Botswana Safari and Gorilla Trekking journey through the very heart of Africa, blending awe-inspiring natural wonders, world-class wildlife encounters, and rich cultural immersion into one unforgettable adventure. Your journey begins at the legendary Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, where the thunderous roar and misty spray of “The Smoke That Thunders” sets the tone for the days ahead.
From there, you’ll cross into Botswana, a country renowned for its pristine wilderness. Here, the mighty Chobe River and the untouched beauty of the Okavango Delta provide the backdrop for some of Africa’s most extraordinary safari experiences. Glide silently along waterways in a mokoro canoe, track the Big Five on thrilling game drives, and marvel at vast herds of elephants gathering along the riverbanks.
The adventure then takes you to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, where emerald rainforests conceal two of the planet’s most profound wildlife encounters. In Kibale, you’ll trek to meet playful chimpanzees, while in the misty jungles of Bwindi, you’ll come face-to-face with the rare and majestic mountain gorillas. Alongside these once-in-a-lifetime moments, you’ll connect with the Batwa people, the ancient forest dwellers whose traditions and stories breathe life into the history of these mountains.
More than just a holiday, this safari is a transformative journey—a celebration of nature’s power, Africa’s unmatched biodiversity, and the deep connections between people, wildlife, and wilderness.
Day 1–2: Arrival in Victoria Falls & Explore the Wonder
On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to Bayete Guest Lodge or Phezulu Guest Lodge, charming accommodations set in tranquil gardens. The rest of your day is at leisure, giving you time to relax and unwind after your journey. You may choose to enjoy the lodge’s pool, or venture out for a first glimpse of Victoria Falls town.
The next day is dedicated to exploring Victoria Falls in all its splendor. A guided tour of the falls will allow you to appreciate its sheer power and majesty from different viewpoints. Beyond the falls, you can enrich your stay with optional activities such as a scenic helicopter ride, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting, or cultural encounters with local communities. Your lodge provides a peaceful base to return to each evening, with hearty breakfasts included.
Day 3–4: Transfer to Kasane & Wildlife Adventures in Chobe
This morning, you will transfer to Kasane, a small town bordering Botswana’s Chobe National Park. After clearing immigration, settle into Chobe Safari Lodge or Chobe Bush Lodge, both ideally located on the banks of the Chobe River. In the afternoon, enjoy your first boat safari—a quintessential Chobe experience. Watch as elephants cross the river, hippos wallow, and crocodiles bask on the banks, while birdlife flourishes in this wetland paradise.
The following day begins with a thrilling game drive in Chobe National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and abundant predators. Your expert guide will help you track lions, buffalo, giraffes, and more. After a leisurely lunch back at the lodge, take time to relax before heading out again on another unforgettable river safari. Chobe offers a perfect balance of land and water-based experiences, ensuring close encounters with diverse wildlife.
Day 5–6: Fly to the Okavango Delta – Mma Dinare or Rra Dinare Camp
If flight schedules permit, enjoy a final morning game drive in Chobe before transferring to Kasane Airport for your scenic light aircraft flight to the Okavango Delta. Your destination is either Mma Dinare Camp or Rra Dinare Camp, both intimate tented safari camps offering an authentic Delta experience. On arrival, and depending on timing, you may set out on your first game activity, exploring the floodplains and woodlands of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On Day 6, immerse yourself fully in the magic of the Delta with morning and afternoon game drives, mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris, and guided bush walks. This region is known for its incredible biodiversity and the chance to witness wildlife interactions at close range. As the sun sets, enjoy sundowners in the wilderness before heading out on a night drive to spot elusive nocturnal creatures. The Delta’s pristine beauty and exclusivity make this one of Africa’s most enchanting safari destinations.
Day 7: Morning Activity in the Delta & Fly to Uganda
After an early morning safari activity, enjoy breakfast at camp before transferring by light aircraft back to Maun or Kasane, where you will connect to your international flight to Uganda. On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, welcomes you with its lush greenery and warm hospitality, setting the stage for the next chapter of your adventure.
Day 8: Fly to Kibale National Park – Arrival at the Primate Capital
Today, take a domestic flight to Kasese Airstrip, located near Kibale National Park. From here, you will be transferred to your lodge near the park, surrounded by rolling hills, crater lakes, and evergreen rainforest. Kibale is often called the “Primate Capital of the World” due to its high diversity and density of primates. Settle in at your lodge and soak up the tranquility of the forest as you prepare for tomorrow’s trek.
In the afternoon, you may choose to explore the lodge grounds, visit a nearby community, or simply relax with views of the forest canopy. The lodge offers an intimate experience of Uganda’s western highlands, where the sounds of birds and monkeys fill the air.
Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk
This morning, you’ll head into Kibale National Park for your chimpanzee trekking experience. Led by experienced rangers, trek through the forest in search of one of our closest relatives. Once located, spend an hour with the chimpanzees as they feed, groom, and play—a humbling and fascinating wildlife encounter. Kibale is also home to other primates such as red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and grey-cheeked mangabeys, making it a primate lover’s paradise.
In the afternoon, you can enjoy an optional visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run initiative renowned for birdwatching and cultural experiences. The swamp walk offers the chance to spot colorful species such as the Great Blue Turaco, while also learning about the lives of local villagers. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi via the Ishasha Sector
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The journey takes you through Queen Elizabeth National Park, specifically the Ishasha sector, known for its famous tree-climbing lions. Keep your eyes peeled for these unique predators lounging in fig trees. Continue to Buhoma sector of Bwindi, where you will spend the night at a lodge nestled in the misty rainforest.
The drive itself is part of the adventure, passing through savannah landscapes, rolling hills, and rural communities. Arriving at Bwindi feels like stepping into a mythical world, with its dense forest cloaked in mist and alive with the calls of birds and primates.
Day 11: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Experience
This is the highlight of your entire journey: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After a briefing at the park headquarters, you will be assigned to a habituated gorilla family and begin your trek through steep, forested terrain. The trek can be challenging but the reward is immense—an hour in the company of mountain gorillas. Watching these gentle giants interact in their natural environment is one of the most profound wildlife encounters on earth.
In the afternoon, enrich your experience with a Batwa cultural visit. The Batwa are the indigenous people of the forest and will share their ancient traditions, music, and stories. This experience provides cultural context to your gorilla trek, highlighting the deep human connection to the forest and its wildlife.
Day 12: Fly to Entebbe & Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kihihi Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Entebbe. Depending on your international flight time, you may have the opportunity to relax at a day room before connecting to your onward journey. This marks the end of your extraordinary safari, a journey that has taken you from the thundering waters of Victoria Falls to the floodplains of the Okavango and finally into the heart of Uganda’s rainforests to meet the great apes.