Our incredible 16 days into the wild Heart of Uganda, Gorillas, Big Cats & the Nile Experience Luxury Safari offers the ultimate exploration of the country’s most prized landscapes as well as a host of unforgettable wildlife encounters – most notably with Uganda’s iconic primates; the playful chimpanzee and the majestic mountain gorilla. Trekking through what is arguably the best gorilla habitat in the world, and be utterly overwhelmed when you first see these exquisite primates.
Discover the dramatic Murchison Falls, in the Murchison Falls National Park, which is bisected by the mighty river Nile. Strap on your hiking boots for a memorable trek in the foothills of Mountain Rwenzori. Delight in the enchanting and playful antics of the chimpanzees of Kibale National Park. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring surrounds of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which boasts one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any reserve in the world. Leaving the best for last; spend two, truly humbling and breath-taking days trekking the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Our Exceptional Tour of Uganda ends with a stay on Island, Wild waters Lodge.
It is in a sublime location and only reached by boat which makes it a very adventurous place to stay. Expect an adventure filled-to-the-brim with a range of wildlife and cultural activities, as well as exceptional accommodation throughout.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly received by your Nyumbu Beyond Journeys guide, who will assist with all formalities before transferring you to your hotel. Settle into the charming Boma Entebbe Hotel, a boutique property blending the elegance of a colonial homestead with modern comfort. Spend the evening at leisure, unwinding in the tranquil gardens or by the poolside as you recover from your journey. Dinner can be arranged at the hotel’s restaurant or in town at your own preference. You will enjoy one night at The Boma Entebbe Hotel in a well-appointed ensuite room, with breakfast included the following morning.
Day 2: Rhino tracking & transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you will enjoy a walking safari to meet the white rhinos that have been reintroduced in Uganda. In the afternoon, you will head to the legendary Murchison Falls, which lends its name to Uganda’s biggest national park. The park is also known for its diverse safari activities and rich wildlife. Then proceed to the lodge for an overnight stay. Spend 2 nights at Nile Safari Lodge in a Room with ensuite bathroom. Your stay includes all meals.
Day 3: Guided game drive & Nile delta Cruise
After an early breakfast, you will go for game drive. This is a beautiful drive across savannah, Borassus Palm Forest and grassland down to Lake Albert where the Albert Nile heads north. Drive in the open African savannah in search for Lions, Leopard, Hyena, Buffalo, Elephant, Jackson Hartebeest. Oribi, Waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, and enjoy spotting various Bird species such as the Secretary Bird, Black Chested Snake Eagle,
Tawny and Marshal Eagles Carmine and Swallow-Tailed Bee Eaters, and many more. In the afternoon, go for a boat ride up the Nile, to Murchison falls, whence the park derives its name. Enjoy these spectacular falls where the Nile squeezes through a 7meter gap and at the bottom you will see Huge Nile Crocodiles bask.
Day 4: Transfer flight from Murchison Falls to Kasese & drive to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Pakuba Air strip for your domestic flight to Kasese airstrip. Upon reaching Kasese airstrip, you will meet with your guide and drive to the national park, passing through picturesque tea plantations along the way. Kibale Forest National Park is located in Western Uganda and situated at elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,600 meters. While primarily known for its evergreen forests, the park offers diverse landscapes. Proceed to your lodge for an overnight stay. Depending on your arrival time, you can opt to explore the nearby crater lake or simply unwind and enjoy the rest of the day at the lodge.
Experience 2 night at Primate Lodge in a Luxury Cottage with ensuite bathroom.
Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking & Bigodi Community Walk
Today you will track the most famous inhabitants of Kibale National Park, the chimpanzees. With over 1,450 individuals protected within the park, Kibale forest is home to the largest number of the endangered chimpanzees in Uganda, as well as the threatened red colobus monkey and the rare L’Hoest’s monkey. The forest has one of the highest diversities and density of primates in Africa totaling 13 species including the black and white colobus, blue monkey and grey-cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkey, bush babies and potato’s. In the afternoon after tracking, you have the opportunity for a guided walk through the swamps of Bigodi. After the fascinating walk you have the choice of relaxing in the accommodation or community walk in a village nearby. Alternatively, you can visit a school in the local community, talk to the students and teachers and participate in the lessons.
