Uganda – The Pearl of Africa
Explore emerald forests, crater lakes, wide savannahs and a ribbon of river that becomes the mighty Nile
Uganda is one of Africa’s most rewarding surprises, a country of emerald forests, crater lakes, wide savannahs and a ribbon of river that becomes the mighty Nile. This journey follows Uganda’s classic western circuit, blending primates and big game with genuine cultural encounters and some wonderfully scenic travel along the way.
You’ll begin with an easy overnight in Entebbe before flying into the highlands of Bwindi for the highlight many travellers dream of: gorilla trekking in the ancient rainforest. From there, it’s a beautifully varied flow, a Batwa cultural experience, birding in pocket forests, a guided hike across Bwindi, and then classic safari time in Queen Elizabeth National Park (including the famous Kazinga Channel). Next comes the primate capital of Kibale, and finally the sweeping landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park, where game-rich plains meet dramatic river scenery and thundering falls.
Daily activities are planned as a guide and can be adapted to your pace, weather conditions, wildlife movements, and the natural rhythm of travelling in Africa, with your guide and lodge teams helping refine the details as you go.
Experience The Highlights
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrival and Overnight in Entebbe
Arrive in Entebbe as per your international flight and transfer to your lodge. This is a gentle landing day, time to unwind, enjoy the lakeside setting, and ease into Uganda.
Additional Options for Day 1
Optional Activity
Optional in the afternoon (departure from the hotel at 14.30/15.00 hours): departure by car to Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places for spotting the rare shoebill storks. The chances of spotting this rare and unusual bird are quite good. Many other water birds have also chosen this area as their home, so birding is always very interesting.
- Accommodation: Entebbe Forest Lodge
- Meals: D
Day 2: Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Hike and Canoe across Lake Mutanda
After breakfast, fly into the southwest and travel onward to Bwindi’s southern sector.
Today is designed to be immersive and scenic: a community hike (around 9 km / 2–3 hours) followed by a relaxed dugout canoe across beautiful Lake Mutanda (around 1.5–2 hours), before returning to the lodge.
Prefer a slower day? You can opt to drive directly to the lake and enjoy the canoe experience.
- Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge – Luxury Forest Suite
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
An early start for one of Africa’s most moving wildlife encounters.
You’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your trek, with the route and duration guided by the gorillas’ movements on the day. After your time with the gorillas, return to the lodge to relax and relive it all.
The beauty of this rainforest is spectacular. The area offers a dramatic, steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense, but is crisscrossed by numerous animal trails, allowing tourists access. The time taken and the terrain vary as per the movements of these great primates.
The thrill of spending time observing these gentle and endangered giants is an awesome, exciting experience to be long-savoured. Many find it to be a rare and moving opportunity.
Late afternoon option: a stroll through the community centre or a drive up to “Top of the World” for sweeping views.
- Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge – Luxury Forest Suite
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Batwa Tribe Visit and Birding
Batwa Tribe Visit and Birding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Start the day with birding in the Nombe pocket forest, a wonderfully rich area for forest species.
Later, enjoy the Buniga forest trail combined with a Batwa cultural experience — “Keepers of the Forest” offering insight into one of Uganda’s most fascinating indigenous cultures and their deep connection to Bwindi.
- Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge – Luxury Forest Suite
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Hike Across Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (16 km) and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park
After a very early breakfast, drive along the Nteko Ridge to the junction of the Ivy River Trail and the forest (7 km), and then start the unforgettable hike across the forest (13 km–4-5 hours).
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a vast, unique natural reserve where monkeys, duikers, bush pigs, and some of Bwindi’s world-renowned bird species, plus many butterflies, can be sighted. If you are very lucky, you may even encounter gorillas!
Once part of a much larger forest that included the Virunga Volcanoes in neighbouring Rwanda, the park is nowadays an ecological island within a sea of villages and farmland. Its conservation importance is immense. The emphasis of this activity is for your walking guide to share his knowledge of the forest with you; it is not simply an A-to-B hike.
