10 Day Gorilla Trekking and African Big Five Safari

As your plane descends over Lake Victoria, the emerald shores of Uganda welcome you to a land of astonishing beauty and untamed wilderness. At Entebbe International Airport (EBB), you will be met with a smile by our experienced guide who will transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to take a relaxing walk through Entebbe’s botanical gardens or along the lakefront—an enchanting prelude to the journey that lies ahead.

Accommodation: ViaVia Uganda Entebbe
Main Destination: Entebbe City

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll set off on a scenic drive to the far southwestern corner of Uganda. The route winds through vibrant towns, rolling hills, and lush farmland. En route, enjoy a delicious lunch stop in Mbarara before continuing your drive. As evening falls, Lake Bunyonyi—“Place of Many Little Birds”—emerges like a dream, with its mist-covered waters dotted with 29 emerald islands. Unwind at your lakeside resort and breathe in the cool mountain air.

Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi

Awaken to the sounds of birdsong and enjoy a tranquil canoe trek across Lake Bunyonyi. In a traditional dugout canoe, glide across the calm waters, learning the stories of each island—from Akampene, where unmarried girls were once exiled, to Bwama, once a leper colony. Bird lovers will marvel at over 300 recorded species, including the colorful Malachite Kingfisher.

After your lake excursion, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On arrival, experience the living heritage of the Batwa pygmies—the original forest dwellers. Their songs, dances, and stories echo the ancient rhythms of a culture intrinsically tied to the forest.

Accommodation: Ride 4 a Woman Guesthouse
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today is the soul-stirring highlight of your journey. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your trek into the misty rainforest. The trek can range from 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family.

And then—you meet them. Majestic, powerful, yet gentle, a family of mountain gorillas will greet you in their natural sanctuary. You’ll spend an awe-filled hour in their company, observing the silverback’s leadership and the playful antics of the young.

After this unforgettable experience, transfer to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famed for its unique tree-climbing lions.

Accommodation: Topi Lodge
Main Destination: Ishasha (Queen Elizabeth NP)

Begin your day with a game drive through the open savannah of Ishasha, where lions laze high in fig trees—a phenomenon seen in few places on Earth. The surrounding plains are alive with Uganda kobs, buffaloes, and more.

In the afternoon, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel offers an up-close encounter with hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and countless birds—like the elegant African fish eagle and the rare shoebill stork. The channel, connecting Lakes Edward and George, is a paradise for wildlife photographers.

Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge
Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park

After a morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth NP to spot more of the Big Five—including elusive leopards—you’ll journey to Kibale National Park. Nicknamed the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale is home to 13 species of primates.

On arrival, check into your lodge nestled in the tranquil forest and prepare for the primate experience that awaits.

Accommodation: Isunga Lodge
Main Destination: Kibale Forest National Park

Rise early for your date with our closest cousins—the chimpanzees. Accompanied by experienced rangers, venture into the dense forest where you’ll hear their whoops and hoots before seeing them swing through the canopy.

After this exhilarating trek, enjoy lunch before visiting the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. A guided walk through the swamp reveals a kaleidoscope of birds, butterflies, and monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled for the spectacular Great Blue Turaco!

Accommodation: Isunga Lodge
Main Destination: Kibale Forest National Park

Today you’ll embark on a scenic drive north to Uganda’s oldest and largest national park—Murchison Falls. Upon arrival, visit the “Top of the Falls,” where the mighty Nile is forced through a narrow 7-meter gorge, plunging 45 meters below with a roar that shakes the earth. It’s a moment of nature’s raw power and unparalleled beauty.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park

At dawn, cross to the park’s northern sector for a thrilling game drive. Spot herds of Rothschild’s giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, hartebeests, and predators like lions and hyenas. Birders will delight in sightings of Abyssinian ground hornbills and secretary birds.

After brunch, enjoy a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile to the base of the falls. Along the way, hippos wallow, crocodiles sunbathe, and kingfishers dart above the water. The cruise ends dramatically near the “Devil’s Cauldron,” the thunderous base of Murchison Falls—an unforgettable spectacle.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park

On your final day, begin your journey back toward Entebbe, stopping at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary—the only place in Uganda where you can see wild rhinos on foot. Guided by experienced rangers, you’ll track these magnificent beasts across the savannah.

After this exhilarating encounter, continue to Entebbe with a lunch stop en route, bringing your epic 10-day journey through the heart of Africa to a poignant and powerful close.

Main Destination: Entebbe (City)
Accommodation: None (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own

End of Tour
May your heart be full, your camera brimming, and your soul forever changed by the wonders of Uganda.