Begin your Ugandan adventure with a full-day scenic drive through lush agricultural countryside to Kyanjojo. Drive through tea plantations and into the Kibale tropical rainforest to explore Kibale Forest National Park, comprised of pristine lowland tropical rainforest, montane forest and mixed tropical deciduous forest as well as areas of grassland and swamp. Kibale is known to have the largest and most diverse population of primates in Africa. You may see families of chimpanzees and red colobus monkeys chattering and swinging through the ancient forest trees. The sightings of birds in the forest are no less impressive – at least 325 species, including the Crowned Crane, Uganda’s national bird. In addition, there are over 144 butterfly species. Your beautiful lodge is situated on a high saddle between two crater lakes with breathtaking views. NDALI LODGE.

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park and experience the excitement of wildlife viewing in Uganda’s second largest national park. You may see hippo, lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, Ugandan kob, topi, bushbuck, pangolin, warthog, hyena and civet, as well as over a quarter of Africa’s bird species – more than any other park in Africa. Take a launch trip on the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward to view some of the largest concentrations of hippo in the world, as well as Nile crocodile, African rock python, monitor lizard and a plethora of colorful birds. Between wildlife viewing expeditions, you can relax poolside at your lodge with its stunning views of Lake Edward, Kazinga Channel and the Rwenzori Mountains. MWEYA LODGE.

Continue your exploration of Queen Elizabeth National Park en route to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a game drive in the Ishasha sector of the park, searching for the tree climbing lions. After a picnic lunch, drive to Bwindi, arriving in the afternoon. At least 120 mammal and 346 bird species make their home here, one of the richest ecosystems in Africa, along with approximately half the world’s population of the endangered mountain gorillas. Fiercely protective of this natural treasure, Ugandan authorities permit only one-hour visitation in clusters of groups of 8 travelers. Your group will have the opportunity for two treks to view the mountain gorillas (each purchased in advance). The trek can take from one to eight hours and climb up to 7,500 feet in altitude. Picnic lunches will be provided. Your guide and porters will take you along river trails with delightful waterfalls, up steep slopes and into forest clearings in search of these gentle giants. Approximately 98% of the gorilla treks are successful but there is no guarantee that you will see the gorillas. Only 15 minutes from Bwindi Park Headquarters, your home offers luxury and serenity in a spectacular setting. MAHOGANY SPRINGS LODGE.

Bid the gorillas goodbye as you fly back to Entebbe and check into your dayroom at the PROTEA HOTEL. A chance to rest, or shop, before transferring to the airport for your flights home, bringing the cherished memories of your encounter with the gentle giants of the forest.