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
6 Days Uganda Gorilla, Wildlife and White Water Rafting Safari
Uganda
Plan This SafariExperience 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
Your Safari Itinerary
After an early breakfast, prepare for one of the major highlights of your Uganda safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Carry your packed lunch, drinking water and trekking essentials before meeting your driver-guide and transferring to the appropriate park headquarters for a pre-trekking briefing.
During the briefing, Uganda Wildlife Authority guides will explain the trekking procedures, safety requirements and responsible gorilla-viewing guidelines. Trekkers are then assigned to groups and allocated a habituated gorilla family to visit.
The trek takes you deep into Bwindi's dense rainforest. The duration varies depending on the location and movements of the gorilla family, as well as the terrain and weather conditions. Along the trail, you may encounter forest birds, butterflies, primates and a variety of trees, ferns, vines and other plant species.
The terrain can be steep, muddy and challenging in places, making sturdy hiking footwear and appropriate clothing important.
Once the gorillas are located, you will have a memorable opportunity to observe them as they go about their natural activities. You may see adults feeding, resting or moving through the vegetation, while younger gorillas may be playing or interacting with other members of the group.
The encounter provides an opportunity to learn about gorilla behaviour, family relationships, conservation and the importance of protecting their remaining forest habitat. Photography is permitted subject to the applicable gorilla-tracking rules.
After the gorilla viewing experience, trek back through the forest to the starting point. You will then meet your driver-guide and return to the lodge.
Spend the evening relaxing after the trek and enjoying dinner.
Accommodation: Same as previous day.
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, meet your driver-guide and begin the journey toward Lake Mburo National Park.
The drive takes you away from the forested hills of Bwindi and through the scenic landscapes of southwestern Uganda. As you travel toward Lake Mburo, the vegetation gradually changes from highland forest and cultivated hills to open savannah and woodland.
Upon arrival at Lake Mburo National Park, check into your accommodation and enjoy lunch.
Later, embark on a guided walking safari. Unlike a traditional vehicle-based game drive, walking allows you to experience the park at a slower pace and appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem.
Accompanied by an experienced guide, you will explore trails through the savannah and woodland while learning about animal tracks, plants, birds and the behaviour of wildlife. Depending on the location and conditions, you may encounter zebras, impalas, waterbucks, Uganda kobs, topi, warthogs, buffaloes and other wildlife.
The walking experience also provides opportunities to observe birds at close range and hear the sounds of the savannah without the presence of a safari vehicle.
After the walking safari, return to your lodge for an evening of relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Luxury Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge / Kigambira Safari LodgeMidrange Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock / Lake Mburo Safari LodgeBudget Accommodation: Leopard Rest Camp / Rwonyo Campsite
Meal Plan: Full Board
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park.
The early morning is an excellent time to explore the park, when temperatures are cooler and many animals are active. Your driver-guide will take you through different habitats in search of wildlife.
Possible sightings include zebras, impalas, Uganda kobs, topi, elands, waterbucks, bushbucks, warthogs, buffaloes and giraffes. Other wildlife, including predators such as leopard and spotted hyena, may also be encountered, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.
After the game drive, exit the park and begin the journey toward Jinja.
Along the way, enjoy an en-route lunch and make a stop at the Uganda Equator. This provides an opportunity to take photographs, explore the Equator monuments and browse local craft shops for souvenirs.
Continue east toward Jinja, passing through rural communities and changing landscapes.
Arrive in Jinja in the evening and check into your accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the following day's white-water rafting adventure.
Dinner and overnight at your selected lodge.
Meal Plan: Full Board
After breakfast, prepare for one of the most exciting experiences of the safari: white-water rafting on the River Nile.
Meet your rafting team and receive a comprehensive safety briefing covering rafting techniques, river safety, equipment and what to expect during the adventure. You will be provided with the appropriate rafting equipment and accompanied by experienced rafting guides.
The rafting experience takes you along sections of the Nile featuring rapids of varying intensity. Depending on the rafting package and prevailing river conditions, you may encounter different grades of rapids, creating an exhilarating adventure while enjoying the spectacular scenery along the river.
The experience combines adrenaline, teamwork and beautiful views of the Nile's surrounding landscapes. Between rapids, there are calmer sections where you can appreciate the river environment and enjoy the experience.
After completing the rafting adventure, return to Jinja, where you can freshen up and relax after the day's activity.
Dinner and overnight at your selected accommodation.
Luxury Accommodation: Lemala Wildwaters LodgeMidrange Accommodation: Whispers of the Nile / Gately on the Nile / 2Friends Guest HouseBudget Accommodation: Explorer Campsite
Meal Plan: Full Board
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of your lodge.
You will then meet your driver-guide and proceed for a boat ride on the Source of the Nile. This scenic excursion provides an opportunity to appreciate the landscapes around Jinja and learn more about the Nile and its importance to the region.
During the boat ride, enjoy views of the river, surrounding vegetation and birdlife. Your guide will provide information about the area and the significance of the Nile to Uganda and the wider region.
After the boat excursion, return to Jinja and begin your transfer toward Entebbe.
Enjoy an en-route lunch before continuing the journey. Depending on your flight schedule, your driver-guide will drop you at Entebbe International Airport in time for your departure flight or at your preferred location in Kampala or Entebbe.
Safari Highlights
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
What's Included
What's Not Included
Pack List
Safari Tips
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