As seen on
Wildlife of Western Uganda Safari
Uganda
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Intermediate
Type:
Wildlife
Transfers
Duration:
11 Nights
4 - 11
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Chimpanzee Tracking at Budongo National Park
- Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Game drives in Murchison Falls & Queen Elizabeth Park
- Cruise the wildlife rich Kazinga Channel
- Explore the Nile on a safari boat cruise beneath Murchison Falls
- Stay in handpicked safari lodges chosen for their character, comfort and location including the beautiful Kyaninga Lodge
- Domestic flight from Bwindi to Entebbe is included
- Chimpanzee and Gorilla permits included in the adventure cost ($930)
Discover the wonderful wildlife of western Uganda with our small group safari
Standing face to face with a silverback gorilla is one of those rare experiences that stays with you long after the journey ends. The stillness of the forest, the quiet connection and the opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat is something few wildlife encounters can match.
Yet Uganda offers far more than gorillas alone.
Over twelve days, this journey explores the diverse landscapes of western Uganda, from the open savannahs of Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks to the dense rainforests of Bwindi and the crater lakes of the western highlands. Along the way, you'll track rhinos on foot, search for chimpanzees beneath the canopy of Budongo Forest and spend time on the Nile and Kazinga Channel, where wildlife gathers along the water's edge.
(Available as a small group tour or tailor-made holiday)
The scenery changes constantly. One day brings giraffes moving across open grasslands, the next follows winding roads through tea plantations and fertile hillsides. In the distance, the Rwenzori Mountains rise above the landscape, their cloud covered peaks giving rise to the name Mountains of the Moon.
Wildlife is only part of the story. Time spent in local communities offers an insight into daily life beyond the national parks, whilst conversations with guides, conservationists and local people provide a deeper understanding of the country and the challenges and successes of protecting its wildlife.
Throughout the journey, accommodation has been chosen not only for comfort but for its setting. Wake to views across the Nile, spend an evening overlooking a volcanic crater lake and fall asleep to the sounds of the forest on the edge of Bwindi.
Together, these experiences reveal a side of Uganda that goes well beyond its wildlife, offering a journey through landscapes, communities and ecosystems that remain largely unchanged by time.
If you would like to learn more about Gorilla conservation in Uganda, read our Journal post here.
Gorilla Permits
The cost of your gorilla trekking permit is included in the price of your adventure. To secure your permit, £650 (approximately US$800) of your £1,500 deposit is allocated towards the permit purchase once your booking is confirmed.
Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority on a first come, first served basis and availability can be limited, so we recommend booking as early as possible.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Transfer
Dinner
Guest house
Your adventure begins in Entebbe, set on the shores of Lake Victoria. Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your guesthouse just 10 minutes away, where you can unwind after your long journey. Cool off in the pool, enjoy the peaceful tropical gardens and settle into the slower pace of Uganda. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner surrounded by birdsong and lush greenery before your adventure begins.
Accommodation: Karibu Guest House
Day 2: Rhino Tracking & Murchison Falls National Park
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
Leaving Entebbe behind, travel north towards Murchison Falls National Park. Whilst today is one of the longer journeys of the adventure, it offers a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in Uganda. As you leave the bustle of Kampala behind, watch the scenery gradually transform into rolling countryside, bustling trading centres and colourful villages, providing a wonderful introduction to the country and its people.
Along the way, we will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience. Walking through the bush alongside experienced rangers offers a completely different perspective on wildlife and provides the opportunity to see rhinos on foot. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is home to Uganda's successful white rhino breeding programme and plays a vital role in returning rhinos to the country's protected areas. Beyond the rhinos, the sanctuary supports a variety of birdlife and other wildlife, making it a rewarding stop before we enjoy lunch and continue our journey.
This afternoon, arrive at Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest protected area and one of its most wildlife rich regions. Keep an eye out for baboons and other wildlife as you enter the park before settling into your safari lodge. Set beside the Nile, your safari tent offers a front row seat to the wilderness. As you unpack and settle in, you may spot hippos surfacing in the river or crocodiles basking along the banks, a fitting introduction to the remarkable wildlife that awaits over the coming days.
Accommodation: Twiga Safari Lodge
Day 3: Chimp Tracking in Budongo Forest & The Top of the Falls
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
An early start awaits as you head into Budongo Forest, one of Uganda's most important tropical forests and home to a thriving chimpanzee population. Accompanied by an expert guide and chimp trackers, venture beneath the forest canopy in search of our closest living relatives.
Chimpanzee tracking is a completely different experience to gorilla trekking. Long before you see them, you'll often hear them, their calls echoing through the forest as they move fast through the trees overhead. Once spotted, the excitement builds as they swing through the canopy, climbing, jumping and interacting with one another. The chimps rarely stay still for long, creating an energetic wildlife encounter that often has you weaving through dense vegetation and following the action deeper into the forest.
After your trek, enjoy lunch at Budongo Eco Lodge, a welcoming community focused lodge that also serves as a training centre for young Ugandans pursuing careers in hospitality and tourism.
Later, visit the dramatic top of Murchison Falls, one of Uganda's most spectacular natural wonders. Spilling over a deep escarpment at the northernmost tip of Africa’s Western Rift Valley, the Murchison Falls are an incredibly impressive powerful cascade of water forced through a narrow seven metre gap before plunging 45 metres below in a thunderous display of power. Feel the spray on your face and listen to the roar of the water as you take in the views from several different viewpoints overlooking the falls.
After an unforgettable day, return to the lodge for a well earned evening of relaxation beside the Nile.
Accommodation: Twiga Safari Lodge
Day 4: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on the Nile
Boat/Ferry
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
An early start is rewarded with one of the most magical times of day on safari. As the sun begins to rise over the savannah and the landscape slowly comes to life, head out across Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest national park and one of its most rewarding wildlife destinations. Watching the wilderness wake up around you is all part of the experience and often when wildlife is at its most active.
As the morning light spreads across the plains, search for elephants, giraffes, Jackson's hartebeest, lions, oribis, waterbucks and a wonderful variety of savannah birds. The park's open grasslands and scattered acacia trees provide excellent wildlife viewing, making this a fantastic introduction to Uganda's rich biodiversity.
After lunch, experience the park from a completely different perspective as you take to the water for a boat safari along the Nile. Watch hippos wallowing in the shallows, crocodiles basking along the riverbanks and elephants making their way down to drink from the river's edge. The cruise offers some of the closest wildlife encounters of the trip, with the ever present backdrop of the mighty Murchinson falls.
After another memorable day of wildlife viewing, return to your lodge and relax beside the river as the sounds of the African wilderness come to life around you.
Accommodation: Twiga Safari Lodge
Day 5: Journey to the Crater Lakes of Fort Portal
Breakfast
Dinner
Lodge
Today's journey takes you through rural Uganda, passing bustling communities, rolling farmland and endless banana plantations as you travel towards Fort Portal. Whilst it is one of the longer driving days of the adventure, it offers some beautiful scenery along the way.
Nestled beneath the legendary Rwenzori Mountains, often known as the Mountains of the Moon, Fort Portal is one of Uganda's most scenic regions. Your destination this evening is the beautiful Kyaninga Lodge, perched high above the crystal clear waters of Lake Kyaninga and widely regarded as one of Uganda's most spectacular lodges.
The long drive quickly fades from memory as you arrive and take in the breathtaking views across the crater lake towards the distant mountains. Famous for its handcrafted timber cabins, Kyaninga Lodge has one of the finest settings in the country.
After settling into your lodge, there is time to stretch your legs and explore the beautiful surroundings. Join a guided walk around the crater rim and through the nearby forest, taking in spectacular views of Lake Kyaninga, the rolling hills of Fort Portal and the Rwenzori Mountains beyond. The walk takes around ninety minutes and offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in this peaceful landscape.
Lake Kyaninga itself is one of the clearest crater lakes in Uganda. At over 220 metres deep, its mineral rich waters remain remarkably clear and free from algae. For those feeling adventurous, the lake is one of the few in Uganda considered safe for swimming, offering a refreshing way to cool off after a day on the road.
This evening, relax with a drink and swim overlooking the lake before enjoying dinner at one of Uganda's most memorable lodges.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge
Day 6: Through the Crater Lakes to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Wildlife
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
After several early starts, enjoy a slower morning with a leisurely breakfast overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Kyaninga. Take a moment to soak up the views and appreciate the peaceful surroundings before continuing your journey south.
Before heading to Queen Elizabeth National Park, we will stop at the beautiful Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve for a guided walk and picnic lunch. Established to protect the ancient forest surrounding the volcanic crater lake, Lake Nkuruba is one of the few crater lakes in the region to have retained its original forest habitat.
The reserve is rich in biodiversity and provides a sanctuary for a variety of birds and primates. Keep an eye out for the striking Great Blue Turaco, black and white colobus monkeys and the endangered Uganda red colobus, all of which call this beautiful forest home.
This afternoon, continue towards Queen Elizabeth National Park along one of Uganda's most scenic routes. The majestic Rwenzori Mountains rise to one side whilst the vast plains of the Rift Valley stretch out on the other. Along the way, we'll stop at the Equator line before arriving at Katara Lodge, beautifully positioned overlooking the national park with sweeping views across the savannah below.
As the day draws to a close, settle into your lodge and take in the remarkable surroundings. From your terrace, watch the changing colours of the landscape as the sun sets over the plains before enjoying an evening of stargazing beneath Uganda's vast night skies.
Accommodation: Katara Lodge
Day 7: Morning Game Drive & Boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
Today is all about experiencing the incredible wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park. After breakfast, head out on an early morning game drive as the savannah begins to stir with activity. With a packed breakfast on board, you'll spend the morning exploring the park's vast plains in search of lions, elephants, buffalo and a variety of antelope species, including the Uganda kob, whose grazing grounds often attract predators.
Beyond the larger mammals, Queen Elizabeth National Park is also a paradise for birdlife, with over 600 species recorded throughout the region. Every game drive brings something different, from close wildlife encounters to unexpected moments that make safari so rewarding.
After lunch, enjoy one of Uganda's most iconic wildlife experiences as you board a boat for a cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway links Lake Edward and Lake George and is renowned for supporting one of the highest concentrations of hippos in the world.
This is wildlife viewing at its closest. As you drift quietly along the channel, you'll find yourself remarkably close to hippos wallowing in the shallows, crocodiles basking along the banks and buffalo cooling off at the water's edge. Elephants frequently emerge from the bush to drink and bathe, whilst fish eagles, kingfishers and countless other bird species fill the reeds and shoreline. The proximity to the wildlife creates an experience that is both exhilarating and unforgettable.
As the afternoon light begins to soften, return to Katara Lodge and enjoy another evening overlooking the vast landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Accommodation: Katara Lodge
Day 8: Discovering Life in Katara Village
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
After several exciting days of wildlife encounters, today offers a slower pace and an opportunity to experience another side of Uganda.
This morning, join a guided walk through Katara Village, where you'll gain a fascinating insight into daily life within the local community.
One of the highlights of the walk is the opportunity to meet members of a local women's empowerment group. Spend time learning about their work, hearing their stories and gaining a deeper understanding of the important role they play within the community. These personal encounters often become some of the most memorable moments of a journey, offering a genuine connection to the people who call this remarkable landscape home.
Return to Katara Lodge in time for lunch before enjoying a relaxed afternoon at leisure. Take in the sweeping views across Queen Elizabeth National Park, unwind by the pool, enjoy a good book on your terrace or simply watch the wildlife and birdlife that frequent the surrounding landscape.
As the sun begins to set over the savannah, enjoy another peaceful evening at the lodge.
Accommodation: Katara Lodge
Day 9: Head south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
After breakfast, bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth National Park and begin your journey south towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.
The route takes you through the Ishasha sector of the national park, famous for its tree climbing lions. Keep your eyes peeled as you travel through this unique landscape, where lions are often spotted resting in the branches of large fig trees, a behaviour seen in only a handful of places across Africa.
As you continue towards Bwindi, the scenery begins to change dramatically. The open savannah gradually gives way to rolling hills, patchwork farmland and endless tea plantations. The roads climb steadily higher, winding through the lush countryside as anticipation builds for the extraordinary experience that awaits tomorrow.
Arriving in Bwindi, you'll immediately notice the cooler air and mist covered hills that give this region its magical atmosphere. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Take time to prepare your hiking gear, organise your day pack and enjoy a restful evening before what is, for many travellers, the defining moment of their Ugandan adventure.
Tomorrow, you'll come face to face with the gentle giants of Bwindi.
Accommodation: Haven Lodge Buhoma
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Transfer
Wildlife
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
Rise early and prepare for what is undoubtedly one of the world's most extraordinary wildlife encounters. After breakfast, you'll make your way to the national park base where you'll meet your guides, receive a briefing and be assigned a gorilla family to track.
The adventure begins as you set off into the dense rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The trek itself forms part of the experience. Following the signs left by the trackers ahead, you'll make your way through tangled vegetation, across forest slopes and beneath ancient trees as you search for one of the last remaining populations of mountain gorillas on Earth.
No two treks are ever the same. Some gorilla families may be found within a couple of hours, whilst others require a longer hike through the forest. The terrain can be steep, muddy and challenging in places, but every step becomes worthwhile when the moment finally arrives.
Standing face to face with a wild mountain gorilla is an experience that is difficult to put into words. Nothing quite prepares you for that first encounter. The stillness of the forest, the quiet connection and the privilege of observing these remarkable animals in their natural habitat creates a moment that stays with you for life.
For one unforgettable hour, you'll watch the gorilla family go about their daily lives. Youngsters tumble and play, mothers care for their infants and the mighty silverback calmly watches over the group. It is a deeply moving wildlife encounter and undoubtedly one of the greatest natural experiences on the planet.
After returning to the lodge and taking some time to rest, you'll enjoy a community visit where you'll meet local people and learn more about the conservation initiatives helping to protect both the gorillas and the communities that live alongside them. These inspiring projects provide a deeper understanding of the connection between conservation and local livelihoods in Bwindi.
This evening, return to the lodge to reflect on an extraordinary day and share stories with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Haven Lodge Buhoma
Day 11: Scenic Flight Back to Entebbe
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Guest house
After breakfast, transfer to Kihihi Airstrip for your scheduled flight back to Entebbe.
Whilst the flight is a practical way to return to the capital, it is also an experience in its own right. Rather than spending a full day travelling by road, you'll board a small bush plane and enjoy a spectacular aerial journey across Uganda's diverse landscapes.
As the aircraft climbs above the forests and hills of southwestern Uganda, enjoy sweeping views across the patchwork countryside, winding rivers and distant mountain ranges. On a clear day, you'll gain a real appreciation for the scale and beauty of the country you've spent the last ten days exploring. As you approach Entebbe, keep an eye out for the vast waters of Lake Victoria stretching towards the horizon.
Landing back in Entebbe, you'll be met and transferred to your guesthouse where the remainder of the day is yours to relax. With some free time this afternoon, you may wish to browse Entebbe's local craft markets, a wonderful place to find handmade souvenirs and gifts whilst supporting local artisans. Alternatively, settle into the peaceful surroundings of the guesthouse garden and take time to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past eleven days, from tracking chimpanzees and searching for wildlife on safari to the unforgettable encounter with Bwindi's mountain gorillas.
This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for one final group dinner.
Accommodation: Karibu Guest House
Day 12: Departure Day & Optional Mabamba Swamp Excursion
Transfer
Breakfast
After breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to Uganda as your adventure comes to an end.
