Embark on our small group Journeys that bring up-close in person with Nature! From magical encounters with the wild mountain gorillas and chimpanzees-our closest cousins, as well as wildlife observation and other biodiversity, are the focus of this breathtaking Ugandan small group tour through the Pearl of Africa. Look forward to meeting Uganda’s friendly people and getting to know its cultural heritage.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe- Karibu Uganda!
Welcome to the pearl of Africa, once you touch down at Uganda’s international Airport you will be warmly met by our Nyumbu Beyond Journeys safari guide who will transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe and late in the evening during your dinner time, your ultimate professional guide will take you through the entire safari experiences.
Day 2: Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Transfer to Murchison falls National Park
Start of the Uganda tour, after your warm breakfast the journey starts from Kampala early in the morning and drive northwest to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, you will visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where you will do a walking safari to track the southern White Rhinos and other wildlife and later after you will enjoy your hot lunch.
Immediately after entering the national park, past the lowland rainforest, you ascend and descend over a side hill of the Great Rift Valley into the Nile Valley and its vast savannah.
You will stop at the crest of the famous Murchison Falls, where the Nile plunges 7meters across its entire width over rapids before flowing back into a calmer flow. You will spend the night near the Nile, where you can listen to the exciting sounds of laughing hyenas, roaring lions, and grunting hippos.
Day 3: Game drive Safari and the Nile Delta Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls.
Early morning after breakfast embark on a sunrise game drive in search for the African Big 5 such as elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and other wildlife warthogs, giraffes and baboons, you’ll experience the diversity of the national park. In the afternoon, take on a Nile boat cruise upriver to the base of the waterfall. From a safe distance, you’ll observe crocodiles, hippos, elephants, buffalo, and many other inhabitants of the Nile.
Day 4: Transfer Game drive from Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park.
Early morning transfer game drive as exit the park through the lake Albert flats enjoying the stunning landscapes and the friendly people who will give you insight into Ugandan culture. You will experience the populated Crater Lake region, located beneath the approximately 5,000-meter-high Rwenzori Mountains. Continue to the eastern edge of the Kibale Rainforest.
Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Community experience
The call of the wild wakes us early as we set out for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park. Unlike gorillas, chimps are loud, playful, and always on the move, making this a fast-paced and exhilarating experience. You might hear their hoots echoing through the trees before spotting them swinging effortlessly between branches, grooming one another, or foraging for food and the park is home to 12 species of primates, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons, and rare birds like the giant turaco.
After a morning immersed in the forest, we explore the human side of Kibale with a Bigodi village walk, gaining insight into rural Ugandan life. The Batoro tribe shares their traditions, herbal medicine knowledge, and music, offering a deeper connection to the people who have coexisted with these forests for generations.
Day 6: Ndali- Kasenda Crater drive to Queen Elizabeth NP and Evening Game drive in the Kasenyi plains.
Early morning takes on a scenic drive that brings us to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most famous safari destination. But first, we take a detour to the stunning crater lakes region, a landscape dotted with ancient volcanic formations, shimmering blue waters, and lush greenery. It’s a peaceful contrast to the excitement of the safari ahead. By late afternoon, we enter Queen Elizabeth National Park for an evening game drive. Named after Queen Elizabeth II following her visit in 1954, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most famous wildlife reserve, known for its incredible biodiversity. This is prime time for spotting leopards as they emerge from hiding, as well as elephants, buffalo, and Uganda kobs grazing in the golden light.
Day 7: Morning Game drive safari and Kazinga Boat Cruise
kick off the day with another exciting game drive, setting off early in search of the Big Five. As we drive through the diverse landscapes, our guide will help spot the mighty lions, elusive leopards, powerful elephants, and buffalo herds, along with any rhinos we might be fortunate enough to encounter.
Queen Elizabeth is also famous for its birdlife, home to over600 species, making it one of Africa’s premier birdwatching destinations. Midday brings a special treat—a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This region boasts one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa, along with massive crocodiles, elephants cooling off in the water, and a variety of water birds. We wrap up with a sundowner, toasting to another incredible day in the wild.
Day 8: Transfer Game drive to Ishasha- Tree-Climbing lions
Early morning game drive, with an optional chimpanzee trek in the Kyambura Gorge. In the afternoon, continue your drive through the national park and head to the southernmost and most popular region, Ishasha. This area is known for its tree-climbing lions.
