The Pearl Explorer

Upon arrival at Entebbe, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional safari representative for a meet and greet at the airport.

After a short briefing about your upcoming Uganda safari experience, you will be transferred to your hotel for relaxation and overnight stay.

Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax at the lodge, enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Entebbe, or prepare for the adventure ahead.

Located near the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe provides a calm introduction to your Uganda Big Five, Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari before beginning the journey through Uganda’s remarkable wildlife and primate destinations.

Mid-Range Collection: Papyrus Guest House

Premium Collection: Hotel No. 5 Executive Room

After an early breakfast in Entebbe, you will begin your journey northwards toward Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most famous national park.

Along the way, you will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience on foot, offering an opportunity to observe white rhinos in their natural habitat while contributing to Uganda’s ongoing rhino conservation efforts.

Following lunch en route, the journey continues through scenic countryside landscapes toward Murchison Falls National Park.

Upon arrival, you will visit the Top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River dramatically forces through a narrow gorge before plunging into the river below.

The powerful waterfalls, scenic views, and surrounding landscapes provide one of the most iconic highlights of any Uganda safari experience.

After the excursion, you will proceed to your lodge for dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay as you prepare for the wildlife activities ahead.

Mid-Range Collection: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Premium Collection: Nile Safari Lodge

Begin the day with an early morning game drive through the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s richest wildlife viewing areas.

The open savannah landscapes provide excellent opportunities to search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, antelopes, hyenas, and, with some luck, leopards resting within the grasslands or acacia woodlands.

The morning game drive also offers scenic views across the park’s diverse habitats while allowing you to experience the remarkable wildlife diversity that makes Murchison Falls one of the highlights of any Uganda Big Five safari.

In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat safari along the Nile River toward the base of the powerful Murchison Falls. Along the cruise, you may encounter large concentrations of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of birdlife gathering along the riverbanks.

The boat excursion concludes near the dramatic base of the falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging downstream.

After the boat safari, return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.

Mid-Range Collection: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Premium Collection: Nile Safari Lodge

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls National Park and continue southwest through the scenic landscapes of western Uganda toward Kibale National Park.

The 8-hour journey offers changing scenery from savannah plains and rural countryside to rolling hills, tea plantations, and forested regions that characterise this part of Uganda.

A stopover will be made in Hoima for lunch and a short break before continuing toward Kibale Forest. Often referred to as the primate capital of East Africa, Kibale National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and remarkable chimpanzee tracking experiences within one of Uganda’s most important tropical rainforest ecosystems.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy the peaceful forest environment as you prepare for the following day’s chimpanzee tracking adventure.

Mid-Range Collection: Turaco Treetops Lodge

Premium Collection: Kyaninga Lodge

After an early breakfast, proceed to the briefing centre in Kibale National Park for an introduction to chimpanzee tracking guidelines before entering the forest with experienced rangers and guides.

Kibale Forest is renowned for its rich primate population and offers one of the best chimpanzee tracking experiences in East Africa.

The guided forest walk provides opportunities to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat as they feed, communicate, and move through the rainforest canopy.

In addition to chimpanzees, the forest is home to several other primate species, colourful birdlife, and diverse tropical vegetation, creating a rewarding Uganda primate safari experience.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed wetland area known for its rich birdlife, monkey species, and scenic forest surroundings.

Optional community interactions may also be arranged, offering insight into local culture and conservation initiatives within the region.

Mid-Range Collection: Turaco Treetops Lodge

Premium Collection: Kyaninga Lodge

After breakfast, depart Kibale National Park and continue southward toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse and scenic wildlife destinations.

The drive passes through the beautiful crater lake region, characterised by rolling hills, tea plantations, volcanic crater lakes, and panoramic countryside views that showcase the natural beauty of western Uganda.

Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will begin experiencing the park’s rich wildlife and varied ecosystems, which include open savannah plains, wetlands, forests, and acacia woodlands.

Depending on arrival time, enjoy an evening game drive in search of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, and other wildlife species commonly found within the park.

The evening light across the savannah landscapes also provides excellent photography opportunities while introducing you to another unique ecosystem within your Uganda Big Five, Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari itinerary.

Mid-Range Collection: Buffalo Safari Lodge

Premium Collection: Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Begin the day with an early morning game drive through the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering opportunities to search for elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, hyenas, and large cat species within the park’s diverse ecosystems.

Depending on wildlife movement and luck, you may also encounter the famous tree-climbing lions often associated with the Ishasha sector of the park.

The morning game drive allows you to experience the park’s remarkable biodiversity while enjoying scenic views across grasslands, crater landscapes, and acacia woodlands that form part of this classic Uganda wildlife safari experience.

In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George.

The boat cruise offers excellent opportunities to observe large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous bird species gathering along the shoreline, making it one of the most rewarding wildlife viewing activities in Uganda.

