Bucket-list Uganda tour with gorilla trekking experience & more

Dive into the wonders of Uganda on an immersive tour with game drives & a bucket-list gorilla trek, plus all travel & optional cultural excursions

Day 1-2: UK - Entebbe, Uganda

Head to your chosen airport and hop on your flight; after a night onboard, you’ll arrive in Entebbe, a charming Ugandan town on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. Spend the day relaxing after your journey, or explore the town to get a taste of local living. Rest up, because the adventure truly begins tomorrow.

Days 3-4: Kibale Forest National Park

Venture into Uganda’s lush wilderness as you set out on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, a huge protected rainforest known for its large primate population that includes chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabey. In Kibale, you can choose to take part in an optional cooking class, selecting fresh ingredients from a local market before preparing some traditional dishes within the local community.

The next morning, you’ll embark on an exciting chimpanzee tracking excursion in the Kibale Forest National Park, starting with a trek through the rainforest in search of our closest genetic relative. Look on as the rowdy chimps feed, climb and care for their young, while your expert guide offers insights into these fascinating creatures. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy as you please; an optional swamp walk excursion allows you to explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary via its boardwalks, encountering even more of the vibrant local wildlife on a tour that also supports the local community.

Days 5-6: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today, you’ll drive on through the striking natural beauty of Uganda towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Along the way, allow your guide to point out the unique features of the landscape and admire the majestic peaks of the three Virunga mountains as you traverse the rolling hills. Head straight for your next hotel to check in and relax, or alternatively you can opt to take part in a coffee experience and learn all about coffee production at a local homestead before sampling a cup.

The following morning, a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla tracking excursion awaits, which will see you head into the magical rainforest to seek out a specific family of gorillas assigned to you. Take in the colourful birds, butterflies and exotic species all around you as you head deeper into the dense vegetation, before finally approaching your gorilla family. Watch in awe as they groom, feed and interact with each other. You’ll have an hour to observe them up close, after which you’ll trek back to base and return to your lodge to spend the rest of the day at leisure. If you’re in the mood for more excitement, you can opt to embark on a canoeing experience on Lake Mulehe, exploring small islands, spotting birdlife and interacting with local communities to learn about their way of life.

Day 7: Lake Mburo National Park

This morning you drive towards Lake Mburo National Park, which sits on the border of Tanzania and is home to savannah species such as lions, hyenas, zebras and giraffes, as well as water-loving animals like hippos and crocodiles. After arrival and a friendly check-in, you’ll set out on an afternoon safari, during which your experienced guide will help you spot the diverse flora and fauna of the park, allowing plenty of time for photos. Return to the lodge and unwind for the rest of the evening.

Day 8-9: Lake Mburo - Entebbe

This morning, enjoy an early game drive around Lake Mburo to spot morning wildlife such as hyenas, leopards, giraffes, antelope and buffalo. After a few hours of relaxing at the lodge, you’ll be taken to the shores of Lake Mburo in the afternoon to board a boat for a leisurely cruise on the water. Keep an eye out for hippos lounging in the sun and any other lake species that might be out and about.

After one last night, you’ll enjoy another game drive in the morning if time allows. Then it’s time to head to Entebbe, stopping at the Equator line for the unique experience of standing with one foot in either hemisphere. Depending on your flight, you may also have time to visit the royal drum makers and learn about the significance of various drum types for one last culturally immersive experience. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you’ll transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home, with plenty of unforgettable memories to show for your travels.