Uganda, with its mystical forests, sun-dappled savannas, legendary Great Rift Valley, and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, is an absolutely gorgeous setting for this enchanting country offering the perfect blend of romance and adventure, ensuring your journey is filled with cherished memories. Picture yourself surrounded by lush landscapes and incredible wildlife as you set out on the awe-inspiring trek to see Africa’s gorillas on a trekking excursion. Imagine the thrill of coming face to face with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, sharing a moment that will forever remain etched in your heart. Led by your own safari guide and in a private vehicle, enjoy a thrilling big game safari, game viewing by boat, and the ultimate—the rare opportunity to track chimpanzees and mountain gorillas on foot! To observe these endangered creatures up-close in the wild is one of the world’s most unforgettable experiences—the excitement of coming within a few feet of them is simply surreal.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:Arrival in Entebbe, Karibu Uganda!
Arrive at the Entebbe International Airport – once you can go through customs and collected your bags you will be warmly welcomed by our Nyumbu Beyond Journeys safari guide and will transfer you to the lodge. Depending on arrival time additional excursions can be added on this day such as the shoebill stork in the Mabamba swamp.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your Entebbe hotel.
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park
The road leads you to Kibale National Park, a haven for primate enthusiasts. As you traverse the changing landscapes, excitement builds for the upcoming chimpanzee trekking experience. Set against the backdrop of lush forests and diverse flora, Kibale sets the stage for intimate moments with nature and each other.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking – Bigodi swamp walk
Today you will wake up early to go to the park head offices to be briefed about your chimp tracking experience. Kibale Forest National Park boasts the highest number of primate species in the world, including the chimpanzees. Approximately 5,000 chimpanzees live in the wild in Uganda, which makes it a perfect place to see them.
An experienced ranger will take you chimp tracking in the morning or afternoon; you might also see other monkey species that live here. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will have a full hour of eye-to-eye contact with them.
In the afternoon after lunch, you will go for the guided swamp walk. The walk (2-3 hours) will take you through grassland, small communities and some beautiful scenery, where the locals are likely to greet you with enthusiastic waves. It is usual to spot three to four different primate species during this walk, though the highlight is catching a glimpse of the great blue turaco!
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, your guide will drive you to Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to a high concentration of Uganda’s mammals that include tree climbing and savanna lions, elephants, wart hogs, Uganda kob, water buck, cape buffalo, hippos, leopards, as well as more than 600 species of birds that include the African spoon bill, pied kingfishers, fish eagles, pelicans, vultures.
Day 5: Sunrise Safari – Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Today you’ll wake up early. A little before sunrise, coffee, tea and donuts will be served in the lounge before we head out for a long game drive in time to see the first rays of light. You will search for all the wildlife in the park and are likely to come across elephants, buffalo, lions, waterbucks, leopards, Uganda kobs, and many warthogs.
A well-deserved brunch will be served back at the lodge late in the morning.
In the afternoon, you will take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel which joins Lake George and Lake Edward.
Here, you will see a lot of hippos (more than you can possibly imagine) as well as a variety of other animals which come to the waterhole to drink or bathe. You can expect to see buffalo, crocodile, bathing elephant, and a range of beautiful birds. This will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your tour.
Days 6: Transfer game drive in Ishasha Sector to Bwindi impenetrable forest
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Bwindi via the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here you may spot wildlife including the famous tree-climbing lions, elephants, and buffaloes, among others. Bwindi Forest is the lushest highland rainforest on earth, filled with primates and exotic birds, valleys, hilltops and papyrus swamps. You will arrive in the evening as you prepare for gorilla trekking the following day. You will have dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7: Mountain Gorilla trekking
After breakfast, you will proceed to the park visitors’ reception, where a briefing is done before trekking. It takes a few minutes, but you leave with gorilla etiquette. Walk and hike this steep and slippery terrain until you meet the gorilla family. Enjoy the hour allowed in the company of the brilliant giants! Looking into the eyes of one of the magnificent creatures brings home the distressing fact that they are on the edge of extinction, and that your presence contributes to ensuring their continual survival. Depending on the duration of the trek, you can either head for the Batwa cultural experience, relax at the lodge or enjoy another walk around the village with the breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains. Later, head to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Transfer to Entebbe & Airport drop off.
After breakfast at the lodge, you will drive back to Kampala or Entebbe (Airport). As you pass through the equator, there will be a stop for the requisite snapshot and a bit of souvenir shopping.
Optional Add-Ons
Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Embarking on this ultimate walking safari as we get up close in person with the southern white rhinos on foot is a remarkable way to conclude our romantic getaway in the pearl of Africa.
Private Sunset Cruise on Lake Victoria
View the local flora and fauna, and get a glimpse into life amongst the fishing villages along the shores of expansive Lake Victoria on this private two-hour sunset boat cruise. Includes red and white wine, gin and tonics, non-alcoholic beverages, cheese, crackers, fruits, and other local snacks.