Over six days, we’ll journey from the shores of Lake Victoria into the lush rainforests and wildlife-rich national parks of western Uganda, experiencing an incredible variety of landscapes and wildlife along the way. This is a small-group adventure that combines some of Uganda’s very best experiences, from tracking chimpanzees through the ancient rainforest of Kibale National Park to searching for the legendary tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
We’ll cross the equator, follow the dramatic and legendary Mountains of the Moon, and take to the water on a safari along the Kazinga Channel, where elephants, hippos, buffalo, crocodiles and an extraordinary array of birdlife gather along the banks.
But the true highlight awaits in the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Here, accompanied by expert Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, we’ll trek through dense rainforest in search of one of the world’s most extraordinary creatures – the mountain gorilla. Coming face-to-face with a wild gorilla family, watching them feed, play and go about their daily lives, is a bucket-list experience that stays with you long after you leave the forest.
From rainforest to savannah, waterways to mountains, this is Uganda at its most captivating – an adventure filled with wildlife, wild places and moments you’ll be talking about for years to come. And, naturally, a few stories that will probably improve with every telling!
Entebbe
27 Feb – 4 Mar 2027
We touch down in Entebbe, where the warmth of Uganda greets us the moment we step off the plane. We’re met and whisked away to our hotel by the shore of Lake Victoria for the night, the perfect place to shake off any jet lag and rest up for the adventure that lies ahead. After a group dinner, we rest up for tomorrow, when the real magic begins.
O/N 1nt 2 Friends Hotel (or similar)
After an early breakfast, we journey west through Uganda’s beautiful countryside towards Kibale National Park, located in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Along the way, we’ll enjoy lunch at Isunga Lodge before continuing to the edge of the rainforest.
This afternoon, we meet with the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s chimpanzee team, for a briefing on tracking the chimps in the rainforest. Known as one of East Africa’s premier primate destinations, Kibale NP is home to thriving chimpanzee communities and offers an incredible opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural environment.
Once we find our chimpanzee family, we’ll spend time watching their interactions, from playful moments to feeding and socialising, before returning to our rainforest lodge to relax and soak in the magic of this unforgettable encounter.
O/N 2 nts Turaco Treetops Lodge (or similar)
This morning, we’ll stretch our legs with a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation project bordering Kibale National Park. Wandering along forest trails and raised boardwalks, keep an eye out for colourful birdlife, butterflies and the sanctuary’s resident monkeys, who often seem just as interested in us as we are in them.
We then continue south, following the dramatic Rwenzori Mountains, the legendary Mountains of the Moon, and cross the equator en route to Queen Elizabeth National Park. (Yes, there’ll be a chance for the obligatory equator photo!). This afternoon, we swap road for river on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, where elephants, buffalo, hippos, warthogs, waterbuck, crocodiles and countless birds gather at the water’s edge. It’s one of Uganda’s finest wildlife spectacles. Tonight, we unwind at our lodge overlooking the valley, with sweeping views towards the Rwenzori Mountains as the sun slips below the horizon.
O/N 1 nt Marafiki Safari Lodge (or similar)
An early start sees us heading to the Ishasha Plains, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, in search of one of Africa’s most unusual sights – tree-climbing lions. Joining a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger, we’ll venture into the savannah with the best possible chance of spotting these magnificent cats, often found lounging in the branches of giant fig trees. It’s not your average place to find a lion taking a nap!
Leaving the plains behind, we’ll wind our way through villages, tea plantations and lush countryside to the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where the rest of the afternoon is yours to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.
O/N 2 nts Haven Lodge (or similar)
Today is the day! After an early breakfast, it’s time to tuck the trousers into our socks, pull on those garden gloves and head into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of its most famous resident, the mountain gorillas.
Following a briefing with our Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, we’ll set off into the dense rainforest, following trails and pushing through the undergrowth as we track our gorilla family. The trek can take anything from a couple of hours to most of the day, so sturdy walking shoes, water and a little determination are essential. Snacks and a daypack are provided, you just need to keep up!
Then comes the truly extraordinary moment: finding a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. We’ll have around an hour to quietly observe them as they eat, play, rest and go about their daily lives. With only around 1,100 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild, this is a rare and deeply memorable experience.
After returning to the base station, we’ll head back to the lodge to relax, swap stories and reflect on the privilege of spending time with these remarkable creatures.
Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to our deep African adventure. This morning we’ll transfer to Kihihi Airstrip for our morning flight back to Entebbe, arriving around 8:45am, where you can connect with your departure flights home – or onwards to another amazing destination.
After gorillas, chimpanzees, wildlife-filled waterways and the extraordinary landscapes of Uganda, you’ll be heading home with some pretty unforgettable memories – and hopefully a few stories that will get better with every telling!
If you’d like to linger a little longer, why not extend your stay with a night or two beside beautiful Lake Victoria? Talk to us and we can arrange the perfect finishing touch to your Ugandan adventure.
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