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From $3,199

Uganda Overland: Gorillas & Chimps

9 days, 8 nights Uganda
View departure dates
  • Tour code

    UGAADV01

  • Start

    Kampala

  • End

    Kampala

  • Min. age

    16 years old

  • Group size

    6-16 persons

  • Trip style

    Explorer

  • Trip pace

    Challenging

  • Language

    English

Experience the wild side of Uganda on a nine-day overland adventure designed for young travellers seeking authentic wildlife encounters. From dense forests to open landscapes, this journey puts you up close with some of Africa’s most incredible animals.

What you will see and do

Trek through Bwindi Forest for an unforgettable close-up encounter with endangered mountain gorillas.

Trek through Bwindi Forest for an unforgettable close-up encounter with endangered mountain gorillas.

Explore Uganda’s stunning landscapes, from the peaceful waters of Lake Bunyonyi to the forests of Kalinzu.

Explore Uganda’s stunning landscapes, from the peaceful waters of Lake Bunyonyi to the forests of Kalinzu.

Experience thrilling wildlife adventures including chimpanzee tracking, Nile activities in Jinja, and scenic safari regions.

Experience thrilling wildlife adventures including chimpanzee tracking, Nile activities in Jinja, and scenic safari regions.

What's included

All activities mentioned on the itinerary

Accommodations in double rooms

Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip

One farewell group lunch or dinner

Max 20 travellers per group

Arrival and departure airport transfers

Group transportation

Soca Islanders must provide proof that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Remember, international flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a double room with two beds. If you'd prefer a private double (for couples), single room, or private transportation for you and your group, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

Group itinerary

Arrive in Kampala at your convenience and settle into your accommodation. In the evening, meet your group and guide as you kick off the adventure with a lively night out. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at the campsite’s social spaces whether by the pool or on the terrace perfect for unwinding, sharing stories, and getting to know your fellow travellers.

Set off on a scenic drive south, crossing the Equator an exciting milestone to tick off your travel list. Continue to Lake Bunyonyi, often considered Uganda’s most beautiful lake. Surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with small islands, its peaceful, wildlife-safe waters make it ideal for a refreshing swim and total relaxation.

Today brings a once-in-a-lifetime experience: trekking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of mountain gorillas. Accompanied by expert rangers, hike through dense jungle terrain to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. The trek can be challenging, but the reward of encountering gorillas up close is truly unforgettable.

Enjoy a slower pace as you take in the tranquil beauty of Lake Bunyonyi. Choose from a variety of optional activities, including swimming, canoeing, hiking, birdwatching, or even a scenic excursion to nearby Rwanda. Spend the evening relaxing with your group, reflecting on your gorilla trekking experience.

Travel north through Uganda’s diverse countryside to Kalinzu Forest Reserve. This region blends lush forest, open savannah, and wetlands near Lake George, offering a rich and varied landscape to explore as your adventure continues.

Start early with a guided chimpanzee tracking experience in Kalinzu Forest, searching for these energetic primates in their natural environment. Later, visit a local tea plantation before continuing to Lake Mburo National Park. On arrival, choose to relax or join optional activities such as a boat cruise or guided walk.

Travel back across the Equator, observing the fascinating natural effects on either side of this global divide. Stop for a meaningful visit and meal at a community-supported café before continuing to Jinja, Uganda’s adventure hub and a lively town on the banks of the Nile.

Spend the day exploring Jinja at your own pace. Choose from a wide range of activities, from adrenaline-filled white-water rafting on the Nile to mountain biking or simply browsing local markets. Keep an eye out for wildlife that often roams the surrounding areas.

Travel back to Kampala, where your journey comes to an end in the early afternoon. If you’re not quite ready to leave, consider extending your stay and continuing your African adventure.

Tour FAQS

Fly in and out of Entebbe International Airport (EBB).

Yes. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure or book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer is included. If you choose alternative pre-tour accommodation or arrive by another mode of transport, you’ll need to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Our arrival transfers are private to Soca Islands and are organised in groups based on flight times. Sometimes this means a short wait at the airport until other flights arrive.

While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:

  1. Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
  2. Up-to-date medical advice:
    • US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
    • UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
    • Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.

3. Government travel advice:

    • US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
    • UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
    • Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.

    • 4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.

    We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

    There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.

    We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.

    Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.

    Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.

    While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:

    1. Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
    2. Up-to-date medical advice:
      • US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
      • UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
      • Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.

    3. Government travel advice:

    • US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
    • UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
    • Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.

    • 4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.

    We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

    Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.

    We believe solo travelers shouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the world. That’s why our group trips are designed around shared accommodation and do not include a single supplement. Solo travelers joining our group trips are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

    Some of our Independent trips are structured differently. For these itineraries, solo travelers will need to book at the single occupancy rate.

    Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.

    Would you like to learn more or customise our Uganda Overland: Gorillas & Chimps trip?

    Have questions about accommodations, accessibility, group preferences, or dietary needs? Complete the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.

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