18 to 35s Essential Uganda: Gorillas and Chimps
Itinerary
Ki kati! Welcome to Uganda. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Entebbe, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Located near Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe has a relaxed vibe. If you arrive early, maybe stretch your legs with a stroll through Entebbe Botanical Garden or shop for souvenirs at Entebbe Craft Village. After the meeting tonight, why not head out for dinner and get to know your new travel buddies?
Today, begin your journey from Entebbe to Jinja. One of the highlights of any visit to Uganda, Jinja is a riverside retreat at the source of the Nile and is considered the adventure capital of the country. When you arrive, settle into your accommodation or relax on the banks of the nearby Nile River. If you’re keen to start exploring right away, maybe head to the Jinja Farmer’s Market and try some fresh jackfruit or local snacks.
Tonight, your leader can show you where the best spots are to grab some dinner with your group.
Jinja is the place for adventurers, adrenaline junkies and eco-travellers, and you’ll enjoy a full free day here to explore at your own pace. Maybe get active with some whitewater rafting or hire a bike to see Jinja on two wheels. You can also opt for a boat cruise along the source of the Nile, to enjoy the river from a new perspective.
Head out in search of some rolex (chapati rolled around an egg omelette, usually with added vegetables) to start the day. This is a popular street food in Uganda and is even more delicious than it sounds! You’ve got a long travel day ahead of you, so make sure you have your favourite playlists, podcasts or some travel games queued up for the drive. Travel to Fort Portal, where you’ll spend the night. When you arrive, settle into your accommodation and relax – you’ve got an exciting day of wildlife encounters ahead of you tomorrow.
Begin your journey to Kalinzu Forest this morning. On the way, you’ll go on a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to elephants, buffalo, antelope and so much more.
This afternoon, led by expert trackers, you’ll set off into the dense rainforest of Kalinzu in search of chimpanzees. This hike can be challenging at times, with muddy paths and thick vegetation, but the reward of seeing these amazing creatures in their natural habitat is well worth it. Watch as they play, feed and communicate with each other in the trees high above.
Later, return to your accommodation for a free evening. Maybe grab a drink or two with your new friends and toast to the incredible day of adventure.
Continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Take in the scenery as you pass rolling green hills, tea plantations and crater lakes, or simply relax with a book or chat with your group. You’ll also pass through a local village where you’ll have the chance to stop for lunch and coffee. Maybe get to know the Batooro and Bakiiga communities that live here with an optional local village visit, then carry on to Bwindi. When you arrive, settle in and prepare for what will be one of the highlights of your trip tomorrow – gorilla trekking!
This morning, join a local guide and experienced trackers as you climb through the rugged, mountainous terrain of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of mountain gorillas. Your first glimpse of these creatures will be a truly beautiful moment, and visits are strictly controlled to minimise disturbance. Tracking gorillas is not an easy feat (it's called Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a reason!). It can be wet, muddy, strenuous and uncomfortable, but the indescribable feeling of coming across a group of gorillas is worth the effort. Spend a mesmerising hour with the gorillas as they eat, sleep, groom and play as the male silverback watches over them. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the lush wilderness of the rainforest, then return to camp where you can freshen up with a hot shower.
In the afternoon, you’ll also have the chance to go on an optional visit to the Batwa community to learn about their forest heritage.
Tonight, enjoy a hearty dinner by the crackling fire.
Say goodbye to Bwindi and begin the journey to Lake Mburo. This is Uganda’s smallest savanna park, but it packs a punch with its variety of landscapes, from woodlands and rolling hills to wetlands and lakes.
This afternoon, you’ll have the option to join a safari, where you might spot zebras, hippos, buffalo and even impalas.
Rise early and begin the drive back to Entebbe, stopping for a safari in Lake Mburo along the way. When you arrive, say goodbye to your trip mates as your journey comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to arrange additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Trip Inclusions
- Come face to face with rare mountain gorillas in the forests of Uganda with the help of expert rangers and trackers.
- Trek in search of chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest Reserve and spend an hour observing how they play, feed and communicate with each other.
- Visit Lake Mburo, Uganda’s smallest savanna park, where you can spot zebras, buffalo and impalas – this is the only place in Uganda where impalas are found.
- Admire the beauty of Uganda’s natural wonders – the rolling hills of Bwindi, the lakes and wetlands of Lake Mburo, and the green forests of Kalinzu.
- Spend a few days at leisure in Jinja, which can be a relaxing riverside retreat or an adrenaline-filled adventure capital – it’s up to you!
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Permanent Tent (with shared facilities) (2 nights)
- Cottage (1 night)
- Lodge (3 nights)
- Permanent Tent (with ensuite) (1 night)
- 4WD Private Vehicles
- 8 Breakfasts included
- 4 Lunches included
- 5 Dinners included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
Our Basix trips are designed for travellers of any age on a budget. Using simple, clean and centrally located accommodation (typically with a 2-to-2.5-star average rating), local transport where we can, along with plenty of free time.
This means you can do the things that suit your budget and interests, rather than paying for inclusions you don’t want. Meals are generally not included, but your experienced local leader will have some great suggestions!
Dates & Pricing
Flexible Deposit
GJ Loyalty Discount
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 Intrepid. 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.