For those with an afternoon or evening flight, we highly recommend extending your wildlife experience with an add on excursion to Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places in Africa to search for the elusive Shoebill Stork.
Located on the edge of Lake Victoria, Mabamba is a vast papyrus wetland rich in birdlife and recognised as one of Uganda's most important birding destinations. Travelling by traditional wooden boat through the winding channels of the swamp, you'll search for the prehistoric looking Shoebill, one of Africa's most sought after birds. Standing over a metre tall with its distinctive shoe shaped bill, seeing one in the wild is a memorable experience, even for those with little interest in birdwatching.
The swamp is also home to an abundance of other species, including African Jacanas, Lesser Jacanas, Pygmy Geese, Blue Breasted Bee Eaters and a variety of kingfishers, herons and egrets.
Adventure Optional Extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. Due to the lodges we use having cabin or tented accommodation that is twin/double, the single supplement is higher for this trip than you might expect. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is not available to book for part of the trip where it would have been possible.
Private Transfer - One Way Arrival (1 to 4 people)
If your flight schedules do not align with our group transfers (please refer to the essential info page for more information), you will need to arrange private transfers. Note that these transfers are one-way, so if you require them for both arrival and departure, please select two. After booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
Private Transfer - One Way Departure (1 to 4 people)
If your flight schedules do not align with our group transfers (please refer to the essential info page for more information), you will need to arrange private transfers. Note that these transfers are one-way, so if you require them for both arrival and departure, please select two. After booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
Pre/Post Tour night for 1 person B&B
Stay at Karibou Guest House or a similar hotel on a bed and breakfast basis before or after your adventure. Please note that if this hotel is unavailable, we may need to book an alternative property, so the rate provided is an estimate only.
Pre/Post Tour night for 2 people B&B
Stay at Karibou Guest House or a similar hotel on a bed and breakfast basis before or after your adventure. Please note that if this hotel is unavailable, we may need to book an alternative property, so the rate provided is an estimate only.
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- International flights & airport taxes
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips
- Visas
Contents
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice Responsible Tourism, using local hotels, owned and run by locals. We put time and effort into building our relationship with them to ensure you have a great trip.
We choose hotels based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra road travel), and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us. Some hotels will be basic, in modern buildings or in town centres. Wherever we can, we will choose smaller more characterful, individual hotels, but in areas where tourism is still developing, this may not be available. An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of modern Western lifestyles and to experience new things which are exciting and memorable, and reflects the countries we are visiting.
This is adventure travel and on occasion, the advertised services at a hotel (eg wifi, hot showers, or continuous power) may not be functional on our arrival. This tends to occur in the smaller, more remote hotels. Very rarely a hotel lets us down and we are required to find alternative suitable accommodation that might not be our first choice. This trip involves a range of guesthouses, eco safari lodges and thatched roof riverside tents
The list below gives information on our first choice of accommodation for this adventure; where hotels and hostels are fully booked or unavailable, we will use an alternative of a similar standard, and equally well situated. We will provide you with an accurate list of accommodations, with contact information to leave with relatives, prior to departure on your adventure.
Entebbe (Day 1, 2 & 14): Paypyrus Guesthouse or Via Via Guesthouse
Murchison Falls National Park (Day 3, 4 & 5): Sambiya River Lodge- cottage
Murchison Falls (Day 6): Rwenzori Guesthouse
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (Day 7 & 8): CTHPGorilla Conservation Camp
Bwindi Impenetrable (Day 9 & 10): Lake Chahafi Lodge or Lake Mulehe Lodge
Lake Bunyonyi (Day 11 & 12): Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Lake Mburo National Park (Day 13):Hyena Hill Lodge
Facilities
With the exception of some of the higher class hotels in Entebbe, hotels generally do not have heating or air conditioning. As nights can be chilly, please bring appropriate sleepwear if needed (see packing list for further information).
