Safari of a Thousand Hills

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, we begin our adventure with an early drive to the Ziwa White Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where it is possible to track wild white rhinos on foot. Accompanied by expert rangers, we will walk through the bush until we encounter these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. After lunch, we continue north to Murchison Falls National Park. Before reaching our lodge, we will visit the top of the mighty Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow seven-metre gorge before plunging dramatically below. We then settle into our lodge for a well-earned evening beneath the African sky.

As the sun rises over the savannah, we set off on our first game drive through Uganda's largest national park. Home to lions, elephants, Rothschild's giraffes, buffalo and the elusive leopard, Murchison offers some of the country's finest wildlife viewing. Following breakfast, we embark on a boat cruise along the River Nile towards the base of the falls, where hippos, Nile crocodiles and an extraordinary variety of birdlife thrive along the riverbanks. After lunch at the lodge, you may relax by the pool or choose to head out on an optional evening game drive.

After one final morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, we begin our journey south towards Kibale National Park. Following lunch en route, we immerse ourselves in the traditions of the Tooro Kingdom through an authentic cultural experience, learning how to prepare local beverages, roast coffee beans and take part in traditional dances. We end the day surrounded by the tranquillity of the rainforest at our lodge.

This morning is dedicated to one of Uganda's most memorable wildlife experiences: chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park. Accompanied by experienced guides, we venture deep into the rainforest in search of our closest relatives, observing them in their natural habitat as they feed, play and communicate amongst the trees. After a picnic lunch, we continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where another spectacular safari adventure awaits.

Today's adventure begins with an early morning game drive across the vast savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of elephants, buffalo, antelopes and, with a little luck, lions and leopards. Afterwards, we visit the Katwe Salt Lake, where local communities have harvested salt using traditional methods for generations. Following lunch, we embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, renowned for its remarkable concentrations of hippos, Nile crocodiles and colourful birdlife. In the late afternoon, we continue to the Ishasha sector of the park, where we settle into our lodge surrounded by the African wilderness.

After an early breakfast, we explore the renowned Ishasha sector, one of the few places in Africa where tree-climbing lions can occasionally be seen resting in the branches of giant fig trees. Following our morning game drive and a picnic lunch, we continue into the lush highlands of south-western Uganda until we reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to almost half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.

Today is undoubtedly the highlight of our journey. Accompanied by experienced trackers and Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, we venture deep into the ancient rainforest in search of one of Bwindi's habituated gorilla families. Depending on their movements, the trek may last anywhere between one and eight hours, but every step is rewarded when you finally stand just a few metres away from these extraordinary primates. Once the gorillas have been located, we are permitted to spend one unforgettable hour quietly observing their behaviour in their natural habitat before returning to the lodge for a well-deserved rest.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Uganda and cross the border into Rwanda, the renowned Land of a Thousand Hills. Our first stop is the Red Rocks Cultural Centre, where we enjoy an authentic community experience alongside local women. Here, we learn how to brew traditional banana beer and discover the art of basket weaving using natural fibres, one of Rwanda's most iconic handicrafts. Following lunch, we continue to the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa's Great Lakes and the perfect place to unwind after the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking.

Today is devoted entirely to relaxation on the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa's most beautiful lakes. You are free to unwind at the lodge or take part in a range of optional activities, including kayaking, boat excursions to the lake's islands, guided walks through nearby communities or a visit to the charming lakeside town of Gisenyi, located on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is the perfect opportunity to enjoy Rwanda's peaceful landscapes at your own pace.

After breakfast, we travel to Kigali, Rwanda's vibrant capital, passing through the rolling green hills, tea plantations and picturesque rural villages that have earned the country its nickname, the Land of a Thousand Hills. Upon arrival, we visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a place of remembrance and reflection that offers a deeper understanding of Rwanda's recent history and its extraordinary journey of reconciliation. Afterwards, we transfer to the airport according to your international flight schedule, bringing this remarkable adventure to a close with unforgettable memories of Uganda and Rwanda.