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
Day 1: Entebbe – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via Equator Stop
Begin your journey early with a pick-up from your hotel or Entebbe International Airport. Drive southwest through Uganda’s picturesque countryside, with a memorable stop at the Equator line in Kayabwe for photos, stretching, and souvenirs. Continue past rolling hills, banana plantations, and local villages as you head toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half the world’s mountain gorillas.
Arrive at your lodge in Rushaga (or nearby sector) in the evening, where you’ll settle in and prepare for the exciting day ahead.
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or similar
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi -Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Then set off on foot into the misty forest to track a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take 2–6 hours depending on the group’s movements, but the reward is a magical hour observing these gentle giants up close – watching them feed, interact, and care for their young.
After the trek, receive your gorilla tracking certificate and drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful and deepest lakes. Known as “the place of little birds,” it offers stunning scenery and a peaceful atmosphere. Take a relaxing canoe or boat tour around the lake’s islands in the evening.
Accommodation: Birdnest Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Lake Bunyonyi – Drive Back to Entebbe
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast by the lake before beginning your scenic return drive to Entebbe. Pass through rolling highlands, terraced farms, and bustling towns. Stop en route for lunch and photos. You’ll arrive in Entebbe in the evening, where you’ll be dropped off at the airport or your hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable mountain gorilla Ugandan safari.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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 and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your safari begins with an early pick-up from either your hotel in Kampala/Entebbe or directly from Entebbe International Airport. After a briefing, embark on a scenic drive southwestward through Uganda’s picturesque countryside. A major stop is made at the Equator in Kayabwe — here, you’ll enjoy a photo opportunity at the landmark where the northern and southern hemispheres meet. Learn about the equator experiments and shop for souvenirs from local artisans.
Lunch is enjoyed en route, typically in Mbarara, depending on your pace. Continue your drive, passing terraced hills, tea plantations, and rural towns until you arrive in Bwindi, nestled at the edge of a dense rainforest. Check in at your lodge, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp | Gorilla Mist Camp | Ride 4 a Woman – Comfortable
Four Gorillas or equivalent-Mid Luxury
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience & Community Visit
After an early breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing. Local performers welcome you with traditional dances and songs, giving you a taste of the region’s rich cultural heritage. The Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers then provide an informative session on gorilla trekking etiquette, safety, and conservation.
With your trekking gear ready — including good hiking boots, rain jacket, long trousers, gloves, and drinking water — you’ll be assigned to a gorilla family and begin your journey into the jungle. The trek can range from 2 to 8 hours depending on the gorillas’ movement. Once located, you’ll be allowed one magical hour to observe these magnificent creatures as they feed, play, and interact in their natural environment.
After trekking, return to the lodge for lunch and rest. Later in the afternoon (optional), visit a nearby community to interact with locals — enjoy performances, learn traditional crafts, or hear stories from former Batwa forest dwellers.
Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp | Ride 4 a Woman – Comfortable
Four Gorillas or equivalent-Mid Luxury
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Return to Entebbe or Continue Your Journey
Begin the day with an early breakfast before checking out. You’ll then begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe, enjoying scenic views of the Kigezi Highlands and Ankole cattle herds along the way. Lunch will be provided en route.
For those with onward flights, drop-off at Entebbe International Airport is arranged. If desired, you can modify this itinerary to begin or end in Kigali, Rwanda, or take a domestic flight from Kihihi to Entebbe to shorten the return trip.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Optional: Domestic flight (Kihihi – Entebbe) or Rwanda–Uganda cross-border trek option
Day 1: Pick-Up in Entebbe or Kampala – Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome from your Wild Compass Africa safari guide, followed by a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park and a hidden gem. On arrival, check-in at your lodge and later embark on an evening game drive, where you might spot zebras, impalas, elands, giraffes, and even leopards.
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock | Alternative
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Nature Walk in Lake Mburo – Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel, Queen Elizabeth NP
Start your day with a guided morning nature walk, offering a unique opportunity to spot wildlife on foot and enjoy the peaceful savannah surroundings. Later, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park. After lunch, enjoy an unforgettable boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, and hundreds of bird species including African fish eagles and kingfishers.
Accommodation: The Bush Lodge | Alternative
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge – Game Drive via Ishasha -Transfer to Bwindi
Today, head out early for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, also known as the “Valley of Apes.” This lush gorge within Queen Elizabeth NP offers a dramatic setting for tracking chimpanzees and other primates.
After your trek, enjoy a game drive through the Ishasha sector, famed for its unique tree-climbing lions. Keep your eyes peeled! Later, continue south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, where you’ll settle into your lodge on the edge of the jungle.
