Trip Overview
This 11 Days Uganda Community, Gorillas & Conservation Safari is a transformative journey through Uganda, where adventure, culture, and conservation intertwine. Your adventure begins in Entebbe, a beautiful town nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria. From there, you’ll travel to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and Kibale Forest National Park, where you’ll track chimpanzees in their natural habitat and experience African rural life on a guided community walk. Next, you’ll venture to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a place where the wild beauty of the savanna meets the vibrancy of local culture. Here, you’ll have the unique chance to harvest honey with a local beekeeping cooperative or explore the wetlands, teeming with diverse wildlife.
The highlight of your trip is the thrilling gorilla trekking experience in Mgahinga Gorilla Park, set within the breathtaking Virunga Volcanoes. Get up close to the majestic mountain gorillas in their forest home—a truly rare and awe-inspiring moment. Your journey also offers unforgettable cultural encounters, including a visit to the Batwa people, one of Africa’s oldest indigenous tribes. Walk with the Batwa through the forest and learn about their hunter-gatherer traditions, while discovering how they are now forging a sustainable future through conservation initiatives. This isn’t just a trip—it’s an opportunity to connect with nature and communities in profound and lasting ways.
Tour Highlights
- Experience authentic culture with the Batwa Heritage Tour
- Embark on an unforgettable gorilla trek through lush bamboo forests
- Track the rare golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Hike to the Gisozi Caldera for breathtaking views of Kisoro
- Explore the Kyambura Beekeeping Cooperative and learn about local honey production
Day By Day Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed and transferred to a nearby hotel or guesthouse for the night. Entebbe, once the capital of Uganda during British rule, is beautifully located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. The approach by air offers a stunning introduction to the lush, tropical landscape that surrounds the city. If time permits, you might enjoy a leisurely stroll along one of the lake’s peaceful beaches, explore the Wildlife Education Center, or visit the botanical gardens, where you can immerse yourself in Uganda’s rich diversity of plants and birdlife.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Airport Guest House Entebbe
Midrange: Boma Hotel Entebbe/2 Friends Beach Hotel
Luxury: Hotel Number 5/Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa
Meal Plan: Dinner
After a peaceful night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, your guide will pick you up in a 4WD vehicle for the scenic journey to Fort Portal, nestled at the northern base of the majestic Mountains of the Moon. The drive, which takes a round 5 hours, offers a captivating landscape of rolling hills, tea plantations, and vibrant rural villages—there’s always something to catch your eye. You’ll stop in Fort Portal for lunch before continuing on to your lodge, where the team will be ready to greet you by early afternoon.
After some time to relax, you’ll head out for a cultural walk in the nearby Bigodi Village, a lively hub of rural Ugandan life. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll gain insight into the traditions and customs of the villagers. You’ll visit a traditional healer’s homestead and hear stories from wise elders about the challenges and triumphs of rural communities in Uganda. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to visit Bigodi Primary School, offering a glimpse into the local education system. If you prefer, you can opt for a three-hour guided nature walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This remarkable community-driven conservation project protects the area’s rich biodiversity and provides a safe haven for various primate species, mammals, and over 200 bird species. The day wraps up back at your lodge, where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner.
Accommodation Options:
Budget/Midrange: Kibale Forest Camp/Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Luxury: Crater Safari lodge/Kyaninga Lodge/Primate Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Kibale National Park, with its lush tropical rainforest, is home to one of Africa's richest primate populations, boasting 13 species, including over 1,500 chimpanzees—making it the perfect destination for chimpanzee trekking. Your adventure begins early in the morning with a thrilling trek to encounter these incredible creatures up close.
As you search for the chimps, keep an eye out for other forest residents, such as the black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Along the way, your guide will highlight various endemic birds and plant species unique to the forest. Once you find the chimps, you’ll have the chance to observe them as they feed, play, and rest from a safe vantage point. After your memorable encounter, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
In the evening, you have the option to take a peaceful walk around the picturesque crater lakes near Kibale Forest, or explore the Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru Caves to uncover the fascinating history of the legendary Bachwezi people.
Accommodation Options:
Budget/Midrange: Kibale Forest Camp/Chimpanzee Forest Lod
Luxury: Crater Safari lodge/Kyaninga Lodge/Primate Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After a relaxed breakfast, you’ll visit the Rwenzori Sculpture Foundation, a remarkable cultural initiative that supports emerging Ugandan artists. From there, your driver will guide you through the stunning landscapes of the Rwenzori Mountains, passing charming towns and fertile agricultural fields before crossing the Equator. You’ll then head towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s premier wildlife haven, home to 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species.
