, watching the savannah come alive as grazers and predators begin their day. After breakfast, continue southwest through rolling hills and terraced farmlands toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Arrive in the Buhoma sector in the afternoon, surrounded by misty rainforest, and settle into your lodge for a peaceful evening in preparation for gorilla trekking.
Meals & Accommodation: Ride 4 a woman
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
This morning marks the highlight of the safari. After a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, venture into the forest for an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience. Once found, you will spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
After lunch, depart Bwindi and travel north to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in the evening with views of crater lakes and the distant Rwenzori Mountains.
Meals & Accommodation: The Bush Lodge
Day 5: Game Viewing & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari – Transfer to Rwenzori Foothills
Begin the day with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, one of the best areas to spot lions, elephants, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, and hyenas. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its dense concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and water birds.
After the cruise, continue west toward the Rwenzori Mountains, arriving at the foothills where your mountain adventure begins.
Meals & Accommodation: Ruboni Community Camp
Day 6: Rwenzori Mountains – Start of the Trek
After meeting your experienced Rwenzori guides and porters, begin your three-day trek into the Mountains of the Moon. The trail passes through lush montane forest, bamboo zones, and moss-draped landscapes, offering a completely different side of Uganda.
Reach your mountain camp by afternoon and enjoy dinner surrounded by alpine wilderness.
Day 7: Rwenzori Mountains – High Altitude Exploration
Continue ascending deeper into the Rwenzori range, crossing streams, valleys, and unique afro-alpine vegetation zones. This day focuses on acclimatization, exploration, and soaking in the dramatic scenery that makes the Rwenzoris one of Africa’s most rewarding hiking destinations.
Overnight at a high-altitude mountain camp.
Day 8: Descend from the Rwenzori Mountains
After breakfast, begin your descent through the mountain trails, retracing your route through forest and moorland zones. Arrive back at the base in the afternoon, where you will enjoy a well-earned rest and celebrate the completion of your Rwenzori trek.
Day 9: Return to Entebbe – End of Safari
After breakfast, depart the Rwenzori region and journey back to Entebbe, passing through scenic countryside and trading centers. Arrive in Entebbe in time for your onward flight or overnight stay, marking the end of a truly diverse Uganda safari.
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.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Optional Shoebill Tracking & Botanical Gardens Visit
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your private guide and transferred to your guesthouse. Located along the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe offers a serene start to your adventure. You may opt for a guided excursion to Mabamba Swamp in search of the elusive Shoebill stork — one of Uganda’s most iconic birds — or take a gentle walk through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, home to monkeys, colorful flora, and over 100 bird species. Relax in the evening with a hearty dinner and rest at your lakeside accommodation.
Meals: Half Board
Accommodation: The Boma Hotel, Entebbe
Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, journey westward to Lake Mburo National Park. En route, pause at the Uganda Equator monument in Kayabwe for photos and a short demonstration of the Coriolis effect. As the landscape transitions, admire the sight of long-horned Ankole cattle grazing in expansive fields. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge, perched atop rocky outcrops with panoramic views of the savannah. In the late afternoon, embark on an exciting game drive through the park. Spot zebras, elands, impalas, topis, warthogs, and possibly leopards before returning for a starlit dinner.
Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Day 3: Nature Walk in Lake Mburo – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Rise early for a guided nature walk that brings you incredibly close to the park’s wildlife on foot. Walk alongside giraffes, zebras, and antelopes while listening to the calls of birds and the stories of the land from your ranger guide. After this refreshing wilderness experience, set off for the mountainous southwestern region of Uganda, driving through lush landscapes, rolling hills, and vast tea plantations. As you approach Bwindi, the air becomes cooler and mist blankets the forest. Arrive at your eco-lodge nestled on the edge of the forest, a perfect base for the gorilla trekking experience.
Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Batwa Cultural Experience
This is the pinnacle of your safari. After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing. You’ll be assigned to a gorilla family and guided through dense forest trails by expert trackers. The trek may take anywhere from 1 to 7 hours depending on the gorillas’ location, and the terrain is often steep and muddy. Once you find them, spend a magical hour observing their interactions, feeding, and social behavior — a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, take an optional community visit led by Batwa guides. These former forest dwellers share their unique cultural heritage, storytelling, traditional dances, and survival techniques once used in the forest.
Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Day 5: Transfer to Ishasha Sector – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Leave Bwindi and travel north to the remote Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. On arrival, enjoy a game drive through the fig-tree-dotted plains as you search for lions lounging in the branches, herds of buffalo, elephants, and topis grazing across the open plains. Stay overnight in a rustic safari lodge overlooking the wilderness.
Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Topi Lodge, Ishasha
Day 6: Morning Game Drive – Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Begin the day with an early game drive in the northern Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is known for its large lion prides, Uganda kobs, and other grazers that attract predators. After the game drive, enjoy lunch and head to Mweya Peninsula for a scenic boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This 2-hour voyage offers close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, bathing elephants, and a host of bird species like pelicans, cormorants, and African fish eagles.
Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge – Optional Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, descend into the Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking. The lush, tropical rainforest within this sunken valley is home to a habituated group of chimpanzees. Enjoy the experience of watching them swing, play, and forage among the trees. Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch. You may choose to relax or join an optional evening game drive for another chance to spot the elusive leopards and nocturnal species of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge
Day 8: Return to Entebbe via Fort Portal & Kampala
After your final breakfast in the wild, embark on a scenic drive back to Entebbe. Your journey passes through Fort Portal, a charming town near the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, and continues through the bustling capital city of Kampala. Enjoy en-route views of tea plantations, crater lakes, and traditional homesteads. Arrive in Entebbe in time for your evening departure flight or an additional overnight stay at your request.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 1: Scenic Flight to Bwindi & Optional Nature Activities
Your adventure begins with a scheduled domestic flight from Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip, cutting down the long drive to Bwindi Forest. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your driver-guide and transferred through lush countryside to your lodge on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Depending on your arrival time and energy levels, optional activities like a community visit, birding walk, or a short hike to the waterfalls can help you stretch your legs and adjust to the forest environment.
Overnight at: Buhoma Lodge
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Ishasha Sector
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off into the dense, mist-covered forest. The trek can take between 2 to 8 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family, but the reward is a magical 1-hour encounter with these gentle giants—watching them play, feed, and interact.
Following this life-changing experience, you’ll drive south to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its population of tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your safari camp nestled in the wild.
Overnight at: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel
Rise early for a rewarding game drive through Ishasha’s open savannah plains. Watch out for lions lounging in fig trees, grazing herds of buffaloes and topis, large elephant bulls, and flocks of savannah birds. After a hearty lunch, travel northward through the Maramagambo Forest to the Mweya region.
In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This natural stretch of water teems with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous birds including kingfishers, herons, and African fish eagles. It’s a relaxed way to view wildlife from a new perspective.
Overnight at: Buffalo Safari Lodge
Day 4: Kyambura Gorge Nature Walk & Optional Game Drive
This morning, visit the enchanting Kyambura Gorge—a green gash in the earth known for its chimpanzee population. Accompanied by a ranger, walk through this rainforest corridor and listen to the calls of birds and monkeys as you try to locate the elusive chimpanzees.
Return to your lodge for relaxation and enjoy the tranquil setting, or opt for an evening game drive in the northern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park for a final opportunity to spot lions, elephants, and Uganda Kobs.
Overnight at: Buffalo Safari Lodge
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & Night Game Drive
After breakfast, set off for Lake Mburo National Park—a smaller yet incredibly picturesque savannah park characterized by acacia woodlands, open plains, and lakes. On your way in, enjoy a short introductory game drive, spotting zebras, impalas, elands, warthogs, and giraffes.
After checking in and unwinding at your eco-lodge, prepare for an exciting night game drive. With luck, you may spot nocturnal wildlife such as leopards, hyenas, bush babies, and genets under the guidance of a knowledgeable ranger.
Overnight at: Mihingo Lodge
Day 6: Morning Walking Safari & Return to Entebbe
Start your day with a guided nature walk—the best way to quietly observe wildlife and learn about the flora and fauna of the park. Your guide will interpret animal tracks, bird calls, and indigenous plants during this immersive 2–3-hour walk.
Later, depart for Entebbe with a stop at the Equator for photos, souvenir shopping, and lunch. Arrive at the airport or your hotel in the early evening, concluding your unforgettable Ugandan adventure.