A Hosted Small Group Safari to Uganda, The Pearl of Africa

October 28 – November 6, 2027

9 nights, 10 days

Only 6 guests

Uganda doesn't get the spotlight that other safari destinations do, and that's part of its magic. It's a country of rolling savanna, ancient rainforest, and volcanic peaks, with wildlife you won't find together anywhere else on the continent. Travelers who make it here tend to say the same thing: it surprised them in the best way.

In October 2027, Tribù Travel is taking a small group to see it properly. The Pearl of Africa: A Small Group Safari in Uganda is a nine-night journey that goes well beyond the primates, though yes, there will be gorillas and chimpanzees!

This trip is hosted by Tribù Travel Designer, Kirstin Benish and run through our local Ugandan partner.

What makes this trip different

Uganda packs an unusual amount of variety into a relatively small country. In just ten days, you'll move from open savanna to a hidden rainforest gorge to misty mountain forest, with volcano and lake views along the way. The wildlife changes with the landscape: lion, elephant, and buffalo on the plains, wild chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, and mountain gorillas in Bwindi. Few places on the continent bring this many worlds together, and even fewer let you see them all on one trip.

What sets Uganda apart even more is that the safari isn't separate from daily life. The wildlife, the land, and the people are woven together here. This itinerary follows that thread. You'll spend time with Ride 4 a Woman, a local non-profit empowering women through education and economic opportunity. You'll also hike with a Batwa guide, who will introduce you to the traditions of Uganda's indigenous forest people. By the end, you'll have seen Uganda's wildlife and also met the people who share the land with it.

Here's what's in store:

• Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. You'll take game drives across open savanna in search of lion, elephant, and buffalo. You'll also cruise the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa's richest waterways for wildlife viewing.

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge. Nicknamed "the Valley of the Apes," this hidden rainforest gorge is where you'll descend to track wild chimpanzees on their own turf.

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Park. Many travelers say this is the experience that changes them. You'll trek through misty forest to spend a rare hour face to face with a wild mountain gorilla family.

• A visit to Ride 4 a Woman. You'll spend time with a local non-profit that empowers women through education and economic opportunity. It's one of the most moving stops on the trip.

• A cultural hike with a Batwa guide. This is an intimate, guided introduction to the traditions of Uganda's indigenous forest people.

Where you'll stay

Comfort matters after a day on the trail or out on safari. The group will stay in handpicked, locally run, mid-level luxury camps and lodges:

• Hemingways Entebbe, Entebbe (October 28–29)

• Honey Bear Bush Camp, Queen Elizabeth National Park (October 29 – November 1)

• Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (November 1–3)

• Chameleon Hill Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (November 3–6)

Bush flights are included, which means more time in the parks and fewer hours on the road. Park fees, permits (one chimpanzee trek + one gorilla trek), food, transfers, guide, and all activities listed in the itinerary are all included in the cost. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included at Honey Bear Bush Camp & Buhoma Lodge.

Meet your host

Kirstin has spent much of her adult life on the African continent, and has now visited most countries in East and Southern Africa 2 or more times. This will be her third time to Uganda. She designs private trips for couples and families for Tribù Travel out of real love for these landscapes and the communities within them. Kirstin is also hosting a sold out trip to Egypt in April 2027, her second there. Her dream has always been to take travelers to places that hold deep meaning in her own life, and to show them the full breadth of each destination, well beyond the well-known sights.

Combining Kirstin's experiences in Uganda with the expertise of our on-the-ground local team in Uganda, this itinerary is grounded and authentically Ugandan. Of all the trips Kirstin has designed, she says this is the one she's most excited to share. It's different from the typical safari circuit, and she can't wait to show you why Uganda deserves more attention than it gets.

Is this trip for you?

This is an active itinerary. Both the gorilla and chimpanzee treks involve multi-hour hikes over uneven, sometimes steep or muddy terrain, often at elevation. This trip is for you if you're adventurous and outdoorsy, open-minded and curious, the kind of traveler who goes to learn and engage while still appreciating a bit of comfort and quiet luxury along the way.

Join us

With only six spots, this small group is intimate by design. You'll have real time with your host, your guides, and your fellow travelers.

To ensure space at the small accommodations and secure permits, the booking window for this trip is very short. If you're interested, it's crucial to act fast!

Email kirstin@tributravel.com to chat through the details.