Overview
Step into the heart of East Africa on a 30-day journey through Uganda’s lush rainforests, remote savannahs, and welcoming villages. From gorilla trekking in Bwindi to cultural storytelling with the Batwa and community tree planting in Kanyanda, this itinerary is more than a safari—it’s a deep dive into Uganda’s soul. Designed for European travelers aged 35–60 who seek meaningful encounters, comfort, and responsible travel, this odyssey balances wildlife, wellness, and culture across Uganda’s diverse landscapes
Tour Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale
- Game drives in Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Queen Elizabeth & Lake Mburo
- Boat safaris on the Nile, Kazinga Channel & Lake Mburo
- Drumming and dance with the Ndere Cultural Troupe
- Batwa forest heritage experience
- Traditional cooking and storytelling with the Ewaka and Nshenyi communities
- Tree planting with local youth
- Coffee tours and fair-trade cooperative visits
- Locally-owned eco-lodges and guides throughout
- Hike the Sipi Falls trail
- Explore Semliki’s hot springs and Bakonzo culture
- Canoe across tranquil Lake Bunyonyi
- Optional yoga session in Bwindi
- Sunset cruise on Lake Victoria
- Nature walks for birding and mindfulness
Day To Day Descriptions
Drive Time: ~20 min | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Boutique lodge
Touch down in Uganda! A representative greets you at the airport and transfers you to your tranquil lodge. Settle in with a leisurely dinner and rest as you prepare for your journey across Uganda’s vibrant landscapes.
Included: Airport transfer
Accommodation: Malakai Eco Lodge
Why Malakai Eco Lodge?
- Location: Kitende, around 20 minutes from Entebbe International Airport.
- Eco Highlights: Set in a serene environment with lush gardens, the lodge uses eco-friendly materials and promotes biodiversity through its landscaping.
- Amenities: Volcanic stone huts, swimming pool, reading platforms, and water features.
- Ideal For: Travelers looking for relaxation and a connection with nature in a sustainable setting.
Meals: None
Drive Time: ~1 hr | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Boutique lodge
Start the day exploring Kampala’s historical sites—the Kabaka's Palace, Gaddafi Mosque, and Baha’i Temple. Engage your senses at Nakasero Market before an evening of traditional dance and storytelling at Ndere Cultural Centre.
Included: City tour, Ndere cultural experience
Accommodation: Malakai Eco Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~2 hrs | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Boutique lodge
Head to Kanyanda for hands-on cooking with women and youth leaders. After lunch, participate in a tree planting ceremony—an act of connection and restoration. Return to Kampala for the night.
Included: Cultural cooking, tree planting
Accommodation: Malakai Eco Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~3 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate | Comfort: Riverside lodge
On the way to Jinja, visit Ssezibwa Falls and take a forest walk in Mabira. Reach the Source of the Nile for a gentle boat cruise.
Included: Nature walk, waterfalls, boat cruise
Accommodation: 2Friends Hotel
Why 2 Friends Guest House?
- Location: Jackson Crescent, Jinja
- Sustainability Highlights:
- Emphasis on locally sourced materials and furnishings
- Offers comfortable accommodations with a focus on sustainability
- Community Impact: Supports local employment and uses local suppliers
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~4.5 hrs to Mt. Elgon | Difficulty: Moderate to High | Comfort: Mountain lodge
Choose between rafting the Nile, horseback riding, or kayaking. In the afternoon, transfer to Mount Elgon region.
Included: Choice of adventure activity
Accommodation: Lacam Lodge
Why Lacam Lodge?
- Location: Slopes of Mount Elgon, overlooking Sipi Falls
- Sustainability Highlights:
- Built using local timber and grass thatch
- Offers eco-friendly wooden bandas with private bathrooms
- Promotes cultural experiences with the local Sabiny community
- Community Impact: Supports local employment and cultural preservation
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Local | Difficulty: Moderate | Comfort: Mountain lodge
Hike through Sipi Falls trail, followed by a local coffee tour and visit with Sabiny & Bagisu communities. Optional abseiling available.
Included: Guided hike, coffee tour, cultural exchange
Accommodation: Lacam Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~10 hrs | Difficulty: Long travel day | Comfort: Safari lodge
Journey through northeastern Uganda’s untamed beauty, stopping at Karamoja trading centers along the way.
Included: Scenic drive through Karamoja
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Why Kidepo Savannah Lodge?
- Location: Just 500 meters from Kalokudo Gate, on the edge of Kidepo Valley National Park.
- Eco Credentials: Constructed with locally sourced materials, the lodge features solar-powered amenities and minimal environmental footprint.