Upon arrival at the park headquarters in Buhoma, meet with the vehicle and depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park. The southern area of Ishasha is notably recognised for its resident ‘tree climbing’ lions, which are an exceptional attraction and one of the highlights of all safaris taken within the park. The lions can be spotted hanging on the branches of huge fig trees, whereas the Uganda Kob (which is the major food for these lions) grazes on the plains below. The drive takes
- Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp – Tent
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
A full day to enjoy Queen Elizabeth’s classic safari rhythm: game drives across the savannah and a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel, a wildlife-rich waterway linking Lakes George and Edward, renowned for hippos, elephants, birds, and excellent riverside game viewing.
- Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp – Tent
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Another full day to enjoy Queen Elizabeth’s National Park – Uganda’s national parks are well-protected and safe for tourists. Rangers and guides are highly trained, and all activities such as gorilla trekking, chimp trekking, game drives, boat cruises, and walking safaris follow strict safety rules.
- Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp – Tent
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Transfer to Kibale (Fort Portal)
Fort Portal and Kibale National Park
Travel north toward Kibale via Fort Portal (around 3 hours / 180 km).
If time allows, stretch your legs with a late afternoon walk to “Top of the World” for views over the Rwenzori Mountains, crater lakes, tea plantations and village life.
- Accommodation: Ndali Lodge
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Get up early on this Classic Primate Safari day and get to the trailhead for your chimpanzee tracking experience.
The density and diversity of primates in Kibale National Park are the highest in all of Africa. The most well-known of its 13 species are the chimpanzees, our closest relatives.
Kibale’s 1450-chimpanzee population of this threatened primate is Uganda’s biggest. Additionally, Kibale is home to the uncommon I’Hoest’s monkey as well as East Africa’s biggest population of the endangered red colobus monkey. The black and white colobus, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, olive baboon, grey-cheeked mangabey, bush baby, and potto are among the other primates.
The afternoon excursion to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a great example of a community-based approach to natural resource management, which can be of good economic benefit to the residents living within this area and to the tourism industry.
This sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers, and skilled birders can spot up to 50 new species on a bird list. Today, 138 species of birds have been recognised within the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, among them the Great Blue Turaco. Bigodi is also regularly visited by a diverse number of primate species from the nearby national park.
- Accommodation: Ndali Lodge
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park
After an early breakfast, travel to Murchison Falls National Park, where the Victoria Nile cuts through savannah and rift valley scenery.
The park’s centrepiece is the dramatic squeeze and plunge of the river over Murchison Falls, an unforgettable shift in landscape and mood for the final chapter of the trip.
- Accommodation: Nile Safari Lodge
- Meals: B, L, D
Days 11 – 12: Murchison Falls National Park Game Drives and Boat Safari
Murchison Falls National Park
Two full days to explore Murchison at its best: Early game drive toward the Victoria Nile Delta, followed by a boat trip through a spectacular wildlife-and-birding area (water levels permitting, a short, guided walk).
A boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, with the option to disembark and walk to the top for sweeping panoramas and close-up river drama.
Expect classic big-game moments, abundant birdlife, and that special river light photographers love.
- Accommodation: Nile Safari Lodge
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 13: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and travel to Entebbe
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and travel to Entebbe
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is Uganda’s only place where you can see white rhinos in the wild. Located in central Uganda, it’s a conservation success story, providing a safe habitat for rhinos that were once extinct in the country.
Visitors can enjoy guided rhino trekking, nature walks, bird watching, and get up-close encounters with these magnificent animals. It’s a perfect combination of adventure, wildlife education, and conservation impact.
- Accommodation: Entebbe Forest Lodge
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 14: Departure Day
Final Day – Farewell
Today we travel from Entebbe Forest Lodge to Entebbe International Airport for your departures.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey through Uganda. The tour may be ending, but the memories, friendships, and experiences you’ve made are just the beginning. Safe travels, and may the spirit of Uganda stay with you always!
- Accommodation: Entebbe Forest Lodge
- Meals: B, L, D
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Accommodation on This Tour
Accommodation overview: Where you will be staying on this tour.
Entebbe Forest Lodge
Entebbe, Uganda
Entebbe Forest Lodge offers a unique retreat nestled within a dense tropical forest on a secluded peninsula along Lake Victoria.