In areas where malaria is a problem, hotel rooms come with mosquito nets.
Unless you have booked a single room (where they are available) and paid the single room supplement for those nights, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
Solo travellers
If you are a solo traveller, please note you may encounter a single room supplement fee if you occupy a room with multiple beds. Hotels typically price their rooms based on double or twin occupancy and do not lower rates for single occupancy, especially on this adventure as a lot of the accommodation is in lodges. However, if you're open to sharing a room and we can successfully pair you with another solo traveller of the same sex, no supplement fee will be applied. Please note that we match people up on a first-come, first-served basis, and while we strive to accommodate everyone, we cannot guarantee availability. You can inform us if you would like to be matched with another traveller when you book and complete your advanced passenger information form.
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be an experienced, local, English speaking Ugandan guide with a good knowledge of the areas visited, and the wildlife that might be encountered. They will be joined by wildlife guides and Ugandan Wildlife Authority tracking experts for the tracking adventure (Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Golden Monkeys).
We work closely with our Ugandan Tour Operator partners both before and during your adventure to ensure that they understand your needs and the standard that YellowWood Adventures expects. We believe that it is a very important positive aspect of Responsible Tourism, to employ the expertise of local suppliers, as well as offering you a much more informative and authentic experience.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 12 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures the optimum level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you.
Am I fit enough?
This adventure is all about exploring the stunning National Parks of Western Uganda on foot, by road or by boat.
To get the most of out of this adventure, you need to be in good physical health, and enjoy walking as a way of exploring an area. Due to the potential conditions whilst tracking Gorillas, you need to be an experienced hiker used to walking on uneven surfaces, on gradients that will be steep at times, and in conditions that may be muddy and rainy. You will be carrying a day pack and bottle of water, packed lunch and spare clothing when tracking.
Waterproof walking boots are more appropriate for this trip than walking shoes or hard and heavy walking boots. Please see our packing list for more information.
Please note that you need to have an open mind to adventure travel, and experiencing different cultures to your own, first hand.
Health
For general information on health issues in Uganda, please see the general information on Uganda, however, for this specific adventure, the following points are worth separate consideration.
Yellow Fever
Under International Health Regulations (2005), a certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required from all travellers aged 1 year or over.
You must have your Yellow Fever Certificate before applying for your Uganda e-visa.
Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes which predominantly feed between dawn and dusk, but may also bite at night, especially in the jungle environment. Symptoms may be absent or mild, but can be much more severe.
For more information please see here: Yellow Fever - Uganda
Malaria
Malaria is a potentially serious parasitic infection transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. In humans the disease is caused by five different species of the Plasmodium parasite. Malaria is widely distributed throughout tropical regions of the world including in parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Oceania. Malaria is preventable and curable if diagnosed and treated promptly.
Choice of malaria prevention tablets depends on the malaria species common in the area to be visited and whether there is resistance to any of the available drugs. Certain drugs may not be suitable for certain individuals due to existing medical problems or interactions with their regular medication.
For more information please see here: Malaria - Uganda
Altitude
The highest altitude that you will be experiencing is at around 3669m which can be difficult for people coming from lower altitudes.
While we do our best to create an itinerary that allows for some time for acclimatising, altitude affects everyone differently, and to varying degrees. If you experience any of the following symptoms during this adventure, make sure to inform your guide and they will support you in descending to a lower altitude as soon as possible.
• Headache
• Fatigue or weakness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Excessive shortness of breath
• Persistent rapid pulse
• Peripheral oedema (swelling of feet, hands or face)
Travel
Airport & Arrival and Departure Info
Your YellowWood adventure starts at the airport in Entebbe on the start day of the trip.
Included in the cost of your adventure is a group transfer to and from the airport.
Group transfers are only available on the official start and end dates of the trip. Arriving or departing on any other days means group transfers will not be included. If you plan to arrive before or after the adventure dates and need assistance with transfers or accommodation, please add these services when booking, or contact us directly to make the arrangements.
