The ULTIMATE UGANDA WILDLIFE TOUR WITH KERI & NICOLA
A SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE WITH THE WORLDLY GIRLIES
FEBRAURY 1-10th, 2027
Welcome to your Wildlife Adventure in Uganda with Keri & Nicola! Journey into the Realm of the Great Apes.
This 10-day, small group journey takes you through some of the most stunning and wildlife-rich regions of Uganda. From vast savannahs to lush rainforests, you’ll have the opportunity to spend time with the World’s remaining Great Apes — including Mountain Gorillas and chimpanzees- as well as elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards (though hard to spot), hippos, a variety of birdlife, and over 10 other primate species.
At the dusk of the safari, you will walk the wild side of life in the all unique Lake Mburo National Park before returning to Entebbe.
A Professional Private Field Guide will travel with you throughout the trip, offering tips to help you get the most out of every wildlife encounter. The itinerary is designed with photographers in mind, allowing extra time at key sightings so you can focus on composition, lighting, and angles without feeling rushed.
With just two guests per customized 4×4 vehicle, everyone has a window seat and space for gear, making it easier to capture the shots you’re after. This journey is about slowing down, observing more deeply, and returning home with powerful images and unforgettable memories.
DATES: FEB 1-10th, 2027
Interested in extending your trip in East Africa? Contact info@finisterra.ca for inspiration!
Highlights
STARTS AT
USD per Person
DAY 1: WELCOME TO ENTEBBE, UGANDA
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, our company representative will meet, greet and transfer you to your hotel for relaxation & overnight.
Overnight: Entebbe No. 5 Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Meals: -/-/-
DAY 2:FLIGHT TO KASESE – TRANSER TO KIBALE
After breakfast, we take a scheduled domestic flight from Entebbe to Kasese, cutting out a long drive and offering stunning aerial views of Uganda’s diverse landscapes, from the lush landscapes to the Albertine Rift Valley ridges and finally to the tropical rainforest. On arrival, we transfer by road to Kibale Forest, the primate capital of the World.
After check-in at your eco-lodge nestled in the forest canopy, enjoy a relaxing afternoon to recharge, and later head out for an afternoon Bigodi Wetland Walk. This biodiversity hotspot is home to Uganda’s special primate species, such as the Uganda Mangabey, Red-tailed Monkey, Red Colubus Monkeys, Eastern Guereza Monkey, L’hoesti’s Monkey, Blue Monkey, among other primate species that call the Kibale Forest home, and the walk provides an opportunity to learn about local conservation efforts and community engagement. Return to your lodge and relax for the next day’s thrilling adventure with the chimpanzees.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: 1.5-hour flight + 2-hour drive from Kasese to Kibale
DAY 3: CHIMPANZEE TRACKING – AFTERNOON AT LEISURE
Following an early morning breakfast, your private guide will transfer you to the Kanyanchu Orientation Center, where you will check in for the activity before heading out for a thrilling chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale’s lush rainforests. As you trek through the dense vegetation, you’ll observe and photograph these fascinating primates in their natural habitat, watching them groom, play, and interact with one another.
After your chimpanzee encounter, enjoy a hot lunch at the lodge and relax.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: 15 minutes to park HQ and the Community
DAY 4: TRAVEL TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK & AFTERNOON BOAT CRUISE
After a relaxed breakfast at Turaco Treetops, your guide will drive you south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the scenic crater lakes region. Along the way, enjoy views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and local villages that offer a glimpse into rural Ugandan life.
Arrive in time to check in and have lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, head to the Kazinga Channel for a boat cruise—an incredible opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, and a variety of birdlife along the water’s edge. Return to the lodge for a leisurely evening surrounded by the sights and sounds of the savannah.
Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: -+ 3 Hours to Queen Elizabeth NP
DAY 5: GAME DRIVES IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
We will start the day with an early breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, an area renowned for its elephants, buffalo, antelope, and the chance to spot lions or leopards. This region of the park is teeming with wildlife, and your private guide will do their best to search for the best wildlife-rich areas as they know the parks and the wildlife movements like the back of their hand.
Later in the afternoon, we will go on an evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains before returning to the lodge and settling in for the next day.
Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: All activities are within a 15-minute drive.
DAY 6: DRIVE TO BWINDI VIA ISHASHA SECTOR
Following a relaxed breakfast, we will make our way to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via the remote Ishasha Sector, known for its iconic tree-climbing lions. These rare behaviors offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see lions lounging in giant Sycamore figs, framed by the vast open plains of southern Queen.
Continuing on, the landscape changes dramatically as we climb into the rainforest of Bwindi. You’ll arrive at your eco lodge in time to settle in and prepare for the next day’s gorilla tracking. The air is cool and misty, and the sounds of the jungle offer a whole new breathtaking world.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 5–6 hours total (2 hrs to Ishasha, 2 hrs Ishasha to Buhoma)
DAY 7: GORILLA TRACKING & VISIT TO RIDE FOR A WOMAN NGO
This is the day you’ve been waiting for – a chance to stand in the presence of one of the planet’s most endangered and majestic creatures: the Mountain Gorilla. The day begins early with an energizing breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.
