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 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: Transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda
Your safari begins with a warm welcome from your driver-guide in Kigali. After a short briefing, embark on a scenic 3–5-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, one of Rwanda’s crown jewels and home to both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. En route, stop at the picturesque twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, where you may take a canoe ride to admire the rolling hills, serene waters, and diverse birdlife.
By late afternoon, arrive at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy a hot shower, a hearty dinner, and relax as you prepare for the adventures ahead.
Accommodation & Meals: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Full Board)
Day 2: Hike Mount Bisoke Volcano
After breakfast, transfer to Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing before starting your trek. Led by an experienced ranger, begin the challenging yet rewarding hike up Mount Bisoke (3,711m), one of the Virunga volcanoes. The trail winds through lush forests alive with birdcalls and occasionally frequented by buffaloes, duikers, and forest elephants.
At the summit, you will be rewarded with views of the majestic crater lake, a shimmering blue jewel surrounded by alpine vegetation. On clear days, the vistas extend across the Virunga massif into Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The hike typically lasts between 5–7 hours depending on your pace.
In the evening, return to your lodge for relaxation, with an optional visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich traditions through dance, storytelling, and local crafts.
Accommodation & Meals: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Full Board)
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking & Transfer to Bwindi – Uganda
This morning, set out for a guided trek to see golden monkeys—an endangered and rare primate species found only in the Virunga region. Known for their playful antics, these primates leap from tree to tree with astonishing agility. You will spend up to one hour observing their behavior and photographing them as they feed, play, and interact.
Following the trek, cross the Cyanika border into Uganda, driving through the rolling green highlands of southwestern Uganda toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive at your lodge in the evening, where you can unwind and prepare for the gorilla trek the next day.
Accommodation & Meals: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Full Board)
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Ishasha Sector
Wake up early for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi. After a briefing at the park headquarters, set off with your ranger into the thick rainforest in search of a gorilla family. The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas, but every step is worth it once you come face-to-face with these gentle giants.
Spend an unforgettable hour watching the gorillas feed, groom, and play within their family units, led by a dominant silverback. This intimate encounter will leave you with lasting memories.
Afterward, drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to the famous tree-climbing lions. Settle into your lodge surrounded by the wilderness.
Accommodation & Meals: Enjojo Lodge (Full Board)
Day 5: Game Drive in Ishasha & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
At dawn, head out for a game drive in Ishasha. The morning hours are ideal for spotting predators returning from a night’s hunt and grazers beginning their day. Look out for lions resting in fig trees, large herds of elephants, Uganda kobs, topis, hyenas, and numerous bird species.
Later, drive north toward the Kazinga Channel for a boat cruise. This two-hour voyage offers incredible opportunities to see hippos wallowing, crocodiles basking on the banks, and elephants cooling off in the water. Bird enthusiasts will marvel at species such as African fish eagles, kingfishers, and pelicans. After the cruise, return to your lodge through the Kyambura game reserve for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation & Meals: Elephant Hab Lodge (Full Board)
Day 6: Morning Game Drive & Departure via Entebbe
Enjoy a final morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where chances are high to spot lions, buffaloes, and antelope species. Alternatively, opt for a chimpanzee tracking walk in Kyambura Gorge, nicknamed “The Valley of Apes,” before beginning the long drive back to Entebbe.
Along the way, stop at the Equator line in Kayabwe for a memorable photo opportunity, a chance to shop for handicrafts, and a hot lunch. By evening, your guide will drop you off at Entebbe International Airport or your preferred location in Kampala, marking the end of your safari.
Meals: Half Board (No accommodation)
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: 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.
Day 1: Shoebill Search & Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Overnight at Ziwa
Your safari begins with an early pickup from Entebbe or your hotel, heading to Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s most famous wetlands. Embark on a guided canoe excursion in search of the elusive shoebill stork, an iconic and prehistoric-looking bird species.
After this early morning adventure, continue to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos. Join a guided walking safari to track these magnificent animals and learn about conservation efforts firsthand.
Spend the night at Ziwa Rhino Lodge or similar, surrounded by the sights and sounds of this protected sanctuary.
Accommodation: Ziwa Rhino Lodge | Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park – Mid-Morning Nile Boat Cruise & Evening Game Drive
After breakfast at Ziwa, depart for Murchison Falls National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy a mid-morning boat cruisealong the Nile River to the base of the legendary Murchison Falls, where the river forces its way through a narrow gorge. Watch for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and diverse birdlife along the riverbanks.
In the late afternoon, embark on an evening game drive in the park’s northern sector, a prime area for sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, and the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge or similar | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Sunrise Game Drive & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Rise early for a sunrise game drive in Murchison Falls, capturing wildlife in the soft morning light. Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through rural villages and enjoying the stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, unwind, and enjoy dinner in preparation for the next day’s primate adventure.
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge or similar | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge – Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, venture into Kyambura Gorge, also known as the “Valley of Apes,” for a guided chimpanzee trekking experience. Observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat while learning about their behavior and ecology.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. Spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a rich diversity of bird species.
Conclude the day with an evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, where lions, hyenas, Uganda kobs, and elephants roam freely against the backdrop of crater lakes and savannah.
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge or similar | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions & Transfer to Bwindi (Buhoma)
After breakfast, travel to the Ishasha Sector, a unique area of Queen Elizabeth National Park famous for tree-climbing lions lounging atop fig trees. Enjoy a game drive through this less-visited region, spotting buffaloes, topis, elephants, and other wildlife.
Continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Buhoma), arriving in time to relax at your lodge and enjoy dinner in preparation for the gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation: Haven Lodge Buhoma or similar | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Today is the highlight of your safari. After an early briefing at Bwindi park headquarters, embark on a gorilla trekking experience. Spend up to one hour with a habituated gorilla family, observing their social interactions, playful behaviors, and feeding habits in their lush rainforest environment.
In the afternoon, transfer to the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi, known as the “Place of Many Little Birds.” Enjoy optional island tours, canoeing, and birdwatching, or simply relax and soak in the serene scenery.
Accommodation: BirdNest or similar | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Return to Kampala or Entebbe
After a leisurely breakfast at Lake Bunyonyi, begin the scenic drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, with stops for lunch and photography along the way. Reflect on a week of extraordinary wildlife, primate encounters, and unforgettable landscapes as your driver drops you at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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