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 upon arrival, we will hike up the falls. The 45-minute hike will blow your mind as you stand by the edge, admiring the breath-taking views and feeling the power of the Nile river water vibrate around you. After the hike, we will head to our lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, located in the Murchison Falls National Park overlooking the spectacular Nile River. You might even get a chance to sight Elephant, Giraffe, antelope or the occasional leopard paying a visit to the lodge. Relax in comfort before meeting for our first and much needed outdoor yoga sessions. 

Another early start (6:00) as today we will head into Murchison Falls National Park for a game drive which will for sure be one of the many highlights of this retreat. 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.

The Park is divided by the Nile River into the south and northern region. The northern part that is largely covered by savannah and woodland support a lot more volume and variety of animals compared to the southern region which has a bigger chunk covered by forest. For that matter, the game drives are done in the northern area of Murchison Falls. 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. Explore the game trails towards the Lake Albert delta which is concentrated with big game such as the Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe, and various Antelope. 

We will be back at the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation. After lunch we will set out for a 2hr boat cruise which sets off at Paraa, going upstream to the base of the Murchison Falls. Boat rides offers 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. 

Start the morning with gratitude as we meet out in nature, listening to the sounds as the surrounding forest awakes. This beautiful flow as you connect with your breath, will certainly make you feel renewed and ready for what the day has in store. We will be heading to Kibale National Park after breakfast. The drive today is quite long and can take up to 8 hours, but totally worth it. 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 sits 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 next accommodation, Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, we will spend the afternoon relaxing 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.

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. A beautiful sunset yoga session overlooking the stunning crater lakes is in order. Take in the silence and the peacefulness that surrounds you… another magical day in the forests of Uganda. 

After breakfast, we are heading to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which will take us round 4 hours. 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. 

We will check into Bakiga Lodge, 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.

After an early breakfast, we will head to the park headquarters by 7 am for briefing about your gorilla trekking experience before setting off on foot for this remarkable experience of searching for the famous mountain gorillas. The activity takes anything from 2- 9 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 check out of Bwindi and make our way to Lake Bunyonyi for late check in and dinner at Arcadia Lodge. The lodge is the highest lodge on the hill overlooking the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most picturesque locations. This is the perfect location to end our 10-day adventure, admiring the lush green hills comprising of 29 little islands from above. It is 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. 

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. 

Before dinner, sit in stillness with a guided meditation as the sun sets…

Today marks the end of this incredible journey. Take in the last bit of scenery before our transfer 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. If you booked an additional night in Entebbe, you will be dropped off at your chosen accommodation.