Uganda magic
Uganda holds some of the most extraordinary wildlife and natural experiences on Earth.
I used to live here and put together this ultimate Uganda experience: mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, big game safaris, and the Nile river.
Uganda is wild, varied, and deeply alive—I can’t wait to share it with you.
2026
July 12th - July 23rd, 2026
(Shortened July 12th - July 19th option also available)
What makes this expedition worthwhile
Four magical hours with mountain gorillas
Special habituation permits (only four per day) give us 4x as much time with the gorillas as other trips.
Chimpanzees and golden monkeys too
We also trek to see chimpanzees in the forest and golden monkeys in the mountains. 3 unique primates in 3 amazing ecosystems.
Safaris on land and water, day and night
From lions and leopards to river cruises past hippos, crocodiles, and shoebills, you’ll see the best of Uganda’s wildlife with fewer crowds.
Rhinos, waterfalls, and wild rivers
Track endangered white rhinos on foot, see the Nile roar through a stunning gorge, and (optionally) raft its world-class rapids.
A smaller group, a deeper connection
Just four guests, plus evening talks that connect your daily encounters to the larger story of Uganda’s wildlife and landscapes.
This is Uganda magic
This 11-night expedition combines the very best Uganda has to offer into one amazing adventure.
There is no feeling like trekking into dense montane cloud forest and seeing a family of mountain gorillas for the first time.
Or quietly watching a chimpanzee groom himself in the shade of the forest.
Or scanning savannah plains for lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles.
Quiet, immersive, and unforgettable—this is Uganda magic.
What you will experience
4 hours with Mountain Gorillas — we have limited permits that give you 4x the usual time with the gorillas
Chimpanzee Trek — observing unique behaviors like grooming, play, and social bonding
Golden Monkey Trek — in the high-altitude montane forest
Day & Night Safaris — in Murchison National Park in search of lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and zebra
River Safari — cruising past hippos, crocodiles, and hopefully the rare shoebill stork
Rhino Trek — trekking alongside endangered white rhinos in Ziwa Sanctuary
The Nile River — watching the Nile thunder through a narrow gorge at the “Top of the Falls”
(Optional) White-Water Rafting — world-class rapids in breathtaking river scenery
Trip Essentials
How much does the trip cost?
$6,950 per person including meals. Single room upgrades are available.
What is the chance of seeing gorillas?
Very high. Encounter rates are among the best of any wildlife experience.
What makes this trip unique?
We use gorilla habituation permits, giving us 4 hours with the gorillas instead of the usual 1.
How hard is the gorilla trek?
Challenging but doable. Expect 1–2 hours each way. Walking sticks and porters are there to help.
Is it safe?
Yes. Uganda is one of East Africa’s safer destinations for travelers. We work with trusted rangers, guides, and lodges. There is poverty, but Ugandans are warm and openhearted.
What about vaccines and health precautions?
Not as bad as you think. A Yellow Fever vaccine is required, which is straightforward to get. Use standard precautions against mosquitos like insect repellent and long sleeved clothing. We will provide a full packing guide to help you prepare.
Trip Plan
Dates
Sunday July 12th, 2026 - Thursday July 23rd, 2026
There is an option to shorten the trip to Sunday July 12th - Sunday July 19th for those with less time. Please contact us about this option.
Pricing
$6,950 twin sharing, single room upgrade available.
Day 1 — Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe (EBB), where you’ll be met and transferred to our hotel near the airport. Tonight we gather for a welcome dinner and trip briefing.
Day 2 — Walk with Rhinos, Enter Murchison
Begin with close encounters at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, tracking endangered white rhinos on foot. Then continue to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s premier safari destination, where our lodge overlooks the Nile.
Day 3 — Safaris & Murchison Falls
Morning and evening game drives searching for lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and more. Between drives, we visit the thunderous “Top of the Falls,” where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge.
Day 4 — Nile River Safari & Travel to Kibale
Cruise the Nile in search of hippos, crocodiles, shoebills, and elephants at the water’s edge. Afterwards, journey south to Kibale Forest to prepare for our chimpanzee trek.
Day 5 — Chimpanzee Trek
Set out at dawn with expert rangers into Kibale National Park. With luck, we’ll spend unforgettable time observing chimps grooming, feeding, and socializing in the trees.
Day 6 — Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Travel deeper into the highlands to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to Uganda’s mountain gorillas. The journey is long but scenic, with lunch en route.
Day 7 — Gorilla Habituation Experience
The heart of the expedition: four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family in Bwindi. With only four permits issued daily, this rare experience lets us witness behaviors few travelers ever see. For many people this is a highlight of a lifetime.
