Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Your safari begins after breakfast with a scenic drive north through Uganda’s countryside to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the country’s only place where wild rhinos roam freely. As you leave the busy capital behind, the landscape gradually opens into rolling farmland and acacia woodland.

Arrive in the afternoon with time to settle into your lodge before receiving an introduction to the sanctuary and Uganda’s successful rhino conservation programme.

Accommodation: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Day 2 – Rhino Tracking & Murchison Falls National Park

Rise early for one of Africa’s most exciting walking safaris. Accompanied by experienced rangers, track southern white rhinos on foot across the open savannah. Watching these enormous animals at ground level is a completely different experience from viewing wildlife from a vehicle.

After the trek, continue north to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest national park. Enter through the southern gate before enjoying an afternoon game drive in search of Rothschild’s giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kob and, with luck, lions.

Accommodation: Murchison Falls National Park

Day 3 – Victoria Nile Boat Safari & Murchison Falls

This morning, enjoy one of East Africa’s finest boat safaris as you cruise upstream along the Victoria Nile towards the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls. The riverbanks teem with hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and an extraordinary variety of birdlife, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, bee-eaters and colourful bee-eaters.

Disembark for the short but rewarding hike to the top of the falls, where the entire Nile is forced through a narrow seven-metre gorge before plunging 43 metres below in a thunderous display of power.

If time allows, an optional excursion to the Nile Delta offers one of Uganda’s best opportunities to search for the elusive shoebill stork.

Accommodation: Murchison Falls National Park

Day 4 – Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, begin the scenic journey south towards Kibale Forest National Park. The drive passes tea plantations, traditional villages and the beautiful crater lake region surrounding Fort Portal beneath the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a guided walk around the forest edge, where colourful birds, monkeys and butterflies are commonly seen.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest

Day 5 – Chimpanzee Tracking & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

This morning head into Kibale Forest, often regarded as Africa’s finest destination for chimpanzee tracking. Home to more than 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, the forest offers one of the highest success rates for finding our closest relatives.

Once located, spend a fascinating hour observing their remarkably human behaviour as they feed, groom, communicate and move through the forest canopy.

After lunch, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in the evening.

Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 6 – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Begin the day with an early morning game drive across the wildlife-rich Kasenyi Plains, renowned for large herds of Uganda kob, elephants, buffaloes and the lions that hunt them. Leopards are occasionally encountered before the day warms.

Later, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lakes Edward and George. The channel supports one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos, alongside crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and hundreds of waterbirds gathering along the shoreline.

This afternoon, guests may choose to relax at the lodge or enjoy an optional guided walk in nearby Maramagambo Forest.

Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 7 – Ishasha Sector: Tree-Climbing Lions

Travel south into the remote Ishasha Sector, internationally famous for its unique population of tree-climbing lions. Spend the day exploring its vast acacia savannah and fig woodlands while searching for these remarkable predators resting high in the branches.

The area also offers excellent opportunities to see elephants, topi, buffaloes, Uganda kob, giant forest hogs and, occasionally, leopards.

Accommodation: Ishasha Sector

Day 8 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, enjoy the short scenic drive into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Following the mandatory ranger briefing, begin one of the world’s greatest wildlife experiences. Trek through ancient rainforest, crossing valleys and climbing forested slopes as expert trackers lead you to one of Bwindi’s habituated gorilla families.

Once found, spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants at remarkably close range—a truly unforgettable wildlife encounter.

The trek may last anywhere between two and eight hours depending on the gorillas’ location.

Accommodation: Bwindi

Day 9 – Second Gorilla Trek or Explore Bwindi

For those holding a second gorilla permit, enjoy another trek to visit a different gorilla family and discover how each group has its own unique personalities and social dynamics.

Guests not undertaking a second trek may choose from several rewarding activities including the Batwa Cultural Experience, guided nature walks through the Bwindi Buffer Zone, birdwatching or simply relaxing at the lodge while enjoying panoramic views over the forest.

Accommodation: Bwindi

Day 10 – Lake Mutanda Cultural & Canoe Experience

Today discover the beauty of Lake Mutanda, one of Uganda’s most spectacular volcanic lakes, surrounded by the dramatic Virunga Mountains.

Enjoy a traditional dugout canoe excursion across its tranquil waters, visiting several of the lake’s islands, including the historic Punishment Island, where local guides share the fascinating cultural history and traditions of the region. The excursion also provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography.

Return to the lodge for a relaxed afternoon.

Accommodation: Bwindi

Day 11 – Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, depart for Lake Bunyonyi, often described as Uganda’s most beautiful lake. Surrounded by terraced hills and scattered with 29 lush islands, it offers a peaceful conclusion to your safari.

Spend the afternoon enjoying a canoe excursion, guided community visit or simply relaxing beside the lake while taking in the spectacular scenery.

Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi

Day 12 – Lake Bunyonyi to Entebbe

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the lake before beginning the drive back to Entebbe. Along the way, stop at the Equator for lunch, photographs and souvenir shopping before continuing to the airport for your onward international flight or an overnight stay in Entebbe.