Entebbe, Uganda’s capital and main airport is ideally connected with flights from Europe and neighboring countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania as well as airlines like Turkish, Emirates, Ethiopian, Brussels, Kenya, servicing Uganda.  Upon arrival at Entebbe (Airport Code:EBB), we are warmly welcomed and transferred to our hotel located in the greater twin cities of Entebbe and the commercial city of Kampala. Hotel check in time is from 2 PM. Balance of the day is free.

Overnight: Sheraton Hotel, Kampala (2 nights)

An easy and highlighting day. We start with an 80 Kms drive through the cities of Entebbe and Kampala and head to the popular town of Jinja. Here we see some of its 583 bird species, Vervet monkeys, Nile hippos, lizards, elephants all enjoying nature at the banks of River Nile. Yes, it is River Nile!  We are now at the shores of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria and it is here where the source of the world’s longest river, River Nile (6,650 Kms) is. Experience the Nile as it commences its journey over 11 countries from Jinja to Cairo ending at the Mediterranean Sea. We continue exploring Jinja followed by a delicious BBQ Seafood lunch before our drive to Kampala. (B, L, D)

An early morning rise for a morning game drive across the vast plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. As the sun rises over the savannah, we search for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs and predators such as lions and hyenas. The park’s open landscapes and dramatic scenery make this an exceptional safari experience.

After lunch and some relaxation at the lodge, we head out for an afternoon boat cruise on the famous Kazinga Channel, one of the park’s most rewarding wildlife experiences. The channel attracts large numbers of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and buffaloes along the shores, while bird enthusiasts can enjoy sightings of numerous water bird species. The cruise offers excellent photography opportunities including birds enjoying a free ride on the heads of the hippos and a different perspective of the park’s ecosystem. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we depart Queen Elizabeth for the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive takes us through changing landscapes, from open savannah to mountainous terrain covered in terraced farms and thick green forest vegetation to mist-covered hills and dense rainforest creating a magical atmosphere. Enjoy time relaxing and preparing for the next day’s unforgettable gorilla trekking. For those wanting to experience the local culture, optional activities like getting engaged with the locals in packing, giving and conserving activities, visiting local communities, the Batwa Forest where we are immersed in the rich traditions of this indigenous community, learning about their history and connection to the forest along with the sights and sounds of the lush environment, witnessing unique flora.

Overnight: Four Gorillas Lodge, Bwindi (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Early hot breakfast before we are transferred to the park headquarters for briefing about gorilla trekking guidelines. We are assigned to a gorilla family and begin our trek (limited to 8 trekkers per family) into the dense forest, guided by our experienced rangers and trackers. The trek can vary in duration depending on the location of the gorillas. Once we encounter the gorillas, we spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watching the silverback male gorilla protecting the family, complemented with mothers caring for their young, and juveniles playing freely is a deeply moving and humbling experience that remains a lifelong memory. Afternoon, we may have another opportunity to doing the optional village activities.  (B, L, D)

After bidding farewell to Uganda we drive to Rwanda – the country with the 2nd largest gorillas in the world. Unlike Uganda, which was a British protectorate, Rwanda was first colonized by Germany (1884–1916), Belgium (1916–1962), administered under League of Nations and later UNO mandates. Belgian rule formally introduced ethnic identity cards in 1932, deepening divisions between Hutu and Tutsi groups. Following the 1959 Hutu uprising and the abolition of the monarchy, Rwanda gained independence in 1962. The colonial shift from focusing on Tutsi superiority to backing Hutu political power contributed significantly to the instability and conflicts in the decades that followed. 

In Rwanda, we depart for the world-renowned Volcanoes National Park enjoying scenic views of the Virunga Mountains and Rwanda’s rolling hills. Time dependent, we do optional activities like joining hands with the locals in learning about coffee productions from harvesting, roasting and tasting freshly prepared coffee.  Alternatively, visit the lively Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where traditional music, dance, storytelling, and cultural demonstrations provide insight into Rwandan heritage and community life and/or visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Foundation learning about gorilla conservation, scientific research, and the legacy of Dian Fossey’s work in protecting mountain gorillas.

Overnight: Tiloreza Eco Lodge (Deluxe) (1 night) (B, L, D)

We begin our day with an exciting golden monkey trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. Guided by park rangers, you venture into the bamboo forest in search of these rare and energetic primates, known for their striking golden-orange fur and playful behavior. Watching them leap through the trees and forage in the forest is both entertaining and rewarding. After the trek, we are transferred to Kigali, enjoying beautiful views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and countryside along the way. Proceed to the airport for your late evening departure, marking the end of an unforgettable East African primate and wildlife adventure. Time permitting, we visit the Genocide Museum and the famous Hotel Rwanda location of the famous move on the genocide was made. Flights departing from Kigali on this day should not be earlier than 8 PM. (B, L)