Day 1 – Arrival in Uganda
You arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your guide will welcome you. You will be transferred to a forest lodge near Entebbe to relax and recover from your journey. This is a great chance to enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Murchison Falls Adventure
Drive north toward Murchison Falls, stopping in Masindi for lunch. En route, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see endangered rhinos in a safe environment. Upon arrival at Murchison Falls, take a short trek to the top of the falls to witness where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge, crashing powerfully below. Spend the night at Sambiya River Lodge, enjoying the serene riverside views.
Accommodation: Sambiya River Lodge
Day 3 – Nile River Boat Cruise and Game Drive
Begin the day with an early morning game drive, spotting lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, hippos, and occasionally leopards. After lunch, embark on a two-hour boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. During the cruise, you will see large groups of hippos and an array of waterbirds. Return to Sambiya River Lodge for dinner and rest.
Accommodation: Sambiya River Lodge
Day 4 – Journey to Fort Portal and Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel southwest through the beautiful Albertine Escarpment, stopping for lunch at Mountains of the Moon Hotel in Fort Portal, which overlooks stunning landscapes. Continue to the Mweya Peninsula in Queen Elizabeth National Park and enjoy an afternoon game drive in this wildlife-rich park. The scenery combines rolling savannah, wetlands, and crater lakes.
Accommodation: Ihamba Lakeside Resort
Day 5 – Wildlife and Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start the morning with a game drive to spot lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, warthogs, and waterbucks. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the Albertine Rift endemics and many other species. In the afternoon, take a relaxing two-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos and Nile crocodiles, as well as numerous bird species.
Accommodation: Ihamba Lakeside Resort
Day 6 – Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Today, head to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee trekking. Observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat, moving through the forest and interacting socially. Later, explore Maramagambo Forest with a guided evening walk to discover bat caves and possibly spot forest predators such as pythons. Return to Ihamba Lakeside Resort for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Ihamba Lakeside Resort
Day 7 – Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions and Batwa Cultural Walk
Drive south through Ishasha, a region known for its tree-climbing lions, stopping for photographs and wildlife viewing. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, having lunch at Bwindi Gorilla Resort. In the evening, enjoy a community walk with the Batwa people, learning about their culture, traditions, and enjoying local entertainment.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Day 8 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla tracking. Accompanied by experienced guides, trek through the lush forest in search of the Bwindi mountain gorillas. Depending on their location, the trek may take a few hours. Spending time with these magnificent primates is an unforgettable experience. Return to Rushaga Gorilla Camp for lunch, dinner, and overnight.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Day 9 – Return to Kampala and Departure
Depart Bwindi and drive back to Kampala, stopping in Mbarara for lunch. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour of Kampala, exploring the capital’s vibrant streets, markets, and landmarks. Finally, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight or to your accommodation if you are staying longer in Uganda.