Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, your Pearl Nature Holidays safari guide will pick you up from your hotel and begin the journey to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, you will visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an exciting rhino tracking experience. After lunch, continue to the park and visit the Top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging dramatically into the Devil’s Cauldron below.
Dinner and overnight stay at your selected lodge.
Day 2: Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise
Begin the day with an early morning game drive across the northern sector of the park. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, hyenas, waterbucks, hartebeests, oribis, and possibly leopards.
After lunch, enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. The cruise provides excellent opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous bird species.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls National Park and journey south to Kibale National Park. The drive takes you through beautiful countryside landscapes, rural communities, tea plantations, and rolling hills.
Arrive in the evening, check into your lodge, and relax.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest in search of chimpanzees. Once located, spend an hour observing their fascinating social behaviors, communication, and playful interactions.
Later, enjoy lunch before transferring to Queen Elizabeth National Park through scenic landscapes dominated by crater lakes and mountain views.
Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 5: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start the day with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains. Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, hyenas, leopards, and many other wildlife species.
After lunch, embark on an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, one of the best wildlife-viewing experiences in East Africa.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha
After breakfast, drive through the famous Ishasha Sector, known for its rare tree-climbing lions. Enjoy wildlife viewing as you continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Arrive in the evening and check into your lodge.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is the highlight of your safari. Following an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your gorilla trekking adventure.
The trek may take anywhere from a few hours to most of the day, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, you will spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Day 8: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and drive to the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa.”
Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lakeshore or participate in optional canoeing and boat excursions to explore the lake’s numerous islands.
Day 9: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, continue to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah national park and home to zebras, impalas, elands, giraffes, buffaloes, and many bird species.
After checking into your lodge, you may choose from optional activities such as a boat cruise on Lake Mburo or a horseback safari.
Day 10: Guided Nature Walk and Transfer to Kampala
Enjoy a guided nature walk through Lake Mburo National Park, providing opportunities to observe wildlife on foot while accompanied by an experienced ranger.
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kampala. En route, stop at the Uganda Equator for photographs, souvenir shopping, and lunch.
Upon arrival in Kampala or Entebbe, you will be transferred to your hotel or the airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Uganda safari.
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a Pearl Nature Holidays professional safari guide. After a short briefing, transfer to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After breakfast, begin your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an exciting rhino tracking experience. Continue to Masindi for lunch before proceeding to Uganda’s largest national park. Arrive in the evening and check into your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise
Start the day with an early morning game drive across the wildlife-rich northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park. Search for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and numerous bird species.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. The cruise offers excellent sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and spectacular birdlife.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Visit the Top of the Falls and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, visit the Top of Murchison Falls and witness the dramatic power of the Nile River as it squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging below.
Thereafter, begin a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park. Enjoy views of rural Uganda, rolling hills, tea plantations, and beautiful countryside landscapes. Arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
After an early breakfast, report to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing before embarking on a chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kibale Forest.
Spend time observing chimpanzees and other primates in their natural habitat before returning for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for its birdlife, monkeys, butterflies, and community conservation projects.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel Cruise
After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular savannah wildlife destination.
Upon arrival, enjoy a memorable boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and water birds can be observed.
Later, visit nearby communities before retiring to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Ishasha Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Enjoy a morning game drive through the famous Ishasha Sector, known for its rare tree-climbing lions. Search for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and numerous bird species.
After lunch, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through the scenic highlands of southwestern Uganda. Arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi
Following an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your gorilla trekking adventure.
Hike through dense rainforest under the guidance of experienced trackers until you locate a habituated gorilla family. Spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants before returning to the lodge.
Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9: Second Gorilla Trekking Experience and Transfer to Kisoro
Today offers a second opportunity to trek a different gorilla family, allowing for a deeper appreciation of these incredible primates and increasing photographic opportunities.
After the trek, transfer to Kisoro Town for dinner and overnight.
Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, depart for Lake Mburo National Park. Along the way, stop at Igongo Cultural Centre for lunch and an introduction to the rich Ankole culture.
Arrive in Lake Mburo National Park and enjoy an afternoon horseback riding safari, offering unique wildlife encounters in a tranquil setting.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 11: Game Drive, Guided Nature Walk and Boat Cruise
Begin the day with a morning game drive in search of zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, warthogs, topis, and other wildlife species.
