Gorillas, Rhinos & the Nile

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Kampala 

Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you'll meet your guide and transfer to Kampala. Time permitting, visit the Kasubi Royal Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight:

• Upmarket: Kampala Serena Hotel

• Midrange: Hotel Africana

Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Murchison Falls NP (BLD)

After an early breakfast, drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track southern white rhinos on foot. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, stopping at the Top of the Falls for awe-inspiring views of the Nile crashing through a narrow gorge. Overnight:

• Upmarket: Paraa Safari Lodge

• Midrange: Twiga Safari Lodge

Day 3: Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise (BLD) 

Begin with a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile: spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and possibly leopards. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, watching for hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife, including the rare shoebill stork. Overnight

Day 4: Drive to Fort Portal via Hoima (BLD) 

Travel to Fort Portal through stunning Albertine Rift Valley scenery. Stop for photos, local interactions, and a picnic lunch en route. Arrive in the evening and check in at your lodge. Overnight:

• Upmarket: Chimpundu Lodge

• Midrange: Turaco Treetops / Crater Safari Lodge

Day 5: Kibale Chimps & Queen Elizabeth NP (BLD) 

Spend the morning tracking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, home to 13 primate species. After lunch in Fort Portal, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, stopping for a crater lakes game drive. Overnight:

• Upmarket: Elephant Plains

• Midrange: Buffalo Safari Lodge / Kikorongo Safari Lodge
  

Day 6: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise (BLD) 

Early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, known for lions, elephants, buffalo, and Uganda kobs. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos and birds. Return to the lodge for your overnight stay.  

Day 7: Ishasha Sector & Bwindi (BLD) 

After a final morning game drive, head south through the Ishasha sector, where tree-climbing lions may be spotted. Arrive in the evening at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the rare mountain gorillas. Overnight:

• Upmarket: Ishasha Wilderness Lodge

• Midrange: Enjojo Lodge

Day 8: Bwindi Nature Walk & Cultural Visit (BLD) 

Start with a gentle nature walk in Bwindi. In the afternoon, visit the Ride 4 a Woman project and local communities. In the evening we may meet rangers for a pre-trek briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette. Return to the lodge for your overnight stay. Meals: Full Board 

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking Adventure (BLD) 

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters. Begin your life-changing trek through Bwindi to encounter a mountain gorilla family. Spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants. 

Once your group locates a gorilla family, you’ll spend a magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. This encounter offers an incredibly intimate wildlife experience—being just meters away from these gentle giants is both humbling and unforgettable.

With fewer than 1,100 mountain gorillas left in the wild, this rare opportunity offers insight into their social structures and behaviors. The trek can be moderately challenging, lasting up to six hours or more, often at high altitudes. Good physical fitness will enhance your experience, though many visitors in their 60s and 70s have successfully completed the trek. If you prefer a shorter hike, your driver-guide can request a closer group for you.

To ensure a comfortable trek, wear sturdy hiking boots and long trousers, and consider bringing gloves for protection against nettles. Don’t forget snacks, sweets (for yourself), and plenty of water, as the rainforest can become hot and humid during the day.

 Overnight:

• Upmarket: Mahogany Springs

• Midrange: Buhoma Haven Lodge

Day 10: Return to Entebbe or Optional Flight (B)

After breakfast, transfer back to Entebbe Airport by road (~10 hours) with a lunch stop en route. Optional: Fly from Kihihi/Kisoro to Entebbe for $330 per person. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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