Overview

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, on this immersive 16-day safari adventure. This handcrafted itinerary takes you deep into Uganda’s most iconic national parks and cultural landscapes, offering an extraordinary blend of primate encounters, Big Five game viewing, scenic beauty, and local heritage. Your journey begins with an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in the mystical jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, followed by a thrilling search for the tree-climbing lions in the wild plains of Ishasha. Continue to the renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park for classic African game drives and a spectacular boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, known for its dense population of hippos and elephants.

In the tranquil forests of Kibale National Park, you’ll track wild chimpanzees and explore the unique biodiversity of the Bigodi Swamp. The adventure intensifies in Murchison Falls National Park, where the mighty Nile River explodes through a narrow gorge – offering dramatic views, exciting game drives, and a boat cruise to the base of the falls. Complete your Big Five checklist with a guided rhino trek at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, then dive into the soul of Uganda with a Kampala city tour, exploring royal palaces, museums, mosques, and historic sites before concluding your journey in Entebbe. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, this journey promises an unforgettable combination of wildlife, culture, nature, and heart-stirring moments.

Tour Highlights

• Trek Among Giants – Stand face-to-face with the majestic mountain gorillas in the ancient misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a bucket-list experience unlike any other on Earth.
• Witness the Tree-Climbing Kings – Venture into the wild plains of Ishasha Sector to spot the rare and iconic tree-climbing lions, lounging like royalty in fig trees.
• Sail the Wild Kazinga Channel – Glide past pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, and herds of elephants on one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich waterways in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Meet Our Closest Cousins – Trek through the lush Kibale Forest in search of playful chimpanzees and other primates in one of the highest primate-concentration zones in East Africa.
• Feel the Power of the Nile – Witness the thunderous Murchison Falls, where the world’s longest river is squeezed through a 7-meter gorge into a dramatic plunge—pure raw nature at its best.
• Walk with Rhinos – Complete your Big Five checklist with an unforgettable on-foot rhino tracking experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a powerful conservation success story.
• Dive into Uganda’s Soul – Explore the rich cultural tapestry of Kampala with visits to the Kabaka’s Palace, Uganda Museum, Gaddafi Mosque, and more.
• Sleep in Style Across Uganda – Stay in a hand-picked collection of eco-lodges, charming safari accommodations, and boutique retreats that blend comfort with authenticity.
• Scenic Beauty at Every Turn – From rolling highlands and volcanic landscapes to lush rainforests and wide savannahs, each day reveals a new canvas of Uganda’s breathtaking diversity.
• Expert-Guided & Seamless Travel – Be guided by seasoned local experts who ensure every moment is safe, smooth, and full of discovery.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport – Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, typically in the evening, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional driver-guide. After a brief introduction, you’ll be transferred to your comfortable hotel in Kigali, just a short drive from the airport. Take this evening to rest and recover from your journey as you prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure through the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Centric Hotel

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, check out and begin your day with a meaningful visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Museum, a powerful tribute to Rwanda’s history and resilience. From there, embark on a scenic drive southward to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest and most biologically rich rainforests in East and Central Africa.

Nyungwe is a haven for biodiversity lovers, boasting over 13 species of primates, including colobus monkeys, mangabeys, blue monkeys, and chimpanzees. The park is also a birder’s paradise, home to more than 300 recorded bird species, with 26 endemics to the Albertine Rift.

Enjoy lunch en route or at the lodge, depending on timing. Upon arrival, check in and unwind at your lodge, which offers sweeping views of the forest. In the late afternoon, you may opt for a guided community walk to interact with local residents and experience Rwanda’s vibrant culture.

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Afternoon Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Start your day with an early morning breakfast, then head into Nyungwe Forest National Park at 5:00 AM for an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience. As you journey through the dense rainforest, you may also encounter Colobus monkeys, vibrant bird species, butterflies, and other forest dwellers. Witness the playful and intelligent behavior of chimpanzees – our closest relatives – as they swing through trees, communicate, and interact in their natural habitat. It’s a heart-stirring encounter you’ll never forget.

In the afternoon, embark on an exciting canopy walk, suspended over a deep gorge in the forest. This 1.5-hour guided walk offers a bird’s-eye view of the forest and its treetop inhabitants. Look out for blue monkeys, exotic birds, and panoramic views of one of Africa’s most ancient rainforests.