As you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by herds of Ugandan Kobs, with elephants and buffalo sometimes spotted in the distance. Take a break for a light lunch before embarking on a more immersive game drive, soaking in the wildlife and the park’s beauty as you head to your lodge for some relaxation. In the evening, another exciting game drive awaits, offering even more opportunities to encounter the park’s diverse wildlife.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Pumba Safari Cottage
Midrange: Bush Lodge / Enganzi Game Lodge/Parkview Lodge
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge/Elephants Plains Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, embark on thrilling game drives with expert guides and take in the stunning sights during a boat cruise along the iconic Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. Keep a lookout for wildlife and birdlife drawn to the channel, and see if you can spot some of the many hippos—this area is known for having one of the highest concentrations of these massive creatures year-round. Alternatively, you can opt for a fascinating coffee tour at the Omwani Women’s Coffee Cooperative, a project that empowers women with vocational training. The cooperative spans 100 acres of land where Arabica and Robusta coffee are grown organically and hand-processed. On the tour, you’ll get to witness the entire process and finish by savoring what’s often called "the best cup of coffee in Uganda."
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Pumba Safari Cottage
Midrange: Bush Lodge / Enganzi Game Lodge/Parkview Lodge
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge/Elephants Plains Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day six kicks off with an early bush breakfast, offering stunning views of the park. Then, set off on an exciting trek along the Fig Tree Trail, leading you into the captivating Kyambura Gorge. Here, you’ll have the chance to search for the elusive 'Lost Chimps of Kyambura' as they navigate the dense forest canopy, a striking contrast to the open grasslands surrounding you. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Kyambura beekeeping cooperative, where you’ll learn the traditional art of honey harvesting. Alternatively, enjoy a peaceful evening stroll to the Kyambura wetlands, where you can spot birds, monkeys, and other fascinating wildlife.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Pumba Safari Cottage
Midrange: Bush Lodge / Enganzi Game Lodge/Parkview Lodge
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge/Elephants Plains Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Say goodbye to the northern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park and begin your journey towards the Congolese border. Along the way, enjoy a thrilling game drive through the famous Ishasha Plains, renowned for its tree-climbing lions. After leaving Ishasha, you’ll embark on a scenic drive through rolling hills and terraced fields, arriving at your lodge near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you’ll stay for the next few nights. In the evening, unwind with pre-dinner cocktails, followed by a captivating fireside chat with a veterinarian from Gorilla Doctors, where you’ll learn about their crucial efforts in safeguarding the health of mountain gorillas.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
On day nine, after an early breakfast, get ready for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure in Mgahinga National Park. The trek will take you through thick bamboo forests and up steep hills, leading you to encounter these incredible primates. Spending an hour observing their natural behavior is a truly awe-inspiring experience, offering a rare and intimate connection with one of the world’s most endangered species. Afterward, return to the lodge for a well-earned late lunch and some time to unwind.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, you'll embark on a journey to explore the rich culture of the Batwa people. Known as the ‘Keepers of the Forest,’ the Batwa tribe was displaced from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park when it was established to protect the gorillas.
One of the oldest indigenous tribes in Africa, the Batwa have an extraordinary and deeply rooted connection to the Ugandan rainforest. Traditionally hunter-gatherers, they relied entirely on the forest for survival, with little ability to adapt to modern life. As a result, they faced tremendous hardship and were often exploited by early tourism. Fortunately, things are changing, and, ironically, tourism is now helping preserve both their culture and their way of life.
You’ll take a nature walk through the forest with a Batwa guide, immersing yourself in their ancient methods of foraging, food preparation, and hunting techniques (still using bows and arrows for small game). You’ll also learn about their traditional medicine-making practices and experience their unique relationship with nature. This initiative provides a vital source of income for the guides while raising awareness and generating funds to support the education and welfare of the broader community.
In the evening, if you're interested, you can visit the Batwa Vocational Centre to discover how the Batwa Pygmy Community is working towards a sustainable future through their craft-making projects.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
On day eleven, venture into the bamboo forests to track the lively golden monkeys, a rare species famous for their playful behavior and vibrant fur. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to the Gisozi Caldera, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Kisoro Valley and Lake Mutanda. Finish the day with sundowners.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Given the long distance from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to Entebbe, approximately a 10-hour drive, today you'll cross the border into Rwanda and make your way to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. The journey will take around 3 to 4 hours. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future!