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Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Volcanoes National Park
Tour Highlights
What makes this trip special
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your trip, day by day
Welcome to the Pearl of Africa - Arrival and Transfer
Your grand 10-day wilderness expedition begins with a warm welcome at Entebbe International Airport, a lush peninsula on the shores of Lake Victoria. Our professional safari guide will meet you and provide a detailed briefing of the journey ahead. A short transfer takes you to your hotel in Entebbe, where the humid tropical air and the symphony of lake birds provide a tranquil introduction to Uganda. Morning: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Clear immigration and collect your luggage. Your professional driver-guide will be waiting outside the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. Entebbe sits on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake by surface area. Afternoon: Transfer to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe (30-60 minutes). Depending on your arrival, enjoy a sunset walk along the botanical gardens or the lake shore, watching the local fishermen bring in their catch. The humid tropical air and symphony of lake birds provide a tranquil introduction to Uganda. Evening: Dinner is served at the lodge, where you can rest and prepare for departure into the wild tomorrow morning. Your guide will provide a comprehensive briefing on the adventure ahead and check your trekking gear.
Tracking Giants - Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Murchison Falls
After an early breakfast, we begin our journey northwards into the heart of the wild. Our first major stop is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you will experience the adrenaline-pumping thrill of tracking white rhinos on foot with expert rangers. After lunch, we continue into Murchison Falls National Park, stopping at the Top of the Falls to witness the entire Nile River squeezed through a tiny 7-meter gap, plunging with thunderous force into the gorge below. Morning: Early breakfast followed by a scenic 4-hour drive north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (170 km). The landscape transitions from urban Kampala to rolling countryside. At Ziwa, embark on a guided walking safari with an armed ranger to track white rhinos on foot - walking just meters from a multi-ton rhino is a humbling experience. Ziwa is also home to over 300 bird species. Afternoon: Continue driving north to Murchison Falls National Park (another 1.5 hours). Stop at the Top of the Falls to witness the Nile forced through a 7-metre-wide gorge, plunging 43 metres with tremendous force. This is a sensory explosion of mist, sound, and raw power. Photography and guided commentary included. Evening: Check in at your lodge inside Murchison Falls NP. Enjoy dinner under the African stars. Many lodges offer views over the Nile River - request a river-facing room. Packing tip: bring a warm layer as evenings near the river can be cool.
The Great Savannah Game Drive & Victoria Nile Boat Safari
We rise before dawn for an early game drive in the northern savannah. This is the golden hour for predators; our guide will track lions, leopards, and hyenas as they return from their hunts. In the afternoon, we board a boat for a safari up the Nile, passing massive pods of hippos and giant Nile crocodiles basking on the banks. The boat takes us to the base of the falls, providing a unique perspective from below. Morning: Early morning tea or coffee at 6:00 AM, then depart for a 3-4 hour game drive across the northern bank of the Nile. The landscape is a mosaic of life with thousands of Rothschild's giraffes, Cape buffalos, and massive elephant herds. Search for lions, leopards, and hyenas with your expert guide. Photography tip: morning light is ideal for wildlife photography between 7:00-9:00 AM. Afternoon: Return to the lodge for lunch. At 2:00 PM, board a 2-hour boat cruise from the Paraa jetty to the base of Murchison Falls. Observe hundreds of hippos, enormous Nile crocodiles basking on sandbanks, elephants drinking at the water's edge, and prolific birdlife including the rare shoebill stork, African fish eagle, and colourful kingfishers. Evening: Sundowner drinks at the lodge terrace overlooking the Nile River. Watch the sunset over the river as the animals come down to drink. Dinner and overnight in Murchison Falls NP.
Scenic Rift Valley Traverse to Kibale Forest
Today is a day of spectacular geographical transitions. As we drive south from Murchison, we traverse the western arm of the Great Rift Valley with breathtaking views over Lake Albert and the distant mountains of the Congo. We pass through Fort Portal, nestled in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains, surrounded by lush tea plantations. We arrive at the edge of Kibale National Park in the evening. Morning: Breakfast at the lodge at 7:00 AM. Depart for a scenic 5-hour drive south through western Uganda. The road offers breathtaking viewpoints over the blue waters of Lake Albert and the distant mountains of the Congo. Pass through rural villages and verdant tea plantations stretching across rolling hills. Afternoon: Stop at Fort Portal, the "Switzerland of Africa," for panoramic views of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains - the legendary Mountains of the Moon. The landscape transforms into lush, rolling tea plantations, an emerald-green carpet as far as the eye can see. Continue to Kibale Forest National Park and check into your lodge. Evening: Guided nature walk around the lodge grounds. The scents of the evergreen rainforest begin to surround you as nocturnal wildlife emerges. Dinner and overnight in the Kibale area.
