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Uganda magic

The ultimate land safari experience: Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Safaris, and the Nile River


2026
July 12th - July 23rd, 2026

(Shortened July 12th - July 19th option also available)

2025
July 5th - 13th, 2025 (Completed)

Learn more about Uganda

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This is Uganda magic

I lived in Uganda and believe it has some of the most amazing wildlife and natural experiences in the world.

There is no feeling like trekking up dense montane cloud forest to come face to face with a family of mountain gorillas.

Or quietly observing a chimpanzee slowly grooming himself in the shade of the forest.

Or searching a vast savannah plain for lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles.

Or walking alongside rhinos in the bush.

Or relaxing at a secluded lodge perched over the rapids of the Nile River.

Uganda is an incredible place and I cannot wait to share it with you.

Experiences

  • Special Mountain Gorilla habituation permits allowing us 4 magical hours with them in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

  • Chimpanzee trek where we can hopefully observe unique behaviors like social bonding, grooming, and babies learning

  • Golden Monkey trek in the high altitude montane forest

  • Day and night safari game drives in Murchison National Park and Mburo National Park in search of lions, leopard, buffalo, elephants, and zebra

  • River safari on the Nile cruising past hippos, crocodiles, and (hopefully) shoebilsl in one of Africa’s richest waterways

  • Rhino trek in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see endangered white rhinos up close in the bush

  • Seeing the “Top of the Falls” as the Nile thunders through a narrow gorge into a cascade

  • White water rafting on the Nile River along world-class rapids surrounded by incredible river scenery

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2026

The best that Uganda has to offer, all in one 12 day trip: habituation treks with gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys, safaris in search of lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards, rhino treks, and rafting on the Nile River.

An incredibly varied trip full of different experiences each day — an unforgettable journey.

Dates: Sunday July 12th, 2026 - Thursday July 23rd, 2026

Pricing: $6,950 twin sharing, single room supplement available.

Shoebill bird standing in a wetland with green vegetation and water lilies.

  • Fly into Entebbe airport (EBB), where you will be picked up and taken to our hotel near the airport. We will have a trip briefing tonight going over what to expect during our trip.

  • Close encounters with rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, and then traveling to Murchison National Park, Uganda’s preeminent safari destination where we will stay at a beautiful lodge near the river.

  • Morning and evening safari game drives in Murchison National Park, where we will search for lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, warthogs, antelope, and more.

    We will also visit the top of Murchison Falls to see the immense power of the Nile being pushed through a narrow slot canyon.

  • We will go on a boat safari in search of crocodiles, hippos, and the distinctive shoebill bird. With luck, we may even have the chance to see elephants and other animals coming to the river to drink.

    Afterwards we will travel to Kibale National Park to prepare for our chimpanzee trek.

  • We will get up early and meet with the rangers in Kibale National Park for our Chimpanzee Trek. With luck, we will get close and intimate encounters with a group of chimpanzees.  

  • Today we are traveling to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, an incredible area of highland montane cloud forest where the majority of Uganda’s mountain gorillas live.

    It will be about an 8 hour journey from Kibale to Bwindi, with a stop for lunch along the way.

  • One of the finest experiences in Africa -- the 4 hour habituation trek with a family of mountain gorillas. This special, very limited permit (only 4 are given each day) allows us to have 4 hours with a group of semi-habituated gorillas. It is a magical experience and I cannot wait to share it with you.

  • In the morning we will go on a trek in search of Golden Monkeys, an endangered primate species that is only found here.

  • In the morning we will travel from Mgahinga National Park to Mburo National Park, a 6 hour journey with lunch along the way.

    Mburo is one of the best destinations in Uganda for nighttime safari game drives and we will do one this night in search of leopards, zebra, and other game animals.

  • Today we will travel to Jinja, gateway to one of Uganda’s most spectacular areas: the headwaters of the Nile River.

    We will travel 7 hours with a stop for lunch along the way, and settle into our lodge overlooking the rapids of the Nile River.

  • An incredible capstone to our incredible trip. Rafting on the Nile River is one of the most exhilarating and breathtaking experiences you can have in Uganda. For those who do not want to do rafting, it is possible to set up alternate activities such as going to see the source of the Nile.

  • Time to say goodbye, until our next adventure together. We will be traveling from Jinja back to Entebbe in time for departure flights home. Guests can book flights home at any time today.