Later, enjoy a guided nature walk for a closer look at the park’s flora and fauna.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on Lake Mburo to observe hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of aquatic bird species.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 12: Return to Kampala / Entebbe
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe.
En route, stop at the Equator for photographs, souvenir shopping, and lunch. Continue to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight or transfer to your preferred hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable Uganda safari.
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park
Your Pearl Nature Holidays guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe and begin the journey to Lake Mburo National Park. Along the way, stop at the Uganda Equator for photography and at the Mpambire Drum-Making Centre to learn about traditional drum craftsmanship.
Upon arrival at Lake Mburo National Park, enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive. Look out for zebras, buffaloes, impalas, warthogs, topis, and many other wildlife species.
Accommodation Options:
- Mihingo Lodge
- Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart Lake Mburo and travel through the scenic landscapes of southwestern Uganda toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Enjoy views of rolling hills, terraced farms, and traditional villages along the route.
Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon and spend the remainder of the day relaxing and preparing for the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation Options:
- Buhoma Lodge
- Silverback Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Community Experience
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Begin your mountain gorilla trekking adventure through the dense rainforest.
The trek may take between 2 and 8 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once found, spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates.
After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation. Later, visit the Batwa community to experience traditional dances, storytelling, and cultural demonstrations.
Accommodation: As Above
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Ishasha Sector
Enjoy breakfast before departing for Queen Elizabeth National Park via the famous Ishasha Sector. This region is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, a rare phenomenon found in only a few locations worldwide.
Enjoy wildlife viewing en route before arriving at your lodge for lunch. Later, embark on an afternoon game drive in search of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and other wildlife.
Accommodation Options:
- Mweya Safari Lodge
- Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Rise early for a sunrise game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. Search for predators such as lions and leopards as well as elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and numerous bird species.
After lunch, enjoy a memorable boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The cruise offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities and spectacular photography moments.
Accommodation: As Above
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Morning Game Drive, Baboon Cliff Visit and Transfer to Kibale Forest
After breakfast, enjoy another morning game drive followed by a visit to the scenic Baboon Cliff viewpoint, offering stunning panoramic views of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Later, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda’s premier chimpanzee tracking destination. Arrive at your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
- Turaco Treetops
- Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Following breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest.
Besides chimpanzees, the forest is home to several primate species including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
After lunch, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, one of Uganda’s finest birdwatching locations and a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Accommodation: As Above
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Return to Kampala or Entebbe
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe. Enjoy scenic countryside views and stop for lunch en route.
Upon arrival, your guide will drop you off at your hotel or transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe by a professional Pearl Nature Holidays safari guide. Set off on a scenic drive through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, characterized by rolling hills, terraced landscapes, and rural communities.
Enjoy lunch en route before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, often referred to as one of Africa’s most biodiverse rainforests. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and relax before embarking on an optional cultural visit to the Batwa community. Experience traditional dances, storytelling, and cultural performances that provide insight into the rich heritage of these indigenous forest people.
Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp
- Mid-Range: Mahogany Springs Lodge
- Budget: Buhoma Community Campsite
- Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will be assigned a gorilla family and informed about trekking regulations before entering the forest.
The trek can take anywhere from a few hours to most of the day depending on the location of the gorilla family. As you navigate through dense vegetation, your guides will help track signs of gorilla movement.
The highlight of the day comes when you finally encounter the mountain gorillas. Spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent creatures as they feed, play, groom, and interact within their family group. This rare wildlife encounter is often described as one of Africa’s most rewarding safari experiences.
After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Accommodation: As above
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and travel north through the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Keep your eyes open for the famous tree-climbing lions often spotted resting in large fig trees. Along the way, you may also encounter Uganda kobs, topis, buffaloes, elephants, and various antelope species.
Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, head to the Kazinga Channel for an exciting boat cruise. The channel hosts one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos and provides excellent opportunities to view crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a wide range of bird species including African fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, and African skimmers.
