10-Day Pearl of Africa Safari: From the Nile to the Gorillas

Safari introduction

Embark on a breathtaking 10-Day Pearl of Africa Safari: From the Nile to the Gorillas through the heart of Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. This unforgettable safari experience blends adventure, wildlife, culture, and relaxation across some of the country’s most iconic destinations. From the serene shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe to the adrenaline-pumping rapids of the Nile in Jinja, each day offers a new chapter of discovery.

Explore the Source of the Nile, marvel at the thunderous Murchison Falls, and enjoy close encounters with rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Traverse the savannahs in search of lions, elephants, and giraffes before heading into the mystical rainforests of Kibale and Bwindi, home to playful chimpanzees and majestic mountain gorillas. Meet the Batwa community, ride horses across Lake Mburo’s plains, and unwind at beautifully selected midrange or luxury lodges, tailored to your comfort.

This itinerary promises an enriching blend of natural wonders and cultural encounters, carefully curated by Gorilla Page Safaris, your trusted guide to Uganda’s wild beauty. Whether you are an adventure seeker or a nature lover, this safari is your gateway to the soul of Africa.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, with a warm welcome to Uganda

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly received by a Gorilla Page Safaris representative. He will brief you about the 10-Day Pearl of Africa Safari: From the Nile to the Gorillas, and transferred to your lodge for relaxation after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Entebbe or enjoy a lakeside sunset.

Day 2: Entebbe to Jinja, Whitewater Rafting and Ziplining

After breakfast, depart for Jinja with exciting stopovers as you enter the adventure capital of East Africa. On your arrival, you will check in at your lodge and embark on the day’s other exciting activities of your 10-Day Pearl of Africa Safari: From the Nile to the Gorillas.

Begin your adrenaline-filled day with whitewater rafting on the Nile. Depending on your interest, you can do up to grade five. This will take fear out of you. You will then enjoy ziplining, the newly established activity across the River Nile. The mix of river rapids and canopy thrills makes this a perfect start to your safari.

Day 3: Source of the Nile – Transfer to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

In the morning, embark on a boat cruise to visit the source of the Nile. This is where the longest river in the world starts its journey from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea via Egypt. Proceed northward to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience—Uganda’s only wild rhino location.

Afterward, continue to Murchison Falls National Park and check in at your lodge for the night.

Day 4: Explore Murchison Falls on a Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari

You will enjoy your breakfast and then set out early for a game drive in the northern sector of the park, where you may spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and buffalo. Murchison falls is a home to the big four and there are chances of spotting all of them on a lucky day.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, observing hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. This trip takes about 3 hours and offers the highlight of what this park has to offer. Return to your lodge for dinner and evening relaxation.

Day 5: Murchison Falls – Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, drive south through scenic countryside toward Kibale Forest, home to the highest density of primates in Africa. On your way, you will enjoy the scenic drives and have lunch en route in Fort Portal, also known as the tourism city. Arrive in the evening and settle in at your lodge.

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking, Nature Walk, and Cultural Visit

You will enjoy your early breakfast and drive to the starting point of Chimpanzee Trekking. After the briefing, you will head into the forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Spend time observing their behavior in their natural habitat, where you can even have a chance of seeing chimpanzees walking on the ground at close range. In the afternoon, engage with the local community through a Bigodi swamp walk or cultural village experience.

Day 7: Kibale – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rugged beauty and mountain gorilla population.

The journey will take you through the mountainous areas, and you will enjoy your lunch en route on your 10-Day Pearl of Africa Safari: From the Nile to the Gorillas. On your arrival, you will check in at your lodge for evening relaxation and dinner as well.

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Encounter

Make sure that you have your breakfast on time to be picked up by your guide to the briefing area. Today is the highlight of your safari—Mountain Gorilla Trekking! After a briefing, venture into the forest to meet these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The exercise can take 2-6 hours, depending on the location of the assigned gorilla family. When you find the gorillas, you will spend one full hour with them as you enjoy their social lifestyle in their natural habitats.

You will return to your lodge for lunch and in the afternoon, enjoy an insightful Batwa community experience, learning from the forest’s original inhabitants. You will learn about their culture, food, and end with their welcoming and farewell dance.

Day 9: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & Evening Game Drive

Enjoy your breakfast and embark on your journey to Lake Mburo National Park, a compact gem teeming with wildlife such as zebras, impalas, and elands. You will enjoy your scenic drive to the smallest but exciting Savannah Park known as the zebra magnet of Uganda.

Check in at your lodge for lunch and get ready for an evening game drive where you will spot wildlife like Zebras in big numbers and others like impala and different bird species.

Day 10: Horseback Safari and Return to Entebbe for Departure

Take a 3-hour morning horseback safari, offering a unique way to see wildlife up close. This is an exciting activity if the kind in Uganda. After brunch, begin the journey back to Entebbe with a brief stop at the Equator for photos and souvenirs. Drop-off at Entebbe Airport, depending on your flight schedule back home as you carry the memories of a 10-Day Pearl of Africa Safari: From the Nile to the Gorillas.

Package Inclusions

Airport Transfer -Arrival and departures

All meals (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Drinking water during the trip

Accommodation for the 9 nights

All Park fees and the mentioned activities

1 Gorilla and chimp trekking permit per person

Professional driver/guide

Exclusive use of the safari vehicle

Package Exclusions

International flights

Entry visa

Activities not mentioned

Personal insurance

Personal expenses

Alcoholic and soft drinks

QUOTE FOR THIS TRIP (IN USD)