Revel in rolling hills, vast savanna, lush mountains, abundant wildlife, shimmering crater lakes and iconic endangered mountain gorillas
Exceptional tour of Uganda
Entebbe, Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Semuliki, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Jinja
Specially designed for wildlife enthusiasts, walking adventurers, and thrill-seekers
Trek to see gorillas in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Embark on a boat trip along the Nile and try your hand at catching a Nile perch
Marvel at the diverse fauna and flora in the iconic Queen Elizabeth National Park
Birding enthusiasts will be captivated by the country’s dazzling array of avian speci
Enjoy endless photographic opportunities with breathtaking scenery and landscapes
Your journey at a glance
This incredible 16-day adventure 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.
Witness the dramatic beauty of Murchison Falls, located within Murchison Falls National Park, as the mighty Nile River divides this breathtaking landscape. Lace up your hiking boots for an invigorating trek through the foothills of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. Experience the charm and playful antics of the chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring surroundings of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity.
Saving the best for last, spend two humbling and exhilarating days trekking to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Take an unforgettable journey through what is arguably the world’s finest gorilla habitat, where the sight of these magnificent primates will leave you utterly awestruck.
Conclude your adventure with a stay at Wildwaters Lodge on Kalagala Island. Accessible only by boat, this extraordinary retreat offers a unique and adventurous experience. Throughout your journey, enjoy a rich tapestry of wildlife and cultural activities, complemented by exceptional accommodations at every turn.
1 night Entebbe | 2 nights Murchison Falls | 2 nights Kibale Forest National Park | 2 nights Semliki Valley | 3 nights Queen Elizabeth National Park | 3 nights Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
TAILORMAKE YOUR STAY
Talk to one of our travel specialists to tailormake your stay to any of our destinations
A taste of what to expect…
Day 1 | Arrival
Entebbe
No.5 Boutique Hotel
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by an &Beyond representative and transferred by private vehicle to No. 5 Boutique Hotel, where you will spend the night.
Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is a charming town known for its serene atmosphere and welcoming hospitality. Once the colonial administrative center of Uganda, it now serves as the gateway to the country, linking international travelers to the country’s spectacular landscapes and wildlife. The town boasts a selection of boutique accommodations, lush botanical gardens, and a relaxed lakeside setting, making it an ideal stopover before or after your Ugandan safari adventure.
Day 2
Murchison Falls National Park
Nile Safari Lodge
After breakfast, you will be collected and transferred to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you will enjoy a walking safari to encounter the white rhinos reintroduced to Uganda. In the afternoon, you will proceed to the legendary Murchison Falls, the namesake of Uganda’s largest national park. This park is renowned for its diverse safari experiences and abundant wildlife.
From there, you’ll continue to the Nile Safari Lodge, where you will stay for the next two nights.
Day 3
Murchison Falls National Park
Nile Safari Lodge
After an early breakfast, you will embark on a morning game drive. This scenic journey takes you through savanna, Borassus palm forest, and grasslands, down to Lake Albert, where the Albert Nile flows north. Drive through the open African savanna in search of lions, leopards, hyenas, buffalos, elephants, Jackson’s hartebeests, oribis, waterbucks, and Uganda kobs. Delight in spotting various bird species, such as the secretary bird, black-chested snake eagle, tawny and martial eagles, carmine bee-eaters, swallow-tailed bee-eaters, and many more.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride along the Nile to the iconic Murchison Falls, from which the park takes its name. Marvel at these spectacular falls, where the Nile is forced through a narrow 7-m (23 ft) gorge. At the base of the falls, you’ll have the chance to see massive Nile crocodiles basking in the sun.
Day 4
Kibale Forest National Park
Primate Lodge Kibale
After breakfast, you will transfer to Entebbe Airport for your domestic flight to Kasese Airstrip.
Upon arrival at Kasese, you will meet your guide and drive to the national park, passing through scenic tea plantations along the way. Kibale Forest National Park, located in western Uganda, sits at elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,600 m (3,608 to 5,249 ft). While best known for its lush evergreen forests, the park features a variety of landscapes.
