Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Dreaming of Gorilla Trekking through the misty jungles of Africa? Your bespoke Gorilla Trek Adventure in Uganda Awaits.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or ideas about Your “The Pearl of Africa” Expedition.

Happy Day! Safe Safari! 
Amy Millican

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Tour duration: 10 Days

Destinations visited:  Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth & Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks,
and the mighty River Nile.

Encounter Chimpanzee, Gorillas & other Primates on this tour through Savannah plains and African jungles as you navigate Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival - Welcome to Uganda!

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, Meet & Greet with your Personal Guide & Driver.  And, thereafter transfer to Entebbe.

Overnight at Hotel Number 5
Nestled in the leafy suburbs of Entebbe, Hotel No.5 is a stylish boutique hotel. From the moment you arrive, you are warmly welcomed and cared for. With all luxurious rooms opening onto the garden and swimming pool, this is a great option for guests looking for an intimate stay in a tranquil setting. Make yourself at home, and unwind after your journey to Uganda.

Day 2: Domestic Flight to Kisoro and Batwa Cultural Excursion

An early start sees you off to the airport to catch your domestic flight to Kisoro Airstrip, the gateway to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP) is located in the misty Virunga Mountains, within the Albertine Rift montane forests ecoregion and includes three of the 8 Virunga Mountains Volcanoes. MGNP, under the care of Uganda Wildlife Authority, is the smallest of Uganda's National Parks.

Soak up the Kisoro scenery & Batwa/Pygmy culture: Spend half of your first day trailing with the Batwa Pygmies. who’ll share their amazing Heritage and Traditions with you. Enjoy an incredible day hike in the Mgahinga rain forest with Batwa guides, see how the Pygmies lived and hunted for hundreds of years in the forests, learn about medicinal plants, and watch for other colorful rainforest inhabitants and birds.

Overnight at Mount Gahinga Lodge
Nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, Mount Gahinga is an exclusive Uganda adventure lodge that has the impressive backdrop of three of the volcanoes themselves. Its rustic charm creates an absorbing atmosphere of tranquility and history. Each of the Uganda luxury safari lodges are built to echo local techniques and design.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking!!!

After a hearty breakfast to fuel you for your Gorilla Trek, you will set out in the early morning to find the Gorillas.

Following a detailed introduction at the MGNP Gorilla Center, you will be given, if you chose, a Personal Porter to assist with your Gorilla Trek and Camera Equipment. The going can be hard as the mountains are steep, the air humid and the vegetation dense. But the exertion is all worth it when you finally reach a group of Gorillas eating, grooming, playing or napping.

The Gorilla behavior is so familiar that you may feel like you have known them all your life; it is an inspiring and privileged moment to see these highly endangered creatures in the wild.

Following your Gorilla Trek you will receive from the Uganda Wildlife Authority your official “Gorilla Trekking Certificate” – as you have now become one of the few people in the world to see these rare and endangered species.

Once back at the lodge, you will no doubt appreciate a relaxing afternoon as you reflect on the day’s events. Have a post trek massage and enjoy evening drinks by a refreshingly warm fire.

Overnight at Mount Gahinga Lodge

Day 4: To Queen Elizabeth National Park

You drive through the open Savannah of Acacia on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley of the Ishasha plains; be on the lookout for a pride of tree-climbing lions that have made an old fig their regular ‘hangout’.

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) is known for its expansive wildlife, including Cape Buffaloes, Hippopotami, Crocodiles, Elephants, Leopards, Lions, and Chimpanzees. It is home to 95 mammal species and over 500 species of birds. In 2016 & 2017 there was a “babyboom” of elephant births. So get your cameras ready for some adorable pictures!

Watch for the Warthogs and Hippos mowing the lawn at Mweya Safari Lodge!

Overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge
In the heart of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mweya Safari Lodge offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Located on a peninsula within the Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mweya Safari Lodge is surrounded by the magical Rwenzori Mountains, aptly described as the 'Mountains of the Moon'. To the east, lie the guardians of the birthplace of mankind, the Great Rift Valley Hills, separated from the Mountains of the Moon by the meandering Kazinga Channel. Here the water flows endlessly into two giant lakes – Lake George and Lake Edward.

Day 5: Game Drive and Boat Safari

Your day here starts early as you set off in the cool of the morning to look for game, such as Lions, Elephants, Cape Buffalo, Ugandan Kob, and Antelope on the Kasenyi plains - while the dense thickets of the Mweya Peninsula is the ideal hiding spot for notoriously shy Leopard.

