Yoga Safari with Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Upon your arrival at Entebbe Airport, you'll be greeted and transported to your sanctuary. Find solace and unwind as you settle into your accommodation, allowing the tranquility to wash over you after your journey.

Our haven is Karibu, a retreat nestled a mere 10 minutes from Entebbe International Airport. Once a Presidential Residence, this boutique hotel, has flourished into a cherished escape for both leisure seekers and travelers. Embracing a commitment to personalized service, Karibu caters to a select number of guests, ensuring an intimate and rejuvenating experience.

Indulge yourself in culinary delights inspired by the French/Mediterranean concept, featuring contemporary favorites like Karibu Burgers and Poke Bowl Salads, alongside a selection of traditional Ugandan dishes for those eager to savor local fare.

As part of your wellness package, luxuriate in a revitalizing full-body massage—a perfect remedy for post-flight relaxation. Perhaps even join one of the activities on offer: Sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria, Shoebill experience, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary founded by Jane Goodall, Botanical gardens or a Boda Boda Tour (bike tour) to Kampala, Uganda’s Capital.

Our journey unfolds with a warm welcome during a rejuvenating yoga session, setting the stage for an evening of connection over a nourishing dinner. Together, we'll explore the enticing itinerary for the upcoming days.

Brace yourself for an early morning awakening, as tomorrow beckons us to Murchison Falls National Park for an enchanting rendezvous with wildlife. Get ready to embrace the serenity and adventure that lie ahead on this transformative adventure

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Hope you are ready for this amazing adventure to start as we will head to Murchison Falls National Park. The driving time to Murchison Falls is about 5 hours and what a beautiful scenic drive it is. Our lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, is in the Murchison Falls National Park overlooking the spectacular Nile River. Once entering the park, our safari starts!

Murchison Falls National Park that comprises of beautiful savannah landscapes and plenty of wildlife, is divided by River Nile into the south and northern region. The northern part is largely covered by savannah and woodland, supporting a lot more volume and variety of animals compared to the southern region which has a bigger chunk covered by forest. The game drives here are done in the northern area of the Murchison Falls and an early start offers a better chance to find elusive predators such as Lion, Hyena, Leopard and Jackal as they are still actively out hunting. Explore the game trails towards the Lake Albert Delta which is concentrated with big game including Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe and various antelope. Boat rides here at the falls also offers an array of wildlife and common sightings include Crocodile, Hippo, and Lizard. Big game such as Buffalo and Elephant can also be sighted drinking and cooling off the heat by the river banks.

Relax in comfort before meeting for our first and much needed outdoor yoga sessions.

Accommodation: Safari Lodge

An early start (6:00) as today we will continue our safari in the Murchison Falls National Park. The early start offers a better chance to find elusive predators such as Lions, Hyenas, Leopard, and Jackal because they are still out actively hunting. Game drives last for about 4 hours, a time to take in the beautiful savannah landscape that is immersed with plenty of life and wonderful scenery.

We will be back at the lodge for an early lunch and relaxation, then set out for a 2hr boat cruise offering an array of wildlife sightings like Crocodile, Hippo, Lizard, Buffalo, Elephants and Antelopes, usually drinking and cooling off in the heat of the day by the river banks.

Find and create space on your mat as the sun sets over the Nile River. Tonight’s therapeutic moves will allow you to go inward and become familiar with your body as you link your breath and connect with nature.

Accommodation: Safari Lodge

Before heading to Kibale National Park, we will stop at Murchison Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa with views of the Nile River, for a quick 40-minute hike. It is also known as the most powerful waterfalls in the world and where the longest river in the world squeezes through a 7-meter gap and then drops down 45 meters.

The Kibale Forest National Park is known as one of the best safari destinations in Africa for chimpanzee trekking. There are 13 primate species living within this park, and it is home to 70 mammal species and 375 species of birds. 351 tree species have been recorded, with some older than 200 years, reaching above 55m. Not only is Kibale NP one of Africa’s foremost research sites for chimpanzees and other primates found in the park, but also wild pigs, fish species and Kibale’s lush ecosystem. No wonder is known as one of Uganda’s most rewarding areas to explore.