Day 6: Transfer scenic drive to Semuliki National Park & Visit the Sempaya Hot springs
Today you will drive to Semliki National Park with an area of 220 sq. km is one of the newest national parks in Uganda. On arrival, you may choose to visit the Sempaya Hot Springs which is Semliki national park’s most famous attraction. The “male” spring, known as Bintente, measures 12m in diameter and is set in a lush swampy clearing.
In the evening enjoy a game drive in the reserve. There are about 53 different kinds of mammals found in the Semliki Valley and 27 of are larger animals and 11 of them are only found in this area such as pygmy antelopes, two different kinds of flying squirrels, hopefully, you will also see the unique water chevron that has been named the fanged deer. Enjoy your 2-night stay at Lake Semliki Safari Lodge in a Standard Room with ensuite bathroom. Your stay includes all
meals.
Day 7: Boat Cruise on lake Albert in search of the Shoebill Stork & Guided game drive
Today, you will go on a boat trip on Lake Albert in search of the Shoebill stork. The bird is easiest seen in the morning when they stalk their main prey, the mudfish or frogs, but may be spotted all day. They may stand absolutely still for long periods awaiting the movements of their prey and then suddenly strike with a marvelous speed. In the evening, you will have a game drive. There are over 100 mammal species. Three tracks cross the savannah grassland of Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve. Smaller forest and larger savannah elephants are regularly seen, along with buffalo, waterbuck, crocodile, warthog and Uganda kobs. With luck, you may even see pygmy hippopotami, leopards and elusive bush babies. Return to the lodge for an overnight. Depart for your evening game drive at Semliki Safari Lodge.
Day 8: Transfer from Semuliki National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Cross the Equator
After breakfast, you will drive to the world-famous Queen Elizabeth National Park, crossing the equator along the way. Named after the late Queen of England, this is Uganda’s most renowned and scenic game reserve. It spans from the crater dotted foothills of the Rwenzori range in the north, along the shores of Lake Edward to the remote Ishasha River in the south, encompassing diverse habitats ranging from savannah and wetlands to lowland forests.
Spend 2 nights at Kyambura Gorge Lodge in a Standard Room with ensuite bathroom. Your stay includes all meals.
Day 9: Guided game drive & Sunset Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
Have an Early Morning guided Game Drive. There are over 100 mammals species that include Lions, Hippos, Buffaloes, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Elephants and the elusive Giant Forest Hog in this park. The Primates include Chimps, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Blue, Black faced Red Colobus, and Red-tailed monkeys and Olive Baboons. Return to the Lodge.
In the afternoon, you shall have a scheduled boat ride on Kazinga Channel. Queen Elizabeth boasts one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game park, from the open Savannah to Rain Forest, dense Papyrus Swamps and Crater Lakes to the vastness of Lake Edward
Day 10: Transfer guided game drive to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park & Sundowner experience
After an early morning breakfast, you will drive to Ishasha which is in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Named after the late Queen of England, this is Uganda’s most renowned and scenic game reserve. It spans from the crater-dotted foothills of the Rwenzori range in the north, along the shores of Lake Edward to the remote Ishasha River in the south, encompassing diverse habitats ranging from savannah and wetlands to lowland forests. Here, you will go for an evening game drive in search of tree climbing lions that are commonly found in this part of the park.
Enjoy a sundowner while watching the sun gracefully set over the expansive savannah landscapes. Spend 1 nights at Ishasha Wilderness Camp in a standard room with ensuite bathroom. Your stay includes all meals.
