The Soul of Uganda Experience
A 10-day immersive journey through Uganda's heart — from Kampala's vibrant streets to gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
Overview
Get a taste for untamed Uganda, where Ailes Travel has its roots, on a classic East African experience offering up-close encounters with wild game roaming vast, sun-drenched panoramas. Take in the majesty of the African night during stays at carefully selected properties in some of the country's most iconic wildlife areas.
Begin in Kampala, exploring the capital's cultural heart, then journey through Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and finally Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half the world's remaining mountain gorillas.
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Journey Highlights
Track lions and see the last remaining northern white rhinos on earth while staying at Tambarare Camp
Take in the astonishing variety of wildlife roaming the sprawling Maasai Mara
Custom-made vehicles offer an unobstructed view from every seat, the perfect vantage point for up-close observation of Kenya's untamed wonders
Expert safari guides lead you on every game drive, their in-depth tracking expertise setting the stage for unforgettable wildlife encounters
Get a glimpse of the day-to-day lives of the Maasai people with a visit to a local village
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive Kampala, Uganda
Touch down in Entebbe and transfer to your boutique hotel in Kampala. After settling in, we gather for a welcome dinner that sets the tone: intimate, unhurried, real.
Day 2 | Kampala Unveiled — Layers of the Capital
We start at the Kasubi Tombs, burial grounds of Buganda kings, where a royal historian helps us understand the kingdom that shaped this nation. Then into the city's creative heart: artist studios in Kamwokya, craft markets where bargaining is theater.
Day 3 | To Murchison Falls — Where the Nile Roars
We depart early for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest protected area. We stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a walking safari — your first close encounter with megafauna.
Day 4 | Murchison — The Power and the Peace
Pre-dawn wake-up for a game drive through acacia-dotted savannah. Lions, elephants, giraffes, Uganda kob — the drama of the African plains. We boat up the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls.
Day 5 | To Kibale Forest — Primate Kingdom
We journey south to Kibale Forest. The landscape transforms again — into the lush, green heart of Uganda. We arrive at our eco-lodge in time to relax before a lecture on primate behavior.
Day 6 | Chimpanzee Tracking — Our Closest Relatives
Early morning trek into Kibale to track habituated chimpanzee communities. Watch them groom, play, squabble, eat. Their expressions are uncannily human because genetically, we're 98.7% identical.
Day 7 | Queen Elizabeth National Park — The Medley
Short drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where savannah meets forest meets wetland. Afternoon game drive through Kasenyi plains searching for tree-climbing lions.
Day 8 | To Bwindi — The Impenetrable Forest
We travel through the dramatic landscapes of southwestern Uganda toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half the world's remaining mountain gorillas.
Day 9 | Gorilla Trekking — The Encounter
Today is why many come to Uganda. After briefing, we trek into Bwindi's mist-shrouded forest in search of a gorilla family. When you find them, you get one hour that will rearrange something in you.
Day 10 | Return to Kampala — Full Circle
We depart after breakfast for the long but scenic drive back to Kampala/Entebbe. We arrive in time for a farewell dinner — a chance to exchange contacts and acknowledge that something shifted.
Dates & Prices
Prices are in USD, per person, double occupancy.
What's Included
- English-Speaking Local Guides
- Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
- Entrance Fees and Taxes
- 24/7 Ailes Travel On-Call Support
- Gorilla Trekking Permit ($800 value)
- All Meals as Specified
- Accommodations (Double Occupancy)
Journey Details
Everything you need to know about your Uganda adventure
MINIMUM AGE
Minimum age is 12 years old
AILES TRAVEL DUFFEL
Each guest will receive an Ailes Travel safari duffel
SHARED SIGHTSEEING
Includes shared sightseeing at safari properties. Contact Ailes Travel to arrange exclusive use.
SOLO TRAVELLERS
Solo traveller pricing is available on request
Ready to Experience Uganda?
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