- Highlights: Offers 12 self-contained safari tents with private verandas and 9 non-self-contained tents with shared bathrooms. The thatched-roof restaurant and bar provide panoramic views of the Nar’s Valley.
- Activities: Game drives, cultural visits to nearby Karamojong communities, and guided nature walks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Local | Difficulty: Moderate | Comfort: Safari lodge
Explore the savannah on foot with expert guides in the morning and enjoy a game drive in the afternoon.
Included: Nature walk, game drive
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Local | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Safari lodge
Spend the day visiting a Karamojong community, learning about their resilience, dance, and crafts. Optional additional game drive.
Included: Cultural exchange
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~7 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate | Comfort: Safari lodge
A full day of scenic travel with lunch en route. Settle into your lodge upon arrival.
Included: Scenic transfer
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodg
Why Pakuba safari lodge?
- Location: Northern bank of the Nile inside the park
- Employs local staff and supports local sourcing
- Operates using solar power and eco-sensitive design
- Offers guided nature walks with community guides
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Local | Difficulty: Moderate | Comfort: Safari lodge
Track elephants, giraffes, and lions on a morning game drive. In the afternoon, cruise the Nile to the base of the falls.
Included: Game drive, boat safari
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Local | Difficulty: Moderate | Comfort: Safari lodge
Take a nature walk and hike to the top of Murchison Falls to feel the thunder of the world’s most powerful waterfall.
Included: Guided hike, nature walk
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~6 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate | Comfort: Forest lodge
Stop in Hoima for a visit to the Bunyoro Palace and continue to the primate capital, Kibale.
Included: Cultural stop, scenic drive
Accommodation: Isunga Lodge
Why Isunga Lodge?
- Location: Crater Lake region, approximately 20–25 minutes from Kanyanchu Visitor Center.
- Eco Highlights: Solar-powered cottages, organic gardens, and locally sourced ingredients.
- Amenities: Eight en-suite cottages (including family options), panoramic views of Kibale Forest and Rwenzori Mountains, on-site restaurant and bar.
- Ideal For: Travelers seeking tranquility, birdwatching, and nature immersion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Local | Difficulty: Moderate | Comfort: Forest lodge
Trek through Kibale to find wild chimpanzees. In the afternoon, visit nearby communities to learn about conservation and local livelihoods.
Included: Chimpanzee tracking, community walk
Accommodation: Isunga Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~2 hrs | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Safari lodge
Morning birding and primate walk through Bigodi. After lunch, head to Semliki National Park.
Included: Guided nature walk, transfer
Accommodation: Mountain of the Moon Hotel
Why Mountains of the Moon Hotel
- Location: Fort Portal town
- Sustainability Highlights:
- Combines oriental and French chic styles with hand-carved furniture made from natural woods
- Offers amenities such as a spa, wellness center, and gardens that promote relaxation and connection with nature
- Utilizes eco-friendly practices in daily operations to minimize environmental impact
- Community Impact: Employs local staff and supports community initiatives in Fort Portal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Local | Difficulty: Moderate | Comfort: Safari lodge
Morning game drive followed by an interactive visit to the Sempaya Hot Springs—boil eggs in geothermal water!
Included: Game drive, hot springs tour
Accommodation: Mountains of the Moon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Local | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Safari lodge
Explore nature trails and visit the Bakonzo community to learn about local crafts and folklore.
Included: Nature walk, cultural exchange
Accommodation: Mountain of the Moon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~3 hrs | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Safari lodge
Drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park and cruise the Kazinga Channel at sunset.
Included: Boat cruise, transfer
Accommodation: Enganzi Game Lodge
Why Enganzi Game Lodge?
- Location: Situated on the Kichwamba escarpment, offering panoramic views of the rift valley and Rwenzori Mountains.
- Eco Credentials:
- Constructed using local materials that reflect African traditions, ensuring harmony with the surrounding ecosystem.
- Features private cottages with en-suite bathrooms and balconies.
- Incorporates sustainable practices in daily operations.
- Sustainability Highlights:
- Supports local employment and uses locally sourced materials.
- Provides opportunities for cultural encounters and community engagement.
- Offers activities like boat cruises and game drives, emphasizing environmental education.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~3 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate | Comfort: Safari lodge
Spot early risers on a game drive, then head through Ishasha to glimpse tree-climbing lions en route to Bwindi.
Included: Game drive, lion viewing
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Why Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge?
- Location: Rushaga Sector
- Eco Highlights:
- Constructed with local materials, offering panoramic views of Bwindi Forest.
- Provides amenities like hot showers, Wi-Fi, and a restaurant serving locally sourced meals.
- Engages in community development and conservation education.
