Gorillas, Chimps & Nile River - 9 days
Gorillas, Chimps & Nile River - 9 days
Gorillas, Chimps & Nile River - 9 days
9 Days Starting in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda and ending in Jinja, Uganda
Visiting: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi National Park, Kampala, Jinja
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2728/GCNR
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
18-75
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a thrilling 9-day adventure through Uganda with the "Gorillas, Chimps & Nile River" tour. Begin your journey in the lush Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you'll trek through the forest in search of chimpanzees. Continue to Bwindi National Park for an unforgettable encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Relax by the serene Lake Bunyonyi, surrounded by rolling hills and vibrant greenery. Conclude your expedition in Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa, where you can partake in optional activities like white-water rafting or contribute to a local school initiative. Throughout the tour, enjoy camping in scenic locations, escorted by a licensed crew, and travel in a comfortable overland truck. This small group safari tour promises an immersive experience in Uganda's breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Name: Simba Safari Camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Kampala - Queen Elizabeth National Park. Departing Kampala, we cross the Equator again 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. The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Kampala the day before your tour. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information.
Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Name: Simba Safari Camp
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 of Day 2 and afternoon of Day 2 or morning of Day 3.
Day 3-5: Bwindi National Park
Location: Bwindi National Park
Accommodation Name: Bunyonyi Overland Resort (Camp)
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: Kampala
Accommodation Name: Red Chilli Hideaway
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Bunyonyi - Kampala. Leaving the mountain gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi behind, we return to Kampala, skirting around the northern edge of Lake Victoria. There is time this evening for you to head into the city and explore, meet the locals or try some of the local cuisine if you wish.
Day 7-8: Jinja
Location: Jinja
Accommodation Name: Nile River Explorers Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kampala - Jinja. Day 7 we take a short drive today as we make our way to Jinja, a city in southern Uganda on the banks of Lake Victoria, source of the River Nile. From here, the river flows for 5,584km, through 11 countries. It enters the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt, having provided life to millions and millions of people and animals on its journey!
Our campsite is beside the Nile, and there are numerous optional activities you can enjoy. Quad biking, white water rafting, Nile cruises, fishing trips and mountain biking are some of the options. You also have the opportunity to visit a local school initiative. Lend a hand with some painting, plastering or other labour to help improve the local schools around Jinja.
Day 8 is free to relax and take in the beauty of Jinja or alternatively, enjoy one of the optional activities on offer. Try the 'white-water' rafting for an adrenaline rush.
Day 9: Jinja
Location: Jinja
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today marks the last day of our tour, we retrace our steps back to Kampala in the late afternoon where our tour ends.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Camping -
8 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 8 dinners
Enjoy 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 8 dinners during your tour.
-
8 nights camping in 2-person dome tents
Stay for 8 nights in 2-person dome tents while camping.
-
Escorted by a licensed 2-person crew
The tour is escorted by a licensed 2-person crew.
-
Transportation in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment
Travel in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking equipment.
-
Sleeping mattress
A sleeping mattress is provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.
-
All road tolls and vehicle taxes
All road tolls and vehicle taxes are included in the tour.
-
Queen Elizabeth National Park chimpanzee trekking with expert guides
Go trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of chimpanzees with expert guides, subject to payment of permits.
-
Bwindi National Park gorilla trekking with expert guides
Embark on a memorable trek to see endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park with expert guides, subject to payment of permits.
What's Not Included
-
Sleeping bag
Please bring your own sleeping bag.
-
Airport transfers
Airport transfers are not included but can be booked on request.
-
Non refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit
The non-refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit costs USD $935 per person and must be paid at the time of booking in addition to the deposit.
-
International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour.
-
Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
-
Optional activities
Optional activities are not included and prices are listed in the Trip Notes.
Accommodation
Experience the beauty of Uganda with stays at Simba Safari Camp, Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Red Chilli Hideaway, and Nile River Explorers Camp. Enjoy panoramic views, shared facilities, and relax at bars and restaurants after a day of adventure. Each location offers unique access to Uganda's stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Age Policy
18 and over. Anyone over 65 to complete a Tour Suitability Form.Maximum age 75.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking gear. The journey includes all road tolls and vehicle taxes, ensuring a smooth ride through Uganda's breathtaking landscapes. Please bring your own sleeping bag for the camping experience.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, chimpanzees, and over 500 species of birds. The park is known for its increasing wildlife populations due to effective protection efforts.
-
How long will the gorilla trekking take in Bwindi National Park?
The gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 or 7 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. A decent level of fitness is required as the trek involves hiking through the steamy jungle.
-
What activities are available in Jinja?
In Jinja, you can enjoy a variety of optional activities such as quad biking, white water rafting, Nile cruises, fishing trips, and mountain biking. You also have the opportunity to visit a local school initiative and help with tasks like painting and plastering.
-
What is the age policy for this tour?
The age policy for this tour is 18 and over. Anyone over 65 is required to complete a Tour Suitability Form, and the maximum age for participants is 75.
-
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 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 - Wednesday
Dec 31, 2024 - Jan 08, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Jan 28, 2025 - Feb 05, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 05, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Mar 04, 2025 - Mar 12, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Mar 25, 2025 - Apr 02, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Apr 29, 2025 - May 07, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
May 20, 2025 - May 28, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
May 27, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Jun 17, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Jun 24, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Nov 04, 2025 - Nov 12, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 19, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Dec 02, 2025 - Dec 10, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Dec 09, 2025 - Dec 17, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Dec 30, 2025 - Jan 07, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD 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.