Uganda Overland: Gorillas & Chimps

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.

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.

Included Experiences

• 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.
• Connect With New Friends: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

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!

Included Experiences

• Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

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.

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.

Included Experiences

• 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.

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, a motorboat tour of the lake, or a scenic drive across the border to Kigali, Rwanda, there’s no time to be bored. Then relax together at the lodge in the evening talking about your group gorilla experiences.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Get out and do as much or as little as you'd like around Lake Bunyonyi.

Optional Experiences

• 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.
• Day Trip to Kigali: Take a scenic drive across the border and through the rolling hills to Kigali, Rwanda. Visit the Genocide Memorial Museum, the site where UN Belgian peacekeepers were killed, and pass by Hotel Rwanda. Take some time for lunch in the vibrant capital city and visit a local craft market. You will be crossing a border today, so we recommend applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa, which allows smooth travel between Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya without additional border fees.
• 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.
• 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.

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!

Included Experiences

• Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!

Optional Experiences

• Kansenene Hill Hike: Experience a 2 hour hike to the summit of Kansenene Hill, also known as the "Hill of Grasshoppers", with a local guide. Starting from Craters Campground, this 4km round trip offers stunning views of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mt. Rwenzori, the Kazinga Channel, and beautiful sunsets.
• Local Coffee Tour: Explore the entire coffee-making process on this immersive community walk. Travellers can get hands-on with every step, from harvesting and roasting to pounding and brewing.

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.

Included Experiences

• 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!

Optional Experiences

• 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• Lando: Climb aboard our custom built ride …. overlanding G-style!
• 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Get out and enjoy the adrenaline capital of Uganda.

Optional Experiences

• 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)
• 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 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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!

Included Experiences

• 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.