The Pearl of Africa Luxury Safari: Gorillas, Chimps & Big Game

Overview

This nine-day expedition is the definitive luxury Ugandan experience. We have crafted an itinerary that moves at a perfect pace, allowing you to immerse yourself deeply in each unique ecosystem. From the vast savannas of Queen Elizabeth to the primordial forests of Bwindi and the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyonyi, you will encounter Africa’s most sought-after wildlife in unparalleled comfort and style.

  • 9 Days
  • Age 15+
  • Uganda

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Journey into the Wild Heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your private Muganzi Safaris guide will welcome you at your Kampala hotel or Entebbe Airport. We depart the city, heading west as the urban landscape gives way to lush, rolling hills. Our first stop is at the Uganda Equator—a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to straddle two hemispheres. We continue to a premier restaurant in Mbarara for a delightful lunch before the final scenic drive into Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive at the iconic Mweya Safari Lodge, perched on a peninsula with breathtaking views of the Kazinga Channel. Settle into your luxury room, enjoy a sundowner, and listen to the sounds of the wild as your adventure begins.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Tree-Climbing Lions & The Kazinga Channel Cruise

Awake early for an adventurous drive to the remote Ishasha sector. This region is famed for its unique population of tree-climbing lions. We’ll embark on a thrilling game drive, searching for these majestic cats as they lounge in the sprawling fig trees—a truly spectacular and rare sight. You’ll also spot herds of topi antelope and formidable African buffalo.

Return to the lodge for lunch and a brief respite. In the afternoon, prepare for a classic African experience: a luxury boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This two-hour journey offers an unparalleled concentration of wildlife, with giant pods of hippos, basking Nile crocodiles, elephants coming to the water’s edge, and a dazzling array of birdlife. It is a photographer’s dream and a serene way to experience the park.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & An Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast, we venture into the dense, green canopy of Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Following a briefing from expert rangers, you will begin your chimpanzee trekking adventure. Walking through the vibrant jungle, the air filled with bird calls, you’ll be led to a community of playful chimpanzees. Watch in awe as they feed, groom, and swing through the trees—an exhilarating encounter with our closest genetic relatives.

Return to Mweya Lodge for lunch and some leisure time. Later, we head to the Kasenyi Plains for an afternoon game drive. This vast grassland is the prime hunting ground for the park’s lions and is home to large herds of Uganda Kob, elephants, and buffalo, offering a final magnificent game viewing experience in Queen Elizabeth.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: To the Misty Mountains of Bwindi

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we begin our scenic journey south. The landscape transforms dramatically as we climb into the highlands, with terraced hills and eucalyptus trees lining the road. We are headed to the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sanctuary to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Arrive at the magnificent Silverback Lodge, where you will receive a gorilla trekking briefing and can enjoy the stunning forest views from the comfort of the lodge.
Accommodation: Silverback Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: The Apex Experience: Gorilla Trekking & Lake Bunyonyi

This is the day of a lifetime. After an early breakfast and briefing at the park headquarters, you will enter the ancient, verdant realm of Bwindi for your gorilla trekking experience. The hike can be challenging, but the reward is one of the most profound wildlife encounters on Earth. To spend a privileged hour observing a habituated gorilla family is a humbling and emotional experience that will stay with you forever.

After receiving your trekking certificate, you will be driven to the breathtaking Lake Bunyonyi. Nestled among steep terraced hills, this serene, bilharzia-free lake is the perfect place to relax, reflect, and rejuvenate after your incredible achievement.
Accommodation: Birdnest Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: A Day of Serenity at Lake Bunyonyi

Today is yours to unwind and absorb the tranquility of “the place of many little birds.” You have a full day at leisure to enjoy the lodge’s amenities and the lake’s beauty. Choose to explore the islands by canoe, take a refreshing swim in the safe waters, go for a guided hike along the scenic shores, or simply relax with a book while soaking in the stunning views. This day of rest is a cherished part of the luxury safari experience.
Accommodation: Birdnest Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Scenic Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After a final lakeside breakfast, we begin our journey east to the compact and beautiful Lake Mburo National Park. The drive offers spectacular views of Uganda’s “Switzerland,” with its rolling green hills and fertile landscapes. We stop in Mbarara for lunch before the short final leg to the park. Check into the architecturally stunning Mihingo Lodge, perched on a rock kopje with panoramic views, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Intimate Wildlife Encounters: Safari Walk & Game Drive

Start your day with a truly unique experience—a guided safari walk. Accompanied by an armed ranger, you’ll have the chance to approach wildlife on foot, appreciating the smaller details of the ecosystem: animal tracks, birdlife, and the serene beauty of the acacia-dotted landscape. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and time to relax. In the afternoon, embark on a final game drive to seek out Lake Mburo’s residents, including impressive herds of zebra, eland, topi, and the graceful impala.
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Farewell and Return to Kampala

Day 9: Farewell and Return to Kampala
Savor a final gourmet breakfast in the wild. We then begin our journey back to Kampala/Entebbe. We’ll make a final stop at the Equator for some last-minute souvenir shopping and lunch. Relive the incredible memories of your safari as you travel, arriving at Entebbe Airport in good time for your evening departure flight, marking the end of an unforgettable luxury Ugandan adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch