Uganda Overland: Gorillas & Chimps
Experience Overview
Now's the time to explore Africa on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Take your love for all things furry and wild to the next level on a nine-day animal-spotting overland adventure in Uganda. Spot chimps in Kalinzu Forest and join experienced trackers while travelling deep into the Ugandan forests for an opportunity to spot endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Our Landos (overland adventure vehicles) are an adventurous and affordable way to see the highlights, while wilderness camping will keep you in the thick of the action.
Highlights
- See a mountain gorilla up close and personal
- Search for chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest Reserve
- Opt to raft the White Nile River
Trip Details
Product Code: 2101
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Lando (overland adventure vehicle), minibuses, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
18 - 35 Year Olds Only
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: DUKK
Starts: Kampala, Uganda
Finishes: Kampala, Uganda
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Demanding
Includes
Activities
- Your G for Good Moment: AidChild Cafe & Gallery, Kayabwe Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Discover Moment: Jinja
- Guided mountain gorilla trek with permits
- Entrance and chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve
- Tea plantation visit
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Participation camping (8 nts).
- 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
Transport
- Lando (overland adventure vehicle), minibuses, walking.
Group Leader
- 2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout as head guide/cook and driver, certified mountain gorilla trackers, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,999 ($444 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Kampala
Arrive at any time.
Tonight, get to know your group on your first night out together. As you will be at the campsite for this portion of the trip you will be enjoying yourselves at the Red Chilli Bar. Hang out along the beer terrace or at the pool-side bar and have conversations with fellow travellers. There's plenty of communal areas to kick back, relax with a beer in hand, and make some friends before you embark on your next adventure.
Day 2: Kampala/Lake Bunyonyi
Even though you get to do something pretty awesome everyday you're going to cross the equator today in the Lando (which we think is a pretty cool thing to be able to add to a travel resume) and head off to Lake Bunyonyi.
The name Bunyonyi means ‘place of many little birds' and it is undoubtedly the loveliest lake in Uganda. It's winding shores encircle 29 islands and its surrounded by steep terraced hillsides that will have you wondering if you are somewhere in Asia. But the best part is that Lake Bunyonyi is a croc and hippo free lake (unlike many lakes in East Africa) so you can swim in its calm waters as much as you like… such bliss!
Day 3: Gorilla Trek
Today's the day that some of your dreams may just come true because you are going on a guided mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (so insanely cool!) So get ready to embark on an unforgettable hike deep into the jungle through volcano forests alongside a park ranger to search for mountain gorillas. The treks can vary in length and difficulty so be prepared for a challenge, but know that if you spot these majestic creatures (we share 98% of our DNA with them) it will all be worth it.
Note: Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure, and currently permit only a maximum of eight people, per day, to visit a given gorilla family. The group will be split into different sub-groups for the trek, and depending on the number of travellers, different sub-groups may do their trek on different days.
Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi
Let's give Lake Bunyonyi some love today. Explore this magical place as the morning mist rises off of the gently lapping waters. With tons of optional activities to choose from like, swimming, hiking, canoeing, bird watching, or a motorboat tour of the lake there's no time to be bored. Then relax together at the lodge in the evening talking about your group gorilla experiences.
Day 5: Lake Bunyonyi/Kalinzu Forest Reserve
Sit back, relax, and watch the Ugandan countryside slip past on today's journey to Kalinzu Forest Reserve further north in the country.
The forest reserve is adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park and is characterized by open savannah, large area of swamp around Lake George, and the extensive Maramagambo Forest in the southeast. There's a lot of landscapes to experience so what are you waiting for? Get started!
Day 6: Kalinzu Forest Reserve/Lake Mburo National Park
You know that saying, “the early bird gets the worm” well in this case the early bird gets to see chimpanzees. Get up early for an included chimpanzee tracking excursion and explore the verdant Kalinzu Forest Reserve with a ranger while being on the lookout for these chimpanzee families.
Afterwards, the group will visit a tea plantation before setting off to Lake Mburo. Once you arrive there you can choose to book an afternoon boat cruise on the lake, or explore the local area on foot.
Day 7: Lake Mburo National Park/Jinja
Head back across the equator today in the Lando; Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where you can cross this imaginary geographical line on land.
Observe how water swirls in opposite directions on either side of the equator and then stop to enjoy a meal at the G Adventures-supported AidChild Equation Café & Gallery. With full stomachs and even more full hearts the group will continue on to Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda.
Day 8: Jinja
Get out there, get active, and have some fun! Explore Jinja today solo or with your group by participating in the plethora of outdoor and adventure activities they have to offer.
Choose to raft down the White Nile River, break a sweat mountain biking up and down the hills surrounding the town, or for a more laid back day check out the local market. Keep your eyes ready to spot monkeys and other wildlife that can wander to the outskirts of this town.
Pre-book your rafting adrenaline rush on the checkout page to include the Jinja River Rafting optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Day 9: Jinja/Kampala
Transfer back to Uganda's capital where the tour finishes upon arrival in the early afternoon.
Not ready to leave Africa just yet? (Yeah, we don't blame you) talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know Uganda or beyond!
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Lara H. - Traveled, June 2024
Amazing tour, exceptional CEO’s, Uganda was absolutely stunning and one of the most beautiful countries I have visited. Tents were very comfortable (albeit basic safari tents - easy to put up and down) and the campsites were so so beautiful.. wish we had...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2024
Jonah P. - Traveled, April 2024
A real adventure getting to see some incredible places and animals. The accommodations are fun enough so that if you don’t want to participate in the optional activities you can still enjoy where you are. A fast paced trip with some early starts and long...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/27/2024
Bethany D. - Traveled, January 2024
I miss Uganda already!! I had an absolutely wonderful time. I'm glad I did have some extra days not on the tour as I was able to be more immersed in the culture and day to day life of a Ugandan. I met some pretty cool locals and had some great conver...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/11/2024
Aimee F. - Traveled, December 2024
Unbelievable! Words truly cannot express how much I enjoyed the trip to Uganda and I am forever grateful for the experience. I would highly recommend anyone who has the opportunity to go on this trip to book their flights to Kampala now! I was blown away...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2024
Tyzana C. - Traveled, December 2023
This tour was incredible! It's tough, exhausting, inspiring, eye-opening and beautiful. It's definitely not for everyone - long travel days on rough road conditions, camping in wet conditions and physically challenging hiking/trekking activities ...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2023
Christina F. - Traveled, December 2023
Life changing
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Martin W. - Traveled, December 2023
Choosing G Adventures for this tour fulfilled a lifelong dream of witnessing gorillas in their natural habitat. Beyond the awe-inspiring encounter with gorillas, the captivating experiences with chimpanzees added another layer of wonder. Additionally, th...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Kerstin Z. - Traveled, December 2023
Good mixture of everything! I really liked leopards camps. Gorilla tracking was incredible!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Aaron S. - Traveled, November 2023
it was a great tour to see this beautiful country and obviously, the highlight was the gorillas
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023
Alice B. - Traveled, November 2023
We had a great time visiting Uganda with G we meet some great people and had a lot of fun. The food was good, guides amazing and we got pushed out of our comfort zones on many occasions.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/04/2023
Renske H. - Traveled, November 2023
The trip round Uganda was our favourite part of our honeymoon experience. It was a great combination of good food, exciting adventure and great people who were all like-minded travellers. The gorillas were such a highlight and incredible to see so close ...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Cara O. - Traveled, September 2023
Uganda was a fantastic experience and the tour was unforgettable. we were able to witness Gorillas in their natural habitat.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023
Jana E. - Traveled, August 2024
Uganda is a great country with friendly people and the best CEOs Berven and Mwangi and all our other Guides. We had an amazing time with the Gorillas and Chimps. But next time I'll definately book a Classic Tour in Africa. I think that'll be not ...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/31/2024
Kelly N. - Traveled, July 2024
Amazing and life changing. I knew it would be good but this was x10000 better than I ever imagined. I had so many breathtaking experiences in such a short space of time, with my team and CEOs really positively impacting my experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/04/2024
Jenna H. - Traveled, June 2024
The tour was a really eye opening experience filled with wonderful scenery and wildlife.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/29/2024
Chloe D. - Traveled, June 2024
An awesome insight into Uganda and the incredible primates that call it home. A must do for anyone interested in an authentic wildlife experience
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2024
Dylan B. - Traveled, May 2024
Amazing your that mixed cultural and outdoor activities. Very well paced with excellent tour guides.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/30/2024
Mandy S. - Traveled, May 2024
great experience! the only thing I would want in future is access to my CEOs whatsapp number on the day of arrival. it was impossible to get this information and I did not receive a response in the app when I came in late. if one group member on the trip...
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2024
Melody W. - Traveled, May 2024
Although I missed the creature comforts of a hot shower and bed, I enjoyed camping all over Uganda and getting the chance to view the country's amazing wildlife. The gorillas are an unforgettable must-see -- a magical moment I'll never forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/16/2024
Phoebe P. - Traveled, April 2024
Great experience, fabulous guides
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/05/2024
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