13 Day Best of Uganda Overland Adventure

We depart from our hotel near Entebbe at 08h00 and travel west through the outskirts of the capital, Kampala. We will stop to visit a drum market and the equator en-route. We will reach Lake Mburo National Park in the afternoon where there are large herds of game and hippos. Our camp will be on the shores of the lake.

We begin our day with a game drive/walk, after which we will leave the Park to journey through a landscape of undulating hills peppered with banana plantations and herds of magnificent long-horned Ankole cattle. In the afternoon we journey on rough mountain terrain and pass isolated villages, frequently hidden by mist, toward the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This evening’s camp is situated at the forest’s edge.

On one of these days, we will participate in what is the by far the most memorable ‘wow factor’ of this tour – Gorilla Trekking. We divide into small groups and hike up into the lush forest, led by local guides, to track and spend some time with a whole family of scarce wild Mountain Gorillas. Because the Gorilla permits are limited, we will spend two days here in order to give everyone a chance to take part. If permits are on offer on day 4, we will pay a visit to Lake Bunyonyi on day 3. When not hiking to see the gorillas, we embark on leisurely village walks and spend some time seeking out the incredible birds that have made the forest fringe their home.

Departing from the mountains and lush forestry, we head down to the grasslands of the magnificent Queen Elizabeth National Park. We spend two evenings camping here in an isolated campsite. Besides the plentiful species of mammals, reptiles and birds, Ishasha is famous for its massive tree-climbing lions. We will embark on lengthy game drives in order to seek out the high fig trees where we might spot these lions, as well as the vast savannah for other animals.

We pack up our gear in the morning and journey across the park and through the Maramagambo Forest, where we make our way to Rwenzori or the ‘Mountains of the Moon’. Our camp will be set up in the local community centre where we can mingle with the locals and go for a walk around the villages, then into the forest. The slopes rise up to 5,000 metres above sea level and are often capped in snow making for an unusual sight considering it is so close to the equator.

Today’s drive will be one where you’ll want to focus on the spectacular scenery that passes you by as you while away your time on the overland truck. We will pass through lush tea plantations and take the day slowly on the long and bumpy drive. Given the drive time today, we will stay over in a local hotel in Masindi.

Look forward to a fun day today as we get to meet a troupe of chimpanzees who are habituated and amusing to meet and watch. We will spend about an hour with the group before heading back to camp situated within the park. Our next activity today is to explore Murchison Falls where the Nile River narrows and falls into the Rift Valley. You can look forward to wide open spaces, rolling hills and beautiful scenery where you can maybe spot the Rothschild Giraffe. We will be camping for two nights here.

Setting off early this morning, we embark on a journey to Jinja – home to the source of the White Nile and its wild rapids. It is here that the waters pour out of Lake Victoria with full force and energy!

Jinja is well-known as the adventure capital of East Africa, and we dedicate a whole day here so that you get sufficient time to partake in various exhilarating activities. You can choose from a huge selection of different adventures ranging from horse riding, boat cruises and visiting local community projects to bungee jumping and white water rafting.

The tour ends after breakfast this morning. The guide and vehicle depart for Entebbe after breakfast. You are welcome to ride along at no extra charge, however, note that the trip and timing is not guaranteed.

You are more than welcome to stay a bit longer in Jinja (post tour accommodation can be booked through us). There are a variety of optional activities to part take in, we are happy to arrange a later transfer for you if you wish.