Once you have made a booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
You are also welcome to book your travel independently, and we will provide clear instructions on how to meet the group at the designated time and location at the start of your trip.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool such as www.momondo.co.uk or www.skyscanner.net when searching for flights. We will send you a Flight Information Sheet with further pointers on which flights to book for your adventure.
Travel by road in Uganda
In order to benefit from the natural and undisturbed beauty of the National Parks in Western Uganda, we need to be prepared to travel some distance, by road, to reach our destinations on this adventure. There are several days (Day 3, 6, 7 and 13) where you will be in private transport (minibus) travelling long distances. The roads are not always in great condition and the journey may be hot and dusty at times. However this is very much part of the adventure, and a wonderful opportunity to absorb the ambiance of East Africa, so we ask you to embrace the travel days, as without it, we would not be able to access the remote areas we then enjoy.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. As the situation in our destination countries can change, please do ensure you check regularly before your adventure. We also receive notifications direct from the FCO so we are always aware of the ‘status’ in our destination countries.
E Visa
A single entry visa is required to enter Uganda. Applications can be done online via the link: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately, anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend arranging your insurance cover when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered.
YellowWood partners with battleface as a travel insurance provider. Click here for a quote.
battleface insurance is provided in the UK by battleface Insurance Services Limited, a UK insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details provided on this webpage are for information only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Always read the description of cover contained within your policy to ensure it is suitable for your needs.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hour emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
You must ensure the travel insurance you purchase provides you with suitable cover for the entirety of your trip. Your travel insurance must include cover in the event that you have to cancel for a reason outside your control prior to departure, for any medical expenses you may incur whilst away (including repatriation in the case of medical need) and for the activities which you may participate in during your trip.
General Information on Uganda
For information on Uganda, such as climate, weather, language, social norms, food & drink etc, please have a read of our Country specific information.
Gorilla Permits
To make sure you can go gorilla trekking during your adventure, there's an extra fee of $800 per person for the gorilla permit. This fee isn't included in the initial adventure cost and needs to be added on as an extra when you book. The permits are issued by the UWA on a first-come, first-served basis. So, it's essential to book your holiday well in advance to ensure we can secure a permit for you.
Your £1,500 deposit includes a downpayment of £650 or $800 for your adventure. This downpayment is set aside to buy your permit once your departure is confirmed.
Chimpanzee and monkey permits
The cost of your adventure is inclusive of the Chimpanzee and monkey permits which is $230 in total please note the Gorilla Permits are separate to this.
Reviews
Jeremy
Amazing Western Uganda Trip…
I really enjoyed my 14 days in Western Uganda trip. It had an excellent mix of wildlife, culture and geography. The mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys and safari hikes and drives were amazing. It was a very good itinerary. Communication with YellowWood Adventures was quick and straight forward even though I was of a last minute addition from Canada. The trip information on their site was accurate and informative. The guide picked for this tour was excellent. He was knowledgeable, a good communicator and very well organized.
Wildlife of Western Uganda Safari January 2024
Christine
Uganda Adventure
I have been to a lot of places around the world But this is the first time I have been on such an Adventure. This was so well thought out and balanced each day. Although I am older I managed to accomplish all the climbs. The guide team was the most organised, patient, and made sure I achieved my potential. The Ugandan people were so friendly and hospitable. Before the holiday I spoke to Sam McManus several times who answered the most trivial of questions very positively. So thank you for a most rewarding experience.
Wildlife of Western Uganda Safari January 2024
Lisanne
Uganda Trip January 2024
The trip to Uganda was extremely well organised and thought out with a great variety of activities to cover a wide range of interests!! The on-the-ground team was very helpful and reliable and so was the organisation and assistance prior to the trip. I would absolutely recommend booking a trip with Yellowwood to Uganda!
