(Approx. 10 minutes)
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a Safari Lux representative and transferred to your hotel, just a short 10-minute drive away. As evening falls, set off on a scenic sunset cruise across Lake Victoria, enjoying cheese, wine, and panoramic views of Africa’s largest lake. Raise a glass to the beginning of an unforgettable journey through Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
Overnight: Hotel No.5
Meal Plan: Breakfast
(Approx. 350 km | 6–7 hours)
After an early breakfast, check out and begin a scenic drive north to Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos. Enjoy a warm lunch en route as the journey unfolds through beautiful countryside and into the Budongo Forest’s lush landscapes.
If time allows, stop at the Top of the Falls for a breathtaking first glimpse of the mighty Murchison Falls. Arrive at your lodge in the evening for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.
Overnight: Nile Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the day with a fresh cup of coffee and muffins before setting out on an early morning game drive with your guide. Explore the open savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park, home to the Big Five—elephants, lions, buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, and Jackson’s hartebeest—alongside Uganda kobs, oribis, waterbucks, and a variety of birdlife.
Return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast and some time to relax, perhaps with a refreshing swim in the pool. After lunch, embark on a tranquil boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, offering a unique perspective on the park’s abundant wildlife. Look out for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous water birds. For the best photo opportunities, sit on the left side of the boat. As you near the falls, disembark for a short hike to the top, where breathtaking panoramas reward your effort—an unforgettable highlight of your safari.
Overnight: Nile Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(Approx. 400 km | 7–8 hours)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before bidding farewell to Murchison Falls National Park. Embark on a scenic drive south toward Kibale National Park, passing through the beautiful Albertine Rift Valley and traditional Ugandan villages. Stop for a warm lunch in Hoima town along the way.
As you approach Kibale, the landscape transforms into rolling tea plantations and sparkling crater lakes. Arrive at Ndali Lodge in the evening, where you’ll settle in for dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Overnight: Ndali Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with an unforgettable adventure. After breakfast, head to the park offices for a 7:30 a.m. briefing before venturing into the forest to track the fascinating chimpanzees. Once located, spend an hour observing these remarkable creatures—watching playful antics, grooming rituals, feeding behaviors, and the tender care of their young. Witness their agility as they swing through the canopy and experience the thrill of standing among our closest wild relatives—an encounter sure to leave lasting memories.
Return to the lodge for a warm lunch and time to relax.
In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Swamp Wetland, a community-led conservation success story. Meander along the trail, spotting a variety of bird species and primates. The walk concludes at a local homestead, where you’ll experience the art of traditional coffee-making—from grinding the beans to brewing a fresh cup. Your visit directly supports local conservation and community development efforts, helping protect this rich natural environment.
Overnight: Ndali Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(Approx. 185 km | 3 hours)
Depart Kibale and drive through the scenic crater lakes region, passing the historic town of Fort Portal, set at the foothills of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. Before checking into your lodge, you may opt to visit the Katwe salt pans and a nearby volcanic crater lake for a glimpse into the region’s unique landscapes and traditional livelihoods.
Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and a bit of relaxation. In the afternoon, experience one of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s highlights: a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 33-kilometer waterway linking Lakes Edward and George. This vibrant ecosystem teems with wildlife, including hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a remarkable variety of bird species. Pass by a local fishing village before ending the day with a stunning sunset and the serene beauty of the park.
Overnight: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(Approx. 200 km | 4 hours)
Begin the day with an exhilarating morning game drive across the mating grounds of the Uganda kob, keeping watch for lions, elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Afterward, embark on a scenic journey south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Along the way, pass through charming villages and traditional homesteads, offering a glimpse into everyday rural life.
Upon arrival, check in and enjoy lunch, followed by some time to relax. In the late afternoon, immerse yourself in the local culture with a community village walk. Visit a homestead to learn about coffee production—from planting to brewing—explore a traditional gin distillery, and meet a village healer who shares indigenous wisdom. Alternatively, opt for a guided forest walk to discover the unique flora and fauna that make Bwindi so extraordinary, setting the stage for tomorrow’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Overnight: Gorilla Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early for the ultimate adventure: a face-to-face encounter with Bwindi’s mountain gorillas. After a morning briefing, you’ll join a small group to track a gorilla family, guided by an expert ranger.
As you trek through the forest, carry essentials like waterproof boots, rain gear, gloves, a walking stick, and a waterproof backpack for snacks, water, and camera equipment.
Once the gorillas are found, spend an unforgettable hour observing their natural behaviors—feeding, playing, and caring for their young. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.
Return to the lodge for a relaxing massage to soothe your muscles and reflect on the experience. Later, visit Ride 4 a Woman, a women’s empowerment initiative where you can learn basket weaving, cook local dishes, or cycle through the nearby community and forest trails.
Overnight: Gorilla Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(Approx. 4-hour walk)
This morning, meet your walking safari guide and set off on a scenic hike from Buhoma to Nkuringo, following the historic Ivy River Trail. Once a vital footpath for local communities, especially on market days, the trail offers a unique glimpse into daily rural life.
Consider hiring a porter to assist with your hand luggage, allowing you to fully enjoy the walk and keep an eye out for wildlife, including monkeys, duikers, bush pigs, colorful butterflies, and a variety of bird species.
Upon reaching Nteko Ridge, your driver will meet you for a scenic one-hour transfer to Lake Mutanda.
Overnight: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, with sweeping views of the Virunga Mountain Ranges.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(Approx. 4-hour walk)
This morning, meet your walking safari guide and set off on a scenic hike from Buhoma to Nkuringo, following the historic Ivy River Trail. Once a vital footpath for local communities, especially on market days, the trail offers a unique glimpse into daily rural life.
Consider hiring a porter to assist with your hand luggage, allowing you to fully enjoy the walk and keep an eye out for wildlife, including monkeys, duikers, bush pigs, colorful butterflies, and a variety of bird species.
Upon reaching Nteko Ridge, your driver will meet you for a scenic one-hour transfer to Lake Mutanda.
Overnight: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(Approx. 3 hours)
After breakfast, depart Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and drive to Volcanoes National Park, crossing into Rwanda via the Cyanika border. After clearing customs and immigration, continue to your lodge for lunch and a bit of relaxation.
In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, also known as the Ex-Poachers’ Village. Engage with local traditions and learn about Rwandan practices such as fire-making, archery, herbal medicine, and traditional dance.
Overnight: Singita Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park is a truly rewarding experience. Like the gorilla trek, you’ll be accompanied by a park ranger guide, though this trek is generally less demanding.
Upon locating a habituated troop, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing their playful behavior. Watch as they swing through the trees, with the best photography moments often coming when they pause to feed.
Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch and a refreshing shower before checking out. Transfer to Kigali for your departure flight; time permitting, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a poignant conclusion to your journey.
Please contact us to create a personalized, tailor-made safari to match your preferences and budget.
Murchison Falls