You heard that correctly! We are going to WALK with RHINOS! One of our new additions to our original Gorilla Trekking trip is adding a visit to see another type of rare animal; the White Rhino! Not only will you have the chance to see them, but you'll be able to actually walk near-ish them (from a safe distance, and only if you signed our liability waiver)!

We'll get up early and drive around 3 hours north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which was established in 2005 to help re-introduce White Rhinos into Uganda's national parks after they were heavily poached and endangered in this country.

After about a 2 hour "walking safari", we'll go to lunch, and then continue our search for rare Ugandan animals, with an attempt to see the famous Shoebill Stork! You'll understand the funny name when you see their funny beak!

Then we'll finally head to our lodge for dinner!

*NOTE: Seeing wild animals is never guaranteed! (However since it is a sanctuary, it's usually pretty easy to locate where they are).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Ziwa Rhino Lodge

Today is going to be one of two long driving days (around 8 hours total), but it's well worth it, and we'll make plenty of stops along the way! Like to a beautiful waterfall!

We'll wake up early to get going as soon as possible after breakfast, then you can sleep on the way if you'd like, until we reach Fort Portal, for a visit to the historical Nyakasura Falls, or more famously known as the Amabere Caves!

This is where the ancient Bacqwzi people used to live before they disappeared or went to extinction. We'll learn more about them and take in the sights before having lunch, and continuing on to Queen Elizabeth National Park!

Keep your eyes peeled on the way to the safari lodge, because around sunset is when different types of game animals come out to eat!

Meals: B, L, D

Overnight: Tabingi Safari Lodge or similar

We'll wake up super early to hopefully catch sight of the rest of the Big 5 animals in the most popular national park in Uganda; Queen Elizabeth; the second largest park in the country! It's essential to go out early, because that's when the animals typically eat, before it gets too hot and they retreat into the shade for siesta time!s

We'll do a game drive for 3-4 hours, where we'll likely see lions, buffalo, elephants, giraffes, zebra, and if we're lucky; the elusive leopard! Plus many other cute herd animals!

After the driving safari, we'll have lunch back at the lodge, followed immediately by a relaxing boat ride on the famous Kazinga Channel!

This is a natural channel that connects lakes Edward and George, and it's home to the highest concentration of hippos and crocodiles! That being said, please keep your arms, legs, and selfie sticks inside the boat!

Finally we'll head back to the lodge for dinner, and start prepping to head to the main event!

Meals: B, L, D

Overnight: Tabingi Safari Lodge or Similar

*Note: we cannot guarantee being able to sit on top of the safari jeeps for photos, but if the opportunity is possible, we will try to!

Since today is another longer driving day, we decided to make it worth while by sneaking in another quick early morning game drive on our way out of Queen Elizabeth National Park! If we didn't see one of the remaining Big 4 animals yesterday, hopefully we'll be able to today!

Then, we have about a 6 hour scenic drive to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where the mountain gorillas live! You'll notice a drastic scenery change from the safari plains to the misty mountains, and will quickly understand why Dian Fossey's autobiography was titled, "Gorillas in the Mist"!

We will hopefully arrive in the late afternoon, to give you time to relax, rest, and prepare for the main highlight tomorrow morning: Gorilla Trekking!

Meals: B, L, D

Overnight: Bakiga Lodge Bwindi or similar

Today is the day! We'll be waking up at the crack of dawn, but it'll be well worth it to see the majestic Mountain Gorillas that only exist in this particular region of the world!

The trek through the jungle can be extremely difficult (hence the name "impenetrable forest"), or sometimes it can be a walk in the park... the catch is that we can hardly ever know in advance, because the gorillas move locations every day, and the rangers will rarely tell us which gorilla family is closest or farthest!

That being said, be prepared to hike up to 7 hours! Alyssa has gotten that long hike twice! It's great if you love nature and hiking, but not if ya don't! The shortest trek we've gotten so far is 3 hours, and it was still physically demanding.

*Please note that you do need to have an intermediate level of physical fitness and all sorts of physical and mental endurance for this trek, and we cannot guarantee an easy hike to accommodate disabilities (we tried, and it failed). HOWEVER! We do attempt to break into groups depending on your physical fitness level at your discretion, and there is an option to hire an additional porter to help carry your bag and assist you the entire way! 

We will be broken up into 2-3 groups, and again, the family of gorillas we get to go see will be random!

Regardless of how long it takes, we will all get one magical hour with the beautiful gorillas (but if you're nice to the guides and tip well, sometimes they let ya stay a little longer). You'll likely see at least one Silverback, some juveniles, mamas, and if you're lucky, a baby or two! We will fully prep you on safety, and what to wear! We'll also be tipping the rangers and trackers on your behalf, but please feel free to bring extra cash if you'd like to tip more, because they really are amazing!

Once you have finished your bucketlist experience, we will all meet back at the lodge -- if your trek finishes early, congrats, you get to relax! If not, we'll likely have to leave shortly after you return, but we'll give you some down time to change and wash up. Please note that we have to check out by noon, so if you get back before that, you'll have your bathroom to use, otherwise we will try to reserve one room to keep for the others who arrive later!

Then we need to get going for a few hours' drive to Lake Bunyonyi! Where you'll finally get a little bit of time to relax!

Meals: B, L, D

Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Lake Bunyonyi is a special place for us, where we also support one of the last remaining Pymgy villages in the area. Last year we were able to raise enough money to build a home for an orphaned child there, and learn about their traditions...namely, dancing!

We also like to support our cool friend Josh who is the one who helps fundraise, build, and support in many other ways for the people of Lake Bunyonyi.

We'll start the morning with his personal boat tour, where we'll cruise along the placid surface of the massive lake, which is dotted with small islands. Josh owns a piece of land on the banks of one of the islands, where he has built "Reggae Village" (they love Bob Marley there), which includes a couple of bungalows he rents out, a small bar, and a kitchen!

This is where you'll get a mini cooking class on how to make the famous Rolex of Uganda! It's one of Alyssa's favorite foods in Uganda! ...that being said, we are not talking about the watch.

Then we'll continue to visit a Pygmy village, cruising slowly through the reeds to get there. (Please note, we do not recommend taking photos of children, and any photos taken of people must have consent first).

On our way back, Josh will offer you their local drink for those brave enough to try it, and also a beer! It will be a breakfast beer, but that's Ok when you're on Lake Bunyonyi!

Then, it's time for another super long drive, all the way back to Entebbe! We'll stop at the Equator sign for photos and some souvenir shopping, and also for lunch!

*NOTE: If everyone finishes their gorilla trekking early, and we make it to Lake Bunyonyi well before sunset, we will opt for a sunset cruise instead of an early morning cruise, and then head straight for Entebbe in the morning.

Meals: B, L, D

Overnight: Via Via Entebbe or Similar

After a week of whirlwind animal encounters in Uganda, it's time to say goodbye to this wonderful country! You will be transferred to the Entebbe airport depending on your flight time.

You can look for a flight any time today. If you want to stay an extra night, we will assist you with that later!

Please keep in mind that check out is usually around 12pm, but if you have later flights, you can feel free to hang around the hotel, or take a moto-taxi to check out Lake Victoria, which usually has some outdoor restaurants.

If you are doing an add-on, you will be transferred to the airport with anyone else doing it as well!