After the briefing, you will head out to start your ultimate gorilla tracking experience at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi. Every step of the journey feels like an exploration into an ancient, untouched world, with towering trees, colourful bird species, and the occasional rustle of wildlife in the underbrush.
After minutes (and sometimes hours) of anticipation, your patience pays off as you encounter a gorilla family in their natural habitat. Watch in awe as they play, groom, and move through the forest; their sheer presence will inevitably leave you breathless. The magic of locking eyes with a silverback and infants is a moment that words can hardly capture.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Ride 4 a Woman community project, a local women’s initiative that supports vulnerable women through skills training and income-generating activities. Guests will have the chance to interact with the women, learn about their work in weaving, sewing, and traditional cooking, and experience authentic Ugandan culture. It’s a meaningful opportunity to connect, support local empowerment, and capture some beautiful, human-centered moments.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: 10–30 minutes each way to park HQ and Ride 4 A Woman
DAY 8: TRANSFER TO LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK & EVENING GAME DRIVE
After breakfast, we check out and begin our journey to Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda’s smaller but wildlife-rich parks known for its scenic landscapes and variety of animals. The drive takes us through beautiful countryside and rolling hills, with opportunities to stop and stretch along the way.
Upon arrival and check-in at the lodge, we will have lunch, relax a bit before heading out for an evening game drive. This is a great time to spot zebras, impalas, elands, topis, giraffes up close, and possibly leopards as they become active at dusk. The golden light over Lake Mburo’s open savannah offers a calm and scenic close to the day.
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: 5 Hours to Lake Mburo NP
DAY 9: MORNING WALKING SAFARI & FREE AFTERNOON
We’ll start the day with an early breakfast before heading out for a guided walking safari — one of the most immersive ways to experience Lake Mburo National Park. Accompanied by a knowledgeable ranger, you’ll explore the bush on foot, following animal tracks and learning about the park’s diverse ecosystems. Walking safaris offer a completely different perspective compared to game drives, allowing you to quietly observe zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands, and topis in their natural environment. You’ll also gain insights into smaller wonders of the bush, like animal footprints, bird calls, plant life, and even medicinal uses of certain trees and herbs.
After returning to the lodge, enjoy a hearty lunch followed by a well-deserved afternoon of rest.
The relaxed pace of today offers a welcome contrast to the more active days, giving you time to recharge and reflect on the incredible journey you’ve had so far in Uganda.
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: 15 minutes to the gate.
DAY 10: RETURN TO ENTEBBE & DEPARTURE
After breakfast, we check out and begin the scenic drive back to Entebbe. The journey takes you through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, passing rural villages, rolling hills, and roadside markets, a final glimpse into daily life across the country.
Depending on the timing of your international flight, we can arrange for a lunch stop or a short visit to a local craft market for some last-minute souvenir shopping. If time allows, a day room can be organized in Entebbe, where you can freshen up and relax before your transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
This marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Uganda, a land of wildlife, warm hospitality, and truly unique experiences. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon!
***Please be sure to book an evening departure flight from Entebbe to your onward destination
Accommodation: Dayroom or hotel can be arranged upon request
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer Time: -+ 4 Hours to Entebbe
Tour Exclusions
IMPORTANT NOTES
PHYSICAL RATING: MODERATE
Trekking to see the mountain gorillas requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Participants should be prepared for hikes that can vary in length, depending on the location of the gorilla families on any given day. While some groups may be reached in as little as 30 minutes, others may require a few hours of hiking through forested hills, uneven paths, or muddy terrain.
Local porters are available to carry camera gear and personal items, and will assist with footing when trails become steep or slippery. This added support makes the trek more manageable and enjoyable. However, all participants should feel comfortable walking for extended periods over varied terrain at a gentle, steady pace.
Our team prioritizes your comfort and safety and will adapt the day’s activities to match the group’s needs wherever possible.
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Mother Nature, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
GORILLA PERMITS ($800 USD per person included)
Gorilla permits and chimps permits are confirmed via payment of full amount to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), who confirm the permits on first come first served basis, subject to availability at the time of payment.
NB:
a) Gorilla Permits based on current Government Park Tariffs. Park fees are subject to change without prior notice.
b) Gorilla permits are non-refundable – must be paid in full at time of booking
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until your trip is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS & VACCINATIONS: Responsibility of the traveller.
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
SAMPLE ACCOMMODATION (Subject to change until 60 days before the trip)
ENTEBBE – Hotel Number 5
KIBALE – Turaco Treetops
QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK – Aardvark Safari Lodge
BWINDI – Buhoma Lodge
LAKE MBURO – Mihingo Lodge
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading. No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable. Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
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