Proceed to your lodge where you will be saying for the next two nights. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore a nearby crater lake or simply relax and enjoy the rest of the day at the lodge.
Day 5
Kibale Forest National Park
Primate Lodge Kibale
Today, you will track Kibale National Park’s most famous inhabitants—the chimpanzees. With over 1,450 individuals protected within the park, Kibale Forest is home to Uganda’s largest population of endangered chimpanzees. It also shelters the threatened red colobus monkey and the rare L’Hoest’s monkey. The forest boasts one of the highest diversities and densities of primates in Africa, with 13 species, including the black-and-white colobus, blue monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkey, bush babies, and pottos.
In the afternoon, following your chimpanzee tracking experience, you can enjoy a guided walk through the swamps of Bigodi, a haven for biodiversity. After this fascinating excursion, you have the option to unwind at the lodge or engage in a community walk through a nearby village. Alternatively, you can visit a local school to interact with students and teachers and even participate in lessons.
Day 6
Semuliki National Park
After breakfast, you will drive to Semliki National Park, one of Uganda’s newest national parks, covering an area of 220 square kilometres (84 square miles).
Upon arrival, you may choose to visit the Sempaya hot springs, the park’s most famous attraction. The “male” spring, known as Bintente, measures 12 m (39 ft) in diameter and is set in a lush, swampy clearing.
In the evening, enjoy a game drive in the reserve. The Semliki Valley is home to approximately 53 different mammal species, including 27 larger animals. Eleven of these species, such as the pygmy antelope and two types of flying squirrels, are unique to this region. With luck, you may also spot the remarkable water chevrotain, often referred to as the fanged deer.
Enjoy the next two nights staying at Lake Semliki Safari Lodge.
Day 7
Semuliki National Park
Today, you will embark on a boat trip on Lake Albert in search of the elusive shoebill stork. These remarkable birds are most easily spotted in the morning as they stalk their primary prey—mudfish or frogs. They are known for standing motionless for long periods, patiently awaiting the movements of their prey before striking with astonishing speed.
In the evening, enjoy a game drive. Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve boasts any array of mammal species, with three tracks crossing its savanna grasslands. Both smaller forest elephants and larger savanna elephants are commonly seen, along with buffalo, waterbuck, crocodiles, warthogs, and Uganda kob. If you’re fortunate, you may also encounter pygmy hippopotami, leopards, or the elusive bush babies.
Day 8
Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, you will drive to the world-famous Queen Elizabeth National Park, crossing the equator en route. Named after the late Queen of England, this is Uganda’s most iconic and picturesque game reserve. The park stretches from the crater-dotted foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains in the north, along the shores of Lake Edward, to the remote Ishasha River in the south. It encompasses a stunning array of habitats, including savanna, wetlands, and lowland forests.
You’ll be spending the next two nights at Kyambura Gorge Lodge.
Day 9
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start your day with an early morning game drive. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to over 100 mammal species, including lions, hippos, buffaloes, leopards, spotted hyenas, elephants, and the elusive giant forest hog. The park also hosts a variety of primates, such as chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, and the black-faced red colobus. After the game drive, return to the lodge for some relaxation.
In the afternoon, enjoy a scheduled boat ride on the Kazinga Channel. Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game park, featuring habitats that range from open savannah and rainforests to dense papyrus swamps, crater lakes, and the vast expanse of Lake Edward.
Day 10
Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast, you will drive to Ishasha, located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Named after the late Queen of England, this is Uganda’s most iconic and picturesque game reserve. The park stretches from the crater-dotted foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains in the north, along the shores of Lake Edward, to the remote Ishasha River in the south, featuring diverse habitats, including savannah, wetlands, and lowland forests.
In the evening, embark on a game drive in search of the famous tree-climbing lions, which are commonly found in this part of the park. Conclude your day with a sundowner, enjoying the breathtaking view of the sun setting over the vast savannah landscape.
Day 11
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
The day you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. After breakfast, you will drive to the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and take a walk through the forest along the Ivy Trail to the Nkuringo sector. Upon arrival in Buhoma, you will be dropped off at the starting point for a briefing before beginning your five-hour walk* to Nkuringo. Your luggage will be transferred separately to Nkuringo.
