Immerse yourself in the green land, scenic, culturally based, the pearl of Africa. Uganda was loved by the great explorers due to its green vegetation, compacted wildlife, the overwhelming water bodies like Lake Victoria the second largest fresh waters after Lake Superior, and being the genesis of the world’s longest river Nile, the curvaceous hills and mountains, the culture and traditions enabling it earn the honor of being the pearl of Africa.
Practically trek to the home of the gorillas, dodge the unending tree veins, feel the louder chimpanzees our closest cousins, cruise on the Nile, and get a nature shower from the permanent splashes of the devil’s cauldron. You will tentatively enjoy the dream-able bush meals with either stunning sundowners or sunrises, being in Uganda is always rewarding and a place for all nature lovers.
The country has 10 major national parks both savannah and tropical rain forests, rich in flora and fauna and each destination has a special attraction. It favors both leisure travelers and adventure travelers. Being in the arm of the Rift Valley, Uganda is known globally to be among the major birding spots in the world with key Albertine endemics and a hot spot for the big 5.
Safari Highlights
Primate close encounters, mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, and other primate species like the red-tailed monkeys and colobuses.
Delta exploration and the Falls Nile cruise.
Wilderness picnics and sunset encounters
Game drives and scenic viewing
Shoebill tracking
Safari inclusions
English speaking guide
Meals and accommodation
All Activities as mentioned in the program
Drinking water full-time
Complementary drinking coffee while on safari
4*4 safari vehicle
Gorilla permits | chimpanzee permits
Safari exclusions
Visas and tips
Souvenirs
Additional activities
Wines/spirits/beers
Itinerary Details
A Rare Chance To Tentatively Interact With Mountain gorillas And Chimpanzees
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Transfer to Entebbe Hotel
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Wild Compass Africa and transferred to your hotel. Take the time to relax and stretch after your long journey. Meals and accommodation: Papyrus Guest House | Alternative
Day 2: Shoebill Excursion in Mabamba Swamp & Explore Entebbe
Wake up early for breakfast before heading out on a boat excursion to Mabamba Swamp in search of the elusive shoebill a must-see for birding and wildlife enthusiasts. Known as the "living dinosaur" or "whale-headed stork," the shoebill is one of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife encounters. On arrival at the swamp, you'll switch to smaller wooden boats that are ideal for navigating the narrow marsh channels. The activity typically lasts 1–3 hours, with about 1.5 hours total travel time to and from the swamp. Return to your hotel for a relaxed afternoon. You may also choose to explore Entebbe town at your own pace. Visit the local markets, shopping malls, or unwind at one of the local bars. For nature lovers, the Entebbe Botanical Gardens is a must-home to a variety of bird species and rich botanical diversity. It is also the oldest botanical garden in Africa and famously served as a filming location for Tarzan in the Jungle in the 1950s. Meals and accommodation: Papyrus Guest House | Alternative
Day-3 Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Murchison Falls Top visit
Ziwa rhino sanctuary is the only natural home of the white rhinos in Uganda which had gone into extinction in the early 70s due to instabilities and serious poaching. Located on the same road as Murchison Falls National Park, it is a great idea to visit these massive creatures which will be the first highlight of the Big 5. Not only the rhinos, the sanctuary is rich in a variety of savannah bird species and other wildlife species such as bushbucks, warthogs, vervet monkeys, pangolins, and much more. The government of Uganda and the private entities re-introduced them back in the early 2000s and doing a great job to enable them to survive with a promising number and to re-introduce them back into the wild when the target number is hit. You will have a hot meal from the sanctuary restaurant and after that embark on your journey to the great home wildlife. Visit the top of the falls, hike, and see more wonderful aerial views of the falls, you will get a natural shower from the permanent splashes from the waters that form a rainbow. Feel the vibrations and witness how almost all the Nile waters are squeezed into a narrow gorge 8 meters wide and 43 meters deep, interesting how the natural turbines stimulate your happiness as you see the river flow gently after the falls. After viewing the strongest falls in the world, drive to your next accommodation where you will have a relaxed evening. Meals and accommodation: Pakuba safari Lodge | Alternative
Day 4 Private Nile Delta Boat ride | Game drive
River Nile links to the waters of Lake Albert where it proceeds to southern Sudan and Egypt before joining the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a home of several aquatic species both birds and mammals, you will be changed enough to spot hippos, elephants foraging along the river shores, crocodiles, lots of birds like herons, fish eagles, Hamerkops, kingfishers, and more so it's peaceful and among a major highlight of the safari. You will then connect to your safari vehicles from a different location after the delta experience, have a bush picnic, and later on start a real safari drive in search of savannah specials like lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and much more. Have a great time in the wild with no rush, you will come back to the lodge when you think you have had enough for the day and this will give you room to either eat a hot lunch or go with your packed lunch for more wilderness experience. Meals and accommodation: Pakuba safari lodge | alternative