Day 8 — Golden Monkeys of Mgahinga
Trek into the high-altitude forests of Mgahinga National Park to encounter endangered golden monkeys, found only here.
Day 9 — Mburo National Park & Night Safari
Drive to Lake Mburo, arriving in time for a night safari. This park is one of the best in Uganda for after-dark drives, with chances to see leopard, zebra, and nocturnal game.
Day 10 — To the Nile at Jinja
Travel east to Jinja, gateway to the headwaters of the Nile. We’ll settle into a lodge perched above the river’s rapids—one of the most spectacular settings of the trip.
Day 11 — Rafting or Relaxing on the Nile
End the journey with a choice: white-water rafting on the world’s most iconic river, or gentler alternatives like visiting the Nile’s source. A fitting finale to an extraordinary trip.
Day 12 — Departure from Entebbe
We return to Entebbe for your flights home. Departures can be booked any time today.
Accommodation
Each lodge we will stay at has been carefully chosen for its incredible setting and proximity to nature.
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, meals, and warm hospitality.
The experiences and views are nothing short of spectacular.
Some of the places where we will stay:
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 room upgrades are available and meals are included.
What people are saying about Uganda
“Our trip was a dream come true, with each experience uniquely special, making it impossible to pick a favorite.”
— Guest on Uganda 2024
“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.”
— Guest on Uganda 2024
“In an era where many prioritize social media clout, Alex's genuine passion and commitment to responsible travel shine through.”
— Guest on Uganda 2024
“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.”
— Guest on Uganda 2024
Ready to join?
Learn more about our Uganda experiences
FAQs
What are the chances of seeing gorillas and chimpanzees?
Very high. Trackers go ahead each morning to locate the families, and we are accompanied by experienced rangers. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking has some of the highest encounter rates of any wildlife experience in the world.
What’s special about the Habituation Permit?
Unlike most Uganda trips, we use habituation permits for our gorilla treks. Only 4 gorilla habituation permits are issued per day, and these special permits allow us four hours with the animals instead of just one. This makes encounters more intimate, wilder, and far more rewarding.
How difficult is the gorilla trek?
Challenging but achievable for most moderately fit people. Treks usually take 1–2 hours each way over terrain that can be steep at times. Walking sticks, rangers, and optional porters are there for support. With proper shoes and clothing, most guests find it a rewarding and enjoyable hike.
What are interactions with gorillas like?
Magical. For four hours, we sit quietly as gorillas go about their lives feeding, chest-thumping, climbing, playing, and even mock charging. Every interaction is unique, and seeing them up close in the high-altitude forest is unforgettable.
Do I need prior trekking experience?
No. If you can handle a 1–2 hour hike, you can do this. Porters are available for extra help. Most people find the trek both achievable and enjoyable.
What wildlife will we see on safari in Murchison?
Murchison Falls National Park is one of East Africa’s hidden gems. It is spectacular but far less crowded than Kenya or Tanzania. Expect lions, elephants, buffalo, antelope, hippos, crocodiles, and even rare shoebills on river safaris.
How do you approach wildlife encounters?
With respect. Thoughtful trips focus on observing animals on their terms, minimizing impact, and learning deeply. We believe this creates more natural and more meaningful encounters.
How big is the group?
A maximum of four guests. The small size matches the limited number of habituation permits and ensures an intimate, personal experience.
What gear, clothing, and vaccinations are required?
Vaccination: A Yellow Fever vaccine (lifetime protection) is required for entry to Uganda and useful for future travel.
Clothing: Long-sleeve, breathable, neutral-colored clothing; rain jacket; trekking shoes; hat and sun protection. Gardening gloves are useful for the gorilla trek.
How much does the trip cost and what’s included?
$6,950 per person in a shared room. This covers all activities and permits, accommodation, meals, transfers, and talks.
Traveling solo? We’ll try to pair you with a same-gender roommate.
Single room upgrades are available.
How do I book?
Secure your spot with a $1,500 deposit via the Book Now button on this page or by contacting us at alex@thoughtfulexpeditions.com.
What are the payment terms?
$1,500 deposit to confirm your place.
Remaining balance due 120 days before the trip.
Payments managed through WeTravel, where you can pay by credit card or bank transfer in your preferred currency.
What is your cancellation policy?
120+ days before trip: Full refund minus $500 admin fee (waived if transferring deposit to another trip).
90–120 days: 50% refund.
Less than 90 days: No refunds possible.
When should I book flights?
Plan to arrive on the first scheduled day of the trip (e.g., April 29, 2026 for Week 1). You may arrive anytime during that day. Departure flights can be booked anytime on the final scheduled day.
How can I learn more?
We’re always happy to connect. Reach out at alex@thoughtfulexpeditions.com or find us on Instagram.