Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport where a Wild Compass Africa representative will warmly welcome you. Transfer to your hotel for a relaxed evening. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Entebbe town, visit local markets, wander through the Botanical Gardens, or opt for a scenic Lake Victoria cruise to Mabamba Swamp in search of the iconic shoebill.
Meals and Accommodation: Karibu Guest House
Day 2: Fly to Kisoro Airstrip – Transfer to Bwindi
Return to the airport for your scenic flight to Kisoro, offering breathtaking aerial views of lakes and volcanoes. On arrival, transfer to your lodge nestled at the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Spend the rest of the day unwinding and enjoying the jungle atmosphere. You will have a chance to visit the community for more local experience if the weather and time allow.
Meals and Accommodation: Four Gorillas
Day 3: Gorilla Habituation Experience – Bwindi
Today is extraordinary. Join researchers and rangers for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, spending up to four hourswith a semi-wild mountain gorilla family as they become accustomed to human presence. This slow, immersive encounter is one of the most intimate wildlife experiences on the continent.
Meals and Accommodation: Four Gorillas
Day 4: Classic Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi
Return to the forest for a second gorilla encounter—this time with a fully habituated group. Trek through Bwindi’s ancient rainforest, and once you find the gorillas, enjoy a magical hour observing their behaviour up close.
Meals and Accommodation: Four Gorillas
Day 5: Drive to Ishasha Sector – Afternoon Game Drive
Leave the forest behind and drive to the remote Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy an afternoon game drive searching for the region’s world-famous tree-climbing lions, along with elephants, buffaloes and topi.
Meals and Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge
Day 6: Ishasha Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Kasenyi | Sunset Sundowner
Enjoy a sunrise game drive in Ishasha in search of tree-climbing lions before driving north to the wildlife-rich Kasenyi plains. Arrive at your lodge in time to unwind with a peaceful sundowner as the savannah turns golden.
Meals and Accommodation: Elephant Hub Lodge
Day 7: Kasenyi Game Drive – Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise – Transfer to Kibale
Enjoy an early game drive in the Kasenyi sector before heading to the Kazinga Channel. Cruise along the waterway, famous for Africa’s highest hippo density and fantastic birdlife. Later, drive to Kibale Forest, arriving in the evening.
Meals and Accommodation: Turaco Tree-Tops
Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking – Bigodi Community Visit
Venture into Kibale Forest, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees. Enjoy an exciting trek and spend time observing them at close range. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi community for a guided walk, showcasing local culture and wetland wildlife.
Meals and Accommodation: Turaco Tree-Tops
Day 9: Fly from Kasese Airstrip to Entebbe – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kasese Airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe. Connect to your international departure or continue with further travel arrangements.
Day 1: Shoebill Tracking & Rhino Trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Start your adventure with an early breakfast before heading to Mabamba Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria. Take a boat ride through the papyrus channels to spot the elusive shoebill stork, along with African fish eagles, kingfishers, and other wetland birds.
Afterward, drive north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda’s only location to see white rhinos in the wild. Join a guided rhino trek on foot and get close to these majestic giants in their natural habitat.
Overnight at Amuka Lodge or similar.
Day 2: Murchison Falls – Top of the Falls, Boat Cruise & Evening Game Drive
Drive into Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest conservation area. Begin with a visit to the top of the falls, where the Nile plunges 43 meters through a narrow gorge.
Enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile, spotting elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. In the late afternoon, take an evening game drive, encountering lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, kobs, and other savannah wildlife.
Overnight at Pakuba Safari Lodge or similar.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Kibale National Park
Take an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls to capture wildlife in the golden light. Afterwards, drive south through the Albertine escarpments, enjoying crater lakes, rolling hills, and lush landscapes.
Arrive at Kibale Forest National Park, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees. Dinner and Overnight. Kibale Forest Lodge or similar
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Community Tour
Embark on a morning chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest with experienced guides. Watch chimps feed, groom, and interact, alongside other primates like red colobus and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a cultural and nature experience. Learn traditional crafts, brewing, and farming from the local community.
Overnight at Kibale Forest Lodge.
