Rivers & Rainforests: A Ugandan Safari
Overview
Where Africa’s great river meets the gorilla highlands
This 10-night adventure captures two of East Africa’s greatest icons: the mighty Nile River and the mountain gorillas of Bwindi. Begin in Entebbe before journeying to Lemala Wildwaters Lodge, set on a private island in the Nile’s rushing rapids. Continue north to Murchison Falls, where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge, creating one of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls. Boat safaris and game drives here reveal both wildlife and landscapes. Conclude in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you’ll trek through misty trails to meet gorillas in their natural habitat. An unforgettable journey of rivers, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Highlights
- Boat safaris on the Nile River
- Murchison Falls and Chobe’s savannah wildlife
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Private island stay at Lemala Wildwaters Lodge
Destinations
Uganda
Itinerary Overview
Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.
Day 1
Entebbe
Uganda’s tranquil gateway, Entebbe rests along the shores of Lake Victoria. Known for its botanical gardens, birdlife, and relaxed atmosphere, it provides a calm introduction before the wild adventures ahead.
Day 2–4
Nile River, Jinja
At Jinja, the world’s longest river begins its journey north. Here, the Nile’s thundering rapids meet pockets of serene channels, offering a dramatic landscape for boat safaris, forest walks, and adrenaline-filled river adventures.
Day 5-7
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi’s mist-shrouded rainforest is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. It’s best known as home to half the world’s mountain gorillas, alongside rare birds, butterflies, and ancient towering trees.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1
Day 1
Arrive
Entebbe
Check-in
Hotel No. 5
Arrive in Uganda and transfer to Hotel No. 5, a boutique retreat set in Entebbe’s quiet suburbs. This is the ideal starting point for your safari – calm, stylish, and perfectly positioned for the adventures to come.
Accommodation
Hotel No. 5
Hotel No. 5 offers elegant suites, leafy gardens, and a pool. With a serene spa and excellent dining, it delivers a welcoming blend of contemporary design and relaxed charm.
Experiences
Unwind after your flight with a swim or massage. If time allows, stroll through Entebbe’s botanical gardens or enjoy the lakeshore before dinner and a restful night.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 2–4
Day 2–4
Arrive
Nile River, Jinja
Check-in
Lemala Wildwaters Lodge
Travel to Jinja, where the Nile’s surging rapids flow around a private island. For three nights, Lemala Wildwaters Lodge offers a front-row seat to this natural drama – a place where adventure and tranquility coexist.
Accommodation
Lemala Wildwaters Lodge
Lemala Wildwaters Lodge is a luxury retreat set on granite boulders above the river. Spacious suites feature timber decks, plunge pools, and endless river views, blending raw energy with refined design.
Experiences
Take boat trips along calmer channels, walk forest trails alive with birdlife, or kayak the rapids for a thrill. Sundowners on your deck and dining to the soundtrack of rushing water make for unforgettable moments.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 5–7
Day 5–7
Arrive
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Check-in
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
End your journey in the gorilla highlands. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, perched above Bwindi’s rainforest, is your base for trekking into the mist to meet a gorilla family – a rare, humbling encounter.
Accommodation
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge features spacious stone cottages with fireplaces, handpicked Ugandan art, and sweeping views over the Virunga Volcanoes. A stay here is intimate and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Experiences
Join expert trackers to hike into Bwindi’s dense forest and spend time with gorillas in their natural habitat. Between treks, enjoy nature walks, village visits, or simply relax with views stretching across the canopy.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 8
Day 8
After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe and onward connection home – carrying with you memories of Nile rapids, thundering waterfalls, and gorillas in the mist.
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
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