After arriving at our accommodation, Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, we will relax before meeting for another much-needed yoga session surrounded by beautiful gardens, tea plantations and indigenous forest. Life here will seem like a dream as you open your eyes after a guided meditation, gazing at the beautiful panoramic vistas of Kibale National Park, ancient crater lakes, and the Rwenzori Mountains. Your body relaxed, your mind in a state of absolute peace.

Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse is located at the edge of Kibale National Park, offering accommodation in beautifully furnished self-contained cottages (Bandas) with a panoramic view of Kibale Forest National Park and the surrounding Tea plantations. Expect warm delicious meals, freshly baked bread, seasonal home grown fruits and vegetables + pancake breakfasts.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee forest guesthouse /Turaco Treetops

This morning we will set out on foot to trek the most threatened primate species, the Chimpanzee. Other primates that you could possibly spot here are black and white Columbus monkeys, L’Hoest Monkeys, Grey checked Mangabey, Red tailed monkeys, Bush babies and Pottos. Many bird species like the Yellow Spotted Nicator, Rumped Tinker Bird, Little Greenbul, Green Breasted Pitta, the Crowned Eagle and Black Bee eater can also be seen here. Oh, and even elephants can be seen on this trail.

We will return to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation and a beautiful sunset yoga session overlooking the stunning crater lakes. Take in the silence and the peacefulness that surrounds you… another magical day in the forests of Uganda.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee forest guesthouse

After breakfast, we are heading to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The drive is quite long, but again, such a beautiful scenic road. We will check into Bakiga Lodge in the afternoon, a luxury eco lodge with amazing views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and only a few minute’s drive from the Gorilla Trekking meeting point. The lodge is also a non-profit lodge, part of the Bakiga Community Project.

After our outdoor yoga session, we will have dinner, then relax around the fire. Tomorrow morning calls for an early start as we get to trek the Mountain Gorilla.

Bwindi is the source of five major rivers and also declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. With more than 160 species of trees, this forest is known for its exceptional biodiversity. Here you will find various butterfly species, 350 species of birds and 120 mammal species, which includes the colobus monkey and chimpanzee. It is home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and this is where we will be on foot, trekking these rare and endangered beauties.

Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge

After an early breakfast, we will head to the park headquarters for a briefing about your gorilla trekking experience, then set off on foot for this remarkable experience of searching for the famous mountain gorillas. The activity takes anything from 2- 6 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas in the jungle. The thrill of encountering these humble and gentle giants will make any amount of time spent hiking well worth it. You can also expect to meet a few other forest species such as monkeys, forest elephant, duikers, birds and many more on this hike.

The Gorilla trekking time differs based on several factors ranging from terrain, movement of the gorilla families, strength and skill of the travelers. Group size is a maximum of 8 guests and we are allowed a maximum of 1 hour to observe and take photos of the mountain gorillas.

After the Mountain Gorilla trek, we will make our way to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most picturesque locations. This is the perfect location to end our 9-day adventure, admiring the lush green hills comprising of 29 little islands. It’s a magical place where one can sit quietly, taking in what you have experienced over the last few days. A place to admire. A place to just be. These moments are what becomes your most special memories. A place now deeply rooted into your soul.

Located on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort is a comfortable, eco-friendly lodge offering exceptional local and international food.

Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort

It has been an adventurous 8 days, and today is ALL about relaxation. Wake up at any time, admiring the beautiful view from the comfort of your private deck overlooking Lake Bunyonyi. After a relaxed breakfast, join a mid-morning yoga session, flowing with your breath, taking in the energy of your surroundings. There are facilities in the lodge to relax and take a break from travelling and exploring, but you can also opt for birding, painting, cultural tours or lake cruises.

Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Today marks the end of this incredible journey. Take in the last bit of scenery before our drive back to Entebbe which will take around 8 hours, leaving soon after breakfast. If you booked your flight for this afternoon, you will be dropped off at the airport in time for your departure flight. Please book your departure flight any time from 8pm as we are only arriving back in Entebbe round 5pm. If you booked an additional night in Entebbe, you will be dropped off at your chosen accommodation.