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Guardians Village Experience

After breakfast, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty surrounding your lodge before checking out. You’ll then set off on a scenic drive northeast to Musanze, a charming town nestled near the Virunga Volcanoes, and gateway to Volcanoes National Park.

En route, you may stop exploring the Musanze Caves, which are believed to be over 65 million years old. Formed by ancient lava flows from the Albertine Rift Valley, these caves offer a unique window into Rwanda’s fascinating geological history.

Later in the afternoon, immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich culture at the Gorilla Guardians Village. This authentic community experience allows you to engage with local people and gain insights into traditional Rwandan life. Enjoy storytelling, music, dance performances, and guided village walks – an inspiring and respectful exchange that celebrates cultural heritage.

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge.

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 5: Mount Bisoke Volcano Hike – Adventure Amidst the Virunga Mountains

After an early breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the Kinigi Park Headquarters in Volcanoes National Park for a 7:00 AM briefing and registration ahead of your Mount Bisoke hike. Following the briefing, you will be driven to the hike’s starting point – located off-road and accessible via rugged terrain – where you’ll begin your ascent with the assistance of experienced mountain guides and optional porters.

Mount Bisoke, an extinct volcano in the Virunga range, stands at 3,711 meters above sea level and features a stunning crater lake at its summit. The hike typically takes between 3 to 5 hours depending on pace and weather conditions. As you reach the peak, enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes, the lush forest below, and the shimmering crater lake – an ideal setting for memorable photos. After descending the volcano and meeting your driver-guide at the base, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch and return to your lodge for relaxation and recovery.

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 6: Scenic Transfer to Uganda – Arrival in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, check out from your lodge around 8:00 AM and begin your cross-border journey into Uganda, heading towards the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This scenic drive takes you through rolling hills, lush countryside, and vibrant local villages, offering ample opportunities for photography and cultural encounters along the way.

Depending on timing, lunch will be served either as a packed meal or at a selected stop en route. You’ll arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, set against the magnificent backdrop of Bwindi’s ancient tropical rainforest, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Settle in and enjoy a relaxed evening as you prepare for the next day’s unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Gorilla Hills Ecolodge

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – A Life-Changing Encounter

Rise early for a hearty breakfast, then prepare for one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences on earth – mountain gorilla trekking. With your picnic lunch packed, you’ll be transferred to the Bwindi park headquarters for a detailed briefing by expert local guides and trackers. Here, you’ll learn the rules and etiquette for gorilla tracking in the wild.

Your trek begins from the point where the gorilla family was last spotted the evening before. The trek can last anywhere between 1 to 6 hours, depending on the movements of the gorillas and the terrain – often reaching altitudes of over 7,500 feet. Once you locate the gorillas, you’ll be allowed to spend a magical hour in their presence. Observe their social behavior, gentle interactions, and sheer majesty as they move peacefully through their natural habitat – an awe-inspiring moment that will remain etched in your heart forever. After your trek in Bwindi, return to the lodge for a well-earned rest surrounded by the serenity of the rainforest.

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Gorilla Hills Ecolodge.

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 8: Journey to Ishasha – Home of the Tree-Climbing Lions

After breakfast, check out and drive to the Ishasha Sector in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its rare and iconic tree-climbing lions. This scenic journey brings you through lush landscapes and remote wilderness, rich in biodiversity and dramatic scenery.

Upon arrival, enjoy an exciting game drive through the Ishasha plains. Keep your eyes peeled for the legendary lions lounging in the branches of ancient fig trees, a sight few places in the world can offer. You’ll also encounter other savannah wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, antelope species, and a variety of birdlife. After your wildlife drive, head to your lodge for lunch and relaxation amid the natural beauty of the park.

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Enjojo Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 9: Morning Game Drive in Ishasha & Scenic Transfer to Kyambura Sector

Begin your day with an early breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive in the Ishasha Sector, a remote and unspoiled area of Queen Elizabeth National Park renowned for its scenic beauty and rich wildlife. You may catch another glimpse of the tree-climbing lions along with elephants, Topis, and a variety of birdlife in the open savannah.

After the game drive, embark on a journey northward to the Kyambura area of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This sector offers panoramic views of the Kyambura Gorge and the surrounding landscapes, setting the stage for your next wildlife adventure.

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Buffalo Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 10: Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains & Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel

After an early breakfast, set out for a thrilling morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Expect sightings of elephants, lions, buffaloes, and large herds of Uganda Kobs, as well as warthogs, hyenas, and various antelope species.