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: First Gorilla Trekking Experience-Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Bwindi Park headquarters for a briefing before your first gorilla trekking adventure. Led by experienced rangers, hike into the thick rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Spend one magical hour observing the gorillas, a truly emotional and unforgettable experience.
Return to the lodge to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings of the forest.
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Second Gorilla Trek – Explore a New Gorilla Family
Today offers a rare opportunity for a second gorilla trek, this time with a different gorilla family and possibly in a different sector of the forest. This enhances your understanding of their diverse social structures and forest behavior. With two treks, you’ll also increase your chances of outstanding photos and unique encounters.
After the trek, return to the lodge for a celebratory evening.
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Fly from Kisoro to Entebbe – Connect to International Flight
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kisoro Airstrip for your scheduled domestic flight to Entebbe. Depending on your flight schedule, you may be able to connect directly to your international flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Optional ending: This itinerary can also conclude in Rwanda. For travelers flying out of Kigali International Airport, we can organize a cross-border transfer from Bwindi to Kigali, including a city tour or a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial before your flight.
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 – Welcome to Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Wild Compass Africa guide and transferred to your hotel near Lake Victoria. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed evening briefing about the journey ahead, followed by dinner and rest as you prepare for your adventure into Uganda’s wilderness.
Meals & Accommodation: Karibu Guest House
Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Nature Walk & Night Game Drive
After an early breakfast, depart Entebbe for Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s most accessible savannah park. Arrive in time for lunch before heading out on a guided evening nature walk, where you encounter zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands, and rich birdlife on foot — a rare and intimate safari experience.
After dinner, set out on a night game drive, offering a chance to spot nocturnal wildlife such as bush babies, porcupines, hyenas, and leopards under the African night sky.
Meals & Accommodation: Rwakobo rock
Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Enjoy an early morning game drive through Lake Mburo, watching the savannah come alive as grazers and predators begin their day. After breakfast, continue southwest through rolling hills and terraced farmlands toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Arrive in the Buhoma sector in the afternoon, surrounded by misty rainforest, and settle into your lodge for a peaceful evening in preparation for gorilla trekking.
Meals & Accommodation: Ride 4 a woman
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
This morning marks the highlight of the safari. After a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, venture into the forest for an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience. Once found, you will spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
After lunch, depart Bwindi and travel north to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in the evening with views of crater lakes and the distant Rwenzori Mountains.
Meals & Accommodation: The Bush Lodge
Day 5: Game Viewing & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari – Transfer to Rwenzori Foothills
Begin the day with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, one of the best areas to spot lions, elephants, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, and hyenas. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its dense concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and water birds.
After the cruise, continue west toward the Rwenzori Mountains, arriving at the foothills where your mountain adventure begins.
Meals & Accommodation: Ruboni Community Camp
Day 6: Rwenzori Mountains – Start of the Trek
After meeting your experienced Rwenzori guides and porters, begin your three-day trek into the Mountains of the Moon. The trail passes through lush montane forest, bamboo zones, and moss-draped landscapes, offering a completely different side of Uganda.
Reach your mountain camp by afternoon and enjoy dinner surrounded by alpine wilderness.
Day 7: Rwenzori Mountains – High Altitude Exploration
Continue ascending deeper into the Rwenzori range, crossing streams, valleys, and unique afro-alpine vegetation zones. This day focuses on acclimatization, exploration, and soaking in the dramatic scenery that makes the Rwenzoris one of Africa’s most rewarding hiking destinations.
Overnight at a high-altitude mountain camp.
Day 8: Descend from the Rwenzori Mountains
After breakfast, begin your descent through the mountain trails, retracing your route through forest and moorland zones. Arrive back at the base in the afternoon, where you will enjoy a well-earned rest and celebrate the completion of your Rwenzori trek.
Day 9: Return to Entebbe – End of Safari
After breakfast, depart the Rwenzori region and journey back to Entebbe, passing through scenic countryside and trading centers. Arrive in Entebbe in time for your onward flight or overnight stay, marking the end of a truly diverse Uganda safari.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Optional Shoebill Tracking or City Tour
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose from several optional activities. The most popular is a boat excursion to Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria in search of the iconic shoebill stork, a fascinating prehistoric-looking bird. Alternatively, you may opt to visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, local craft markets, or simply relax at your lodge.
