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: 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.
Early Morning – Pick-Up & Transfer to Mabamba Swamp
Your day begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Entebbe or any other convenient location nearby. After a warm welcome and briefing by your expert birding guide, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to the shores of Lake Victoria. Depending on your access route, you may either drive directly to the swamp area or take a short boat transfer across the lake.
Morning – Shoebill Tracking Experience
Upon arrival at Mabamba, you’ll transfer into a traditional motorized canoe steered by an experienced local guide. You’ll silently navigate the winding channels of the swamp, which are surrounded by tall papyrus and floating vegetation. Your guide will help you spot the elusive Shoebill, often seen standing motionless while hunting lungfish, its primary prey.
Patience pays off, and the early morning hours offer the best opportunity for a successful sighting. During the excursion, you’ll also encounter a wide variety of other bird species, and if lucky, witness some unique wetland behavior.
The Shoebill tracking usually lasts between 1 to 3 hours, depending on weather conditions and bird activity. The serene boat ride also allows for excellent photography opportunities, especially when the lighting is soft and natural.
Late Morning – Return Transfer
After an enriching birding experience, you’ll head back to the docking point, followed by a return drive or boat ride to Entebbe. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or preferred drop-off location by midday or early afternoon, allowing you to relax or proceed with your next travel plans.
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: 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
Detailed 8-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari Itinerary
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
Why Choose Our Uganda Wildlife Safaris?
Whether it’s your first time in Africa or you’re a seasoned traveler, our itineraries focus on providing authentic, high-quality encounters with the world’s most rare species.