Bucketlist Adventures
into the Heart of Africa
Handcrafted safaris across Uganda, Kenya & Rwanda — led by locals who know every trail, every lodge, and every animal by heart.
Where Do You
Want to Go?
All 15 Trips →
Our Most Popular Uganda Safari Packages
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The Pearl Highlights
- Rhino tracking, Ziwa Sanctuary
- Game drives + Nile Boat Cruise, Murchison Falls
- Pakuba Safari Lodge (Full Board)
- Toyota Land Cruiser, all meals & transfers
🦍 Best Seller
Gorilla Trek Classic
- 2 × Gorilla Trekking Permits, Bwindi ($800/person)
- Lake Mburo Boat Cruise & game drive
- 4 Nights Full Board accommodation
- Toyota Land Cruiser, all meals & transfers
🔥 Most Popular
Primate Triangle
- Gorilla permit (Bwindi) + chimp permit (Kibale)
- Tree-climbing lions, Ishasha sector
- Private Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
- 6 Nights Full Board across 3 parks
💑 Romantic Escape
Honeymoon in the Wild
- Private gorilla trekking permit, Bwindi ($800/person)
- Private bush breakfast in Bwindi Forest
- Canoe & island picnic, Lake Bunyonyi
- 5 Nights luxury Full Board accommodation
👨👩👧👦 Family Pick
Family Safari Adventure
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa (children welcome)
- Murchison Falls game drives & Nile Boat Cruise
- Junior Ranger Programme (on request)
- 4 Nights Pakuba Safari Lodge (Full Board)
🏆 Flagship Safari
Big Seven Quest
- Gorilla + chimp permits + rhino tracking
- 4 parks: Murchison, Kibale, QENP, Bwindi
- Nile & Kazinga Channel boat cruises
- 9 Nights Full Board, all fees included
🐦 Specialist
Shoebill & Birding Safari
- Mabamba Swamp shoebill canoe at dawn
- Specialist birding guide throughout (5 days)
- Murchison Falls — 450+ bird species documented
- Kibale Forest Albertine Rift endemics
✈️ Fly-in Exclusive
Kidepo Frontier Expedition
- Return Aerolink flights Entebbe ↔ Kidepo
- Lions, cheetah & zebra — unique to Kidepo
- Apoka Safari Lodge (Full Board)
- Karamoja cultural village visit
🌊 Adventure
Rafting & Adventure Circuit
- Grade 5 white-water rafting, River Nile (21km)
- Source of the Nile boat trip
- Kayaking or quad biking, Nile banks
- Optional bungee jump / zip-line over the Nile
Queen Elizabeth Signature
- Private Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
- Tree-climbing lions, Ishasha sector
- Mweya & Ishasha game drives
- 3 Nights Full Board — Mweya & Ishasha lodges
What Kind of Explorer Are You?
From heart-pounding gorilla encounters to lazy Nile sunsets, find trips built around what moves you.
Built Different.
Safari Certified.
As one of East Africa's leading Destination Management Companies (DMC), we design journeys that are as unique as the people on them.
Own Fleet, No Middlemen
We maintain full ownership of our fleet, including Land Cruisers, minivans, and a coaster. No hired vehicles, no commission brokers, just a direct relationship between you and the road. Vehicles are equipped with charging ports and onboard refrigerators (in Land Cruisers) for added convenience.
Built From Scratch for You
Every itinerary is written fresh for your group: your dates, your budget, your goals. No copy-paste packages. Real quotes with real line-item costs.
Professional, Certified Guides
Our guides are professionally trained and certified by the Uganda Tourism Board, ensuring high standards of knowledge, safety, and guest experience across all journeys.
Local, Certified, Sustainable
Uganda Tourism Board certified. AUTO member. We pay fair wages, use community lodges where possible, and leave the bush better than we found it.