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kazinga Channel Cruise & Evening Game Drive
Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing the Ndali-Kasenda Craters and scenic landscapes. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birds.
End the day with an evening game drive, encountering lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes.
Overnight at Elephant Hab Lodge or similar.
Day 6: Kyambura Gorge Nature Walk & Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha
Start with a nature walk in Kyambura Gorge, spotting primates and birds along the gorge’s permanent river. Then, drive south to Ishasha, home to the world-famous tree-climbing lions. Enjoy an evening game drive across the savannah. Overnight at Jungle Lodge Ishasha or similar.
Day 7: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After a morning game drive, travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check in at Four Gorillas Lodge or similar and prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure.
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Community Visit
Rise early for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Spend up to one hour observing a family of mountain gorillas, watching silverbacks, females, and infants in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, visit the Batwa community to learn about their culture, traditional hunting methods, and forest life.
Overnight at Four Gorillas Lodge.
Day 9: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Evening Nature Walk
Drive south to Lake Mburo National Park, passing rolling hills and rural landscapes. Take an evening walking safari, spotting zebras, impalas, giraffes, topis, and other wildlife.
Overnight at Mpogo Farm Lodge or similar.
Day 10: Morning Farm Visit & Transfer to Entebbe
Visit a local Ankole cattle kraal to experience traditional milking and ghee-making. After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe, stopping at the Equator line for a photo opportunity. End your safari with memories of Uganda’s wildlife, culture, and landscapes.
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 – 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 – 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: 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: 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 Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris. 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 Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours. 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 – Welcome to Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Wild Compass Africa guide and transferred to your hotel near Lake Victoria. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed evening briefing about the journey ahead, followed by dinner and rest as you prepare for your adventure into Uganda’s wilderness.
Meals & Accommodation: Karibu Guest House
Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Nature Walk & Night Game Drive
After an early breakfast, depart Entebbe for Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s most accessible savannah park. Arrive in time for lunch before heading out on a guided evening nature walk, where you encounter zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands, and rich birdlife on foot — a rare and intimate safari experience.
After dinner, set out on a night game drive, offering a chance to spot nocturnal wildlife such as bush babies, porcupines, hyenas, and leopards under the African night sky.
Meals & Accommodation: Rwakobo rock
Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Enjoy an early morning game drive through Lake Mburo, watching the savannah come alive as grazers and predators begin their day. After breakfast, continue southwest through rolling hills and terraced farmlands toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Arrive in the Buhoma sector in the afternoon, surrounded by misty rainforest, and settle into your lodge for a peaceful evening in preparation for gorilla trekking.
Meals & Accommodation: Ride 4 a woman
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
This morning marks the highlight of the safari. After a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, venture into the forest for an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience. Once found, you will spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
After lunch, depart Bwindi and travel north to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in the evening with views of crater lakes and the distant Rwenzori Mountains.
Meals & Accommodation: The Bush Lodge
Day 5: Game Viewing & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari – Transfer to Rwenzori Foothills
Begin the day with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, one of the best areas to spot lions, elephants, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, and hyenas. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its dense concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and water birds.
After the cruise, continue west toward the Rwenzori Mountains, arriving at the foothills where your mountain adventure begins.
Meals & Accommodation: Ruboni Community Camp
Day 6: Rwenzori Mountains – Start of the Trek
After meeting your experienced Rwenzori guides and porters, begin your three-day trek into the Mountains of the Moon. The trail passes through lush montane forest, bamboo zones, and moss-draped landscapes, offering a completely different side of Uganda.
Reach your mountain camp by afternoon and enjoy dinner surrounded by alpine wilderness.
Day 7: Rwenzori Mountains – High Altitude Exploration
Continue ascending deeper into the Rwenzori range, crossing streams, valleys, and unique afro-alpine vegetation zones. This day focuses on acclimatization, exploration, and soaking in the dramatic scenery that makes the Rwenzoris one of Africa’s most rewarding hiking destinations.
Overnight at a high-altitude mountain camp.