Afternoon game drive in the Ishasha plains as we enjoy the magical a landscape drastically falling into the skies of DR. Congo during a sundowner experience and spotting the rear tree-climbing lions, the topi and more of the wildlife with the inclusive leopards.
Day 9: Morning Game drive and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Early in the morning, we set off early for another game drive in the Ishasha sector, a unique and remote region of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Known for its rare tree-climbing lions, this area offers un exceptional opportunity to witness these majestic predators lounging on the branches of large fig trees—an extraordinary behaviour seen in only a handful of places worldwide.
After soaking in the incredible views, we continue our journey to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of Uganda’s most treasured natural wonders. It is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. As we drive through the lush countryside, the air grows noticeably cooler and mistier, setting the stage for tomorrow’s extraordinary adventure. There’s a sense of quiet anticipation as we arrive, knowing that tomorrow, we will embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trek to encounter these gentle giants.
You’ll spend the night at a lodge on the edge of the gorillas’ territory. The overnight location depends on the gorilla group you’re tracking in the next morning.
Day 10: Mountain Gorilla trekking and Visit the Batwa Cultural Community
The ultimate highlight of the safari is Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable. With an experienced tracker, we hike deep into the rainforest, navigating thick foliage and steep terrain in search of a habituated gorilla family. The moment we find them is pure magic—watching these gentle giants interact, play, and even make eye contact is an experience few ever get to have.
Treks can range from one to several hours, but every moment in their presence is worth it, after spending an hour with the gorillas, you will return to the lodge.
In the afternoon, we meet the Batwa people, also known as the Gorilla Guardians. This hunter-gatherer tribe once lived inside Bwindi Forest before it became a protected area. They share stories of their past, demonstrate traditional fire-making techniques, and invites to experience their music and dance—offering a powerful perspective on their connection to the land.
Day 11: Transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable forest to Relax on Lake Bunyonyi
In Bwindi, you can choose one of the optional activities: a second gorilla tracking trip, a forest walks, a birdwatching trek, or a community experience with the extraordinary experience to attend the wood craving class as you participate in producing your gorilla mask.
Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, relax here or go birdwatching on the island. Lake Bunyonyi is one of the deepest and most beautiful lakes in Uganda. This crater lake is located at an altitude of 2,000 m and was formed by multiple volcanic eruptions. Due to its altitude, the lake is safe for swimming, as there are no diseases or hippos or crocodiles in the lake. Overnight at Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 12: Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi & transfer to Lake Mburo
Early in the morning after a canoeing experience, we leave the misty Kigezi hills behind, making our way to Lake Mburo National Park—a hidden gem often overlooked by travelers. Unlike Uganda’s other parks, Lake Mburo is home to zebra herds, elands, and impalas, but no large predators, making it one of the best places for walking safaris.
The changing scenery, from rolling savannah to acacia woodland sand lakes, offers a refreshing contrast to the past week’s dense jungles and rugged terrain. In the evening, we set out on one last game drive, a chance to soak in the sights and sounds of the wilderness before our journey ends. At sunset, topis and giraffes move across the golden grasslands, a final reminder of Uganda’s incredible biodiversity
Day 13: Waking Safari in Lake Mburo and Transfer to Kampala
On our final morning in Uganda’s savanna plains, we experience a horseback safari, a unique way to explore Lake Mburo. With no engine noise, we move quietly through the landscape, riding alongside grazing zebras and gazelles, getting closer than ever to the wildlife. It’s a peaceful and intimate way to end our adventure. After a relaxed lunch, we begin the return journey to Entebbe, reflecting on the unforgettable encounters and breathtaking landscapes we’ve experienced.
Afterwards, transfer to Mabamba Swamp. Along the way, we can stop at the equator for photos, continue the journey into Uganda’s Entebbe or Kampala the capital city.
Day 14: Shoebill Stork watching in the Mabamba swamps & Airport drop off at Entebbe International Airport.
After your cozy breakfast embark on the lake Vitoria water ways for 3 hours on the wooden canoes to the Mabamba swamps famous for spotting the elusive shoebill stork and once spotted you will return to the lodge and have lunch, late the after we will bid farewell.
As bid goodbye to Uganda’s savanna plains, known proudly as the Pearl of Africa, know that you will be leaking with not just photos of the amazing experiences, but memories of gorillas in the mist, lions in trees, rhinos on foot, and the warmth of Uganda’s people.
Transfer to Entebbe Airport for your home return flight, end of the safari.