GORILLA TREKKING, WILDLIFE & WHITE-WATER RAFTING SAFARI

6 Days Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife and White Water Rafting Safari

Uganda

Plan This Safari
Female Guides Local Experts Meaningful Travel
Duration 6 Days / 5 Nights
Starting From USD 2,100 Per person
Starts Entebbe/Kampala
Ends Entebbe/Kampala
Group Size 1 - 8

Experience an exciting 6-day Uganda gorilla, wildlife and white-water rafting safari combining three very different sides of Uganda: the misty mountain forests of Bwindi, the open savannah of Lake Mburo National Park, and the powerful waters of the Nile at Jinja.

This adventure begins with a journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you will undertake the unforgettable experience of mountain gorilla trekking. Walking through the ancient rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family offers an intimate opportunity to observe these endangered great apes in their natural environment.

The safari continues to Lake Mburo National Park, where you will experience both a guided walking safari and a morning game drive. The park's savannah, acacia woodland and wetlands support wildlife including zebras, impalas, Uganda kobs, buffaloes, elands, waterbucks, warthogs and giraffes, with opportunities to encounter other wildlife depending on the season and conditions.

The final part of the journey takes you to Jinja, Uganda's adventure capital, for an exhilarating white-water rafting experience on the Nile. You will also enjoy a boat ride to the Source of the Nile, combining scenic views, birdwatching and a fascinating experience at one of Uganda's most famous natural landmarks.

With wildlife, primates, rainforest trekking, cultural scenery, adventure activities and the Nile all combined into one itinerary, this safari provides a diverse and memorable introduction to Uganda.

Safari Route

01
Kampala/Entebbe Start
02
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Experience
03
Lake Mburo National Park Experience
04
Jinja Experience
05
Source of the Nile Experience
06
Entebbe/Kampala End

Your Safari Itinerary

Your safari begins with a pickup from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe by your professional English-speaking driver-guide. After a briefing about the safari, you will begin the journey southwest toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The drive takes you through changing landscapes as you leave the central region behind and continue toward southwestern Uganda. Along the way, you will see rural communities, agricultural fields, banana plantations and rolling countryside.
Enjoy an en-route lunch before continuing toward the Kigezi highlands. As you approach Bwindi, the landscape becomes increasingly scenic, with steep hills, cultivated slopes, tea plantations and lush vegetation.
The journey through the Kigezi highlands provides beautiful views of southwestern Uganda and its characteristic terraced hills. Depending on your arrival time, you may have an opportunity to enjoy the scenery around the lodge before settling in.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge and relax as you prepare for the following day's gorilla trekking adventure.
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation.
Luxury Accommodation: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge / Silverback LodgeMidrange Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp / Lake Mutanda LodgeBudget Accommodation: Gorilla Valley Lodge / Buhoma Community Camp
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

THE EXPERIENCE

Safari Highlights

01 Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
02 Close encounter with habituated mountain gorillas
03 Guided rainforest trekking
04 Bwindi forest birds and other primates
05 Scenic Kigezi highlands and tea plantations
06 Lake Mburo National Park wildlife
07 Guided walking safari
08 Morning game drive
09 Zebra, impala, Uganda kob and eland sightings
10 Giraffe, buffalo, waterbuck and warthog sightings
11 Opportunities to encounter leopard and other predators
12 White-water rafting on the River Nile
13 Exciting Nile rapids and river scenery
14 Source of the Nile boat ride
15 Birdwatching along the Nile
16 Uganda Equator stop
17 Rural landscapes and local communities
18 Professional local female safari guide
19 Wildlife photography and adventure experiences
STAY

Accommodation

Luxury:
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge / Silverback Lodge
Mihingo Lodge / Kigambira Safari Lodge
Lemala Wildwaters Lodge

Midrange:
Rushaga Gorilla Camp / Lake Mutanda Lodge
Rwakobo Rock / Lake Mburo Safari Lodge
Whispers of the Nile / Gately on the Nile / 2Friends Guest House

Budget:
Gorilla Valley Lodge / Buhoma Community Camp
Leopard Rest Camp / Rwonyo Campsite
Explorer Campsite