Primate Capital Encounters - Chimpanzee Tracking
Kibale is the primate capital of the world, housing 13 species in its dense canopy. After a briefing, we enter the forest to find our closest relatives: the habituated chimpanzees. Listening to their pant-hoots echoing through the high canopy and watching them interact is a deeply engaging experience. In the afternoon, we visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a community-led nature walk. Morning: Early breakfast at the lodge at 6:00 AM. Head to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing, then enter Kibale Forest with your guide for chimpanzee tracking. Walk through the tropical rainforest (795 sq km) in search of habituated chimp families. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees - the highest concentration in East Africa. You may also encounter red-tailed monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Afternoon: Return to the lodge for lunch. At 2:00 PM, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided community walk. This pristine wetland is a biodiversity hotspot home to red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus, over 200 bird species including the great blue turaco, and spectacular butterflies. All while learning about local conservation efforts. Evening: Relax at the lodge. Dinner and overnight in the Kibale area, surrounded by the sounds of the tropical forest at night.
Into the Savannah Plains - Queen Elizabeth NP
We leave the forest and head south towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, crossing the Equator and entering the rift valley plains. We arrive in time for an evening game drive through the crater lakes region, where dormant craters have become beautiful lake-filled basins. Watching the sun set over these mirrored waters, with elephants and kobs grazing on the banks, is a peaceful and beautiful experience. Morning: Breakfast at 7:00 AM and check out from Kibale. Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive south towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey crosses the Equator and enters the rift valley plains, offering spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains on clear days. Afternoon: Arrive at Queen Elizabeth NP (1,978 sq km) and check in at your lodge overlooking the savannah. Enjoy lunch with views over the park. Take some time to relax - many lodges have swimming pools overlooking the savannah. Queen Elizabeth is Uganda's most popular national park, named after Queen Elizabeth II during her 1954 visit. Evening: Evening game drive through the crater lakes region, where dormant volcanic craters have become beautiful lake-filled basins. Watch the sun set over these mirrored waters with elephants and Uganda kobs grazing on the banks. Return to the lodge after dark for dinner.
Predator Tracking & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Our morning starts in the Kasenyi plains, the primary hunting ground for the park's lion prides. With your expert guide, we track the Kings of the Jungle and perhaps catch a leopard in a thicket. In the afternoon, we embark on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a 32 km natural waterway boasting one of the world's highest concentrations of hippos. Watching elephants come down to the water's edge just meters from our boat is a quintessential African highlight. Morning: Early morning game drive (6:30 AM departure) along the Kasenyi Track, the prime predator-viewing area of Queen Elizabeth NP. The savannah is alive with Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and warthogs. Search for lions and leopards with your experienced guide. The Kasenyi plains offer some of the best big cat photography in Uganda. Afternoon: Lunch at the lodge. At 2:00 PM, board a 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This 32 km natural channel connecting Lake Edward and Lake George has the highest concentration of hippos in the world - over 5,000 individuals. Witness elephants drinking and bathing at the shoreline, buffalo wading in the shallows, and a stunning variety of waterbirds. Evening: Return to the lodge for dinner. An optional night game drive (available at extra cost) offers the chance to spot nocturnal wildlife such as leopards, porcupines, and genet cats. Night drives use a spotlight with a red filter to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Legend of the Tree-Climbing Lions & Drive to Bwindi
We head to the remote southern sector of the park, known as Ishasha, world-famous for lions that lounge in fig and sycamore trees to escape the heat. After a game drive through Ishasha, we ascend into the misty Kigezi Highlands and reach the edge of the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half of the world's mountain gorillas. Morning: Early breakfast at 6:30 AM. Depart for the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP (about 2 hours south). Game drive through Ishasha in search of the famous tree-climbing lions lounging in massive fig and sycamore trees. This unique behaviour is rarely seen elsewhere in Africa. Photography tip: use a 200mm+ lens to capture them lounging in the branches. Afternoon: Picnic lunch in the Ishasha sector overlooking the savannah. Begin the ascent from the savannah into the misty Kigezi Highlands, passing through stunning terraced hillsides that are incredibly fertile. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Evening: Arrive at your Bwindi area lodge by late afternoon. Comprehensive briefing from your lead guide about the gorilla trekking experience scheduled for tomorrow. Enjoy a quiet evening by the fire, reflecting on the savannah adventures and preparing for the gorilla trek. Dinner and early bedtime.