Day 5 Morning Wildlife search | Afternoon private Boat ride to the Falls
Have an early breakfast, then head out for an exciting morning game drive and photography session. Your guide will help you track key wildlife, including lions and leopards especially if you missed them the previous day. After the game drive, return to your lodge to refresh and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a breathtaking launch cruise along the Nile, heading toward the base of the thunderous Murchison Falls. The cruise lasts approximately 2–3 hours and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Keep an eye out for Nile crocodiles, hippos, elephants, giraffes, and a variety of bird species such as carmine bee-eaters, African fish eagles, giant kingfishers, pied kingfishers, skimmers, and many more. After the cruise, return to your accommodation for a relaxed evening as you unwind and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Nile River. Meals and accommodation: Pakuba safari lodge | alternative
Day 6- Brief morning game drive | flight to Kibale Park | after lunch chimp tracking
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before heading out for your final game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. Each day in the wild offers something new, you might spot wildlife you haven’t seen yet, so keep your eyes open! After the game drive, you'll be transferred to the airstrip for your domestic flight to western Uganda, bringing you closer to the primate capital Kibale Forest. The scenic flight takes approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your guide and either head directly for chimpanzee tracking (depending on timing and flexibility) or proceed to your lodge for relaxation. Later, venture into the lush Kibale jungle with a ranger guide for your chimpanzee tracking experience. Be sure to carry enough drinking water, a snack, and wear proper jungle attire. Kibale National Park is renowned for hosting 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, red colobus, sooty mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, mantled guereza, olive baboons, and more. The park is also home to over 375 bird species, including key Albertine Rift endemics, as well as 250 species of butterflies, and several mammals such as elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and duikers. Meals and accommodation: turaco Treetops Lodge | alternative
Day 7 Morning Nature Walk | Transfer To Ishasha Home Of Tree Climbing Lions
The western part of Uganda is beautified by lots of mountains and crater lakes, walk around the community, experience coffee making, and local gin making from the plantain, hike to one of the crater lakes, and later on drive to Ishasha. Drive through the scenic fort portal Kasese road connected to the savannah land of the medley of wonders. Have a chance to enjoy the open savannah and forest of maramagambo, it’s a great world out there driving 3-4 hours in the wilderness. High chances of spotting lots of wildlife like elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs, and to birders it’s a great drive along Edward. Checking into your lodge and having lunch and relaxing, you will have an option of going for an evening drive or a sunset treat in the wilderness marking the end of the day. Meals and accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Day 8 Morning Game drive | Transfer to Bwindi
Search for tree-climbing lions at ease, and encounter more new species like the Topis, Ishasha is the great home of Uganda kobs, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, birds, leopards, and much more. You will drive around this southern sector, go back to the lodge for lunch, and after transfer to Bwindi by road. It’s a great drive via the green mountains filled up with tea and coffee, and lovely people. Arrive at the lodge for an overnight stay as you are warming up for the gorilla experience. Meals and accommodation: Buhoma Lodge | alternative
Day 9 Gorilla tracking | Ride 4 a Woman project visit
Today is the highlight of your safari, gorilla trekking day! After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing and to be assigned to a gorilla family. Depending on the group, you may start trekking immediately or drive to a nearby trailhead. Hike through the thick forest, navigating vines, slopes, and streams as you search for the great apes. The journey can be challenging but incredibly rewarding, with chances to spot other wildlife and enjoy the breathtaking jungle scenery. Once you locate the gorillas, you'll spend a magical one hour in their presence a truly unforgettable encounter. Face masks are required during the visit, and your ranger guide will brief you on all necessary guidelines. What to bring: Fully charged camera, spare SD cards, rain jacket, hiking boots, long pants, and long-sleeved shirt. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, take an optional visit to a local women’s community project led by an inspiring local woman. The initiative empowers women with hands-on skills that help them earn a living your visit directly supports their efforts. Meals and accommodation: Buhoma Lodge
Day 10 Fly Back To Entebbe | Back Home
You will be driven to Kihihi airstrip after your breakfast as you will be saying bye to Uganda. The flight to Entebbe takes 2 hours shortening the long drive of 10 hours on the road. You will be picked up by our company representative and taken to your hotel of choice or airport which marks the end of the trip.
