Overview
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. Tonight after a brief welcome meeting, choose to get to know your group members with an optional group dinner at a nearby local restaurant in Kampala not far from the campsite.
Please make sure you have all of the necessary visas for this tour by the time of the welcome meeting. It is very important to read the visa section in our trip details to confirm which visas you will need, if any. Please note: not all nationalities are able to obtain a visa on arrival.
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Cross over the equator today in the Lando en route from Kampala to Lake Bunyonyi. The name Bunyonyi means ‘place of many little birds’ and the lake’s winding shores encircle 29 islands surrounded by steep terraced hillsides. Upon arrival enjoy free time to get to know your surroundings and opt to swim in the calm waters.
- Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
Spend the day on a mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Hike deep into the jungle through volcano forests alongside a park ranger in search of these mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Please be ready for a challenge as the treks can vary in length and difficulty. 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.
Depending on the date of our permits, it's possible that the gorilla trek will take place on the second full day in Lake Bunyonyi. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four areas; Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija. Depending on permit availability your group could be tracking gorillas from different areas of the park, it is all still part of Bwindi.
- Mountain Gorilla Trek: Take an unforgettable guided trek (1-6 hrs) deep into volcano forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a wildlife encounter of a lifetime, and meet a family of mountain gorillas. One of Africa's major highlights, a close encounter with these amazing animals is simply breathtaking. Get prepared before heading out: bring plenty of water and waterproof clothing (it can rain on only a few minutes’ notice), and be sure to bring protective bags for cameras and film. Dress in layers with long sleeves and long pants to protect against stinging nettles found in the forests. The trek’s often chilly, at first, until you start trekking. 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. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four areas; Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Ruhija. Depending on permit availability your group could be tracking gorillas from different areas of the park, it is all still part of Bwindi.
Explore Lake Bunyonyi with a full day of free time. There are many optional activities to choose from like, swimming, hiking, canoeing, bird watching, or taking a motorboat tour of the lake. In the evening, relax together with the whole group at the lodge. Please keep in mind that some members of the group will do the gorilla trek on this day and have the free day in Lake Bunyonyi the day before.
- Free Time: Get out and do as much or as little as you'd like around Lake Bunyonyi.
- Swimming: Jump in and enjoy the water and magical surroundings.
- Canoe Rental: Get in a boat and enjoy paddling around the many islands of Lake Bunyonyi.
- Bird Watching Walk: The word “Bunyonyi” means "the place of little birds" in the local language. Accompany a professional bird guide along the shore and view the wide range of bird species that inhabit the area around this lake. This is a can't-miss for birding lovers.
- Nature Walk: Set out and discover the incredible landscape of the Lake Bunyoni area on foot, visiting villages and meeting local communities along the way.
- Motorboat Tour of Lake Bunyonyi: Relax on a boat tour around the peaceful waters of Lake Bunyonyi and learn about the history of the surrounding islands.
Drive through the Ugandan countryside on the journey to Kalinzu Forest Reserve, which is further north in the country. The reserve is adjacent to Queen Elizabeth National Park and offers a great variety of landscapes to view wildlife. Spend the afternoon at your leisure here.
- Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
- Boat Cruise: Take a leisurely 2-hour boat cruise. Enjoy stunning views of the landscape and other natural formations.
Rise early this morning for an included chimpanzee tracking excursion within the lush Kalinzu Forest Reserve with a ranger. Later, the group will visit a tea plantation before arriving at Lake Mburo. Then, you can choose to book an afternoon boat cruise, or get to know the local area on foot.
- Chimpanzee Tracking Excursion: Enjoy a chimpanzee tracking excursion through the scenic Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Trek along the ridges and valleys of the Rift Valley escarpment to visit chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Follow forest trails, which offer amazing views over the Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Edward, the Kazinga Channel, and the Congo. The Kalinzu Forest Reserve is steeped in mystery and rich with local legends. Learn about the folklore and uses of the forest from a local guide.
- Tea Plantation Visit: Walk through a tea plantation with a local guide. View multiple varietals of tea, and learn about the process of growing tea plants from the harvesting stage to what goes into making the best cup of tea.
- Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
- Lake Mburo Boat Safari: Come face to face with crocodiles and hippos in their natural habitat, as well as many other animals as they come to the lake to drink. Keep a look out for the many water birds, including kingfishers, the Africa Fish eagle, and the rare shoebill stork.
- Nature Walk: Set out to discover the incredible landscape of the Lake Mburo area on foot with a guide. Witness zebras, warthogs and various species of birds in their natural habitats as you stroll through the valley.
Today the group will travel back across the equator to Uganda, which happens to be one of the few countries where it’s possible to cross over this boundary on land. Along the way, make a stop for lunch at the G Adventures-supported AidChild Equation Café & Gallery. Arrive to Jinja in the evening.
- AidChild Cafe & Gallery: Make a stop at AidChild’s Equation Café and Gallery, located at the equator. Surrounded by paintings and other crafts made by local artists, you'll enjoy a meal made with traditional Ugandan ingredients, with a modern twist. Your lunch here directly supports AidChild, a non-profit that provides support, medical care and education to children and youth living with HIV in Uganda.
- Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
The entire day is free for you to explore Jinja on your own or with members of the group. There are plenty of outdoor and adventure activities to choose from like rafting and mountain biking.
- Free Time: Get out and enjoy the adrenaline capital of Uganda.
- Nile River Sunset Cruise: Nothing beats an African sunset over the Nile. Salute the end of another great day with good company, good food, and an ice cold cocktail.
- Mabira Forest Mountain Biking: Take to two wheels to see a different side of Jinja and the surrounding area. Cycle through villages and agricultural plantations to get a real of taste of rural Uganda before heading to the main forest in search of monkeys.
- Quad Biking: Get ready for lots of fun on this exhilarating quad biking tour safari. Ride along the banks of the Nile River through forests, farms and villages.
- Nile River Kayaking: Ride the whitewater of the Nile on a kayaking trip. Take an introductory whitewater kayaking course or dive right in with a tandem kayaking trip with an experienced guide. (140-160 USD per person)
- Bungee Jumping: If adrenaline is your thing, strap in and leap off for a fantastic experience.
- Jinja River Rafting: Looking for a change from wildlife to simply something wild? Wake up early and head out on the Nile River for a full-day navigating the whitewater. Enjoy an exciting day testing your paddling skills in the rapids while waves crash over into your eight-person raft. This activity is suitable for rafters of all experience levels. Enjoy an included meal and drinks with your group after conquering the rapids.
Today, travel back to Uganda’s capital where the tour will finish upon arrival in the early afternoon. Not ready to leave Africa just yet? Talk with your CEO about extending your adventure and get to know Uganda or beyond!
- Shuttle: Move efficiently from point A to point B aboard this dependable ride.
- Departure Day: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
Trip Inclusions
- Track mountain gorillas with experiences guides in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
- Set off into the Kalinzu Forest Reserve in search of chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
- Choose to raft the White Nile River for an adrenaline filled experience in Jinja.
- Camp under the many stars of the vast African sky.
- Your G for Good Moment: AidChild Cafe & Gallery, Kayabwe
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- 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
- Lando (overland adventure vehicle), minibuses, walking
- 2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout as head guide/cook and driver, certified mountain gorilla trackers, local guides
- Participation Camping (8 Nights)
- 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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