PLAN YOUR TRIP
The Experience
There is an indescribable magic about Africa. No two days on safari are exactly alike, and nature never ceases to amaze.
Throughout a single safari, our guests might…
- Embark on game drives to venture across the savanna, witnessing lions at hunt, or watching scores of zebra, elephant, giraffe, antelope, or other wildlife make their way to the watering hole
- Trek into the depths of the jungle to find the endangered mountain gorillas, or spend an hour with chimpanzees in their native habitat
- Explore the Nile by boat safari and see firsthand the roar of Murchison Falls
- Enjoy sundowners with a stunning view and end the day with the lilting notes of traditional instruments played by an evening campfire
Along the way, you’ll travel with our trusted guides and experience the wonders of Africa’s iconic landscapes and genuine hospitality.
Below, explore just a few of the experiences you might opt to include in your personalized safari. And because every safari is tailor-made to fit your needs, if you don’t see what you are looking for, simply ask us.
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is an on-foot excursion into the forest in search of the rare, endangered mountain gorillas of East Africa. In the company of a park ranger, experienced trackers, and a limited number of other trekkers, you’ll journey into the forest to find a designated family of habituated mountain gorillas.
Once found, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour with them in their native habitat as they move about the forest floor, feeding, grooming, resting, and caring for their young. Round-trip, gorilla trekking can take anywhere from 3-8 hours total. There are approximately 1,000 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild, and over half of them can be found in Uganda.
We’re proud to support ecotourism that directly contributes to protecting the habitats and conservation of mountain gorillas. Thanks to the income derived from ecotourism in the region, the once-declining mountain gorilla population has stabilized in recent years. Gorilla trekking helps preserve their habitat and protect this incredible species from extinction.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Uganda is widely considered one of the best locations for chimp trekking in East Africa. Kibale Forest National Park is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, along with many other primates, earning it the nickname “Primate Capital of the World.”
Other popular options for chimp trekking in Uganda include Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Budongo Forest in Murchison Falls National Park.
Chimp trekking takes approximately 2 to 4 hours total, including an hour with the habituated chimpanzees in their native habitat.
Game Drives
The quintessential safari activity, game drives let you explore the wildlife parks in your private safari vehicle. Game drives are typically held in the morning or evenings, when the temperatures are cooler and wildlife sightings are more likely. However, all-day game drives and evening game drives can also be arranged, depending on the park.
Cultural Tours
East Africa is a region rich in culture and local customs. Try your hand at traditional drum-making, shop at a local market in the capital, enjoy an unforgettable traditional dance performance, visit a Maasai boma, or learn firsthand from members of the Batwa tribe. Cultural tours are perfect for travelers of all ages. Explore more cultural opportunities here, or ask us about cultural tours that can easily be added to your trip.
Bush Walks
Explore the wildlife regions of Uganda and Kenya on foot. Guided bush walks are available in many of the region’s national parks, allowing you to get even closer than you might while on a game drive—all while exploring off the beaten path. Take a night walk in Kibale Forest in search of Bush Babies and Night Jars, watch herds of zebra on their way to the watering hole at dawn in Lake Mburo National Park, or explore local wildlife in the company of a Maasai guide in Maasai Mara. For those interested in exploring the region on foot, we also highly recommend chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking.
Bush Dinners
Dine under the African sky. A bush dinner (or breakfast or lunch) offers a luxurious spread set in the iconic wilderness–whether it’s freshly pressed morning coffee with a view or an intimate dinner under the stars.
Boat Safari
Boat safaris offer the chance to see wildlife from a new perspective. Whether you’re spotting an alligator sunning on the riverbanks, watching weaver birds build their nests over the water, sighting hippos swimming near the surface, or witnessing wildlife make their way to the water’s edge, boat cruises are an ideal addition to any available itinerary. Talk to us about the possibilities of exploring East Africa’s rivers, lakes, and channels by boat on your safari.
Balloon Safaris
Watch the savannah come to life below you at sunrise. Typically lasting one hour, a balloon safari begins just before dawn and allows you to experience the African wilderness from a completely different perspective. Afterwards, enjoy champagne and a game drive back to your lodge.
Horseback Safaris
There’s no need to be a horse whisperer to enjoy a horseback safari—travelers with basic riding abilities can discover the wildlife at closer range while riding horses in select national parks. All horses are expertly trained and cared for, and riders are accompanied by a guide throughout their journey.
Mountain Biking
Similar to bush walks and horseback safaris, mountain biking allows you to get even closer to wildlife than you might otherwise on a game drive. Enjoy a trip off the beaten path along with the best in sustainable tourism, all at once. Mountain biking is available in select parks—just ask about the possibilities when planning your trip.
Whitewater Rafting
Rafting the rapids of the Nile River is an exhilarating experience. Whitewater rafting is available as a one-day excursion in Uganda; longer trips are also available in Kenya. We work with trusted and experienced guides to make your rafting trip an unforgettable opportunity.