The lodge harmoniously blends luxury with nature conservation, featuring eco-designed wooden cabins elevated on stilts to preserve the surrounding environment.
Guests can indulge in modern comforts while being immersed in the tranquillity of the forest, waking up to the symphony of birdsong and enjoying panoramic lake views.
The main building, situated at the forest's edge, provides a restaurant, bar, and lounge with a cozy fireplace, all overlooking terraces, a swimming pool, and open lawns that lead to a spectacular drop to Lake Victoria.
The lodge offers a range of activities, including guided nature walks, birdwatching, kayaking, and visits to nearby chimpanzee sanctuaries.
Committed to sustainability, Entebbe Forest Lodge actively engages in forest conservation efforts and supports local biodiversity, working closely with local communities and conservation organizations to promote responsible tourism practices.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Room Type: Luxury Forest Suite
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, located in the park's southern section of Bwindi, provides superb accommodation and a base for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
The multi-award-winning eco-lodge offers mid-range to luxury forest escapes, offering multiple options for travellers, including private garden cottages, family villas, and luxury suites, nestled on a forested ridge with bewildering views of the rural landscape.
Luxury Forest Suite
The Forest Suites (approximately 77 square meters) have expansive windows with panoramic views of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, oversized beds, a private lounge and veranda providing ultimate privacy, and the presence of a private Butler servicing the suite. Maximum of 2 adults per room.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Room Type: Tent
This intimate and eco-friendly safari camp, located in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park, offers a unique experience in the wilderness.
Guests can enjoy luxury tented accommodation, delicious dining options, and guided safari activities to explore the natural surroundings and wildlife of the park.
The camp's prime location near the Ishasha sector provides opportunities for game drives to spot tree-climbing lions, elephants, and various bird species.
Relax in the lounge area or take a dip in the refreshing swimming pool while soaking in the stunning views of the savannah.
Tent
Set alongside the Ntungwe River, within the riverine forest, each of the camp’s tent-styled rooms has a private verandah overlooking the river.
Comfortably furnished with large mosquito-netted beds, all rooms are en suite with hot ‘bush’ showers, running water for hand-basins and a flushing ‘eco-friendly’ toilet.
Ndali Lodge
Fort Portal, Uganda
Perched on the rim of an extinct volcano overlooking the serene Lake Nyinambuga, Ndali Lodge offers a tranquil retreat in Uganda's picturesque Fort Portal region.
This family-run lodge features eight spacious, thatched cottages, each designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains from their private verandas, while the interiors boast comfortable furnishings and en-suite bathrooms equipped with both showers and standalone baths.
The main lodge houses a cozy lounge, dining area, and bar, all elegantly decorated with local crafts and illuminated by candlelight in the evenings, creating an intimate and relaxing atmosphere.
Ndali Lodge serves as an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions, including chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, guided walks around the crater lakes, and cultural visits to local communities.
The lodge's commitment to sustainability is evident through its use of solar power and support for local education initiatives. With its blend of rustic charm and modern comforts, Ndali Lodge provides an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation in Uganda's stunning landscapes.
Nile Safari Lodge
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
Nile Safari Lodge offers a luxurious and eco-friendly retreat along the southern bank of the River Nile in Uganda's Murchison Falls National Park.
Guests can enjoy breathtaking river views from every corner of the lodge, which seamlessly blends comfort with nature.
The lodge features eight secluded bandas, each thoughtfully designed with thatched roofs, spacious seating areas, day beds, generous mosquito nets, en suite facilities with indoor and outdoor showers, and private viewing decks equipped with swing chairs and deck chairs. The accommodations include six Deluxe Bandas, an Exclusive Banda ideal for couples, and a Family Villa perfect for small groups or families.
On-site amenities encompass a spacious open restaurant, lounge bar, infinity pool, and spa offering a range of massage treatments.
Activities available to guests include game drives, Nile River cruises, chimpanzee trekking, fishing, hikes to the top of Murchison Falls, and bird watching.
The lodge is committed to sustainability, utilizing eco-friendly architecture and practices to preserve the surrounding environment.