Mid-Range Collection: Buffalo Safari Lodge

Premium Collection: Kyambura Gorge Lodge

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and continue southward toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to Uganda’s famous mountain gorillas and one of Africa’s most important rainforest ecosystems.

The 6-hour journey passes through scenic countryside landscapes, rolling hills, rural communities, and mountainous terrain that characterise southwestern Uganda.

Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of terraced farmlands, forested valleys, and traditional villages, offering a deeper appreciation of Uganda’s diverse natural and cultural landscapes.

Upon arrival in the Kigezi region, check in at your lodge and spend the remainder of the day relaxing as you prepare for the following day’s gorilla trekking experience.

Your guide will also brief you on gorilla trekking procedures, recommended preparation, and park guidelines to ensure a smooth and memorable encounter within the forest.

Mid-Range Collection: Buhoma Haven Lodge or similar

Premium Collection: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest or similar

After an early breakfast, proceed to the briefing centre in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a detailed orientation conducted by park rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

During the briefing, you will receive important information about gorilla trekking guidelines, safety procedures, and the assigned gorilla family for the day.

You will then begin the gorilla trekking experience through Bwindi Forest accompanied by experienced rangers and guides. The trek may vary in duration and terrain depending on the location of the gorilla family, offering an adventurous and rewarding journey through one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests.

Once the gorillas are located, you will spend a memorable hour observing them in their natural habitat while witnessing their social interactions, feeding behaviour, and unique family dynamics.

This extraordinary wildlife encounter is considered one of the most remarkable experiences in Africa and a highlight of any Uganda gorilla trekking safari.

After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation and later receive your gorilla trekking certificate as a memorable recognition of your experience in Bwindi Forest.

Mid-Range Collection: Buhoma Haven Lodge or similar

Premium Collection: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest or similar

After breakfast, depart the Bwindi region and continue with a scenic drive toward Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most picturesque and peaceful destinations.

Surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with numerous small islands, Lake Bunyonyi offers a relaxing atmosphere and beautiful scenery following the gorilla trekking experience.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy time to relax while taking in panoramic lake and countryside views.

Depending on your interest and arrival time, optional activities such as a traditional canoe experience, nature walks, or birdwatching excursions may be arranged around the lake.

The calm environment and cool highland setting make Lake Bunyonyi an ideal stop for relaxation within your Uganda Big Five, Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari itinerary.

Mid-Range Collection: Arcadia Cottages

Premium Collection: BirdNest Resort Luxury Cottage

Enjoy a relaxed day at Lake Bunyonyi surrounded by scenic highland landscapes, terraced hills, and peaceful lake views.

The tranquil atmosphere provides an ideal opportunity to unwind after the adventurous wildlife and gorilla trekking experiences earlier in the safari.

Depending on your interests, optional activities may include guided island excursions, traditional canoe experiences, cultural visits to nearby communities, birdwatching, or nature walks along the lakeshore.

The lake’s calm waters and beautiful scenery also create excellent opportunities for photography and relaxation within one of Uganda’s most scenic regions.

The day is intentionally paced to provide comfort and flexibility while allowing you to fully appreciate the natural beauty and cultural charm of the Lake Bunyonyi area.

Mid-Range Collection: Arcadia Cottages

Premium Collection: BirdNest Resort Luxury Cottage

After breakfast at Lake Bunyonyi, continue your journey toward Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah national park and one of the country’s most accessible wildlife destinations.

The drive passes through scenic countryside landscapes, rolling hills, cattle farms, and traditional Ankole communities that characterise this region of southwestern Uganda.

Upon arrival, enjoy an evening game drive or guided nature walk within the park, offering opportunities to observe zebras, impalas, buffaloes, warthogs, elands, giraffes, and a variety of bird species in a peaceful savannah environment.

Lake Mburo is also well known for its walking safari experiences, allowing travellers to explore the park more closely alongside experienced guides.

The relaxed atmosphere and beautiful landscapes provide a rewarding conclusion to your Uganda Big Five, Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari before returning to Entebbe.

Mid-Range Collection: Rwakobo Rock

Premium Collection: Mihingo Lodge

Begin the morning with a guided walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park, offering a unique opportunity to explore the park on foot alongside experienced guides and rangers.

The walk allows you to observe wildlife, birdlife, and the surrounding savannah ecosystem from a different perspective while enjoying the peaceful natural environment of the park.

After breakfast, depart Lake Mburo and begin the return journey toward Entebbe. Along the way, enjoy a stop at the Uganda Equator crossing for photographs, souvenir shopping, and a short break before continuing toward Entebbe.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for relaxation and overnight stay as you conclude your Uganda Big Five, Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari experience.

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a relaxed morning in Entebbe before your transfer to the airport. A Njagi Safaris representative will ensure a smooth transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey or departure flight.

This marks the end of your Uganda Big Five, Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari, bringing together unforgettable wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, primate experiences, and cultural highlights across Uganda’s most remarkable safari destinations.