Explore Uganda’s wild beauty and cultural depth on this unforgettable 11-day safari that blends iconic wildlife encounters with rich, community-based experiences. Your journey begins in Entebbe and continues to Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch, where you’ll trek rhinos on foot and enjoy a canoe excursion in search of the rare shoebill stork.
Next, venture to Murchison Falls National Park for game drives across the savannah and a scenic boat safari to the base of the falls. Hike to the Top of the Falls for stunning views, dine under the stars with bush meals, and engage in meaningful community and wildlife conservation activities that reveal the deeper story of this powerful landscape.
After a restful evening in Entebbe, fly to the highlands of Bwindi Forest, home to the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided gorilla trek and visit the Batwa community.
Optional experiences include exploring forest trails and waterfalls, participating in activities with local women at the Ride-4-a-Woman cooperative, biking through villages, and/or a visit to the Pangolin Rescue Center.
With carefully selected lodges, professional guides, and thoughtfully paced travel, this safari is perfect for those seeking an intimate connection with Uganda’s wildlife, people, and unique places.
This the direct website in applying for your Uganda visa: immigration.go.ug/services/tourist-visa
Africa’s wild heart, delivered in elegance
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where a representative from Back to the Source Tours will welcome you. You’ll be transferred to your accommodation where you can settle in, enjoy a peaceful dinner, and take the evening to relax and adjust after your international journey.
Days 2–3: Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch
Travel north toward the Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch, formerly named Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can track white rhinos on foot.
Spend two nights in a comfortable lodge surrounded by nature. Activities include guided rhino trekking with experienced rangers, a canoe excursion through the wetlands to search for the rare shoebill stork, and optional night game drives to discover nocturnal wildlife.
The experience here offers a glimpse into critical conservation efforts and provides a calm and scenic environment to unwind in between activities.
Experience the raw power of Murchison Falls from both above and below
Days 4–5: Murchison Falls National Park
Continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, where the mighty Nile River crashes through a narrow gorge to create one of Africa’s most dramatic waterfalls. During your stay, enjoy game drives across the open savannah where elephants, lions, buffaloes, and giraffes roam. Take a scenic boat safari along the Nile to view crocodiles, hippos, and birdlife before disembarking for an optional hike to the top of the falls. Evenings offer the perfect chance to relax, listen to the sounds of nature, and take in panoramic views over the river.
Day 6: Return to Entebbe
After breakfast, journey back to Entebbe either by road or a short internal flight after lunch. The rest of the day is yours to rest or enjoy your surroundings as you prepare for the next part of your adventure in Uganda’s southwestern highlands. There are several activities you can enjoy within your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Here are some blog posts for your consideration.
Days 7–9: Bwindi Forest
Catch a domestic flight to the Kihihi airstrip and transfer to your lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet and home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
- Day 7: Upon arrival, you may choose to visit Ride-4-a-Woman, a community-based organization where local women offer hands-on experiences such as basket weaving, sewing, cooking demonstrations, and bicycle repair workshops that directly support their families.
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Day 8: Begin the day with a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. Led by professional trackers, you’ll hike through lush forest to spend a full hour observing a gorilla family in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, choose from optional activities such as hiking to a nearby waterfall, taking a guided forest walk, or joining a community bike ride through nearby villages.
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Day 9: Start your morning with a full tour at the the Batwa Community, one of Uganda’s Indigenous groups with a deep forest heritage. On this guided experience, you’ll hear their stories, witness traditional practices, and see how they are working to preserve their culture. Later, you may opt to visit the nearby Pangolin Rescue Center, take a forest hike to the waterfalls, or return to Ride-4-a-Woman for further hands-on experiences.
Day 10: Return to Entebbe
Fly from Kihihi back to Entebbe either on an early morning or afternoon scenic flight. Depending on your arrival time into Entebbe, you might explore a few of the city’s lakeside dining options, visit a local art gallery, or simply relax and reflect on your trip. Should you want to exit the airport or stay an extra night, check out below other activities you can do nearby:
Day 11: Optional Activities & International Departure
Based on your international flight time, consider enjoying one of the following optional experiences before your departure.
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A morning boat ride on Lake Victoria
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A short city tour of Kampala featuring historical sites, markets, and cultural centers
- Visit the amazing Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
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Go shopping for local crafts or enjoy a wellness treatment
Your guide will ensure a timely transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure.
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