The 9-day Walking with Wildlife Journey offers a slow and immersive exploration of Uganda’s most scenic landscapes, rich wildlife, and deeply rooted cultural traditions. The journey begins in Lake Mburo National Park, where travelers can enjoy guided walking safaris and optional horseback or biking adventures among giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and impalas. At Emburara Farm Lodge, guests step into the role of a “farmer for a day,” herding Ankole cattle, milking by hand, cooking traditional meals over firewood, and engaging in equator-crossing experiments that blend fun with science and culture. This hands-on experience provides a rare glimpse into rural Ugandan life and its agricultural heritage.
Continuing through Queen Elizabeth National Park, the itinerary features thrilling lion and leopard tracking safaris and a wildlife-rich boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, home to hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and prolific birdlife.
The final leg in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers the life-changing experience of gorilla trekking, complemented by meaningful community engagement through Ride 4 a Woman’s cultural workshops—ranging from tailoring and basket weaving to dance, cooking, and mountain biking. A return to Entebbe caps off the journey with optional visits to Ngamba Island or Mabamba Swamp, offering a close look at chimpanzees or the rare Shoebill Stork—perfectly rounding out a journey rooted in connection, conservation, and authenticity.
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Walking with WIldlife Adventures
Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and relax after your journey, with the option to stroll along the Lake Victoria shoreline or enjoy a local craft marketvisit. If arriving early, you can opt to visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or enjoy lakeside dining.
Day 2 – Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & Optional Activities
Depart for Lake Mburo National Park, a jewel of rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and open savannah. After check-in at your lodge, you’ll embark on a guided walking safari, one of the few places in Uganda where walking with wildlife is permitted.
En route, stop at the Equator crossing for interactive equator experiments—watch water spin in opposite directions in each hemisphere and take iconic photos standing on both sides of the Earth’s divide. Arrive at the farm lodge in time for a farm-style welcome and sunset over the Ankole cattle kraals.
Spot giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, impalas, elands, bushbucks, and waterbucks up close and on foot. Optional afternoon activities include horseback safaris or mountain biking within the park—ideal for those seeking a more active wildlife experience. Spend the evening watching wildlife around the lodge’s waterholes.
Day 3 – Morning Safari & Transfer to Emburara Farm Lodge
Start your day with an early game drive or optional boat trip on Lake Mburo to spot hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds like the African finfoot and fish eagles. After breakfast, begin your transfer to Emburara Farm Lodge near Mbarara. En route, stop at the Equator crossing for interactive equator experiments—watch water spin in opposite directions in each hemisphere and take iconic photos standing on both sides of the Earth’s divide. Arrive at the farm lodge in time for a farm-style welcome and sunset over the Ankole cattle kraals.
Day 4 – Farmer for a Day: Ankole Culture & Farm Life
Today is fully dedicated to experiencing rural Ugandan life. Begin your “Farmer for a Day” experience by herding the iconic Ankole longhorn cattle, learning the rhythms of life for local pastoralists. Participate in milking by hand, help in collecting firewood, and prepare traditional dishes in a firewood cooking session. The day also includes banana beer brewing, visits to the herbal garden, storytelling about Ankole culture, and a guided walk around the farm to learn about sustainable practices and indigenous livestock breeds. Cap off the day with a bonfire under the stars, optionally accompanied by traditional music.
Day 5 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Evening Game Drive
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse ecosystems. After checking in, enjoy a sunset game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, searching for elephants, lions, warthogs, hyenas, Uganda kobs, bushbucks, and possibly leopards. The drive offers fantastic opportunities for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Day 6 – Lion & Leopard Tracking + Kazinga Channel Cruise
Rise early for a lion and leopard tracking adventure with rangers and researchers using radio telemetry. Witness how scientists monitor predator movements and gain close sightings of the cats. In the afternoon, take a scenic boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a rich waterway between Lake Edward and Lake George. This stretch hosts some of the highest densities of hippos in Africa, along with crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and dozens of waterbird species, including African skimmers and pelicans.
Day 7 – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before setting off for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a mystical jungle nestled in the highlands of southwestern Uganda. Upon arrival, check into your eco-lodge and unwind. In the late afternoon, meet women from the Ride 4 a Woman initiative and learn about their community projects. If time permits, take part in a basket weaving or tailoring demonstrations before dinner.
Day 8 – Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Experiences
Today you’ll enter the forest with experienced guides and trackers in search of the endangered and majestic mountain gorillas. This once-in-a-lifetime trek may take a few hours, but the moment you come face to face with a gorilla family is unforgettable—quiet, emotional, and deeply powerful.
In the afternoon, return to the lodge for rest or continue your cultural immersion with Ride 4 a Woman activities. Or partake in one of the most enriching and fun cultural activities in Bwindi: a guided visit to the Batwa community, the forest’s original inhabitants. Known as the “keepers of the forest,” the Batwa people lived for generations within Bwindi’s dense jungle, hunting, gathering, and coexisting with nature in complete harmony.
During this interactive experience, you’ll walk through a recreated forest village guided by Batwa elders and storytellers who share their traditions, survival skills, hunting techniques, herbal medicine knowledge, and spiritual beliefs. Try your hand at making fire without matches, shooting a traditional bow and arrow, or joining in their vibrant dances and songs—all of which offer a unique glimpse into their ancient way of life.
The visit is not only entertaining and eye-opening, but it also directly supports Batwa-led initiatives aimed at preserving their culture and improving livelihoods in the modern era. It’s an unforgettable cultural highlight that adds depth and joy to your Bwindi experience.
Day 9 – Transfer to Entebbe & Optional Activities
After breakfast, fly back to Entebbe via Kihihi Airstrip. If your international flight is later in the evening, consider optional half-day activities such as:
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A swamp boat tour through Mabamba Wetlands in search of the prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork
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A visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, founded by the Jane Goodall Institute
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A cultural tour of Entebbe town, including craft markets and artisan shops
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