After the cruise, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Options:
- Mid-Range: Enganzi Lodge
- Luxury: Kyambura Game Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking and Return to Kampala
Enjoy an early breakfast before heading to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee tracking. Accompanied by experienced guides, venture into the forest in search of habituated chimpanzees while enjoying the rich biodiversity of the gorge.
Alternatively, guests may choose a morning game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The area is home to large populations of Uganda kobs, buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, and numerous bird species.
After the morning activity, begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe with lunch en route. Arrive in the evening, marking the end of your unforgettable Gorilla Wild Adventure Safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe by a professional Pearl Nature Holidays guide. After a briefing, embark on a scenic drive through Uganda’s beautiful countryside toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Along the way, you will stop at the Uganda Equator for photographs, refreshments, and an opportunity to browse local craft shops. Continue through the picturesque landscapes of western Uganda, passing rolling hills, traditional farms, and local communities.
A lunch stop will be made in Mbarara before proceeding to Bwindi. Arrive at the lodge in the evening, check in, relax, and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp
- Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters with your packed lunch and drinking water for a pre-trek briefing conducted by Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides.
Following the briefing, begin your gorilla trekking adventure through the dense rainforest. Trekking duration can range from 30 minutes to 8 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. The trek involves navigating forest trails, steep slopes, and thick vegetation, making it both challenging and rewarding.
Upon locating the gorillas, you will spend one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. Witness their social interactions, feeding habits, and playful behaviors while capturing unforgettable photographs.
After this remarkable encounter, return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp
- Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Return to Kampala or Entebbe
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe.
En route, enjoy a stop at the renowned Igongo Cultural Centre for lunch and an enriching cultural experience. Learn about the traditions and history of the Ankole people before continuing your drive.
Arrive in Kampala or Entebbe in the late afternoon, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.
Meals, Breakfast and Lunch
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a Pearl Nature Holidays representative. After a short briefing about your safari, transfer to your hotel overlooking the beautiful shores of Lake Victoria for relaxation and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Boma Hotel Entebbe
Day 2: Mabamba Shoebill Excursion and Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After breakfast, depart for Mabamba Wetland for an exciting search for the elusive Shoebill Stork. Following the excursion, continue northwards to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided rhino tracking experience on foot before checking in at your lodge for relaxation.
Accommodation: Amuka Lodge
Day 3: Rhino Tracking, Murchison Falls and Evening Game Drive
Begin the day with a memorable rhino tracking experience. Thereafter, proceed to Murchison Falls National Park with a stop at the spectacular Top of Murchison Falls. After lunch, continue to your lodge while enjoying an evening game drive in search of wildlife across the savannah plains.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari
Enjoy an early morning game drive on the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park where chances of spotting lions, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, hyenas, and leopards are highest.
Later, embark on a boat safari along the Nile River to the base of the falls. The cruise offers exceptional wildlife viewing and magnificent scenery before returning to the lodge for relaxation.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetland Walk
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive southwest towards Kibale National Park. Journey through Uganda’s changing landscapes from savannah plains to lush rolling hills.
Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary where you may encounter several monkey species, birds, and local community projects before retiring to your lodge.
Accommodation: Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Following breakfast, transfer to Kibale Forest headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest in search of wild chimpanzees. Spend time observing their fascinating behaviors and interactions.
After lunch, proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the evening, enjoy a spectacular sundowner boat experience on the Kazinga Channel accompanied by refreshments while watching wildlife gather along the shoreline.
Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge
Day 7: Predator Research Experience and Kazinga Channel Cruise
Start the day with a unique lion and leopard monitoring experience alongside wildlife researchers. Learn about conservation initiatives and tracking techniques used to protect Uganda’s predators.
After lunch, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its huge populations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous bird species.
Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge
Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and journey through the picturesque highlands of southwestern Uganda toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Arrive in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi in the afternoon and relax at your lodge while preparing for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation: Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking and Relaxation
After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers before commencing your gorilla trek.
Hike through the ancient rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once located, spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.
Return to the lodge for relaxation, optional massage treatments, or cultural interactions with the Batwa community.
Accommodation: Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Day 10: Transfer to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and cross into Rwanda. Upon arrival in Kigali, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and other key city attractions.
Enjoy lunch before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight home, marking the end of an unforgettable East African safari experience with Pearl Nature Holidays.