The Uganda Explorer

A day for tour briefings and any last-minute purchases, with a welcome meeting at 18h00.

Head out through Kampala's busy streets toward Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Sanctuary, Uganda's only place to see Southern White Rhino in the wild, part of a non-profit effort established in 2005 to reintroduce the species to the country. Track rhino on foot before lunch in the sanctuary's gardens, then continue to Masindi, overnighting at the country's oldest hotel, built in 1923 and once host to some of the era's most famous explorers.

Head to Murchison Falls National Park, home to arguably the most powerful waterfall on Earth: the Nile forced through an 8-meter gap before plunging 45 meters in a thunderous cascade. Drive on through Budongo Forest, Africa's largest eastern mahogany forest, for a two-night stay in the park.

A full day in the park, combining a game drive with a boat cruise up the Nile to view Murchison Falls from the water below.

Head to the Great Lakes region of Fort Portal, through the hills and valleys of the Albertine Rift, stopping at a tea estate that once supplied Queen Elizabeth's own cup. The destination is Lake Nkuruba, a small volcanic crater lake in the forest, where three species of monkey move through the trees and, cloud cover permitting, the Rwenzori peaks appear on the horizon. Swimming in the lake is one of those quietly extraordinary moments that rarely makes it onto an itinerary.

The drive south drops from the highlands into the Rift Valley, crossing the equator along the way for a demonstration of the Coriolis effect. The first wildlife stop is Kyambura Gorge, a forested ravine at the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where chimpanzee tracking means descending into dense canopy through fig trees and undergrowth, nothing like open savannah. Continue to the lodge, with time in the afternoon to relax and enjoy a sundowner at sunset (weather permitting).

A drive through the park before heading to the Kazinga Channel for a game-viewing boat cruise into the heart of the Mweya region.

Depart Ishasha for Rubuguri, driving through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest itself for a first look at the terrain ahead of tomorrow's trek. Arrive with time to rest and prepare for the highlight of the tour.

Mountain gorilla tracking, the biggest highlight of the safari. Afterward, return to the lodge to relax for the afternoon or take part in community activities.

Climb out of the Bwindi valley into the highlands of southwestern Uganda, passing through Kisoro where, on a clear day, the Virunga volcano chain appears on the horizon. Continue to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa's highest and deepest volcanic lakes, studded with 29 islands and ringed by steep green hillsides, with a guided cruise to get familiar with the lake.

Cross the border into Rwanda for a day in Kigali, one of Africa's most striking and well-ordered capitals. The main visit is the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a considered, sobering experience that provides context for Rwanda's recent history and its remarkable recovery, and deserves time and quiet attention. Cross back into Uganda in the afternoon, descending once more to Lake Bunyonyi for the night.

Wind down from the highlands to Lake Mburo National Park, the only park on this route where nature walks are possible, set for early the next morning. Arrive in the late afternoon to enjoy panoramic views from a well-appointed tented camp.

An early morning nature walk before returning to camp to freshen up. After a late breakfast, drive to visit the equator and learn about the natural forces at work along this exact line, before continuing to Kalagala Falls for the last two nights on tour.

A relaxed day at camp, with optional activities like bungee jumping and horse riding on offer. In the afternoon, take a boda-boda tour into Jinja to visit the markets before a boat trip out to the Source of the Nile River.

Head back through Kampala to Entebbe, where the tour comes to an end.