24/7 Support, Wherever You Are
We pride ourselves on being accessible and responsive 24/7, regardless of your location. We communicate across WhatsApp, email, and phone, accommodating different regional preferences. No call centres, no hold music, no timezone complications. Just direct access to our team whenever you need us.
Our Commitment to
Sustainability
We are committed to responsible travel practices that minimise environmental impact and support local ecosystems.
Reducing Plastic Waste
All our trips promote the use of reusable water bottles on board, significantly reducing single-use plastic consumption across every journey.
Riverbank Restoration
We have partnered with the Kenneth Kakuru Earth Reboot Initiative to support the restoration of riverbanks in Kasese, specifically along River Rwembya and River Nyamugasani.
Tree Planting Programme
Through this partnership, we have planted over 100 trees and provided logistical support to ongoing conservation efforts in the region.
Official Recognition
Certificate of Environmental Stewardship
Awarded by the Kenneth Kakuru Earth Reboot Initiative in recognition of TRVE's outstanding contributions to environmental conservation and restoration of River Rwembya and Nyamugasani in Kasese District.
What Our Travellers Say
"With Rift Valley Explorer we had a very nice safari with great impressions. We saw many animals at close quarters. We built up a friendly and very personal relationship with the drivers Michael and Safina in a very short time."
"Unforgettable experience with The Rift Valley Explorer! From booking my flights and accommodation to exploring hidden gems, they handled everything perfectly. Highly professional and attentive."
"The gorilla trek in Bwindi was the most powerful wildlife experience of my life. Our guide knew every trail and the whole team — from the driver to the cook at camp — went above and beyond. Worth every shilling."
"I have done safaris in Kenya and Tanzania but Uganda with TRVE was on another level. The chimp tracking in Kibale and then gorillas in Bwindi — two days I will never forget. Very fair pricing for what you get."
"We travelled as a family with two teenagers. TRVE tailored everything — activities, lodges, pace — around what worked for us. The kids are still talking about the boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Best holiday we've ever had."
Safari FAQs
Everything you need to know before you book. More questions? Just ask us on WhatsApp.
How much does gorilla tracking in Uganda cost?
Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla tracking permits cost $800 per person (2026 rate). Our 5-day Mountain Gorilla Explorer package starts from $2,345 per person for groups of 6+, including the permit, private Land Cruiser, accommodation, and all meals.
Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?
Most nationalities require a visa, available online at visas.immigration.go.ug. EAC citizens (Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania) do not need a visa. A valid Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory for all visitors.
What is the best time of year for a Uganda safari?
Uganda is a year-round destination. The dry seasons (June–September and December–February) offer the best wildlife visibility and easier gorilla trails. Birdwatching peaks in the wet months (March–May, October–November). Gorilla tracking is rewarding all year.
Do you build custom itineraries?
Yes — every itinerary is built from scratch for your group. No copy-paste packages. You tell us your dates, group size, budget, and interests, and we design a bespoke safari with real line-item costs, no obligation.
What vehicles do you use?
We own our entire fleet — Toyota Land Cruiser GX 4×4s with pop-up roof hatches, onboard refrigerators, and USB charging ports. For larger groups we also operate minivans and a coaster. No hired vehicles, no commission agents.
Can you help with flights and accommodation?
Yes. As a licensed DMC we can assist with internal flights, airport transfers, hotel bookings, and full ground handling. International flights are typically arranged by clients directly, but we advise on the best routes and connection times from your country.
Safari Stories &
Travel Guides
All Articles →
The Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Everything you need to know before booking your permit — fitness levels, what to wear, how close you get, and why Bwindi is unlike anywhere else on earth.
What to Pack for a Uganda Safari (The Honest List)
No fluff. From neutral-coloured layers to the one item most travellers forget until day three — our guides' definitive packing list for East Africa.
Kidepo Valley: Uganda's Last True Wilderness
Remote, raw, and receiving fewer than 3,000 visitors a year — Kidepo Valley National Park is East Africa's best-kept secret. Here's why that matters.
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