$4,406 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in Entebbe – Optional Shoebill Tracking at Mabamba Swamp
Arrival in Entebbe – Optional Shoebill Tracking at Mabamba Swamp
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your Wild Compass Africa guide who will provide a short briefing about your upcoming safari. Depending on arrival time, you may embark on an optional canoe excursion to Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar wetland on the edge of Lake Victoria and one of the best places in Africa to spot the elusive shoebill stork.
This prehistoric-looking bird is a sought-after prize for birders and photographers. Glide silently through papyrus channels in a traditional canoe, with chances to spot other wetland species like malachite kingfishers, African jacanas, and blue-breasted bee-eaters. Later, check in at a charming lodge or boutique guesthouse in Entebbe, where you can relax and prepare for the exciting journey ahead. Enjoy dinner and a peaceful overnight stay surrounded by tropical gardens.
- Main Destination:
- Entebbe (City)
- Accommodation:
- The Boma Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Rhino Tracking at Ziwa & Journey to Murchison Falls
Rhino Tracking at Ziwa & Journey to Murchison Falls
After an early breakfast, set off for northern Uganda through rolling countryside and traditional homesteads. Your first stop is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda. Here, embark on a guided on-foot tracking experience with a ranger to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. This up-close encounter supports efforts to reintroduce rhinos to Uganda's wild spaces.
Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest park, known for its powerful waterfall and rich wildlife. Before crossing the Nile into the northern sector, stop at the Top of the Falls, where the river narrows from 50 to just 7 meters, thundering through a gorge with a deafening roar.
Arrive at Pakuba Safari Lodge (or similar), set in the park overlooking the Nile. Watch for giraffes, warthogs, and antelope around the lodge as you enjoy dinner under the stars.
- Main Destination:
- Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
- Accommodation:
- Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Sunrise Game Drive & Nile River Safari-Murchison Falls National Park
Sunrise Game Drive & Nile River Safari-Murchison Falls National Park
Rise early for a sunrise game drive in the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park, where wildlife is most active in the golden morning light. Traverse rolling savannah plains and acacia woodlands in search of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hyenas, and the endemic Rothschild’s giraffe. Your expert guide will help interpret animal behaviors and track elusive species, offering a rich, immersive safari experience.
Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation. In the afternoon, head to the jetty for a Nile River boat cruise one of the highlights of Murchison. As you glide upstream toward the thunderous base of Murchison Falls, marvel at the spectacle of hippos, basking crocodiles, elephants cooling off at the riverbanks, and a rich diversity of birdlife including, African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and more.
The boat docks near the base of the falls where the Nile explodes through a 7-meter rocky gap with an astonishing roar.
- Main Destination:
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Accommodation:
- Pakuba Safari Lodge
Wildlife in Murchison Falls NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Scenic Transfer to Kibale Forest – Land of Craters & Tea Plantations
Scenic Transfer to Kibale Forest – Land of Craters & Tea Plantations
After breakfast, begin a scenic full-day journey southward toward Kibale Forest National Park, one of Africa’s premier primate destinations. The drive takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Albertine Rift Valley, known for its dramatic escarpments, lush tea plantations, crater lakes, and rich cultural sights.
Enjoy several stops along the way for photos, leg-stretching, and a local lunch. You’ll reach the outskirts of Kibale in the late afternoon, where the lush tropical rainforest and cool climate welcome you. Settle into your handpicked lodge nestled near the park and enjoy the tranquil jungle ambiance as you prepare for the next day’s thrilling chimpanzee encounter.
- Main Destination:
- Kibale National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Kibale Forest Lodge
Wildlife in Kibale NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk – Primate Capital of East Africa
Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk – Primate Capital of East Africa
Fuel up with an early breakfast and head to the Kibale park headquarters for a chimpanzee tracking briefing. With your ranger guide, venture into the dense jungle on foot in search of one of the 13 primate species found in the park, especially the habituated chimpanzees.
Once located, enjoy a magical hour watching these highly intelligent and social animals as they swing through the trees, groom each other, and communicate with expressive sounds and gestures. The forest is alive with activity, and you may also spot red colobus monkeys, and forest bird species. In the afternoon, take a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based conservation project known for its incredible biodiversity. Stroll along raised boardwalks and through papyrus-lined trails while your local guide points out colorful butterflies, monkeys, and over 200 bird species. It’s a perfect complement to the morning trek, offering a slower pace and rich cultural and ecological insights.