Day 8: Descend from the Rwenzori Mountains
After breakfast, begin your descent through the mountain trails, retracing your route through forest and moorland zones. Arrive back at the base in the afternoon, where you will enjoy a well-earned rest and celebrate the completion of your Rwenzori trek.
Day 9: Return to Entebbe – End of Safari
After breakfast, depart the Rwenzori region and journey back to Entebbe, passing through scenic countryside and trading centers. Arrive in Entebbe in time for your onward flight or overnight stay, marking the end of a truly diverse Uganda safari.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Optional Shoebill Tracking or City Tour
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose from several optional activities. The most popular is a boat excursion to Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria in search of the iconic shoebill stork, a fascinating prehistoric-looking bird. Alternatively, you may opt to visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, local craft markets, or simply relax at your lodge.
Meals & Overnight: Boma Guest House Entebbe
Day 2: Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park – Nature Walk
After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park but a haven for zebras, impalas, giraffes, and over 300 bird species. En route, you will stop at the Equator line for photos, fascinating demonstrations, and a chance to browse through local craft shops. Upon arrival at your lodge, enjoy lunch and later embark on a guided walking safari. This experience brings you close to wildlife on foot, with opportunities to observe animals such as zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes while accompanied by an experienced ranger.
Meals & Overnight: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Kisoro
Begin the day with a morning game drive in Lake Mburo to spot species you may have missed the previous evening. Look out for topis, warthogs, baboons, elands, and more. Afterward, continue your journey southwest through rolling hills and terraced landscapes, arriving in Kisoro town – the base for exploring the Virunga Volcanoes. Relax at your lodge as you prepare for the upcoming adventure.
Meals & Overnight: Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro
Day 4: Hike Mount Sabyinyo (3,645m)
Today is dedicated to the challenging but exhilarating hike up Mount Sabyinyo. After an early breakfast, transfer to Ntebeko Visitor Centre for a briefing before setting off. The trek takes you through swampy grasslands, dense bamboo forests, and thick montane vegetation before reaching steep ridges that require determination and effort. The reward is spectacular: at the summit, you will stand at the tri-border point of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with breathtaking views of all three countries. This experience is both physically demanding and deeply rewarding. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.
Meals & Overnight: Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking – Transfer to Lake Mutanda
After breakfast, head back to Mgahinga National Park for golden monkey trekking. These lively primates are known for their playful behavior, constant movement, and unique golden-orange fur. The trek takes you through bamboo forests where the monkeys thrive, offering fantastic opportunities for photography and observation. After the trek, proceed to Lake Mutanda, a serene volcanic lake surrounded by dramatic landscapes. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your lodge overlooking the lake.
Meals & Overnight: Lake Mutanda Resort
Day 6: Lake Mutanda Exploration & Community Visit
Spend the day at leisure by the lake. You may choose to canoe or take a boat ride on Lake Mutanda’s crystal-clear waters, where fishermen in traditional dugout canoes share stories of life on the lake. Enjoy panoramic views of the Virunga volcanoes in the distance, and visit nearby communities to interact with locals and learn about their daily lives. It’s also a perfect day to unwind, sip coffee, and reflect on your safari experience.
Meals & Overnight: Lake Mutanda Resort
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The highlight of your safari arrives today – gorilla trekking in Bwindi. After an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting out in small groups to track one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek may take between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once located, you will spend a magical hour observing them feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat. This experience is emotional, humbling, and unforgettable. Afterward, return to your lodge for a relaxed evening.
Meals & Overnight: Lake Mutanda Resort
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali – City Tour & Departure
After breakfast, cross into Rwanda and drive through scenic hills and valleys towards Kigali. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving tribute to Rwanda’s history. Depending on your flight schedule, you may also explore Kimironko Market, art galleries, and local craft centers before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
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 on your Uganda Wildlife Safaris adventure 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 long-horned Ankole cattle grazing in expansive fields. Arrive for lunch at your lodge with panoramic savannah views. In the late afternoon, enjoy a game drive, spotting zebras, elands, impalas, topis, warthogs, and possibly leopards before 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. Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tours
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 Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris. 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.