Gorilla Trekking
Definitive Uganda
This is our dream Uganda adventure – we visit all of the very best spots the country has to offer! We go gorilla and chompanzee trekking, go on safari and boat safaris in the very best national parks, marvel at the spectacular Murchison Falls, visit endangered black rhinos, raft on the Nile, hike to Sipi Falls, canoe on Lake Bunyonyi and zipline into the water, explore the cities of Kigali and Kampala, and more. It's the adventure of a lifetime. :)
Alternative Itineraries
Highlights
Go on boat safaris
Go on boat safaris
Go on a boat safari in Murchison Falls National Park as well as on Kazinga Channel to see hippos, crocs, elephants and more up close.
Meet mountain gorillas
Meet mountain gorillas
Trek through steep, tangled rainforest to find a gorilla troop and spend an hour watching them as they go about their gorilla business!
Hike to Sipi Falls
Hike to Sipi Falls
We take a beautiful hike to Sipi Falls, a spectacular 90 m waterfall in a lush setting, where you can also go abseiling.
Alternative Itineraries
Itinerary
Day 1 |
Arrival day
Day 1 |
Arrival dayWe meet you at Kigali International Airport and drive to the lodge so you can unpack and relax after your journey. We like to gather for dinner so Dan, your trip leader, can brief you for what's to come and up the collective excitement!
Day 2 |
Explore Kigali
Day 2 |
Explore KigaliThis morning we do a tour of Kigali, Rwanda's beautiful and lush capital city. This includes visiting a genocide memorial (a very moving experience, so bring tissues) and then the Inema Arts Centre, a fantastic complex housing many contemporary artworks. In the afternoon we drive north into Uganda, and head to the lodge on the outskirts of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 3 |
Trek to see mountain gorillas
Day 3 |
Trek to see mountain gorillasToday is the day we see gorillas! First off, we receive a briefing from our trek guide on the do's and don'ts when in the company of the gorillas. We then trek into the forest, dense with hardwoods, vines, ferns and more. Expect to get muddy! Also look for unusual birds and Old World monkeys. We encourage you to not spend your hour with the gorillas behind a camera lens, but rather be really present in the moment.
Day 4 |
Hike around Lake Bunyonyi
Day 4 |
Hike around Lake BunyonyiAfter breakfast we drive north to Lake Bunyonyi, a very deep lake containing 29 islands of differing sizes. This is a green and rural region of terraced farms and small villages. We suggest a late afternoon hike or bike ride around the lake to see some of the villages and take in different views of the lake. The word bunyonyi actually means 'place of many little birds', so there's that too!
Day 5 |
Canoe on Lake Bunyonyi
Day 5 |
Canoe on Lake BunyonyiLake Bunyonyi is a great spot for adventure. This morning we can do whatever takes your fancy: ride quad bikes up and down the hills edging the lake; zip line into the water; paddle in traditional dugout canoes to one of the islands for lunch; take a boat cruise on the lake; or simply relax on the terrace of the lodge, which sits high above the water and offers incredible views. We drive to Kibale in the afternoon.
Day 6 |
Chimpanzee tracking
Day 6 |
Chimpanzee trackingToday we go chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, where we follow a guide to find a chimp community to visit. Also look for black-and-white colobuses, red-tailed monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys during the hike. This is a fantastic experience, with the guide sharing fascinating info about the plants and animals we see. We can also do a longer chimp habituation experience for anyone who's keen.
Day 7 |
Murchison Falls sunset safari
Day 7 |
Murchison Falls sunset safariThis morning we transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, one of the most beautiful and popular spots in all of Uganda. We settle in, take a swim, and enjoy lunch and an afternoon rest. We then go on an early evening game drive in the park. Some of the animals to look for include lions, elephants, buffaloes, kobs, giraffes and Nile crocodiles!
Day 8 |
Boat trip to Murchison Falls
Day 8 |
Boat trip to Murchison FallsStaying in Murchison Falls National Park, we enjoy another game drive, this time in the early morning before the heat of the day drives the animals to find shelter. Later, we take a boat cruise to see the powerful Murchison Falls on the River Nile. We hike to the top of the waterfall, a spot that offers a specatacular view over the surrounding landscape.
Day 9 |
Kidepo Valley National Park
Day 9 |
Kidepo Valley National ParkToday we drive to Kidepo Valley in northeast Uganda. This is a great trip for getting a sense of of the breadth of the country, as well as seeing more of the everyday life of people in Uganda, away from the tourist hotspots. Later, we take a game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park. The scenery is gorgeous, and varies from rocky outcrops to wide open grassland, inselbergs and verdant valleys.
Day 10 |
Morning game drive
Day 10 |
Morning game driveOne of the fantastic things about Kidepo is how remote and untouched it is. A safari here feels like you have the park entirely to yourself! On our morning game drive, look for lions, leopards, buffaloes, bat-eared foxes and giraffes, among others. Also, birdwatchers sit up straight, as there are over 500 species, including Verreaux’s eagles and pygmy falcons. There's also an optional Manyatta community visit later in the day.
Day 11 |
Hike to Sipi Falls
Day 11 |
Hike to Sipi FallsThis morning after breakfast we head south to Sipi Falls, which sits on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park near the Kenyan border. Once settled into the lodge, we can decide based on the weather if we want to hike to Sipi Falls today or tomorrow morning. The falls is a a series of three drops, with the longest and most iconic being 100 m. Those who want can abseil alongside it!
Day 12 |
Coffee plantation tour
Day 12 |
Coffee plantation tourThis morning we either hike to Sipi Falls if we didn't yesterday, or we go on a coffee plantation tour. The Sipi area is famous for its locally grown Bugisu arabica coffee. The guide shares with us about coffee farming, processing and roasting. And the profits go towards community projects – awesome! In the afternoon we transfer to Kampala, where we have dinner and watch a cultural show.
Day 13 |
Departure day
Day 13 |
Departure dayToday is our final day together. Sniff, sniff. Because by now we're bonded through having shared same amazing experiences together! Depending on the time of your flight, we can explore a little of Kampala. But when you need to head home, we drive you to the airport and wave goodbye till tne next time we see you.
Meet our Local Leaders
Dan Kabagoza
Dan is a proud Ugandan, which is why we call him UganDan! He knows his country like the back of his hand, so can be trusted to show you the very best sides of the Pearl of Africa. He's also a great character, so don't be surprised if you fall in love with him and claim him as your new best friend!
Ibrahim
In the words of one of our clients: "Ibrah always has a smile on his face and stars in his eyes when he speaks of Uganda and its amazing wildlife. Trust him to infect you with his joy and wonder – while he tells you stories and facts about the people of his country and the animals roaming it."
Uganda Travel Guide