Price Includes
-Fully inclusive of accommodation, scheduled wildlife viewing activities, all meals, return airstrip road transfers, laundry services, non- alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, including premium brand spirits and champagne.
-You will be transferred from Duba Concession to Sitatunga Private Island and back by helicopter.
– Sitatunga Private Island is a predominantly water-based activity safari camp offering boating and mokoro activities (water level dependent). Walking opportunities are also available on Sitatunga Island.
– The return scheduled seat in plane air transfers from Maun and/or Kasane Airports, as well as inter-camp air transfers.
-Great Plains Foundation conservation levy
Price Excludes
International flights
Visa fees
Optional Activities
Personal expenses
Premium drinks
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
All items not listed as specifically included
All rates are based on current taxes, fees, and costs. We reserve the right to change our rates without prior notice if base fees, taxes, and expenses change.
Why African Signature
Curated Destinations
The Right Place We don’t do "everywhere." We focus on the corners of Africa where the fences are down and the wildlife is still truly wild. From the floodplains of the Zambezi to the dry pans of the Kalahari, we only send you to regions where the land is vast enough to get lost in and the sightings are worth the journey.
Tailored Experiences
The Ground Level Safari isn't just about sitting in a vehicle. It’s about the crunch of grass under your boots on a walking safari, the silent glide of a boat through a reed bed, or the patience of sitting at a waterhole for three hours. We design your days around the rhythm of the animals, not the schedule of a hotel.
Sustainable Stewardship
The Real Impact Travel here has to mean something. We partner with people who are actually on the front lines—the ones running anti-poaching units, protecting habitat, and ensuring local communities see the value in keeping these lions and elephants alive. Your trip is what keeps those boots on the ground.
Do You Have Questions About This Tour?
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Travel Insurance
Protect your investment and don’t forget Travel Insurance! This is mandatory for all our bookings.
In addition to trip cancellation and interruption, most travel insurance plans include coverage for trip delay, missed connection, lost or delayed baggage, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation with repatriation of remains. 24-hour assistance services are included to help the traveller with things such as emergency medical assistance, lost baggage tracking, emergency cash transfer, emergency or last-minute travel arrangements, assistance with replacing lost travel documents and much more.
Why Buy a Travel Insurance Plan? Because Travel Mishaps Occur Every Day! No matter how hard you try, there are some things you just can’t plan for:
If a family member gets sick. If your baggage is lost. If your trip is delayed. Your passport is lost or stolen. If the weather prevents your travel. You need to see a doctor for a sudden injury – your health insurance may not be valid overseas, and medical evacuations can be really expensive. If you miss a flight connection (- e.g. only 80% of US flights arrive on time) You don’t want to lose all your money if you have to cancel your trip. Sometimes, even expert travellers need a little help.
Whilst we will provide you with a Temporary Membership to the Flying Doctor’s Emergency Evacuation scheme in Tanzania, this has to have a corresponding international insurance to cover hospital and emergency cover when you land at the nearest available medical facility.
Please be sure that the travel insurance that you have is right for you!
Itinerary Overview
Quick Summary
| Day | Description | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Entebbe | Entebbe Forest Lodge |
| Day 2 | Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge – Luxury Forest Suite |
| Day 3 | Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge – Luxury Forest Suite |
| Day 4 | Batwa Tribe Visit and Birding | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge – Luxury Forest Suite |
| Day 5 | Hike across Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (16 km) and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park | Ishasha Wilderness Camp – Tent |
| Day 6 | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Ishasha Wilderness Camp – Tent |
| Day 7 | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Ishasha Wilderness Camp – Tent |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Kibale (Fort Portal) | “Top of the World” views | Ndali Lodge |
| Day 9 | Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary | Ndali Lodge |
| Day 10 | Murchison Falls National Park | Nile Safari Lodge |
| Days 11 – 12 | Murchison Falls National Park Game Drives and Boat Safari | Nile Safari Lodge |
| Day 13 | Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and travel to Entebbe |
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If you have any questions, please feel free to ask our concierge in the bottom right corner. They will assist you or put you in contact with one of our African Specialists.