- Sustainability Impact: Supports local communities through employment and cultural exchange programs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Local | Difficulty: High | Comfort: Forest lodge
Venture into Bwindi’s jungle for a life-changing hour with a mountain gorilla family. Optional yoga in the evening.
Included: Gorilla trekking (permit included)
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Local | Difficulty: Moderate | Comfort: Forest lodge
Spend time with Batwa elders learning about forest survival and heritage. Enjoy an afternoon forest walk.
Included: Cultural visit, nature walk
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Drive Time: ~2.5 hrs | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Lakeside lodge
Arrive at Lake Bunyonyi. Glide across the lake by canoe and take in the terraced hills.
Included: Boat tour, local walks
Accommodation: Bird Nest Resort at Lake Bunyonyi
Why Bird Nest Resort?
- Location: Lake Bunyonyi, Kabale District
- Sustainability Highlights:
- Offers 15 cozy rooms with lake views and 7 nature-inspired cottages across the water
- Emphasizes eco-friendly design and operations
- Provides activities such as birdwatching, canoeing, and cultural experiences
- Community Impact: Engages local communities through employment and supports cultural preservation initiatives
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Local | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Lakeside lodge
Nature walk through farmland, bamboo forests, and hills. Afternoon canoe ride.
Included: Guided walk, canoeing
Accommodation: Bird Nest Resort at Lake Bunyonyi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~3 hrs | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Homestay
Hands-on cultural immersion with the Banyankole—milking cows, preparing food, and dancing.
Included: Full cultural immersion
Accommodation: Nshenyi Cultural Village homestay
Why Nshenyi Cultural Village Homestay?
- Location: Kitwe, Ntungamo District, near the Rwanda and Tanzania borders
- Eco Features:
- Operates as a community-based tourism initiative promoting sustainable living.
- Accommodations built using traditional methods and materials.
- Community Engagement:
- Visitors participate in daily activities like milking cows, harvesting, and cooking local dishes.
- Supports local education and health projects through tourism revenue.
- Guest Experience:
- Offers authentic homestay experiences with local families.
- Provides insights into the Ankole culture and traditions.
- Ideal For: Travelers interested in cultural immersion and supporting community development.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~2 hrs | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Safari lodge
Transfer to Lake Mburo and enjoy an afternoon walking safari with zebra and impala sightings.
Included: Walking safari
Accommodation: Mpogo Safari Lodge
Why Mpogo Safari Lodge?
- Location: Situated on a hill within Lake Mburo National Park, offering panoramic views.
- Eco Features:
- Use of solar power for lighting and water heating.
- Construction incorporates natural materials to blend with the environment.
- Engages in community development and conservation education.
- Experience:
- Provides game drives, cultural visits, and bird watching activities.
- Restaurant offers dishes made from locally sourced produce.
- Ideal For: Travelers seeking an immersive nature experience with sustainable practices.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Local | Difficulty: Moderate | Comfort: Safari lodge
Morning game drive followed by a serene boat safari across Lake Mburo.
Included: Game drive, boat cruise
Accommodation: Mpogo Safari Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: ~6.5 hrs | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Boutique lodge
Journey back to Entebbe with a memorable stop at the Equator for photos and lunch.
Included: Equator stop
Accommodation: Malakai Eco Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Local | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Boutique lodge
Walk among rare flora and birds at Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Visit UWEC to meet Uganda’s wildlife ambassadors.
Included: Guided garden walk, conservation center visit
Accommodation: Malakai Eco Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Local | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: Boutique lodge
Morning walk followed by a relaxing sunset cruise on Lake Victoria. Optional souvenir shopping.
Included: Nature walk, boat cruise
Accommodation: Malakai Eco Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Drive Time: ~20 min | Difficulty: Light | Comfort: N/A
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight with unforgettable memories of Uganda.
Included: Airport transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Includes/Excludes
Included
- All accommodation (mid-range)
- All meals (as per itinerary)
- Ground transport in 4x4 safari vehicles
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Park fees and permits (gorilla & chimp included)
- All listed excursions and community visits
- Bottled drinking water on excursions
- Airport transfers
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Soft and alcoholic drinks (unless specified)
- Tips and personal expenses
- Optional add-on activities (e.g., bungee jumping, yoga class)
Practical Information
Group Size: Private or custom groups
Accommodation: Eco-lodges, tented camps, and boutique hotels
Transport: Safari-modified 4×4 vehicles
Communities Encountered: Batwa, Bakonzo, Karamojong, Banyankole, Sabiny, Bagisu, Ewaka Youth, Ndere Cultural Troupe
Geography: From the Nile River’s source to the Albertine Rift’s mountain ranges, expect shifting terrain from wetlands and savannahs to dense montane forests

