9 Day Uganda Adventure Tour – Gorillas Safari (Camping)

Day 1: Kampala, Uganda

Our adventure starts in Kampala.

Take advantage of this first night out with your group to get to know one another. In light of the fact that you will be camping for the duration of this portion of the trip, you will be enjoying yourself at the Red Chilli Bar. Have a conversation with your fellow travelers on the poolside bar or on the beer terrace. If you wish to relax and make some friends before embarking on your next adventure, there are plenty of communal areas where you can do so with a beer in hand.

NB: By the time of the welcome meeting, please ensure that you have all the necessary visas. Please read the visa section of our trip details in order to confirm which visas you will require, if any. It should be noted that not all nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival.

Accommodation Red Chilli Hideaway (or similar)
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Kampala – Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

Despite the fact that you get to do something pretty awesome every day, you will be crossing the equator today (which we think is an impressive accomplishment to add to your travel resume) and going to Lake Bunyonyi.

There is no doubt that Bunyonyi is the most beautiful lake in Uganda and its name means ‘place of many little birds’. With its winding shorelines and steep terraced hillsides, this island seems to be somewhere in Asia, with its winding shorelines encircling 29 islands. There are no crocs or hippos in Lake Bunyonyi (unlike many lakes in East Africa), so you can swim in its crystal-clear waters at your leisure.

Accommodation Bunyonyi Overland Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Kampala – Lake Bunyonyi
Distance: 520km

Day 3: Gorilla Trek, Uganda

Get ready for an unforgettable hike deep into the jungle through volcano forests alongside a park ranger to search for mountain gorillas today because you will be taking a guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (so awesome!) Depending on the hike, the length and difficulty may vary, but knowing you will see these majestic creatures (we share 98% of our DNA) will make it all worth it.

There is currently a limit of eight visitors per day per gorilla family in Uganda, as the authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure. Different subgroups will participate in the trek, and depending on the number of participants, different subgroups may participate on different days.

There is a possibility that the gorilla trek will take place on the second full day in Lake Bunyonyi, depending on the date of our permits.

Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Mountain Gorilla Trek

Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

Today, let’s show some love to Lake Bunyonyi. Observe the mist rising from the gently lapping waters of this magical place in the early morning. In addition to swimming, hiking, canoeing, bird watching, and a motorboat tour of the lake, there are tons of other optional activities to choose from. Afterward, you can discuss your group’s gorilla experience at the lodge in the evening.

Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities: Swimming (Lake Bunyonyi), Canoe Rental 10 USD per person, Bird Watching Walk 10 USD per person, Nature Walk 5 USD per person, Motorboat Tour of Lake Bunyonyi 25-80 USD per person 15m-1h

Day 5: Lake Bunyonyi – Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Uganda

Let the Ugandan countryside slip by as we travel further north to the Kalinzu Forest Reserve.

This forest reserve is part of Queen Elizabeth National Park and is characterized by open savannahs, large swamps around Lake George, and extensive Maramagambo Forests in the southeast. Several landscapes are waiting to be explored, so what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

Accommodation: Craters Campsite & Country Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Route: Lake Bunyonyi – Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Distance: 155km

Day 6: Kalinzu Forest Reserve – Lake Mburo NP, Uganda

If you know the saying, “the early bird gets the worm” then here is your chance to see chimpanzees. Take part in an included chimpanzee tracking excursion with a ranger and explore the verdant Kalinzu Forest Reserve in search of these chimpanzees.

After visiting the tea plantation, the group will proceed to Lake Mburo. It is possible to book an afternoon boat cruise on the lake or explore the surrounding area on foot once you have arrived there.

Accommodation: Leopard Rest Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlights: Chimpanzee Tracking Excursion, Tea Plantation Visit
Optional Activities: Boat Cruise 30 USD per person, Nature Walk 25 USD per person
Route: Kalinzu Forest Reserve – Lake Mburo National Park
Distance: 150km

Day 7: Lake Mburo National Park – Jinja, Uganda

Taking the overland vehicle across the equator is one of the few opportunities in the world to cross this imaginary line on land. Enjoy a meal at the Aid Child Equation Café & Gallery as you watch water swirl in opposite directions on either side of the equator. The group will continue on to Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital, with full stomachs and even fuller hearts.

Accommodation: Nile River Explorers River Camp (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlights: Aid Child Equation Cafe & Gallery
Route: Lake Mburo National Park – Jinja
Distance: 325 km

Day 8: Jinja, Uganda

Let’s get active, have fun, and get out there! Jinja offers a wide range of outdoor activities and adventure activities that you can enjoy alone or with your group today.

Explore the Nile River by raft, mountain bike the hills surrounding the city, or visit the local market for a more relaxed day. Don’t be surprised if you see monkeys or other wildlife on the outskirts of the town.

Ask your travel agent to assist you with booking your rafting adrenaline rush on the checkout page or pre-book your rafting adrenaline rush on the checkout page.

Accommodation: Nile River Explorers River Camp (or similar)
Optional Activities: Mountain Biking from 15 USD per person, Quad Biking from 55 USD per person, Nile River Kayaking from 20 USD per person, Bungee Jumping 115 USD per person, Nile River Sunset Cruise 45 USD per person, Jinja River Rafting

Day 9: Jinja – Kampala, Uganda

The tour concludes upon arrival in the early afternoon in Uganda’s capital.

Still not ready to leave Africa? If you would like to extend your adventure, speak with your guide or travel consultant about getting to know Uganda and beyond!

Meals: Breakfast

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.