- Main Destination:
- Kibale National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Kibale Forest Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park -Kazinga Channel Boat Safari & Evening Game Drive
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park -Kazinga Channel Boat Safari & Evening Game Drive
After an early breakfast, set off for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most biodiverse savannah park, known for its dramatic scenery stretching from crater-dotted foothills to the vast open plains of the Rift Valley. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and a short rest.
In the afternoon, embark on a wildlife-packed boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This 2-hour cruise offers close-up views of massive hippo pods, basking Nile crocodiles, herds of elephants coming to drink, and a kaleidoscope of water birds including African fish eagles, kingfishers, pelicans, and saddle-billed storks. This channel hosts one of the densest concentrations of hippos in Africa, making it a photographer’s paradise.
Head out for an evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, prime lion territory and a hotspot for spotting Uganda kobs, buffaloes, hyenas, and even elusive leopards against a golden savannah backdrop.
- Main Destination:
- Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth NP)
- Accommodation:
- Elephant Hab Lodge
Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Ishasha Sector Game Drive -Tree-Climbing Lions & Scenic Transfer to Bwindi
Ishasha Sector Game Drive -Tree-Climbing Lions & Scenic Transfer to Bwindi
After breakfast, journey through the remote and wild Ishasha sector, located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is renowned for its rare and fascinating tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging in the large fig and acacia trees. Keep your eyes peeled during the game drive, as you may also encounter topis, elephants, buffaloes, and an array of birdlife.
Enjoy a bush picnic or lunch at a scenic point within the park, soaking in the tranquil wilderness. In the afternoon, continue on a scenic drive through terraced hills and tropical forest to reach the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sanctuary to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Arrive at your forest lodge nestled on the edge of the jungle, with time to relax and prepare for the life-changing gorilla trekking experience the next day.
- Main Destination:
- Ishasha Sector (Queen Elizabeth NP)
- Accommodation:
- Four Gorillas Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Batwa Cultural Experience
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Batwa Cultural Experience
Today is the highlight of your safari and one of the most emotional wildlife experiences on Earth. After an early breakfast, head to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park headquarters for a briefing by experienced rangers. Then, venture deep into the misty rainforest on foot to track one of the habituated mountain gorilla families.
The trek may take from 1 to 7 hours depending on the location of the gorillas, but the reward is priceless, spending a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat-watching young gorillas play, silverbacks asserting their dominance, and mothers nurturing their infants. It’s a deeply moving encounter that leaves a lasting imprint.
Return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch and rest. In the afternoon, visit the Batwa community and learn about their forest traditions, music, and culture through dance, storytelling, and demonstrations. An enriching way to connect conservation with community heritage.
- Main Destination:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Four Gorillas Lodge
Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Scenic Drive to Lake Mburo – Sunset Game Drive
Scenic Drive to Lake Mburo – Sunset Game Drive
After breakfast, begin a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park and one of the few places where you can spot zebras, impalas, and elands in Uganda. The drive offers incredible views of rolling hills, banana plantations, and rural life along the way.
Upon arrival, check in to your lodge nestled within the park’s acacia-dotted landscape. After a short rest, embark on an evening game drive as the golden light sets the savannah aglow. This is an excellent time to spot giraffes, topis, bushbucks, hyenas, and possibly elusive leopards. The peaceful atmosphere and absence of large predators make Lake Mburo ideal for walking safaris and slow-paced exploration.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Accommodation:
- Mpogo Safari Lodge
Wildlife in Lake Mburo NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Walking Safari in Lake Mburo – Return to Entebbe
Walking Safari in Lake Mburo – Return to Entebbe
Start your final morning with a guided walking safari, one of the most intimate ways to experience African wildlife. Accompanied by an armed ranger, you’ll learn to track animals, read footprints, and discover plants and birds up close without the hum of a vehicle. It’s a refreshing and grounding way to end your safari adventure.
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Entebbe, enjoying scenic photo stops and lunch en route. Depending on your flight time, you’ll be dropped off at Entebbe International Airport or your hotel, with your heart full of wild memories and camera full of stunning moments from Uganda’s most treasured landscapes.
- Main Destination:
- Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