People hiking through dense jungle foliage on a narrow path
Two gorillas in a lush green forest, with one looking towards the camera and the other in the background.
Entrance gate labeled 'Home of Chimps' at night, viewed from a vehicle, surrounded by trees.
Gorilla resting on a tree branch in a lush forest environment.
Young gorilla in a forested area
Scenic view of terraced fields at sunset with cloudy sky, lush green vegetation, and distant hills.
Group of five people smiling in front of a vehicle with a whale design on the spare tire cover.
Two women observing two rhinoceroses grazing in a grassy savannah under a cloudy sky.
Leopard resting on a tree branch at night
Shoebill stork standing in wetland with water lilies, lush vegetation, and distant hills.
Three people in a boat navigating through a lush river under a cloudy sky.
Safari vehicle with "Thoughtful" branded tire covers and wildlife-themed artwork, parked in a nature setting.
People in a safari vehicle photographing elephants in the grasslands using a telephoto lens.
Chimpanzee sitting in tropical forest surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
Person pounding food in a wooden mortar outdoors.

Accommodation

One of the great joys of this trip is not just the wildlife encounters—but also the beautiful places we stay along the way. Each lodge has been carefully chosen for its incredible setting, proximity to nature, and ability to immerse us in the landscapes that make Uganda so special.

Accommodations range from cozy forest cottages to glamping safari tents and eco-lodges overlooking rushing rivers. All are comfortable and thoughtfully run, offering clean rooms, private bathrooms, mosquito nets, and warm local hospitality. The experiences and views are nothing short of spectacular, such as:

  • A boutique lodge with rooms perched on a hillside overlooking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

  • Classic African safari riverfront glamping tents with en-suite bathrooms on the banks of the Nile

  • A quiet sanctuary overlooking some of the Nile River’s most amazing rapids

Single rooms are available for a supplement and meals are included.

Thatched roof outdoor restaurant with palm trees and illuminated wooden seating area, building in background.
River with mist rising, surrounded by lush greenery and a small boat
wooden deck with hammock overlooking lush landscape
Wooden porch overlooking lush green hillside and distant cottage, surrounded by trees and vegetation.
Rustic thatched-roof cottage surrounded by a green lawn and trees, with distant view of a river under a clear sky.
Rustic villa in lush landscape with palm trees and distant hills.
Outdoor restaurant by river with wooden tables, chairs, thatched roof, and lush greenery.
Luxury safari tent interior with a king-sized bed, mosquito net, wooden furniture, and seating area.
Tropical resort pool with loungers and palm trees
Cozy bedroom with a rustic wooden ceiling, featuring a bed with a mosquito net, a wooden table and chair, and a staircase leading to an upper level. The room has earthy tones and a warm ambiance.
Room with two wooden beds, white bedding, colorful decorative pillows, hanging mosquito nets, wall decor, and wood flooring.
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What people are saying about this trip

  • "One word perfectly captures the essence of Alex: Thoughtful. Every experience was carefully curated, considering both guests and local environment. In an era where many prioritize social media clout, Alex's genuine passion and commitment to responsible travel shine through."

  • "Our trip was a dream come true, with each experience uniquely special, making it impossible to pick a favorite."

  • "Alex ensured our safety and well-being throughout, demonstrating exceptional client focus and professionalism. Before the trip, I shared my concerns about traveling to a remote and unfamiliar destination. Alex reassured me and regularly checked in, putting my mind at ease."

  • "Incredible, incredible adventure. It was always a dream of mine to see mountain gorillas up close, wild and in their element. I can't say enough about how life-changing that experience was."

  • " Alex designed a very thoughtful itinerary and we really saw the best of Ugandan wildlife. Alex is more than just a guide. Since he lived in the country and built genuine connections with the local communities, he can really deliver the best possible experience to his guests."

  • "Never in my life have experienced the embodiment of a word such as Thoughtful but that's truly what this trip is, you can feel the passion Alex has for this itinerary."

  • "I don't want to say this trip is once in a lifetime, as I hope to do this again, but if this is a once in a lifetime trip for you, it will absolutely be a week that will hold moments that will stay with you forever! The animals, people of Uganda, and the wilderness are unmatched, I couldn't have asked for a better trip :)"

  • "Thoughtful expeditions is the epitome of characterful, authentic travel. Off the beaten path, small group adventures, anchored in connection to people and the incredible animals that are encountered. Alex leads trips with a mindful spirit, creating incredible experiences with his unique expeditions."

Excited to join this adventure?