INCLUDED

What's Included

01 Private 4x4 safari vehicle
02 Professional English-speaking female safari guide/driver
03 Airport/hotel pickup and drop-off
04 Ground transportation throughout the safari
05 Fuel and vehicle-related expenses
06 Gorilla trekking permit
07 Applicable national park entrance fees
08 Guided gorilla trekking experience with Uganda Wildlife Authority guides/rangers
09 Lake Mburo game drives
10 Guided walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park
11 White-water rafting experience in Jinja
12 Source of the Nile boat ride
13 Accommodation for 5 nights
14 Full-board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
15 Meals as specified in the itinerary
16 Bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle
17 Equator visit
18 All activities specifically mentioned in the itinerary
19 Applicable government taxes and service charges
PLEASE NOTE

What's Not Included

01 International air tickets
02 Uganda tourist entry visa
03 Travel and medical insurance
04 Pre- or post-safari accommodation
05 Personal expenses
06 Alcoholic and other drinks not specified in the itinerary
07 Laundry services
08 Telephone and internet expenses
09 Tips and gratuities
10 Porter services during gorilla trekking
11 Souvenirs and crafts
12 Cigarettes and other personal items
13 Optional activities not included in the itinerary
14 Any services not specifically listed under inclusions
DESTINATIONS

Pack List

01 Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
02 Comfortable walking shoes
03 Lightweight long-sleeved shirts
04 Long trousers for gorilla trekking and walking safaris
05 Warm fleece or sweater
06 Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
07 Waterproof trousers if available
08 Light gardening gloves for gorilla trekking
09 Several pairs of comfortable socks
10 Hat or cap
11 Sunglasses
12 Sunscreen
13 Insect repellent
14 Reusable water bottle
15 Small daypack
16 Energy snacks
17 Binoculars
18 Camera
19 Spare camera batteries
20 Extra memory cards
21 Waterproof camera/phone protection
22 Dry bags for rafting and wet conditions
23 Power bank
24 Small personal first-aid kit
25 Personal medication
26 Walking stick or trekking pole if preferred
27 Swimwear for rafting
28 Quick-drying clothing
29 Change of clothes after rafting
30 Passport and travel documents
31 Travel insurance documents
32 Some local Ugandan currency
33 Comfortable evening clothes
34 Neutral-coloured clothing for wildlife viewing
TRAVEL SMART

Safari Tips

01 Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding because Bwindi has steep, uneven and sometimes muddy terrain.
02 Start preparing physically before the safari, especially if you are not accustomed to long walks or hiking.
03 Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip during the gorilla trek and walking safari.
04 Carry a rain jacket because weather conditions in southwestern Uganda can change quickly.
05 Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts provide protection from vegetation and insects.
06 Gardening gloves can be useful when moving through thick vegetation during gorilla trekking.
07 Follow all instructions provided by the Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides.
08 Maintain the required distance from gorillas and follow all gorilla-viewing rules.
09 Do not use flash photography around the gorillas.
10 Carry enough drinking water and energy snacks during trekking activities.
11 Porter services can be arranged at the gorilla trekking point if you would like assistance with your backpack or difficult sections of the trail.
12 For the walking safari, remain with your guide and follow instructions regarding wildlife encounters.
13 For white-water rafting, listen carefully to the rafting team's safety briefing and follow all instructions throughout the activity.
14 Bring quick-drying clothes and a change of clothes for the rafting day.
15 Keep cameras, phones and other electronics protected from water while rafting.
16 Bring waterproof bags or dry bags for valuables.
17 The intensity of white-water rafting depends on the selected rafting package, river conditions and operator arrangements.
18 Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed because animals move freely and visibility varies according to season and conditions.
19 Keep valuables secure during long-distance transfers.
20 Carry binoculars if you are interested in birds and smaller wildlife.
21 Allow sufficient time for the final transfer from Jinja to Entebbe, especially if connecting to an international flight.
22 Respect local communities and cultural sites encountered along the route.
23 Carry travel insurance that covers the activities you plan to participate in, particularly adventure activities such as rafting.
24 Keep your passport and important travel documents safely accessible throughout the safari.

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