Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Meet and transfer to your hotel for overnight rest and safari briefing
Destination: Entebbe
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
Day 2: Shoebill Tracking – Mabamba Swamp
Early morning transfer to Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria for a guided canoe excursion in search of the rare shoebill stork — one of Africa’s most sought-after birds. Morning light provides excellent photography conditions. Return to Entebbe for overnight
Destination: Mabamba Swamp
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Scenic drive west through tea plantations and crater lakes toward Kibale Forest — often called the primate capital of East Africa.
Destination: Kibale
Accommodation: Turaco Tree Tops
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Morning chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. Observe dynamic chimp troops in their natural rainforest habitat. After lunch, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Destination: Kibale | Queen Elizabeth N.P
Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness Lodge
Day 5: Wildlife Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Early morning wildlife search in the Kasenyi plains for lions, elephants, buffalo, and antelope.
Mid-morning boat safari along the Kazinga Channel — famous for dense concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birdlife. Optional golden-hour wildlife drive in the evening
Destination: Queen Elizabeth N.P
Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness Lodge
Day 6: Kyambura Gorge Chimps – Transfer to Bwindi (Rushaga)
Early morning chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, a dramatic forested ravine within Queen Elizabeth National Park. Afternoon transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Rushaga sector)
Destination: Rushaga
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge (or similar)
Day 7: First Gorilla Trek – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Full-day gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family — an unforgettable and intimate wildlife encounter.
Destination: Rushaga
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge (or similar)
Day 8: Second Gorilla Trek – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for your second gorilla trekking experience in a different ecosystem at the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes.
Destination: Mgahinga N.P
Accommodation: Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro (or similar)
Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking – Mgahinga
Morning golden monkey trekking in the bamboo forests of Mgahinga. These rare primates are fast-moving and vibrant, offering exciting viewing opportunities. Afternoon at leisure or optional community visit
Destination: Mgahinga N.P
Accommodation: Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro (or similar)
Day 10: Fly Kisoro – Entebbe
Scenic 1–2 hour domestic flight from Kisoro back to Entebbe, dramatically reducing travel time compared to overland driving.
Destination: Entebbe
Accommodation: No accommodation
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe | Welcome to Uganda
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you are warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide from Wild Compass Africa. After a short briefing about your safari, you are transferred to your guesthouse near Lake Victoria.
The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your international flight, enjoy the garden setting, or take a short walk around the neighborhood.
Overnight: Karibu Guest House, Entebbe
Meals: Dinner (depending on arrival time)
Day 2: Shoebill Tracking & Wetland Experience | Entebbe Area
After breakfast, you head out for a guided nature experience around Entebbe, focusing on Uganda’s rich birdlife and wetlands.
The morning begins with an excursion to Mabamba Swamp, a renowned wetland on the shores of Lake Victoria. Traveling by traditional dugout canoe through narrow papyrus channels, you search for the iconic shoebill stork, along with other wetland species such as African jacana, malachite kingfisher, and papyrus gonolek. This calm, water-based experience offers excellent photography opportunities and a gentle introduction to Uganda’s natural diversity.
Later, you visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for a relaxed guided walk. Set along the lakeshore, the gardens are home to a variety of bird species, vervet and black-and-white colobus monkeys, and mature tropical trees. The walk is easy-paced and ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
Optional: For keen birders with additional interest in wetlands, a visit to Lutembe Bay Wetland can be arranged, time and conditions permitting.
In the afternoon, return to Karibu Guest House to relax and prepare for the safari journey ahead.
Overnight: Karibu Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Entebbe – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls National Park
Depart early for northern Uganda, driving through rural landscapes and trading centers. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided on-foot rhino tracking experience, allowing you to observe Uganda’s only wild rhinos at close range.
After lunch, continue to Murchison Falls National Park, stopping at the spectacular Top of the Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow 7-meter gorge.
Enter the park and enjoy a scenic drive to your lodge.
Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Murchison Falls National Park | Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari
Rise early for a morning game drive across the northern savannah plains, one of Uganda’s best wildlife-viewing areas. Look out for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi, and a wide variety of bird species.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Nile toward the base of Murchison Falls. Along the riverbanks, you’ll see hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and waterbirds, with the thunderous falls providing a dramatic finale.
Return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Murchison Falls – Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, begin your journey southwest toward Kibale Forest National Park, traveling through scenic countryside, tea plantations, and small towns.
Arrive in the afternoon and settle into your eco-friendly forest camp, surrounded by nature and primate habitats. The evening is at leisure, with forest sounds setting the mood for primate tracking the next day.
Overnight: Kibale Forest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Today is dedicated to primates and community experiences.
In the morning, head into Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking, guided by experienced rangers. Watch chimpanzees feed, socialize, and move through the forest canopy.
Optional upgrade: Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, offering extended time with a semi-habituated group.
In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation project rich in birds, monkeys, and cultural interaction with local residents.
Overnight: Kibale Forest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park | Kazinga Channel
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for lunch at your lodge overlooking the park.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s best wildlife boat safaris. The channel attracts large numbers of hippos, buffaloes, elephants, and a remarkable diversity of birds, as well as views of local fishing communities.
Later, enjoy a short evening game drive.
Overnight: Acacia Wilderness Mweya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth – Ishasha Sector | Tree-Climbing Lions
Begin the day with a morning game drive before transferring south to the Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions.
Spend the afternoon on a game drive searching for lions resting in fig trees, along with topi, buffalo, elephants, and other wildlife.
Overnight: Ishasha sector lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Ishasha – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, drive through rolling hills and rural villages toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Arrive in the afternoon and relax at your lodge, enjoying forest views and preparing for the highlight of the safari.
Overnight: Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
An early start for the mountain gorilla trekking experience.
After a ranger briefing, trek through dense forest terrain in search of a gorilla family. Once found, you spend a magical hour observing gorillas in their natural habitat — an emotional and unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Return to the lodge in the afternoon to relax and reflect on the experience.
Overnight: Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Golden Monkey Tracking – Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for golden monkey tracking, a lively and photogenic primate experience.
Later, continue to Lake Mburo National Park, arriving in time for an evening game drive across acacia woodlands and open savannah.
Overnight: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Lake Mburo – Entebbe | Equator Experience
Start the day with a guided nature walk in Lake Mburo, offering close encounters with zebras, giraffes, elands, and antelopes. Enjoy a scenic bush breakfast before departing the park.
Drive back to Entebbe with a stop at the Equator for photos and souvenir shopping. Arrive in Entebbe in time for your onward flight or overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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: Arrival in Arusha & Cultural City Tour
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your professional driver-guide will meet and greet you. Transfer to your lodge for check-in, followed by a relaxed city tour exploring Arusha’s vibrant craft markets and the Arusha National Museum. Take this time to recover from your journey, learn about Tanzania’s rich culture, and enjoy a warm welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Planet Lodge Arusha
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Tarangire National Park – The Land of Giants
After breakfast, depart for Tarangire National Park, a scenic drive that offers glimpses of rural Tanzanian life. Enter the park through its southern gate, and immediately encounter herds of elephants, giraffes, impalas, and possibly lions lounging under the iconic baobab trees. After a check-in and lunch at your lodge, set out for a rewarding afternoon game drive before returning for a hearty dinner.
Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Tarangire Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Wildlife Exploration in Lake Manyara National Park
Enjoy breakfast, then head to Lake Manyara National Park. Check into your lodge and relax before heading out for an afternoon game drive. The park’s unique terrain offers sightings of baboons, hippos, flamingos, giraffes, and the elusive tree-climbing lions. The backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment adds drama to your photographic moments.
Accommodation: Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Scenic Drive to Serengeti National Park
Fuel up with an early breakfast and set out toward the Serengeti, enjoying a picturesque drive through the Ngorongoro Highlands. As you descend onto the endless plains, the wildlife density increases. Keep your eyes peeled for wildebeests, zebras, hyenas, and ostriches. Arrive at your tented camp in time for dinner and an overnight stay under the starlit Serengeti sky.