Learn more about our Uganda experiences

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FAQs

What is the chance of seeing Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees?
Very high. Trackers go in front of us to help find the gorillas and chimpanzee families first. Our rangers and trackers are highly experienced and are with the gorillas everyday. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking has one of the highest encounter rates of any wildlife activity.

What is special about the Habituation Permit?
What sets this Thoughtful expedition from most other Uganda trips is that we use Habituation permits for our treks with the gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys. These special limited permits (only 4 are issued per day) give us 4 hours with the gorillas instead of the usual 1, allowing us to see unique behaviors and have interactions that would not be possible otherwise. It’s a wilder experience in a more intimate setting that I believe makes for a much more unique encounter. The extra cost of these habituation permits is worth it for how amazing the encounters can be.

How hard is the trek to the gorillas?
The gorilla trek is challenging but achievable for the vast majority of people who are moderately fit. For the gorillas we will be trekking approximately 1 to 2 hours each way to reach them over terrain that can be steep at times. We will have walking sticks, rangers, and optional porters available for support. With the right clothing and equipment, most people find the trek to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. The chimpanzee and golden monkey treks are similar in time but usually less steep than the gorilla one.

What are the interactions with Mountain Gorillas like?
Some of the most magical 4 hours of your life. Seeing them up close in the thick high altitude montane forest is a feeling I cannot fully describe. We will be in a small group standing or sitting quietly near them, just letting them go on with their day. Behaviors we can see include babies socializing with adults, eating, chest thumping, fake charges, climbing trees, sleeping, and more. Every interaction is different.

What experience is needed to participate?
No experience is necessary but you need to be physically fit enough to do a 1 to 2 hour trek. Most people find this to be achievable and enjoyable. There are porters available to help for those who need assistance. The vast majority of people will be able to handle the gorilla trek perfectly fine — we are happy to discuss further if you have specific concerns.

What species will we see on safari in Murchison?
Murchison National Park is one of the best national parks in East Africa and is much less crowded than similar parks in Kenya or Tanzania. It is possible for us to see lions, hyena, leopard, buffalo, elephants, warthogs, many different species of antelope, and more. We will also do special river safaris where we could see hippos, crocodiles, and shoebills.

How do you approach interactions and what makes this trip unique?
Thoughtful trips focus on observing wildlife on their terms, while going deeper to learn more. We strive to minimize impact and invasiveness, which we believe leads to more natural and meaningful encounters.

How large is the group?
This is a small, intimate trip with a maximum of 4 guests. This aligns with the limited number of gorilla habituation permits that are issued each day. I believe this smaller group creates the best atmosphere for this type of adventure.

What gear, clothing, and vaccinations do I need?
Entry into Uganda: You will need a Yellow Fever vaccination in order to apply for a visa to Uganda. A Yellow Fever vaccine is good for a lifetime and is helpful if you travel to other tropical countries in Africa or South America.

Clothing: long sleeve, breathable clothing in neutral colors that you would feel comfortable trekking in. Rain jacket. Hat and sun protection. Comfortable trekking shoes. Gardening gloves are helpful to protect your hands during the gorilla trek.

How much does this trip cost and what is included?
The trip is $6,950, with accommodation in a shared room. This includes all activities and permits, accommodation, transport, meals, and talks. If you are traveling solo we will try to pair you with someone of the same gender. Single rooms are available for an additional charge.

How do I book my spot on the trip?
You can submit your $1,500 deposit to secure your place on the trip by clicking the “Book Now” button at the top or bottom of this page, or by contacting us at alex@thoughtfulexpeditions.com.

What are the payment terms?
A $1,500 deposit will be required to secure your spot on the trip. The remaining balance payment will be due 120 days before the start of the expedition.

We use WeTravel as our payment processor. The WeTravel platform allows you to manage your remaining balance payments and pay via credit card or bank transfer using the currency of your choice.

What are the cancellation terms?
Greater than 120 days before the trip — Refund, less a $500 administrative fee. We can waive the fee if you transfer your deposit to another trip.

90 - 120 days before the trip — 50% refund.

Less than 90 days before the trip — Unfortunately refunds are not possible for cancellations within 90 days of the trip starting.

When should I book my arrival and departure flights for?
Please book your incoming flight to arrive on the 1st scheduled day of the trip (for example, this would be April 29, 2026 for week 1). This is our scheduled arrival day and arriving at any time during that day is fine.

How can I learn more about the trip?
We are always happy to connect and talk through whether this trip would be a good fit for you. You can contact us at alex@thoughtfulexpeditions.com or on Instagram.