As you near Nkuringo, you will pass through local villages, offering an opportunity to interact with the residents. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and is a haven for biodiversity. This enchanting mountain forest also hosts chimpanzees and a wide array of spectacular bird species. The park boasts 23 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemic bird species, including the blue-throated broadbill, bar-tailed trogon, and other stunning forest birds.
Spend the next three nights at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
*Alternatively, guests can opt for a vehicle transfer from the Buhoma sector to the Nkuringo sector.
Day 12
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Explore mist-covered mountain slopes and encounter captivating primates in the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will have the rare and extraordinary opportunity to observe the fascinating family dynamics of the iconic mountain gorilla.
The mountain gorilla is the largest of all living primates, with adults weighing between 135 and 220 kg (300 and 485 lbs). These gentle giants inhabit dense rainforests, bamboo forests, and subalpine grasslands. Herbivores by nature, they forage for a variety of plants, herbs, and succulents.
Gorillas are incredibly social creatures, living in family groups of up to 40 individuals, typically led by a dominant silverback. This alpha male, named for the distinctive silver stripe of hair on his back, serves as the leader, protector, and primary decision-maker of the group. He is often joined by a subordinate silverback to help defend the family, several adult females, and a mix of younger males (blackbacks), juveniles, and infants.
Due to threats such as political instability, human encroachment, and deforestation, fewer than 1,000 of these magnificent great apes remain in the wild today.
Day 13
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Today, you can choose from a variety of optional experiences:
Gorilla trekking: Opt for a second gorilla trekking experience, this time visiting a different gorilla family for a new perspective on their fascinating behaviour.
Guided forest walk: Take a guided forest walk in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, led by an experienced guide. Along the way, you may encounter diverse bird species, colourful butterflies, and various monkey species. You’ll also gain insights into the unique plant and tree species found in this remarkable forest.
Community walk: Visit a nearby local community to learn about their culture and way of life. Watch the women of the community showcase traditional dances, admire their art and crafts, and engage with their stories and traditions.
Day of leisure: Alternatively, you may choose to spend the day at leisure, relaxing and enjoying the serene surroundings of the lodge.
Day 14
Jinja
After breakfast, you will drive to Kihihi Airstrip and board a flight back to Entebbe, enjoying stunning aerial views of southwestern Uganda. Marvel at the rolling hills, lush vegetation, and the intricately cultivated farmland of the local communities below.
Upon arrival in Entebbe, your guide will drive you to the eastern part of Uganda—Jinja. If time allows, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river, and witness this iconic landmark. Afterwards, you’ll head to your lodge, where you will be staying for the next two nights.
Day 15
Jinja
Spend the day relaxing at the lodge or choose from a variety of optional activities:
- Whitewater river rafting on the Nile
- Kayaking on the Nile
- Horseback riding through villages and farmlands along the river
- Bungee jumping
- Scenic bike rides
Day 16 | Departure
Jinja
After breakfast, you will begin your journey back to Entebbe. Depending on the time of your departure flight, you may have the chance to pick up a few keepsakes in town and enjoy a picnic lunch. If you missed the opportunity to visit the source of the Nile earlier, you could include this experience on your final day. Later, you will be dropped off at the airport for your departure.
It’s time to say a heartfelt farewell to Uganda. As you depart this enchanting land, carry with you the cherished memories and the enduring warmth of this remarkable destination.
Stay here on this journey
Rates
Please keep in mind that this tour can be tailormade by speaking to one of our Travel Specialists.
What's included
- Accommodation and all inclusions as specified in the itinerary
- All private road transfers as specified in the itinerary
- One Gorilla Trekking Permit and one Chimpanzee Trekking Permit
- 15 overnight stays and meals in lodges with meals and drinks as specified in the itinerary
- In cases where warm lunches are not provided, packed lunches will be
- A professional and experienced English-speaking guide
- Transportation in 4x4 Landcruiser Jeep with pop-up roof
- All entrance fees and game drive fees
- All relevant government tax
- Amref Flying Doctors
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance
- Administration Fee
What's not included
- Travel Insurance - should you be interested we can introduce you to our recommended partners
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