6 DAYS OF TREKKING WITH GORILLAS AND RAFTING THE NILE IN UGANDA
QUICK FACTS
Length of trip: 6 days
Countries visited: Uganda
Season: April (the trekking permits are half off during rainy season!)
Budget: $$
Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda
Flights arrive to Entebbe, about an hour from Kampala. We got in late so decided to stay near the airport at the budget hotel Marphie Hotel. If you have time, head into Kampala for the afternoon and stay at the Kabira Country Club.
Day 2: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
We arranged our tour with Lifetime Experience Safaris Ltd, who booked everything for us. They need to buy the trekking permits in advance because there are a limited number for each location every day. You will need to stay near the location of your permit to enter the park.
They picked us up from the hotel for an early start and we began the 10 hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable forest. On the way, we stopped at the equator marker to stand with a foot in each hemisphere.
Stay: Buhoma Community Lodge
Day 3: Gorilla Trek
The next morning our guide drove us to the park entrance to begin the trek. We had to walk a few hours before we found the group of gorillas. Once you see the gorillas, the group is allowed 1 hour with the amazing animals.
Stay: Buhoma Community Lodge
Day 4: Return to Kampala, Uganda
The next morning we began the long trip back to Kampala.
Dinner: Try Mediterreaneo for dinner. It’s great Italian food in a beautiful restaurant!
Stay: Kabira Country Club
Day 5: Rafting on the Nile
Organize a rafting trip on the Nile with Nile River Explorers. They will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and drive you out to Jinja to begin the trip.
Stay: With your booking you can add a stay at the Explorers River Camp overlooking the water.
Day 6: Jinja to Entebbe Airport
The lodge runs shuttles from Jinja to Entebbe Airport several times daily.
HELPFUL HINTS
Packing: Bring long pants, high socks, and hiking boots for the trek. You need to tuck your pants into your socks to avoid the safari ants during the hike. We also recommend a rain jacket and hiking boots because the forest can be wet and difficult to walk through.