Introduction
Uganda is a breathtaking country with some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet — seriously, you might make friends before you even finish your first cup of coffee. Its landscapes are wildly diverse, from the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains to the vast, sparkling expanse of Lake Victoria.
Wildlife here is abundant and always ready to put on a show. Think chimpanzees swinging through the trees and colourful birds that seem to compete for attention. In the southwest, the remote Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to mountain gorillas — yes, the giants of the forest that will make your heart skip a beat. Up north, Murchison Falls National Park wows with a dramatic 43-meter waterfall and wildlife, from hippos lazing in the water to predators quietly plotting their next move.
Destination
Entebbe
Day 1 - 2
Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe lies 40 km south of Kampala, Uganda's bustling capital. As the country’s primary gateway, it serves as both a peaceful retreat and a starting point for exploring Uganda's natural wonders. The city sits in a lush landscape, with sprawling green spaces and a shoreline dotted with fishing villages. The Entebbe Botanical Gardens, established in 1898, showcase a wide variety of plant species, from indigenous tropical forest to cultivated horticultural displays. The gardens are home to a diverse bird population, including the palm nut vulture and giant kingfisher, and provide a haven for primates like the black-and-white colobus. A short trip west leads to the Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar Wetland, where visitors can explore by dugout canoe in search of the rare shoebill stork. Lake Victoria itself invites fishing, leisurely cruises, and excursions to Ngamba Island, a sanctuary for orphaned chimpanzees, where visitors can observe the chimps roaming freely across 40 hectares of forested land.
Experiences
Day 1
The Guineafowl • Entebbe
Day Notes
After arriving at Entebbe Airport, your hotel driver will meet you and take you to your hotel — just a 15-minute drive to start your Ugandan adventure.
Destination
Kidepo Valley National Park
Day 2 - 4
One of Uganda’s most stunningly beautiful reserves, the remote Kidepo Valley National Park stretches across the Karamoja region of northeast Uganda. Broad swathes of savannah are studded with hills and rock clusters, traversed by the forest-flanked Lorupei River. The park is home to roughly 80 mammal species, 28 of which are found at no other park in the country, and is particularly well known for its rich population of raptors, as well as over 450 species of bird. Visitors can look forward to excellent wildlife sightings including greater and lesser kudu, eland, lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, and a variety of plains game.
Experiences
Day 2
Kidepo Savannah Lodge • Kidepo Valley National Park
Day Notes
The day begins early with a sunrise breakfast, a quiet moment before the adventure kicks off. Then it’s time to hit the road to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the majestic white rhinos. A friendly ranger will give you a quick briefing before you set off on on-foot rhino trekking, getting up close to these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
After this unforgettable morning, the journey continues to Kidepo, where you’ll arrive at your lodge in the early evening — the perfect place to unwind, swap stories, and prepare for the adventures that lie ahead.
Day 3
Day Notes
At 7:00, your walking safari begins. Together with your guide, you’ll trek about 5 kilometres through the rolling hills surrounding the park, keeping your eyes and ears open for wildlife along the way.
In the afternoon, switch gears for a game drive to explore more of the park — hopefully spotting some of Kidepo’s famous residents! The park is known for its magnificent landscapes, vast herds of buffalo, and its surprising number of predators, from lions and leopards to cheetahs.
If time allows, you can round off the day with a visit to one of the surrounding villages, getting a glimpse of local life in this remarkable region.
Destination
Murchison Falls National Park
Day 4 - 6
Stretching from the shores of Lake Albert, Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest National Park. The Nile River flows through the middle of the park creating the impressive Murchison Falls which is the park’s major attraction. The landscape features dense rainforest, undulating savannah and a diversity of abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy prime game-viewing along the Buligi Circuit. The forests are home to numerous primates, including Chimpanzees, and near the river, buffalo, elephants and Rothschild-Giraffes can be seen. Other commonly spotted wildlife include: lions, antelope, waterbucks, hippos and crocodiles.
Experiences
Day 4
Murchison River Lodge • Murchison Falls National Park
Day Notes
Before leaving Kidepo, enjoy a short morning game drive, giving you one last chance to spot wildlife in this spectacular park. Then, it’s time to hit the road for Murchison Falls National Park, a journey of 6 to 7 hours through ever-changing landscapes, from rolling savannahs to lush river valleys — the perfect prelude to your next adventure.
Included
All activities
Day 5
Day Notes
The day starts early — 6:00 AM alarm, and by 7:00 you’re off on a morning game drive through the park. The animals are just waking up, so keep your eyes peeled for hippos, buffalo, and maybe even a glimpse of elephants before returning to the lodge for a well-earned lunch.
At 2:00 PM, it’s time for a boat trip along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. Over the next three hours, glide past hippos lounging in the water, crocodiles basking on the banks, and herds of buffalo grazing nearby. If you’re feeling adventurous and in good shape, there’s the option to hike from the bottom of the falls to the top — steep, slippery, and challenging, but the views are unforgettable.
