Uganda & Gorilla Trek Express - 6 days
Uganda & Gorilla Trek Express - 6 days
Uganda & Gorilla Trek Express - 6 days
6 Days Starting and ending in Kampala
Visiting: Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi National Park, Lake Bunyonyi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2725/UGTE
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
18 and over. Anyone over 65 to complete a Tour Suitability Form
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
CAMPING SAFARI: Tick off one of Africa's greatest experiences with a bucket list gorilla trek into the jungles of Uganda on this 6-day camping safari. From the Ugandan capital of Kampala, trek to see chimpanzees and other wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy two days of boating, fishing, bird watching and relaxation at picturesque Lake Bunyonyi before or after your gorilla trek in Bwindi National Park. Watch these magnificent great apes from a safe distance and finish your tour back in Kampala.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Kampala
Location: Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Kampala - Queen Elizabeth National Park. Departing the capital city, Kampala, we cross the Equator and pass through fertile green hills, tangled forests and rugged mountain ranges to the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Originally Named Kazinga National Park on its inception in 1952, the reserve was renamed in 1954 after a visit by the newly crowned British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
Our first evening here is free for you to take a walk in the lush surroundings, who knows what wildlife you may spot! The reserve is home to elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, chimpanzee and much more. Encouragingly, reports from the Uganda Wildlife Authority suggest that wildlife populations in the reserve are increasing, thanks to effective protection. This is largely down to your tourism money!
Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure at Red Chili Hideaway in Kampala and the tour departs at 5am on Day 1. Please see the Trip Notes for further information.
Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we are heading into Queen Elizabeth National Park, admiring the mountain views and stopping whenever we see something of interest. As well as the charismatic larger animals, the reserve is home to more than 500 bird species. Reaching Kyambura Gorge we head out on foot in search of chimpanzees. The rangers will have a good idea of where they are and the trek can vary in length from less than an hour to several. Chimps tend to stay in the treetops so you may have to crane your neck for a view of our closest relatives.
Please note: Chimpanzee Trek permits are issued by the wildlife authority in groups of up to 8 people per group. Depending on our group size, we may trek on the afternoon of day 1, morning or afternoon of day 2, or morning of day 3.
Day 3-5: Lake Bunyonyi
Location: Bwindi National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Lake Bunyonyi. On day 3 we drive to Lake Bunyonyi, dotted with scenic islands and surrounded by lush forest and rolling hills. Over the next three days everyone in the group will enjoy their mountain gorilla trek, but we will split into smaller groups in order to avoid disturbing the gorillas. On the days when you are not trekking, you are free to take a boat trip to some of Lake Bunyonyi's islands, go bird-watching, visit a local village or hire canoes to paddle on the lake.
On the day of your trek, we will hike for anywhere between 30 minutes and 6 or 7 hours into Bwindi National Park (or occasionally Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, this will be made clear to you in advance), depending on the location of the gorillas. A decent level of fitness is required as we trek through the steamy jungle. Your guide will know the location of the nearest gorilla family.
Once we have located the gorillas, you will spend around an hour watching from a safe distance. Keep quiet, keep low to the ground and follow all the instructions of your guide - this is for your safety and for the welfare of the mountain gorillas. You are welcome to take photos, as long as there is no flash.
One of the world's most endangered creatures, mountain gorillas are heavily protected, with around 1,000 animals now living in the rainforests of central Africa. Numbers have increased remarkably due to effective protection in recent years - keep your eyes peeled for the giant silverback alpha male, and some of the adorable youngsters that represent the future of their species.
When it is time to leave the gorillas, we trek back to Lake Bunyonyi, where you can reflect on what is sure to be the highlight of your African adventure. The rest of your time here is at leisure, whilst the rest of our group completes their trek.
Day 6: Kampala
Location: Lake Bunyonyi, Kampala
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Lake Bunyonyi - Kampala. Leaving the mountain gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi behind, we return to Kampala, skirting around the northern edge of Lake Victoria. Our tour arrangements come to an end on arrival back in the city late afternoon / early evening.
Day 6: Kampala
Location: Kampala
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Lake Bunyonyi - Kampala. Leaving the mountain gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi behind, we return to Kampala, skirting around the northern edge of Lake Victoria. Our tour arrangements come to an end on arrival back in the city late afternoon / early evening.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Camping -
5 nights camping in 2-person dome tents
-
Escorted by a licensed 2-person crew
-
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 5 dinners
-
Transportation in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment
-
Sleeping mattress (you will need to bring your own sleeping bag)
-
All road tolls and vehicle taxes
-
Queen Elizabeth National Park chimpanzee trekking with expert guides (subject to payment of permits, see cost below)
-
Bwindi National Park gorilla trekking with expert guides (subject to payment of permits, see cost below)
What's Not Included
-
Non refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit: USD $700pp (or equivalent in your currency) - pay at time of booking in addition to the deposit
-
International flights and visas
-
Airport transfers - can be booked on request
-
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
-
Sleeping bag - please bring your own
-
Optional activities (prices listed in Trip Notes)
Check out our Q&As
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025
Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 08, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024Tuesday - Sunday
Dec 24, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024Tuesday - Sunday
Dec 31, 2024 - Jan 05, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jan 28, 2025 - Feb 02, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Feb 04, 2025 - Feb 09, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Mar 04, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Mar 25, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Apr 29, 2025 - May 04, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
May 20, 2025 - May 25, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
May 27, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jun 17, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jun 24, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Nov 04, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Dec 02, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Dec 09, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Dec 30, 2025 - Jan 04, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.