Into the Heart of Uganda

This morning, board a scenic charter flight to Kasese, soaring over Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes. On arrival, meet your private guide who will accompany you throughout your journey. Drive through the shadow of the legendary Rwenzori “Mountains of the Moon” en route to Kibale Forest. The journey ends at Ndali Lodge, perched on the rim of a crater lake, where the views stretch endlessly over the forest and farmland below. The afternoon is yours to settle in, explore the crater trails, or simply sit back and take in the magic of the setting sun.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale

Rise early for an unforgettable trek through Kibale Forest, home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of primates. The forest comes alive with the chatter and calls of these playful primates as you follow them through the canopy. Led by expert rangers, you’ll walk through dense jungle trails alive with birdlife, monkeys, and rare plants. Seeing chimpanzees in the wild is thrilling, unforgettable, and a beautiful introduction to Uganda’s primates.

Flavors of Uganda

Spend the day immersed in Ugandan culture at Tinka’s Homestead. Learn to prepare a traditional Ugandan meal from scratch using fresh local ingredients, firewood, and centuries-old cooking methods. While your dishes slowly simmer, taste seasonal fruits, sugarcane, and crispy snacks. Then, share the meal together, family style, in a traditional grass-thatched hut. After your stomach is satisfied, return to your lodge for a relaxed afternoon.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Leaving Kibale, your journey continues south along the edge of the Rwenzori Mountains to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here, savannah stretches endlessly, dotted with elephants, kob, and the promise of predators. Arrive at Elephant Plains Lodge, perched high above the plains with breathtaking views across the park. After settling in at your lodge, you’ll have options: explore the salt mines at Lake Katwe, where locals have harvested salt for centuries, or head out for an afternoon game drive across savannah plains.

Into the Wild Ishasha

Head deeper into the park toward the remote Ishasha sector, famed for its rare tree-climbing lions. This off-the-beaten-path landscape offers wild, uncrowded safari drives where elephants, buffalo, and kob roam in abundance. Arrive at Ishasha Wilderness Camp, a riverside hideaway where the sounds of the bush fill the night. As dusk falls, gather around the campfire with your guide, sharing stories under the stars in one of Africa’s most untouched corners.

Game Drives in Ishasha

Spend the day exploring Ishasha on morning and afternoon game drives. This region is home to vast herds of buffalo and elephant, as well as elusive leopards and colorful birdlife. Of course, the highlight is the tree-climbing lions, often spotted draped across the branches of ancient fig trees. Between drives, enjoy the tranquility of the camp, where wildlife wanders freely through the area and the riverbank provides a peaceful backdrop for relaxation.

Journey to Bwindi

Your safari now carries you into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to nearly half the world’s mountain gorillas. Along the way, visit community-led conservation projects that showcase how tourism supports local livelihoods. Arrive at Mahogany Springs Lodge, nestled on the edge of the forest. In the afternoon, take a gentle tea plantation walk, learning how the region’s fertile soil produces Uganda’s finest teas. End the day with a tea tasting while gazing across the misty canopy of Bwindi.

Gorilla Trek

Today brings one of life’s most profound encounters: trekking into Bwindi to meet a family of wild mountain gorillas. After a morning briefing, follow expert rangers through dense jungle until you find yourself in the presence of these gentle giants. For one unforgettable hour, observe their daily life from playful youngsters to the powerful silverback. Return to the lodge with stories to last a lifetime.

Second Gorilla Trek & Conservation

That’s right! We have booked two days of gorilla trekking in Bwindi! Your second day offers another chance to trek with gorillas, perhaps meeting a different family group in another corner of the forest. Each trek is unique, ensuring a new perspective on these extraordinary primates.

In the afternoon, visit Ride 4 A Woman, a community project empowering women through craft and enterprise, or explore the Conservation Through Public Health center founded by Dr. Gladys Kalema. Here, learn how human and gorilla health are intertwined, and meet the team working tirelessly for their protection.

Departure

After breakfast, bid farewell to the forest as you transfer to Kihihi Airstrip for your charter flight back to Entebbe. With VIP assistance on arrival, your onward journey will be smooth and seamless. Though your time in Uganda comes to an end, the memories of wild gorillas, tree-climbing lions, and the warm spirit of its people will stay with you forever.