After the boat trip (and hike, if you dared), return to the lodge for dinner, sharing stories of the day’s wildlife encounters and adventures.
Included
All activities
Destination
Kibale Forest National Park
Day 6 - 8
Located in southern Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park is said to be home to the highest density of primates in Africa. Although the highlight of the park is the habituated chimpanzees, the treetops are alive with all manner of monkey including: red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest's monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus and black and white colobus monkeys are all spotted here. When you’re not searching for monkeys there are over 300 bird species and an incredible 250 species of butterfly to keep you busy. Visitors can look forward to chimpanzee tracking, birding tours and guided nature walks.
Experiences
Day 6
Turaco Treetops • Kibale Forest National Park
Day Notes
Today is a full day of travel as you make your way to Kibale Forest National Park. The journey is long, but the scenery along the way is ever-changing — rolling hills, patchwork farmland, and lush green landscapes slowly giving way to the forests near Fort Portal. Take in the views, stretch your legs at a lunch stop, and enjoy the anticipation building for the wildlife adventures that await in the forest.
By the end of the day, you’ll arrive at your lodge, ready to relax and recharge for the chimpanzee trek ahead.
Included
All activities
Day 7
Day Notes
Today it’s time to go in search of the chimpanzees in Kibale National Park. Your morning begins at the rangers’ post with a short briefing before stepping into the rainforest. Then the trek starts. The walk can be challenging at times, so sturdy shoes are a must — and a poncho might come in handy if the forest decides to surprise you.
Move quietly and listen carefully. Often, you’ll hear the chimps before you see them. The rangers are experts at tracking, so chances are high that you’ll come face to face with these lively forest residents.
After the chimp trek, there’s time to relax in the garden of the resort. If you’re still feeling energetic, you can take a walk to “Top of the World”, where sweeping views over the surrounding landscape and crater lakes await.
After lunch, the adventure continues with a walk through the marshlands. This area is rich in bird life, and with a bit of luck, you might even spot a few monkeys along the way.
Included
Chimpanzee trekking
Expert Tips
When going for Chimp trekking keep in mind there are some rules to abide to:
Abide by the Ranger’s instructions and input at the orientation and during the Trek.
Keep a Distance of at least 8 meters between you and the chimpanzees
No Provoking of our closest cousins.
No consuming of food or drinks, no smoking in the presence of the primates.
Visitors with flues, colds, diarrhoea or other illnesses cannot trek Chimpanzees.
No Flash Photography since that will startle Chimpanzees.
Destination
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 8 - 10
Located in southwestern Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the county’s most popular parks. Volcanic craters, grassy plains, tropical forest and giant lakes connected by a channel inhabited by abundant hippos, are what you will see at the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park has almost 100 types of mammal and 606 different bird species, including the peculiar shoe-bill. The Kasinga Channel alone is said to contain the world's largest concentration of hippos, and other wildlife includes buffalo, the rare aquatic sitatunga antelope, giant forest hog, Uganda kob, Defassa water-buck and elephant. Don't miss the Kyambura Gorge, which is home to habituated chimpanzees.
Experiences
Day 8
The Bush Lodge • Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day Notes
Today, the safari continues as you make your way to Queen Elizabeth National Park. After lunch, it’s time to swap wheels for water and head out on a boat ride along the Kazinga Channel.
During this three-hour cruise, you’ll glide past pods of hippos lounging in the water, crocodiles basking on the banks, buffalo grazing nearby, and an impressive variety of water birds. Keep your eyes open — with a bit of luck, even an elephant might wander into view along the shoreline.
Included
All activities
Day 9
Day Notes
The day begins with an early morning game drive, when the park is at its most alive and wildlife is on the move. After a relaxed lunch, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure — or, if you’re eager for more adventure, head out on another game drive to explore the crater lakes and hidden corners of the park.
Either way, it’s a perfect balance of wildlife, scenery, and time to slow down and soak it all in.
Destination
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Day 10 - 12
Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is said to be Africa’s oldest rain-forest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities - the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges. The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance. Aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other draw-cards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot, and a variety of brightly-coloured butterflies to identify.
Experiences
Day 10
Bweza Gorilla Lodge • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Day Notes
After an early breakfast, you continue to the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park: Ishasha. This remote area is famous for its tree-climbing lions, so keep your eyes trained on the branches as you drive through the landscape.
Once you arrive in Ishasha, the search begins for the best climbing trees — and with a bit of luck, you might just spot lions lounging high above the ground.
By the late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your next accommodation, ready to relax and reflect on another day full of safari moments.
Day 11
Day Notes
Today is gorilla day. After breakfast, you head to the rangers’ post for a briefing — a quiet moment of preparation before the adventure begins. Then, it’s time to set off in search of the mountain gorillas.
