Pearl & Thousand Hills Grand

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your private Njagi Safaris guide and briefed about the journey ahead. Transfer to your selected accommodation and relax after your international flight.

Depending on your arrival time, an optional introduction to Entebbe or the shores of Lake Victoria can be arranged, providing a gentle introduction to Uganda before the safari begins.

Mid-Range Collection: Papyrus Guest House or Similar

Premium Collection: No.5 Boutique Hotel or Similar

After breakfast, begin the 16-Day Uganda & Rwanda Safari north towards Murchison Falls National Park, travelling through Uganda’s changing landscapes, rural communities and countryside.

En route, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino Tracking, offering an opportunity to observe southern white rhinos in their protected conservation environment and learn about Uganda’s rhino conservation efforts.

This is a longer travel day, with the rhino experience providing a valuable conservation-focused stop en route to Murchison Falls.

Continue towards Murchison Falls, arriving at your selected lodge in the evening. Enjoy dinner and relax in preparation for the following day’s wildlife experiences.

Mid-Range Collection: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Similar

Premium Collection: Nile Safari Lodge or Similar

Rise early for a professionally guided Game Drive across the savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park. Search for elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, hartebeest, Uganda kob and other wildlife as the park comes alive in the morning.

After lunch and time to relax, embark on a Nile Boat Safari towards the base of Murchison Falls. The riverbanks provide excellent opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and abundant waterbirds.

This is a longer transfer day as the journey crosses from northern Uganda towards the forested landscapes of the Albertine Rift.

Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Mid-Range Collection: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Similar

Premium Collection: Nile Safari Lodge or Similar

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and travel south towards Kibale National Park, passing through fertile countryside and changing landscapes.

As the Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Safari journey continues, the open savannah gradually gives way to greener countryside and the forested hills of western Uganda. The drive provides an opportunity to appreciate the changing landscapes that connect northern Uganda with the Albertine Rift.

Arrive at Kibale and settle into your accommodation ahead of the following day’s Chimpanzee Tracking experience.

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Today brings one of Uganda’s defining primate experiences. After breakfast, proceed to the park briefing point for Chimpanzee Tracking.

Guided through the ancient rainforest of Kibale National Park, search for habituated chimpanzee communities while encountering other primates, colourful birds, butterflies and diverse forest species.

Depending on timing and interests, the experience can be complemented by a visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, offering further opportunities for birdwatching, primate encounters and community-based tourism.

Return to your lodge after the day’s activities.

Mid-Range Collection: Turaco Treetops or Similar

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After breakfast, travel south towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the scenic crater-lake region and landscapes surrounding the Rwenzori Mountains.

As you approach the park, the forested hills and cultivated countryside give way to open savannah and woodland landscapes. Depending on your arrival time, an afternoon Game Drive can be incorporated into the itinerary.

Settle into your lodge and enjoy the surrounding wilderness before the following day’s wildlife and Kazinga Channel experience.

Mid-Range Collection: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge or Similar

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Begin the day with a professionally guided Game Drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, searching for elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, antelopes, warthogs and other wildlife across the park’s savannah and woodland landscapes.

Later, enjoy a Kazinga Channel Boat Safari, one of Uganda’s most rewarding wildlife experiences. The channel attracts large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and waterbirds along its shores.

Return to your lodge after the day’s activities for dinner and relaxation.

Mid-Range Collection: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge or Similar

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Travel into the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park for a different wildlife experience away from the busier northern areas of the park.

Explore the open savannah and woodland landscapes on a guided Game Drive, searching for elephants, buffaloes, topi, antelopes and other wildlife. With luck, you may encounter Ishasha’s famous tree-climbing lions, one of the region’s most distinctive wildlife experiences.

Spend the evening in the wilderness before continuing towards Bwindi the following day.

Mid-Range Collection: Ishasha Jungle Lodge or Similar

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After breakfast, continue south towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Safari journey passes through changing ecosystems as the open savannah landscapes of Queen Elizabeth give way to the mountainous terrain and ancient rainforest of south-western Uganda.

On arrival in the Bwindi region, check into your selected accommodation and settle into the peaceful rainforest surroundings. Your guide will brief you about the following day’s Gorilla Trekking experience, including appropriate clothing, footwear and responsible behaviour around the gorillas.

Mid-Range Collection: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or Similar

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Today is one of the defining experiences of the Pearl & Thousand Hills Grand Safari.

After an early breakfast, travel to the designated park briefing point for Gorilla Trekking. Following a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority guides, begin your trek through the ancient rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.

Once the gorillas are located, enjoy a memorable encounter while following established conservation guidelines. Return to your lodge after the trek to rest and reflect on one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences.

Mid-Range Collection: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or Similar

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After breakfast, leave the Bwindi region and travel towards Lake Mutanda, a scenic highland lake surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes and views towards the Virunga Mountains.

Following the intensity of Gorilla Trekking, this day provides an important opportunity to slow the pace of the safari. Depending on arrival time, spend the afternoon relaxing at your lodge, enjoying views across the lake or participating in an optional lake experience.

The peaceful setting provides a natural transition before crossing into Rwanda.

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After breakfast, continue towards the Uganda–Rwanda border and cross into Rwanda before travelling towards Volcanoes National Park.

The Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Safari reveals the contrasting landscapes of the two countries, from the highlands around Lake Mutanda to Rwanda’s cultivated hills and the dramatic volcanic peaks of the Virunga range.

Complete the cross-border formalities with assistance from your private safari team before continuing to your selected lodge. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the spectacular mountain surroundings.

Mid-Range Collection: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Similar

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Enjoy a full day around Volcanoes National Park reserved for a selected non-gorilla experience. Depending on your interests, operating conditions and availability, this may include a guided nature experience, cultural encounter or scenic exploration in the Virunga region. Your selected experience will be confirmed during safari planning.

The volcanic foothills, montane forests and cultivated landscapes provide a striking contrast to the savannah and rainforest environments experienced earlier in the journey.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Mid-Range Collection: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Similar

Premium Collection: Virunga Inn Resort & Spa or Similar

On arrival, enjoy time to relax beside Lake Kivu and take in the scenery. Optional lake activities can be arranged at additional cost where available. The journey through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills provides a dramatic contrast to the volcanic landscapes of Volcanoes National Park.

On arrival at Lake Kivu, settle into your accommodation and enjoy time to relax beside the lake. Depending on arrival time, the afternoon can be reserved for relaxation, scenic exploration or an optional lake experience.

Mid-Range Collection: Paradise Malahide or Similar

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After breakfast, travel towards Kigali, enjoying Rwanda’s characteristic rolling hills, cultivated countryside and changing landscapes. On arrival, the afternoon can be customised around your interests and flight schedule.

Options may include a Kigali City Experience, cultural visit, local shopping or relaxed time at your hotel. This final evening provides an opportunity to reflect on the journey through Uganda and Rwanda before departure.

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Travellers departing on international flights should allow sufficient time between the safari's scheduled arrival at Kigali International Airport and their flight departure. Your safari specialist can advise on the safest flight timing.

Your private safari guide will assist with the final transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

End Point: Kigali International Airport