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.
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Africa’s wild heart, delivered in elegance
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by a representative from Back to the Source Tours for a warm welcome and assistance through arrival formalities. A short private transfer will take you to your selected hotel, where you can relax and settle in after your journey.
Once comfortable, you will receive a personal briefing on the days ahead, outlining your itinerary, key highlights, and any final details. Should time permit, there will be opportunities to enjoy the charm of Entebbe or Kampala at a relaxed pace.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel or a recommended restaurant in town, then unwind for a restful night in preparation for the adventures to come.
Days 2–3: Scenic Transfer to Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch
After breakfast, travel north to Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch, the only place in Uganda where southern white rhinos can be tracked on foot. Spend two nights at the ranch in a comfortable lodge set on expansive grounds, where mornings begin with rhinos, antelope, and other wildlife grazing just beyond your veranda.
Your stay combines conservation with comfort. The property features a swimming pool, game room, cigar room, and a two-level restaurant offering both indoor and outdoor dining with outstanding views over the savannah. It is an ideal setting to relax between activities and enjoy the atmosphere of the wilderness.
Activities include:
- Guided rhino trekking with expert rangers, offering close but safe viewing of the animals within the ranch.
- A canoe excursion through Lugogo Swamp in search of the rare shoebill stork and other waterbirds.
- Optional night game drives to observe nocturnal species such as bushbabies, civets, and porcupines.
Your stay supports ongoing rhino conservation efforts while providing time to relax in a calm natural setting.
Experience the raw power of Murchison Falls from both above and below
Days 5: Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari
Begin the day with a morning game drive across the northern savannah, one of the park’s most wildlife-rich areas. Look for elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, hyenas, buffalo, and large antelope herds including hartebeest and Uganda kob. The open plains also provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching.
Return to your lodge for lunch and time to refresh before heading out again in the afternoon. Board a boat safari along the Nile, gliding past pods of hippos and crocodiles while elephants and buffalo gather at the riverbanks. The waterway is also home to abundant birdlife, with frequent sightings of African fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons. This combination of land and water safaris offers a complete perspective of Murchison’s wildlife.
In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness.
Days 4: Scenic Transfer and Top of the Falls
After breakfast, continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest protected area. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch overlooking the savannah and river landscapes.
In the afternoon, transfer to the Top of the Falls, where the Nile is forced through a narrow gorge before plunging nearly 45 meters into a powerful cascade. Enjoy light snacks and refreshments while taking in the views from several vantage points along the trail.
The spray, thunder, and dramatic setting make this one of Uganda’s most iconic sights. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and a relaxed overnight stay.
Day 6: Return to Entebbe
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Entebbe. Guests may choose between a short domestic flight of approximately 1 hour or a 6–7 hour scenic drive.
Those opting to drive will stop for a relaxed lunch en route and have the opportunity to browse roadside craft shops along the way, where local artisans sell handmade baskets, carvings, and fabrics. This overland route also offers glimpses of rural Uganda and the daily rhythms of village life.
Upon arrival in Entebbe, the remainder of the day is at leisure. If you prefer to rest, enjoy the comfort of your hotel. Guests with energy to spare may choose to experience Entebbe’s or Kampala’s nightlife scene, with lively bars and music venues, or simply enjoy a scenic dinner at one of the city’s many lakefront restaurants overlooking Lake Victoria.
Days 7–9: Bwindi Forest
This morning, take a scenic domestic flight to Kihihi Airstrip. From there, transfer by road to your lodge in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned as home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The journey passes rolling hills, tea plantations, and lively rural communities, giving you a glimpse of southwestern Uganda’s landscapes.
- Day 7: Arrival in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After checking in and enjoying lunch at your lodge, the afternoon is yours. Guests may choose to rest and take in the forest views, or visit Ride-4-A-Woman, a women-led cooperative offering hands-on activities such as basket weaving, tailoring, traditional cooking, and bicycle repair. Your participation directly supports local families and helps preserve cultural traditions.
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Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, gather at the park headquarters for a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. With your assigned porter and experienced trackers, set out into the forest for a gorilla trek. The trek may take between three and six hours depending on the family’s location, with terrain ranging from semi-easy to more challenging.
Once located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing the gorillas as they feed, groom, and interact in their natural habitat. Watching the silverback maintain order while the younger gorillas play nearby is an experience that leaves a lasting impression.
In the afternoon, optional activities include a guided hike to nearby waterfalls, a forest walk with a ranger to discover birds and medicinal plants, or a community bike ride through local villages. Return to your lodge for a relaxed evening.
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Day 9: Batwa Community Visit and Optional Activities
This morning, take part in a guided visit to the Batwa community, the forest’s original inhabitants. Led by Batwa elders and storytellers, explore a recreated forest village and learn about their traditional way of life. You will see demonstrations of fire-making without matches, hunting techniques, herbal medicine, and spiritual practices. Cultural performances of dance and song round out the experience, offering insight into their enduring connection with the forest.
In the afternoon, you may choose from several additional activities:
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Visit the Pangolin Rescue Centre for an introduction to conservation work protecting this endangered species, with the chance to observe rescued pangolins in safe conditions.
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Join a guided forest hike to scenic waterfalls, offering a quieter perspective of Bwindi’s biodiversity.
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Return to Ride-4-A-Woman for further cultural engagement and hands-on workshops.
Evening at leisure at your lodge.
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Day 10: Return to Entebbe
After breakfast, transfer to Kihihi Airstrip for your return flight to Entebbe, a journey of about 1 hour that provides sweeping views of Uganda’s highlands, forests, and lakes. On arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your flight schedule and energy level, you may choose to relax at leisure, enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant, or take a short optional excursion such as visiting a local gallery or browsing artisan shops for crafts and souvenirs. The evening is yours to enjoy a relaxed dinner and reflect on the highlights of your journey before departure.
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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