Depending on where the gorilla family is located, the trek can take a few hours. The terrain is mountainous, so sturdy walking shoes are essential — but every step is rewarded by the anticipation of what lies ahead. Coming face to face with these gentle giants is an experience that stays with you forever.
After this unforgettable encounter, return to the lodge to relax, reflect, and relive the moment while viewing your photos.
Note: If there was no time to visit the Batwa community earlier in the trip, there is an opportunity to plan this experience today.
Expert Tips
When you are with the gorillas:
A 7 meter (21 feet) distance should tried to be observed at all times from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
You must stay in tight group whey you are near the gorillas.
Keep your voices down at all times. However, it is okay to ask the guide questions.
Do not smoke, drink or eat when you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guides example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk.
Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures move slowly and carefully.
Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit early.
After the visit keep your voices down until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.
General health rules:
Remember that mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following rules are ways to minimise the risk your visit might poses to them:
Respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimises the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.
If you are feeling ill, or you are carrying a contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternate visit will be arranged for you, or you will be refunded your money.
If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimise the spread of bacteria or viruses.
Always stay 7 meters (21 feet) away from the gorillas. This is to protect them from catching human diseases.
Do not leave any rubbish (eg. food wrappers) in the park; foreign items can harbour diseases or other contaminants.
If you need to go to the toilet while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga. Make sure the hole is 30 cm deep and fill it in when you are finished.
What to bring on your Gorilla Safari:
Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes.
Carry a packed lunch and enough drinking water.
Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather is unpredictable) and insect repellent.
Destination
Lake Mutanda
Day 12 - 14
Situated in Uganda, Lake Mutanda is a small freshwater lake sandwiched between the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the Virunga Mountains. Set against a misty mountain backdrop, the picturesque lake is dotted with islands, and the surrounding landscape is scattered with wetland ecosystems and lakeside forests stretching up the mountain slopes which provide a safe habitat for the endangered mountain gorilla. Visitors can look forward to gorilla tracking, bird watching, lake lounging, volcano hiking, and paddling in a traditional dugout canoe.
Experiences
Day 12
Mutanda Lake Resort • Lake Mutanda
Day Notes
In the morning, you’ll check out and drive to Lake Mutanda, a place known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery. Take your time to soak it all in before heading out for a canoe ride in a traditional local canoe, gliding quietly over the water and enjoying the views all around you.
Day 13
Day Notes
Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park is one of Uganda’s most unique experiences. The hike can take 4 to 6 hours, leading you through a magical forest filled with lush greenery and stunning scenery at every turn.
After this special encounter, you’ll return to the lodge in the afternoon. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure — the perfect time to relax, reflect, and soak in the peaceful surroundings.
Destination
Lake Mburo National Park
Day 14 - 16
Situated in southwestern Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park is a compact and easily accessible gem, renowned for its striking biodiversity. Nearly seventy mammal species and more than 300 bird species thrive in its mix of forests, swamps and rolling grasslands. The landscape blends open savanna with rocky ridges, forested gorges and pockets of dense woodland, creating a rich habitat for wildlife. Crocodiles, hippos and abundant water birds gather around the park’s five lakes, with Lake Mburo the largest. Visitors frequently spot impala, oribi, eland, zebra, buffalo, Defassa water-buck, reed-buck, hyena and occasionally leopard. It’s a rewarding destination for travellers seeking varied scenery and accessible wildlife viewing.
Experiences
Day 14
Rwakobo Rock • Lake Mburo National Park
Day Notes
Lake Mburo National Park is known for having one of the highest concentrations of leopards in Uganda. During an evening game drive, your chances of spotting this elusive and elegant predator are at their best — a thrilling way to end the day as the park slowly slips into twilight.
Included
All activities
Day 15
Day Notes
In the morning, set out on a walking safari through the park, experiencing the wildlife up close and at a slower, more intimate pace.
In the afternoon, it’s time to slow things down — relax by the pool and enjoy a boat trip on the lake, taking in the peaceful scenery and reflecting on the adventures of the past days.
Included
All activities
Day 16
Day Notes
With a stop at the Equator along the way, you’ll drive back to Entebbe, slowly closing the chapter on your Ugandan adventure.
If time allows before your return flight, there’s an optional visit to Mabamba Swamp, where you can search for the elusive shoe-bill stork — a final wildlife highlight for those who can’t get enough.
Afterwards, you’ll head to Entebbe Airport to check in for your flight home, carrying memories and stories that will stay with you long after the journey ends.
Includes
All activities
Transport in 4x4 Toyota Land-cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof
English speaking guide
Gorilla permits @ $ 800,- usd per person
Chimpanzee permits @ $ 250,- usd per person
Golden monkey tracking @ $ 100,- usd per person
Accommodation in mid-range and semi-luxe accommodation in a double room including meals
All taxes
Excludes
Drinks
Personal expenditures
Tips