Day 11: Bush Breakfast in the Ishasha Plains & Forest walk through Bwindi Impenetrable to Nkuringo Sector
Enjoy a bush breakfast made by your personal chef, before embarking on an early morning game drive through the park. Today you will drive to Bwindi National Park Buhoma sector and then take a walk from Buhoma Sector through Bwindi Forest along the Ivy trail to Nkuringo Sector. In Buhoma, you will be dropped off at the starting point for briefing after which you will start your 5 hours walk to Nkuringo. Your Luggage will be transferred separately to Nkuringo. As you approach Nkuringo you will walk through Villages and interact with the locals. Bwindi National park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. This fascinating mountain forest hosts chimpanzees and spectacular birds. There are 23 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemic bird species including Blue-throated Broadbill, bar tailed Trogon and other beautiful forest species. Alternatively, the guests can take a ride from Buhoma sector to Nkuringo sector
Spend 3 nights at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in a cottage with ensuite bathroom. Your stay includes all meals
Day 12: Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable forest
Explore mist-covered mountain slopes and encounter captivating primates in the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a World Heritage Site. It is here that you will have the exceptional opportunity to observe the fascinating and awe-inspiring family interactions of the iconic mountain gorilla. By far the biggest of the living primates, with adults weighing between 135 – 220 Kg (300- 485 pounds), they inhabit dense rainforest, bamboo forest and subalpine grassland. Gorillas are herbivores and forage for a variety of plants, herbs and succulents. Incredibly social, they live in family groups of up to 40 individuals, and typically led by one silverback (the alpha).
This dominant male, named for a silver stripe of hair on its back, is the leader, protector of the family and main decision maker. He is usually joined by one subordinate silverback that will help defend the group, several adult females, and a combination of younger males (blackbacks), juveniles and infants. Due to threats from political instability, human encroachment and deforestation, less than 1 000 of these great apes exist in the wild today.
Day 13: Second gorilla trekking & optional Activities
Today you will between optional activities such: choose to go for a second gorilla trekking but this time trekking a different family, alternatively take a guided Forest walk in Bwindi impenetrable National Park, led by an experience guide, you will come across different bird species, butterflies, a number of monkey species like the colobus monkeys and also get to learn about a few plant and tree species in the forest. OR you could take a walk to the nearby local communities, and watch the women of the community showcase their culture through
traditional dance, look at their art and crafts and get to learn more about their way of life and culture. Otherwise spend the day at leisure at the Lodge
Day 14: Transfer to Kisoro Airstrip & domestic flight connect to Entebbe
After breakfast, you will drive to Kisoro Airstrip and fly back to Entebbe enjoying the beautiful aerial view of South-western Uganda, the hills and thick vegetation as well as the farming practiced by the locals. Upon arrival, your guide will drive you to the Eastern part of Uganda – Jinja. If time allows, you will have the opportunity to visit the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river. Afterwards, head directly to your accommodation for a comfortable overnight stay. Experience 2 night at Lemala Wild waters Lodge in a Room with ensuite bathroom. Your stay includes all meals.
Day 15: Nile River – Leisure & Adventure
After days of thrilling safari experiences, today is yours to unwind along the legendary River Nile. Relax at your lodge, soaking in the serene atmosphere and scenic views, or choose from a selection of optional activities for a more adventurous finale. Adrenaline-seekers may embark on world-class white-water rafting, kayaking, or even bungee jumping over the Nile, while those seeking a gentler pace can enjoy horse riding through local villages and farmland or a scenic bike ride along the riverbanks. Whether you opt for pure relaxation or heart-pumping adventure, the day offers the perfect balance of rest and excitement in one of Uganda’s most iconic destinations
Day 16: Departure from Uganda
After a leisurely breakfast, begin your journey back to Entebbe for your international departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop along the way to browse local craft markets for unique souvenirs or enjoy a scenic picnic lunch. For those who missed the chance earlier, today also offers the opportunity to visit the source of the Nile, a fitting finale to your Ugandan adventure. Later, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport, where your unforgettable journey with Nyumbu Beyond Journeys comes to a close.