Meals & Overnight: Boma Guest House Entebbe
Day 2: Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park – Nature Walk
After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park but a haven for zebras, impalas, giraffes, and over 300 bird species. En route, you will stop at the Equator line for photos, fascinating demonstrations, and a chance to browse through local craft shops. Upon arrival at your lodge, enjoy lunch and later embark on a guided walking safari. This experience brings you close to wildlife on foot, with opportunities to observe animals such as zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes while accompanied by an experienced ranger.
Meals & Overnight: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Kisoro
Begin the day with a morning game drive in Lake Mburo to spot species you may have missed the previous evening. Look out for topis, warthogs, baboons, elands, and more. Afterward, continue your journey southwest through rolling hills and terraced landscapes, arriving in Kisoro town – the base for exploring the Virunga Volcanoes. Relax at your lodge as you prepare for the upcoming adventure.
Meals & Overnight: Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro
Day 4: Hike Mount Sabyinyo (3,645m)
Today is dedicated to the challenging but exhilarating hike up Mount Sabyinyo. After an early breakfast, transfer to Ntebeko Visitor Centre for a briefing before setting off. The trek takes you through swampy grasslands, dense bamboo forests, and thick montane vegetation before reaching steep ridges that require determination and effort. The reward is spectacular: at the summit, you will stand at the tri-border point of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with breathtaking views of all three countries. This experience is both physically demanding and deeply rewarding. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.
Meals & Overnight: Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking – Transfer to Lake Mutanda
After breakfast, head back to Mgahinga National Park for golden monkey trekking. These lively primates are known for their playful behavior, constant movement, and unique golden-orange fur. The trek takes you through bamboo forests where the monkeys thrive, offering fantastic opportunities for photography and observation. After the trek, proceed to Lake Mutanda, a serene volcanic lake surrounded by dramatic landscapes. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your lodge overlooking the lake.
Meals & Overnight: Lake Mutanda Resort
Day 6: Lake Mutanda Exploration & Community Visit
Spend the day at leisure by the lake. You may choose to canoe or take a boat ride on Lake Mutanda’s crystal-clear waters, where fishermen in traditional dugout canoes share stories of life on the lake. Enjoy panoramic views of the Virunga volcanoes in the distance, and visit nearby communities to interact with locals and learn about their daily lives. It’s also a perfect day to unwind, sip coffee, and reflect on your safari experience.
Meals & Overnight: Lake Mutanda Resort
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The highlight of your safari arrives today – gorilla trekking in Bwindi. After an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting out in small groups to track one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek may take between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once located, you will spend a magical hour observing them feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat. This experience is emotional, humbling, and unforgettable. Afterward, return to your lodge for a relaxed evening.
Meals & Overnight: Lake Mutanda Resort
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali – City Tour & Departure
After breakfast, cross into Rwanda and drive through scenic hills and valleys towards Kigali. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving tribute to Rwanda’s history. Depending on your flight schedule, you may also explore Kimironko Market, art galleries, and local craft centers before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Optional Shoebill Tracking & Botanical Gardens Visit
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your private guide and transferred to your guesthouse. Located along the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe offers a serene start to your adventure. You may opt for a guided excursion to Mabamba Swamp in search of the elusive Shoebill stork — one of Uganda’s most iconic birds — or take a gentle walk through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, home to monkeys, colorful flora, and over 100 bird species. Relax in the evening with a hearty dinner and rest at your lakeside accommodation.
Meals: Half Board
Accommodation: The Boma Hotel, Entebbe
Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, journey westward to Lake Mburo National Park. En route, pause at the Uganda Equator monument in Kayabwe for photos and a short demonstration of the Coriolis effect. As the landscape transitions, admire the sight of long-horned Ankole cattle grazing in expansive fields. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge, perched atop rocky outcrops with panoramic views of the savannah. In the late afternoon, embark on an exciting game drive through the park. Spot zebras, elands, impalas, topis, warthogs, and possibly leopards before returning for a starlit dinner.
Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Day 3: Nature Walk in Lake Mburo – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Rise early for a guided nature walk that brings you incredibly close to the park’s wildlife on foot. Walk alongside giraffes, zebras, and antelopes while listening to the calls of birds and the stories of the land from your ranger guide. After this refreshing wilderness experience, set off for the mountainous southwestern region of Uganda, driving through lush landscapes, rolling hills, and vast tea plantations. As you approach Bwindi, the air becomes cooler and mist blankets the forest. Arrive at your eco-lodge nestled on the edge of the forest, a perfect base for the gorilla trekking experience.
Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Batwa Cultural Experience
This is the pinnacle of your safari. After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing. You’ll be assigned to a gorilla family and guided through dense forest trails by expert trackers. The trek may take anywhere from 1 to 7 hours depending on the gorillas’ location, and the terrain is often steep and muddy. Once you find them, spend a magical hour observing their interactions, feeding, and social behavior — a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, take an optional community visit led by Batwa guides. These former forest dwellers share their unique cultural heritage, storytelling, traditional dances, and survival techniques once used in the forest.
Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Day 5: Transfer to Ishasha Sector – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Leave Bwindi and travel north to the remote Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. On arrival, enjoy a game drive through the fig-tree-dotted plains as you search for lions lounging in the branches, herds of buffalo, elephants, and topis grazing across the open plains. Stay overnight in a rustic safari lodge overlooking the wilderness.
Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Topi Lodge, Ishasha
Day 6: Morning Game Drive – Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Begin the day with an early game drive in the northern Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is known for its large lion prides, Uganda kobs, and other grazers that attract predators. After the game drive, enjoy lunch and head to Mweya Peninsula for a scenic boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This 2-hour voyage offers close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, bathing elephants, and a host of bird species like pelicans, cormorants, and African fish eagles.
Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge – Optional Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, descend into the Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking. The lush, tropical rainforest within this sunken valley is home to a habituated group of chimpanzees. Enjoy the experience of watching them swing, play, and forage among the trees. Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch. You may choose to relax or join an optional evening game drive for another chance to spot the elusive leopards and nocturnal species of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Meals: Full Board
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge
Day 8: Return to Entebbe via Fort Portal & Kampala
After your final breakfast in the wild, embark on a scenic drive back to Entebbe. Your journey passes through Fort Portal, a charming town near the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, and continues through the bustling capital city of Kampala. Enjoy en-route views of tea plantations, crater lakes, and traditional homesteads. Arrive in Entebbe in time for your evening departure flight or an additional overnight stay at your request.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 1: Scenic Flight to Bwindi & Optional Nature Activities
Your adventure begins with a scheduled domestic flight from Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip, cutting down the long drive to Bwindi Forest. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your driver-guide and transferred through lush countryside to your lodge on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Depending on your arrival time and energy levels, optional activities like a community visit, birding walk, or a short hike to the waterfalls can help you stretch your legs and adjust to the forest environment.
Overnight at: Buhoma Lodge
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Ishasha Sector
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off into the dense, mist-covered forest. The trek can take between 2 to 8 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family, but the reward is a magical 1-hour encounter with these gentle giants—watching them play, feed, and interact.
Following this life-changing experience, you’ll drive south to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its population of tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your safari camp nestled in the wild.
Overnight at: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel
Rise early for a rewarding game drive through Ishasha’s open savannah plains. Watch out for lions lounging in fig trees, grazing herds of buffaloes and topis, large elephant bulls, and flocks of savannah birds. After a hearty lunch, travel northward through the Maramagambo Forest to the Mweya region.
In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This natural stretch of water teems with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous birds including kingfishers, herons, and African fish eagles. It’s a relaxed way to view wildlife from a new perspective.
Overnight at: Buffalo Safari Lodge
Day 4: Kyambura Gorge Nature Walk & Optional Game Drive
This morning, visit the enchanting Kyambura Gorge—a green gash in the earth known for its chimpanzee population. Accompanied by a ranger, walk through this rainforest corridor and listen to the calls of birds and monkeys as you try to locate the elusive chimpanzees.
Return to your lodge for relaxation and enjoy the tranquil setting, or opt for an evening game drive in the northern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park for a final opportunity to spot lions, elephants, and Uganda Kobs.
Overnight at: Buffalo Safari Lodge
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & Night Game Drive
After breakfast, set off for Lake Mburo National Park—a smaller yet incredibly picturesque savannah park characterized by acacia woodlands, open plains, and lakes. On your way in, enjoy a short introductory game drive, spotting zebras, impalas, elands, warthogs, and giraffes.
After checking in and unwinding at your eco-lodge, prepare for an exciting night game drive. With luck, you may spot nocturnal wildlife such as leopards, hyenas, bush babies, and genets under the guidance of a knowledgeable ranger.
Overnight at: Mihingo Lodge
Day 6: Morning Walking Safari & Return to Entebbe
Start your day with a guided nature walk—the best way to quietly observe wildlife and learn about the flora and fauna of the park. Your guide will interpret animal tracks, bird calls, and indigenous plants during this immersive 2–3-hour walk.
Later, depart for Entebbe with a stop at the Equator for photos, souvenir shopping, and lunch. Arrive at the airport or your hotel in the early evening, concluding your unforgettable Ugandan adventure.