You’ll embark on the ultimate Uganda adventure with our gorillas, chimps, shoebill, and wildlife luxury safari. You’ll encounter majestic mountain gorillas and playful chimpanzees, to explore the diverse wildlife of Uganda’s stunning national parks. You’ll witness the rare shoebill stork in its natural habitat and personalized services throughout your safari. Witness the wildlife of Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park on game drives, and trek into the rainforests to meet the endangered chimpanzees and gorillas in their native habitat.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Karibu! Welcome to Uganda
Karibu—a very warm welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be picked up by a representative of Nyumbu Beyond Safaris and transferred to your accommodations in Entebbe or Kampala. You’ll have a Uganda safari briefing and time for last questions regarding your adventure across Uganda. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Day 2:Shoebill Birding at Mabamba Swamp
After breakfast, you’ll head out on a remarkable birding excursion at Mabamba Swamp, a renowned bird-watching destination near Entebbe, famed for its population of the elusive shoebill stork. This early morning adventure begins with a scenic boat ride through the tranquil papyrus marshes, where expert local guides lead you to the prime spots for observing these prehistoric-looking birds. The swamp is not only home to the shoebill but also hosts a diverse array of bird species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. As you navigate the waterways, you’ll have ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs and witness the unique behaviors of the shoebill in its natural habitat. This unforgettable experience at Mabamba Swamp offers a perfect blend of serenity and excitement, providing a captivating glimpse into Uganda’s rich avian life.
Day 3:Transfer for Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Adventure begins as we depart from Entebbe in the morning, driving toward Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, we will stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos and an ongoing conservation project. There, you’ll have the chance to track the wild rhinos at close range.
From Ziwa, we’ll continue our journey to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving in time for scenic viewing at the top of the falls and dinner at the lodge.
Day 4: Game Drives & Boat Safari on the Nile
Witness wildlife at its best with an early morning game drive in the park to find elephants, buffalo, lions, giraffes, and a variety of antelope, among others. Afterwards, enjoy an early, leisurely lunch before embarking on the afternoon’s adventures.
In the afternoon, see the Nile closer than ever as we take a boat cruise down this legendary river. The Nile is home to Africa’s most dense hippo and crocodile populations, as well as a dazzling variety of water birds.
Day 5: Transfer to Kibale National Park and Bigodi Wetland Visit
You’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge before saying goodbye to Murchison Falls National Park and starting your journey to Kibale Forest National Park. The drive will take you through picturesque landscapes and rural villages, providing glimpses of daily life in rural Uganda.
Upon arrival at Kibale Forest National Park, you’ll check into your chosen accommodation for the next two nights. After lunch at the lodge or guesthouse, you’ll spend the afternoon exploring Bigodi Swamp on a guided nature walk. Keep an eye out for a variety of bird species, primates, and other wildlife that inhabit the swamp.
You’ll return to your accommodations in the evening for dinner and relaxation. Make sure to reflect on the day’s adventures and listen to the symphony of nocturnal sounds coming from the forest.
Day 6: Meet the Chimpanzees of Kibale
In the morning, set out on your chimpanzee trek in the rainforest. The trek, which may last two to four hours, offers the chance of watching chimps in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your accommodations for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a nature walk through the Bigodi Wetlands. This wildlife corridor is home to over 200 species of birds–including the Blue Turaco, Kingfishers, Hornbills, and more–as well as eight species of primates.
The Bigodi Wetlands conservation project began as a local environmental effort run by the communities of Kibale. Beyond conserving the wetlands and its wildlife, the project has also supported the building of a local school, safe drinking water for locals, and local health care efforts.
Day 7: Exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park
The day begins with a relaxed drive as we leave Kibale and head towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. As we journey towards the park, the incredible scenery of the “Mountains of the Moon” unfolds before us. Upon arrival at the park, settle into your accommodations before taking an evening game drive to explore.
Day 8: Game Drives & Boat Safari
After a sunrise breakfast, embark on a morning game drive, followed by an early lunch at the lodge.
In the afternoon, explore the Kazinga Channel by boat for an opportunity to see the stunning variety of wildlife at the water, including hippos, elephants, and crocodiles. Birdlife in the park includes the African finfoot, Broad-billed roller, Red-chested sunbird, and Yellow-throated cuckoo, among others. Before returning to the lodge for dinner, embark on an evening game drive.
Day 9: Transfer game drive to the Impenetrable Forest
Embark on one last game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the approximately half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. This ancient forest unfolds over the steep ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley, providing breathtaking views and extraordinary viewing opportunities.
In the afternoon, relax at the lodge or take a sunset stroll through the area.
Day 10:Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest and Batwa Cultural Tour
The hike of a lifetime begins today. After breakfast we will meet the park rangers who will be our guides for the day, and then we will start the trek in search of the exquisite mountain gorillas of Uganda. Half of the world’s populations of gorillas live under the mist-covered canopies of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforest. In the company of an experienced park ranger, you will be tracking the whereabouts of one of the habituated family groups who reside here.
Your tracking experience will be an exciting, yet challenging journey along forested (often muddy and slippery) slopes, tangled vines, thick vegetation, and bamboo forests before you reach the territory of these gentle giants.
Depending on the location of the gorillas on any given day the walk can take anything from 2 to 7 hours. Once the family of gorillas has been located, settle into your surroundings and enjoy the 1 hour you have to quietly observe these fascinating primates.
After tracking you will transfer to the lodge for relaxation, and later visit the community of the Batwa people. After this cultural experience, you will head straight to Kisoro District to your lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Day 11:Gorilla Trekking Experience and Relaxation at the Lodge
You’ll embark on a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, immersing yourself in the enchanting world of mountain gorillas. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides and trackers, you’ll journey deep into the heart of the forest in search of these gentle giants. As you trek through dense vegetation and rugged terrain, the anticipation builds until you finally encounter a gorilla family in their natural habitat. You’ll witness these magnificent creatures up close and observe their social interactions and behaviors.
After the exhilaration of gorilla trekking, you’ll return to your lodge for a well-deserved relaxation. Nestled amidst the tranquil surroundings of Bwindi, your lodge offers the perfect sanctuary to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventure. You’ll indulge in delicious meals, rejuvenate with a spa treatment, or simply soak in the natural beauty of the forest from the comfort of your luxurious accommodation.
Day 12: Transfer to the Airstrip & Fly to Entebbe
Return to Entebbe via a scheduled flight from Bwindi, arriving at Entebbe International Airport in time for your outbound flight.