If you are lucky, you will find a pride of the Famous Queen Elizabeth National Park Climbing Lions - up a tree - for a cool slumber during the heat of the day.

In the afternoon, you will cruise the Kazinga Channel, which flows between Lakes George and Edward. One of the continent’s densest concentrations of Hippo lives here, as well as large numbers of Elephants, Crocodiles, and water birds such as African Fish Eagles and Pelicans.

Day 6: To Kibale Forest – Africa’s Primate Capital!

Today you embark on a Safari route that traces through small villages, picturesque Green Tea Plantations and beautiful landscapes of numerous crater lakes of volcanic origin. Proceed to Kibale Forest- Africa’s Primate Capital!

Kibale Forest boasts the highest number of primate species in the world, including our delightful cousins- the Chimpanzees. At this moment, in Uganda, there are approximately 4,950 Chimps left in the wild, which makes this forest a perfect and best place to spot Chimpanzees in Africa.

During the excursion, your Wildlife Ranger will point out the other species living in the forest, including birds, flora, and fauna. In addition, Kibale is home to the uncommon L’Hoest’s monkeys, East Africa’s biggest population of the endangered red colobus monkeys, the black & white colobus, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, grey cheeked mangabeys, bush babies as well as potto among many others.

Of course, the stars of the show are Chimpanzees and nine other species of primate. Smaller than their Gorilla cousins but no less charming, intelligent or expressive, Chimp families can cover vast distances and the trek in Kibale Forest to find them will be filled all sorts of enchanting encounters.

Overnight at Papaya Lake Lodge
A place surrounded by the lush, evergreen landscapes of the Ugandan Great Crater Lakes region, set between two extinct volcanoes, nestled against the turquoise waters of the Lyantonde and Kifuruka lakes and with exhilarating views over the majestic Ruwenzori Mountain Range. An oasis of nine luxurious cottages, a restaurant and a beautiful swimming pool with a scenic terrace. A place established with great passion, appreciation of local culture and attention to detail that makes life worth living.

Day 7:  Transfer to Jinja

Take a return flight from Kasese to Entebbe and transfer by road to Jinja, staying at the ultimate Nile adventure Wildwaters Lodge.

Make your way to the second largest town- Uganda’s adrenaline pumping playground and the colonial manufacturing hub, Jinja. In Jinja the Nile River begins its journey from Lake Victoria all the way up to the Mediterranean Sea.

Overnight at Wildwaters Lodge
Located on roughly six hectares on Kalagala Island, Wildwaters Lodge lies on a unique private island mid-stream within the mighty River Nile in Uganda: around 25km downstream from Jinja in eastern Uganda. It’s in a sublime location and only reached by boat which makes it a very adventurous place to stay. And, it’s uniquely perched on granite rocks with noisy and exciting foamy rapids roaring all around.

The ten stand-alone elevated timber-floor and super-spacious luxury suites nestled in the rainforest with amazing river views. Each are linked by raised wooden walkways to the restaurant, bar and library, and feature glass-fronted windows, locally handmade furniture, stylish bathrooms with rain showers, and secluded wooden decks with daybeds and romantic free-standing open-air bathtubs.

Day 8:  Jinja

Get ready for a Day of Adventure on the Nile!

Rafting, Kayaking, Paddleboard, Horseback Riding, Quad Biking, Bungee Jumping , Sunset on the Nile River Cruises, or Fishing – your Nile Adventure is tailor made for you!

Choose your activities to fulfill your inner Adventurer.

The Nile awaits your wishes!

Overnight at Wildwaters Lodge

Day 9: Continue your Nile Adventures in Jinja or Relax by the Pool, Have a Spa Day, or Shop for Souvenirs in the Local Markets

Later in the evening, enjoy a Special Sundowner Cruise as you watch the sun set on the mighty Nile - the longest River in the world.

Overnight at Wildwaters Lodge

Day 10:  Tour of the Source of the Nile/Afternoon return to Entebee

Explore the Source of the Mighty Nile by boat before returning to Entebbe. The birdlife on some islands on the Nile is prolific. Look out for the slithery monitor lizards as they bask in the sun on some of the small islands. 

Overnight at Hotel Number 5, Entebbe, For Next Day Departure.

We will cherish our Ugandan Memories and
 look forward to seeing you again!