Accommodation: Into the Wild Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 5 & 6: Full Exploration of Serengeti – Game Drives & Balloon Safari
Spend two full days exploring the vast Serengeti. Begin each morning with a sunrise game drive to spot predators before they retreat from the hunt. Marvel at lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and the Great Migration herds. On one of the days, you may opt for an unforgettable hot air balloon safari — soaring silently above the plains as herds thunder below.
Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon Safari (extra cost)
Accommodation: Into the Wild Tented Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive as you make your way toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. The road winds through Maasai lands, giving you insight into traditional lifestyles. Check into your lodge overlooking the Crater rim and unwind for the evening.
Accommodation: Rhino Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Game Drive in Ngorongoro Crater
Rise early for breakfast and descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater. With over 30,000 animals enclosed in the caldera, you’ll have the chance to see all members of the Big Five. Keep a lookout for the rare black rhino and large prides of lions, along with hippos, flamingos, jackals, and hyenas. Return to the lodge in the afternoon for rest and reflection.
Accommodation: Rhino Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Discover Arusha National Park
After breakfast, travel to Arusha National Park. Enjoy a unique walking safari with an armed ranger or a scenic drive through lush forests and open glades. This park is teeming with giraffes, buffaloes, monkeys, and numerous birds, making it perfect for those seeking a more relaxed final day in the wild.
Accommodation: Planet Lodge Kilimanjaro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Arusha or relax at the lodge. Your driver-guide will then transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home, marking the end of your unforgettable Tanzanian safari.
Meals: Breakfast
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
Upon landing at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be met by your professional driver-guide who will warmly welcome you to the Pearl of Africa. After a short briefing, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe for rest. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for a visit to the nearby Entebbe Botanical Gardens or enjoy a lakeside sunset at Lake Victoria.
Day 2: Drive to Kibale Forest National Park – Into Primate Country
After breakfast, begin your scenic journey to western Uganda, passing through rural towns, green tea plantations, and scenic landscapes. You’ll arrive in Fort Portal—one of Uganda’s prettiest towns—before heading to your lodge near Kibale Forest. Enjoy the cool air and prepare for tomorrow’s chimpanzee adventure.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Wake up to the sounds of the forest and head out for chimpanzee tracking. Accompanied by expert rangers, you’ll venture into Kibale Forest in search of these energetic primates. Watch as they swing through trees, groom each other, or call out with loud hoots. In the afternoon, take a guided nature walk through Bigodi Wetland, home to diverse bird species and monkeys.
Day 4: Explore Crater Lakes & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, take a short tour of the scenic crater lake region, where volcanic activity left behind beautiful landscapes of rolling hills and lakes. Later, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its rich biodiversity. Arrive at your lodge in time for dinner and enjoy views of the savannah plains and the Rwenzori Mountains.
Day 5: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Rise early for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains where you may encounter lions, elephants, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, and more. After lunch, embark on a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lakes Edward and George. Watch hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds from the comfort of the boat.
Day 6: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha Sector
Depart for Bwindi, taking the scenic southern route through the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park—famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Keep an eye out for wildlife en route as you make your way to your lodge nestled on the edge of the forest.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking – A Life-Changing Experience
Today is the pinnacle of your safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your trek through dense jungle trails. Once you find the gorilla family, spend one unforgettable hour in their presence. The experience is emotional, awe-inspiring, and deeply humbling. Return to your lodge to relax and reflect on this once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
Day 8: Cultural Experience & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After a leisurely morning, enjoy a cultural experience with the Batwa community before heading to Lake Bunyonyi. The drive takes you through rolling hills and terraced farmlands. Upon arrival, settle into your lakeside lodge and enjoy the fresh breeze and peaceful surroundings.
Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi – Relaxation or Optional Activities
Spend the day at leisure by the lake. You may choose to go canoeing between the islands, enjoy a nature walk, or simply relax with a book and soak in the views. Lake Bunyonyi offers the perfect conclusion to your active safari days.
Day 10: Return to Entebbe & Departure
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Entebbe via scenic highlands. You’ll stop for lunch en route and enjoy a relaxed drive back. Depending on your flight schedule, you may be dropped at the airport or booked into a day room for freshening up before your international departure.