In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This two-hour cruise offers one of the highest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles in Africa. You’ll also spot elephants bathing at the shores and an incredible diversity of birds, including pelicans, kingfishers, fish eagles, and more. As the day winds down, take an optional guided walk along the Kyambura Rift Valley – a stunning geological feature known as the “Valley of Apes” – before returning to your lodge for the evening.

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Buffalo Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 11: Scenic Transfer to Kibale & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Kibale National Park, often referred to as the primate capital of the world. The journey offers picturesque views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and charming Ugandan countryside.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. In the afternoon, head out for a guided nature walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, an eco-tourism haven managed by the local community. This rich swamp is home to an abundance of wildlife, including various primates, exotic birds like the Great Blue Turaco, and a vibrant array of butterflies and plant life. It’s an excellent introduction to the biodiversity of the Kibale region.

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Turaco Treetops Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 12: Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure in Kibale Forest

Today promises a highlight of your safari – chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll report to the park headquarters for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority guides and trackers. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and is the best place in East Africa for close-up encounters with these intelligent primates.

The guided trek through the lush tropical forest can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the chimpanzees’ location. Once located, you’ll spend a magical hour observing their behavior as they feed, play, groom, and swing effortlessly through the canopy. Kibale Forest is also home to 13 species of primates, making it the most diverse in all of Africa. Look out for red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, and more. After your trek, return to the lodge to relax and reflect on your extraordinary day in the forest.

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Turaco Treetops Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 13: Scenic Transfer to Murchison Falls & Visit the Iconic Top of the Falls

After breakfast, check out of the lodge and begin a picturesque 6-hour road journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest national park. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful countryside vistas and stop for a delicious lunch en route.

Upon entering the park, you’ll be welcomed by its scenic savannah landscapes and may spot wildlife like warthogs, baboons, and antelopes roaming freely. The highlight of the day is a visit to the Top of Murchison Falls – a dramatic natural spectacle where the mighty River Nile forces through a narrow 7-meter gorge, thundering down a 42-meter drop into the Devil’s Cauldron below. Witnessing over 300 cubic meters of water per second crash through this rocky cleft is an awe-inspiring experience with unforgettable photo opportunities. After soaking in the power and beauty of the falls, enjoy a slow game-viewing drive as you make your way to the lodge for dinner and a restful overnight stay.

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 14: Game Drive & Boat Safari to the Bottom of Murchison Falls

particularly the wildlife-rich northern sector. With luck, you may encounter lions, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, waterbucks, Jackson’s hartebeests, or even the elusive leopard. The early morning hours offer the best light for photography and high chances of predator sightings.

After a well-deserved lunch and some relaxation, the afternoon features one of the park’s most iconic experiences: a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. This safari offers up-close encounters with pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, herds of elephants, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife, all drawn to the riverbanks to drink and graze. The cruise culminates at the base of the thunderous falls – a dramatic finale to your day’s adventure. Return to the lodge for a delightful dinner and overnight.

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 15: Transfer to Kampala via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After an early breakfast, check out of the lodge and begin your scenic journey from Murchison Falls National Park to Kampala, with an exciting stop en route at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – the only place in Uganda where you can see wild rhinos. At Ziwa, enjoy a guided rhino trekking experience on foot, led by expert rangers who will safely guide you through the bush to observe these endangered giants up close in their natural habitat. This memorable encounter completes your quest for the Big Five in Uganda – rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo.

After this thrilling experience, relax over a delicious lunch at the sanctuary before continuing your journey to Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital city. Upon arrival, check in to your charming hotel and enjoy your final evening in the vibrant heart of Uganda.

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Latitude 0 Degree Hotel

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 16: Kampala City Tour & Departure via Entebbe International Airport

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up for a fascinating Kampala City Tour, offering a cultural and historical perspective of Uganda’s capital. Highlights of the tour include:

• Kabaka’s Palace at Bulange Mengo – the official residence of the King of the Buganda Kingdom
• The Former Amin Torture Chambers – a sobering historical site
• Uganda Museum – showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage
• Gaddafi National Mosque – climb the minaret for panoramic views of the city

After the city exploration, enjoy lunch in Kampala and then transfer to Entebbe International Airport in time for your outbound flight, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through the Pearl of Africa.

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)