9-Days Relaxed Active & Adventure Tour – Uganda’s Best: Jinja, Kibale, Bwindi & Lake Bunyonyi

Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your guide will meet you and assist with luggage before driving you to your hotel in Kampala. Depending on your arrival time, you can take it easy or explore the city. Visit the Uganda Museum, which showcases the country’s cultural heritage and natural history, or stroll through vibrant craft markets for local souvenirs. Enjoy dinner at one of Kampala’s excellent restaurants and rest up for the adventure ahead.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic 2 to 3-hour drive east to Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital situated on the banks of the Nile River. Check into your riverside lodge, then relax before an afternoon boat cruise to the iconic Source of the Nile — the place where the world’s longest river begins. Learn about the river’s history and importance while soaking up the beautiful surroundings. Return to your lodge for dinner and enjoy the peaceful river sounds at night.

Prepare for a thrilling day on the Nile! After breakfast, meet your experienced guides and safety team for a full day of whitewater rafting. Choose between beginner or intermediate rapids (grade 3 or 4), with safety gear and instructions provided. The day includes exciting rapids, calm stretches for swimming or relaxing, and a riverside lunch. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon, where you can unwind and recount the day’s adrenaline-pumping moments over dinner.

Depart Jinja after breakfast and head west towards Fort Portal, a journey of approximately 4 hours on scenic roads. Along the way, stop at Mabira Forest for a guided nature walk in this rich tropical rainforest, home to diverse bird species and monkeys. Continue to Fort Portal, a charming town known as the gateway to the Rwenzori Mountains. Check into your hotel and later visit a nearby coffee plantation to learn about Uganda’s famous coffee industry, from bean harvesting to brewing. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Wake up early and drive a short distance to Kibale Forest National Park, known for its high density of primates, including chimpanzees. After a briefing at the park headquarters, embark on a guided chimpanzee tracking trek through the forest. The walk can last 2 to 5 hours depending on where the chimps are located, but the guides ensure a comfortable pace. Witness chimpanzees playing, feeding, and interacting in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and rest. Optional afternoon visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where you can enjoy birdwatching and experience community-led conservation efforts.

After breakfast, embark on a 3 to 4-hour scenic drive south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the famous mountain gorillas. The route passes through beautiful hills and rural villages, offering chances to see local life. Check into your lodge near the park and enjoy a relaxing afternoon preparing for your gorilla trek the next day. Optional community visits or nature walks can be arranged.

Today is the highlight of your trip — gorilla trekking! After an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers. Accompanied by expert guides and trackers, trek through the dense forest to find a gorilla family. The trek can last anywhere from 1 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, spend up to one hour observing these incredible creatures as they feed, play, and interact. Return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest and celebratory dinner.

After breakfast, drive about 2 hours to Lake Bunyonyi, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning island-dotted landscape. Check into a lakeside eco-lodge with beautiful views. Spend the afternoon canoeing on the calm lake, visiting some of the islands, or simply relaxing by the shore. The peaceful environment is perfect for unwinding after your active gorilla trek.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before beginning your drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, approximately 6 hours. Stop for lunch along the way and arrive in time for your onward travel arrangements or overnight stay. Your unforgettable Ugandan adventure ends here.