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: Arrival in Entebbe – Relax and Settle In
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your private driver-guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the day relaxing after your flight and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Entebbe.
Accommodation: Boma Hotel or Karibu Guest House | Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Entebbe – Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, drive southwest to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park, yet rich in wildlife. Arrive at the lodge for lunch and enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the surroundings, spotting zebras, giraffes, and impalas.
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Lake Mburo – Nature Walk and Game Drive
Start the day with a guided nature walk to encounter wildlife up close. Enjoy a bush breakfast (optional) in the wilderness, creating lasting family memories. Later, relax at the lodge or take an afternoon evening game drive, when animals become more active in the golden light.
Optional: Horse riding safari (age restrictions may apply)
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Lake Mburo – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive through scenic countryside and traditional villages to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive at your lodge perched above the Rift Valley escarpment. Spend the afternoon relaxing or observing wildlife from your lodge terrace.
Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness – Mweya | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise
Enjoy an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, spotting lions, elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and birdlife. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s top wildlife waterways, followed by a sunset sundowner.
Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness – Mweya | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Leisure Day
A leisure day allows families to enjoy lodge facilities or optional activities such as extended game viewing or visiting salt lakes. This unhurried day is perfect for rest and relaxation.
Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness – Mweya | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth – Kibale Forest National Park
Drive north to Kibale Forest, passing through tea plantations, crater lakes, and lush countryside. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon and settle in. Optional community visits nearby offer cultural immersion for children and adults, including weaving, dancing, and village life experiences.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Kibale Forest – Chimpanzee Trekking
After breakfast, embark on chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, home to East Africa’s highest concentration of chimpanzees. Return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy a relaxed afternoon swimming or exploring the forest surroundings.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Kibale – Murchison Falls National Park
Depart early and drive through Hoima and the Albertine Rift region to Murchison Falls National Park. Arrive by evening and relax at the lodge amid the sounds of the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Murchison Falls – Game Drive & Nile River Cruise
Begin with a morning game drive on the northern bank to spot elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, buffalo, and antelopes. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, witnessing the river funnel through a 7-meter gorge into the Devil’s Cauldron. Return to the lodge to relax or swim.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Murchison Falls – Top of the Falls & Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After breakfast, visit the Top of Murchison Falls for photography and breathtaking views. Continue south to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you can enjoy a guided rhino tracking experience on foot in the late afternoon, completing your Big Five experience in Uganda.
Accommodation: Ziwa Rhino Ranch – Luxury Bandas | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Ziwa – Entebbe (Departure)
After breakfast, depart Ziwa and drive back to Entebbe. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a relaxed breakfast or head straight to the airport for your onward journey.
Accommodation: N/A | Meals: Breakfast
Optional Add-ons: Extend your family safari with mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or a golden monkey experience in Mgahinga National Park for an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Lake Nakuru National Park
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide before setting off on a scenic drive through Kenya’s dramatic Great Rift Valley. A stop along the escarpment allows time to admire and photograph the sweeping landscapes before continuing toward Lake Nakuru National Park.
After lunch, enjoy your first game drive in this compact yet wildlife-rich park, famous for its successful rhino conservation program. You will search for both black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, buffalo, and plains game, while the soda lake often attracts flamingos and other waterbirds. As the afternoon light softens, the park offers excellent photography opportunities. You will spend the night at a lodge inside or near the park, surrounded by nature.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge or similar
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Lake Nakuru – Masai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, depart Lake Nakuru and journey westward across the rolling highlands and fertile farmlands of rural Kenya. The drive to the Masai Mara is scenic and culturally rich, offering glimpses of local villages and everyday life along the way.
Arriving in the Masai Mara around lunchtime, you will settle into your lodge before heading out for an afternoon game drive across the reserve’s vast golden plains. This iconic landscape is home to abundant wildlife, including zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and large herds of elephants grazing beneath classic acacia trees. Predators are often spotted resting or hunting, with lions lounging in the grass, cheetahs scanning the plains, and leopards hiding in tree branches. As the sun sets, the Mara transforms into a painter’s canvas of warm light and long shadows, creating a magical safari atmosphere.
