PEARL OF AFRICA SAFARI

This Uganda wildlife safari has it all, from treks to meet the rare mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to village walks in Uganda’s welcoming rural communities. Witness wildlife in the country’s incredible national parks, and cruise down the Nile with crocodiles, hippos, and more. Track chimpanzees in the depths of the forest, explore Lake Mburo, and discover the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.

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Highlights

  • Meet the gorillas of Bwindi and track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest
  • Explore the Nile & Kazinga Channel on boat safaris
  • Sight wildlife across Uganda’s national parks on game drives and bush walks
  • Experience Uganda’s rich cultural history in Kampala

Destinations

DAY 1-2: Kampala
DAY 3-4:
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Murchison Falls National Park
DAY 5-6: Kibale Forest National Park
DAY 7-8: Queen Elizabeth National Park
DAY 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha Sector
DAY 10-11: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
DAY 12-13: Lake  Mburo National Park
DAY 14: Entebbe

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda

Karibu—a very warm welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be picked up by a representative of Hornbill Treks & Safaris and transferred to your accommodations in Kampala. You’ll have a safari briefing and time for last questions regarding your adventure across Uganda. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Latitude 0, Kampala Serena, Le Petit Village

Day 2: Ugandan Culture

Make connections across cultures with a visit to our local partner school and a chance to explore the nearby capital city.

At our partner school, you’ll see firsthand a day in the life of Ugandan youth. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: Latitude 0, Kampala Serena, Le Petit Village

Day 3: Tracking the Southern White Rhino

Adventure begins as we depart from Entebbe in the morning, driving towards Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, we will stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos and an ongoing conservation project. There, you’ll have the chance to track the wild rhinos at close range.
From Ziwa, we’ll continue our journey to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving in time for a late day game drive and dinner at the lodge.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Nile Safari Lodge

A boat cruise is one type of safari on the Nile in Uganda.

Day 4: Boat Safari on the Nile & Savanna Game Drives

Witness wildlife at its best with an early morning game drive in the park to find elephant, buffalo, lions, giraffe, and a variety of antelope, among others. Afterwards, enjoy an early leisurely lunch before embarking on the afternoon’s adventures.

In the afternoon, see the Nile closer than ever as we take a boat cruise down this legendary river. The Nile is home to Africa’s most dense hippo and crocodile populations, as well as a dazzling variety of water birds. At the bottom of Murchison Falls, disembark from the boat and hike to the Top of the Falls for a spectacular view.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Nile Safari Lodge

Day 5: Journey to Kibale Forest

In the morning, enjoy a game drive before transferring by light aircraft to Kibale Forest National Park.  The forest is home to one of Uganda’s astounding major rainforests and at least thirteen primate species, including the red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkey.   Arrive at the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, or Primate Lodge Kibale

Day 6: Meet the Chimpanzees of Kibale

In the morning, set out on your chimpanzee trek in the rainforest. The trek, which may last two to four hours, offers the chance of watching chimps in their natural habitat.  After the trek, return to your accommodations for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy optional activities in the area and plant a tree as part of our Kibira Reforestation Project.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS: Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, or Primate Lodge Kibale

lions in queen elizabeth national park

Day 7: Mountains of the Moon

The day begins with a nature walk through the Bigodi Wetlands. This wildlife corridor is home to over 200 species of birds–including the Blue Turaco, Kingfishers, Hornbills, and more–as well as eight species of primates.

The Bigodi Wetlands conservation project began as a local environmental effort run by the communities of Kibale. Beyond conserving the wetlands and its wildlife, the project has also supported the building of a local school, safe drinking water for locals, and local health care efforts.

 

Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed drive as we leave Kibale and head towards Queen Elizabeth National Park.   Upon arrival at the park, settle into your accommodations before taking an evening game drive to explore.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Elephant Plains Lodge or Kyambura Gorge Lodge

A herd of elephants crosses the savannah in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda.

Day 8: Boat Safari & Game Drives

After a sunrise breakfast, embark on a morning game drive, followed by an early lunch at the lodge.

In the afternoon, explore the Kazinga Channel by boat for an opportunity to see the stunning variety of wildlife at the water, including hippos, elephant, and crocodiles.  Birdlife in the park includes the African finfoot, Broad-billed roller, Red-chested sunbird, and Yellow-throated cuckoo, among others.  Before returning to the lodge for dinner, embark on an evening game drive. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: Elephant Plains Lodge or Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 9: Exploring Ishasha


Drive to the Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. A game drive in Ishasha covers a search of the large cats as they lounge in the park’s trees; this is only possible in Uganda & Tanzania. Other species in this area of the park include buffalo, topi, Uganda Kob, baboons, and leopards.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Breakfast on safari at Ishasha Wilderness Camp in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda.

Day 10: Journey to the Impenetrable Forest

Embark on one last game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to  approximately half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. This ancient forest unfolds over the steep ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley, providing breathtaking views and extraordinary viewing opportunities.

In the afternoon, enjoy our exclusive  Beyond the Trek session to see behind the scenes of the care and conservation of the mountain gorillas.  Later, relax at the Lodge or take a sunset stroll through the area.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Buhoma Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Lodge

A silverback mountain gorilla looks up in Bwindi National Park, Uganda.

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The hike of a lifetime begins today. After breakfast we will meet the park rangers who will be our guides for the day, and then we will start the trek in search of the exquisite mountain gorillas of Uganda. Trekking can last between three and eight hours total, but once you discover the gorillas, you will be able to spend one unforgettable hour with them. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: Buhoma Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi Lodge

Day 12: Terraced Hillsides & Mountain Views

Depart after breakfast for Lake Mburo, arriving in time to relax at the lodge and enjoy an evening game drive in the park.

Lake Mburo National Park is considered the best place in the country to witness the enormous Eland Antelope, zebra, Topi, Impala, and the numerous birds drawn to the Acacia tree. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: Mihingo Lodge

Zebra seen while on safari in the African savannah.

Day 13: Walking Safari on the Savanna

Explore the park with a morning walking safari in the company of a ranger, followed by a game drive and an afternoon boat safari on the lake.  

ACCOMMODATIONS: Mihingo Lodge

Day 14: Departure

Explore the wilderness one last time with a morning game drive through the Acacia savanna and woodlands on your way out of the park for Entebbe, stopping for lunch en-route. Transfer to the airport in time to make your onward connections.

How It Works

1. Share Your Inspiration

We’ll listen to your aspirations and discuss the experiences that will meet your travel needs.

2. We'll Plan & Fine-Tune

We’ll put our knowledge of the region to work and create a personalized safari for you. 

3. Reserve Your Safari

When you’re ready to book, we’ll handle the details of reserving everything for your trip.

Let's plan your adventure.

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