The Ultimate Experience - Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
This is the spiritual heart of your safari. After a vital briefing, you venture into the thick, tangled heart of the Bwindi Forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. When you finally come face-to-face with a family of mountain gorillas, time seems to stop. You spend one profound hour observing the silverback's authority, the mothers' tender care, and the playful juveniles. In the afternoon, we visit the local Batwa community to learn about their ancient forest-dwelling culture. Morning: Early breakfast at 5:30 AM with packed snacks for the trek. Transfer to the park headquarters at 6:30 AM for a final gorilla trekking briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Groups of 8 visitors are assigned to specific gorilla families. Enter Bwindi's misty forest with your group, lead guide, trackers, and armed rangers. The trek can take 1-5 hours through steep, dense, and often muddy terrain. Porter services are available for hire (approximately -20). Afternoon: Once the gorilla family is located, spend one unforgettable hour in their presence. Watch the silverback protect his family, mothers nurse their infants, and juveniles play-fight. The human-like expressions and gentle nature of these massive creatures will leave you forever changed. Trek back to the trailhead. Visit the local Batwa community to learn about their ancient forest-dwelling culture and deep connection to the rainforest. Evening: Return to the lodge to celebrate your gorilla trekking achievement. Receive a gorilla trekking certificate from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Enjoy a celebratory dinner and share stories with your trekking group. Overnight in Bwindi.
Final Morning & Scenic Return to Entebbe
Awake to the mist-covered forest and enjoy a final breakfast in the highlands. We begin our return journey, descending through the mountains and passing through the fertile Kigezi region. We stop at the Equator for a final geographical demonstration and some souvenir shopping. We arrive in Entebbe by early evening, where your guide will transfer you to the airport for your departure. Morning: Awake to the mist-covered forest and enjoy a final breakfast in the highlands at 7:00 AM. Depart Bwindi for the journey back to Entebbe. Descend through the mountains and pass through the fertile Kigezi region with its terraced hillsides and long-horned Ankole cattle. Afternoon: Stop at the Uganda Equator for a final geographical demonstration - stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern Hemisphere. Browse the souvenir stalls for local crafts. Enjoy lunch en route at a lakeside restaurant. Continue the drive to Entebbe, offering a final chance to admire Uganda's diverse topography and vibrant rural life. Evening: Arrive in Entebbe (approximately 5:00-6:00 PM). Your guide will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. End of tour. You leave with a heart full of memories, having explored the very best of Uganda's wilderness from the savannah to the misty rainforests.
What's Included & Excluded
Know exactly what your package covers
Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park entry & camping/hut fees
- KPAP-certified mountain guides, cooks and porters
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, hot drinks)
- Mountain camping equipment or hut accommodation (route-dependent)
- Treated drinking water throughout the climb
- Government rescue fees
- Airport transfer on arrival/departure
- Pre-climb briefing and equipment check
- All national park entrance fees
- 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Full board accommodation at camps/lodges
- Game drives per the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- Airport transfers
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel & medical evacuation insurance
- Tips for guides, cooks and porters
- Personal climbing gear (boots, jacket, sleeping bag)
- Alcoholic drinks and snacks
- Hotel accommodation before/after the climb (unless stated)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for driver-guide and camp/lodge staff
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities (hot air balloon, cultural visits) unless stated
- Personal expenses
Best Time to Travel
The clearest, driest climbing conditions fall in two windows: late June through October, and January to mid-March. Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, but the short and long rains (November, and April-May) bring wetter trails and lower summit visibility.
Mountain camping/huts + safari lodges and tented camps
Full board throughout — mountain meals during the climb, lodge/camp meals on safari
What to Pack
Suggested gear for this trip
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