Accommodation: PrideInn Mara or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Days 3 & 4: Full Safari Experience in the Masai Mara
Spend two full days immersed in the extraordinary wildlife of the Masai Mara, one of Africa’s greatest safari destinations. Morning and afternoon game drives maximize wildlife viewing, bringing you close to the Big Five and countless other species. Lions are frequently encountered, elephants roam in family groups, buffalo graze across the plains, and elusive leopards may be spotted resting in trees.
Between July and October, the Masai Mara becomes the stage for the Great Migration, as vast herds of wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River in dramatic scenes filled with tension and predator action. Cheetahs sprint across the open savannah, hyenas patrol their territories, and hippos and crocodiles dominate the rivers. The reserve is also a paradise for birdlife, with more than 450 species including ostriches, secretary birds, vultures, and the colorful lilac-breasted roller.
For those seeking something extra special, an optional hot-air balloon safari at sunrise offers a breathtaking aerial perspective of the plains, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. Evenings may include bush picnics or sundowners as the African sky glows with sunset colors and the sounds of the wild surround you.
Accommodation: PrideInn Mara or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5: Masai Mara – Serengeti National Park (via Isebania Border)
After an early breakfast and a final game drive in the Masai Mara, you will travel south toward the Isebania border to cross into Tanzania. After completing immigration formalities, continue into the northern reaches of the Serengeti National Park.
This scenic journey offers opportunities for game viewing en route, as wildlife moves freely across the open plains. Upon arrival at your tented lodge, settle in and enjoy the remote wilderness atmosphere of the Serengeti.
Accommodation: Into Wild Tented Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Days 6 & 7: Full Safari Days in Serengeti National Park
Over the next two days, explore the endless plains of the Serengeti, one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife ecosystems. Morning and afternoon game drives reveal extraordinary predator activity, with lions stalking prey, cheetahs racing across open grasslands, and leopards draped over acacia branches.
Depending on the season, you may encounter vast herds of wildebeests and zebras moving across the plains during the Great Migration, accompanied by dramatic river crossings and newborn calves that attract predators. Elephants, giraffes, gazelles, bat-eared foxes, and hyenas are frequently seen, while hippos and crocodiles dominate the rivers and pools.
Birdlife is abundant and diverse, featuring kori bustards, secretary birds, bee-eaters, and vibrant rollers. Each evening concludes with a peaceful sundowner as the Serengeti sky glows in shades of red and gold, followed by the distant calls of wildlife echoing through the night.
Accommodation: Into Wild Tented Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Karatu
After a morning game drive in the Serengeti, continue toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, ascending into cooler highland scenery. An optional visit to Olduvai Gorge, often referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind,” provides fascinating insight into early human history.
Later in the day, descend approximately 600 meters into the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife arenas. The crater floor supports a remarkable concentration of animals, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and large flocks of flamingos around the soda lake. After your crater safari, ascend to the lush farmlands of Karatu for overnight rest.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Mountain View Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 9: Karatu – Mto wa Mbu – Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, depart Karatu for a cultural visit to Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant town known for its ethnic diversity. A guided walk introduces you to local farms, banana plantations, markets, and traditional lifestyles, offering meaningful interaction with the communities of the area.
Continue onward to Tarangire National Park, a landscape defined by ancient baobab trees, open savannahs, and the life-giving Tarangire River. During your afternoon game drive, you will search for the park’s famous large elephant herds, along with lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and a wide variety of antelope species. Tarangire is also one of Tanzania’s top birding destinations, boasting more than 550 bird species, making it a delight for bird enthusiasts.
Accommodation: Tarangire Simba Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 10: Tarangire – Arusha – Departure from Kilimanjaro
Enjoy a final morning game drive in Tarangire National Park, soaking in the last moments of your safari among elephants, baobabs, and open plains. Afterward, return to Arusha with time for souvenir shopping before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward departure, bringing your unforgettable East African safari adventure to a close.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
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