This immersive Ugandan safari takes you deep into the country’s most iconic and wildlife-rich landscapes, beginning with Murchison Falls National Park, where the Nile thunders through a dramatic gorge creating a powerful natural spectacle.
Game drives across the savanna provide excellent chances to see elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, and hippos, with a bush breakfast in the wild adding to the magic. Along the way, you can stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuaryfor a guided trek to see rhinos on foot—a rare opportunity to witness these endangered giants up close.
From there, the adventure continues into the lush primate capital of Kibale Forest, where you’ll track chimpanzeesthrough the dense jungle, cook with locals, visit crater lakes, and hike through the bird-filled Bigodi Swamp.
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, track lions and leopards alongside expert rangers and take a boat cruise down the Kazinga Channel, home to an incredible mix of aquatic and land animals.
The journey ends in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you’ll trek to meet the endangered mountain gorillas and engage with the surrounding communities through enriching cultural experiences—like Batwa forest tours, weaving, cooking, and tailoring workshops—creating a truly balanced blend of conservation, adventure, and human connection.
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Primate & Wild Discoveries
Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you’ll be met by a representative from Back to the Source Tours. After a short transfer to your hotel, you’ll settle in and receive a briefing on the days ahead. If time allows, enjoy a relaxing walk around the botanical gardens or lakeside before dinner.
Day 2 – Transfer to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (Optional Stop)
After breakfast, begin your scenic journey north toward Murchison Falls National Park. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an optional guided trek to see white rhinos on foot—a rare and thrilling opportunity to contribute to rhino conservation. After lunch, continue to Murchison Falls, arriving in time to check in at your lodge. Enjoy dinner and rest under the stars as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 3 – Game Drive & Visit to the Top of the Falls
Begin your day with an early game drive across the northern savannas of Murchison Falls National Park, home to elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hartebeests, hyenas, Uganda kobs, and bushbucks. Return for breakfast or enjoy a bush breakfast in the wild. After lunch, take a boat cruise along the Nile River, where you’ll see hippos, Nile crocodiles, and aquatic birdlife like African fish eagles and kingfishers. Disembark at the base of the falls and hike up to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile surges through a narrow gorge—an awe-inspiring natural wonder.
Day 4 – Transfer to Kibale Forest
Depart after breakfast for Kibale Forest, passing through picturesque countryside and traditional villages. Arrive in the late afternoon and check into your lodge nestled near the forest. Enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.
Day 5 – Chimpanzee Trekking & Local Cooking Experience
Wake up early for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale National Park, known as the “Primate Capital of the World.” Trek through dense forest with a guide in search of these playful, intelligent primates. You may also see L’Hoest’s monkeys, red colobus, black-and-white colobus, and vervet monkeys along the way. After lunch, join a local cooking class to learn how traditional Ugandan meals are prepared using local produce, and enjoy what you make!
Day 6 – Crater Lake Visit & Bigodi Swamp Walk
This morning, take a scenic drive to explore the stunning crater lakes region, formed by ancient volcanic activity. In the afternoon, set off on a guided walk through Bigodi Swamp, a community-run eco-tourism project famous for its birdlife (including the great blue turaco) and primates. Learn about wetland conservation while spotting monkeys and various bird species.
Day 7 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most biodiverse wildlife reserve. After checking into your lodge, head out on an evening game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, lions, hyenas, warthogs, Uganda kobs, and waterbucks.
Day 8 – Lion & Leopard Tracking + Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Begin your day with a special lion and leopard tracking excursion in the company of park rangers and researchers using radio collars. Gain deeper insight into predator behavior and conservation efforts. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, home to one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos. You’ll also spot crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and dozens of bird species like African skimmers and saddle-billed storks.
Day 9 – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Buhoma Sector)
After breakfast, take a scenic drive to the lush highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Arrive in the Buhoma sector in time for a relaxed afternoon at your lodge or a gentle nature walk.
Day 10 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Embark on a life-changing experience: gorilla trekking deep into the forest with experienced trackers. The trek can take 2–6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family, but the reward is unforgettable—standing face-to-face with a family of wild gorillas, watching them interact in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest and reflection.
Day 11 – Batwa Cultural Experience & Community Activities
Today, immerse yourself in cultural exchange and community empowerment through several meaningful activities. Start with a visit to the Batwa community, the original forest dwellers of Bwindi, where you’ll learn about their traditional hunting, herbal medicine, fire-making, and storytelling practices. Later, engage in hands-on cultural sessions through our partnership with Ride 4 a Woman, where you can choose to:
- Learn traditional weaving and basket-making
- Join a cooking class using local ingredients
- Participate in tailoring and fabric-making workshops
- Go mountain biking through nearby villages
- Enjoy dance and storytelling sessions led by local women
These activities not only provide an enriching cultural experience but also directly support women’s livelihoods and community development.
Day 12 – Return to Entebbe & Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kihihi Airstrip for a domestic flight back to Entebbe. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for optional activities such as visiting local craft markets or enjoying a lakeside lunch. Consider an afternoon boat cruise to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary if your flight departs in the evening.
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