Wildlife of Western Uganda Safari Jan 2024
Nitish
Incredible adventure off the beaten path, with wildlife, landscapes and local communities
This is my third trip with YellowWood (previously Iran and Ethiopia) and I can't wait for the next one! A truly amazing adventure exploring Uganda - from the highlight of seeing chimps and gorillas, to interacting with local communities and staying in some gorgeous places, YellowWood again lived up to billing. It was a sensitively planned itinerary, with lots of time to see animals but also experience other things that Uganda has to offer e.g. hiking. YellowWood has a nack of picking incredible local guides and this made the experience even more engaging and memorable. Communication from the team throughout was great, and as always, appreciate Sam taking the time to call ahead of the trip, and Emma for her work on logistics.
Wildlife of Western Uganda Safari Jan 2024
Please take into consideration the time of year when you are travelling before making your final packing decisions.
Please bring a full first aid kit and any prescription medication with you. Consult your doctor regarding advice around inoculations and the prevention of disease contraction.
Receive a 15% discount off Water-to-Go filtration water-bottles to help reduce plastic waste.
Compulsory
- US$ or £GB to exchange for local currency
- Passport & Insurance Documents
- Debit card (limited access to ATMs)
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Quality Insect repellent
- Prescription medication & antibiotics such as Azithromycin to stop serious traveller's diarrhoea
- Flannel & Towel (ideally quick drying travel towel)
- Washbag & usual contents - small travel bottles please! Biodegradable multi purpose soap can be used for washing clothes & self.
- Toilet kit: toilet roll, wet wipes & ziplock bags for carrying paper out. Biodegradable wet wipe brands: Cannymum, Close Pop & Travel Buddy
- Fully charged power pack
Items for Hiking
- 20-30L rucksack with waist (& ideally chest) strap
- Rucksack or duffel bag for main luggage (no hard suitcases)
- Water-to-Go filtration water-bottle & additional storage water-bottle - ideally 2 litres per person
- Waterproof walking boots (for ankle support) - already broken in!
- Torch with spare batteries
- Waterproof stuff sacks & liners to keep kit dry. Esp. important for sleeping bags & spare clothes
- Sunglasses & high factor sun cream
- Sun hat or baseball cap
Clothing
- Socks & underwear for city sections & for trekking
- Suitable clothes/pjs for sleeping in (consider need to nip out of tent for wee in the night!). Thermal base layers are ideal when camping & also useful if you get cold weather.
- Light clothes for day time - long & short sleeved tops. NB technical fabrics dry quickly in hot or wet weather when hiking.
- Waterproof Jacket (GoreTex or similar quality)
- Waterproof trousers for trekking / camping.
- Walking trousers for trekking / camping. Soft shell fabric is ideal.
- Warm jacket & fleece - even in the summer temperatures can be sub zero at night. Down or synthetic insulated jacket & light fleece recommended.
- Shorts for warmer days
- Flips, sandals or trainers for around camp
- Lightweight waterproof trousers
- Waterproof stuff sacks for small items
- Warm hat & gloves
- Buff or neck gaiter for cold weather / sun protection. Light scarf useful for church visits
Optional
- Inflatable pillow, or pillowcase you can stuff with spare clothes - adds comfort to camping
- Silk or thermal sleeping bag liner if you feel the cold
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Phone & charging cables / plug
- Power Adaptor - Type G
- Purification tablets as alternative to Aquapure Traveller Water Purification Bottle
- Money belt
- Ear plugs (in case sharing with a snorer!)
- Head torch & batteries / charger
- Universal sink plug (eg lifeventure, solotrek or muzitao brands)
- Telescopic walking poles: great for alleviating knee pain / preventing ITB issues etc. They can be as cheap as £15 & your guide can help you learn how to use them.
- Swimming Costume (small pool at Monarch Hotel may have water in!)
- Eucalyptus oil - we have it on good authority that this can deter fleas which are common in Uganda
- Spare ziplock bags for dirty clothes, waterproofing phones, rubbish & general organising
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
CLICK HERE to schedule a call online with YellowWood Founder Sam McManus.
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