How physically demanding is gorilla trekking in Bwindi?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest involves hiking through dense forest on steep slopes. The terrain can be challenging, and participants need to be reasonably fit. The time spent tracking gorillas varies from as little as half an hour to as much as 8–9 hours. Long sleeves, trousers and robust walking boots are essential. Porters are available to carry your shoulder pack.

How long is the Primates of Uganda tour?

The tour runs for 12 days, departing from and returning to Entebbe.

Are flights included in Uganda tour packages?

International flights are not included. Contact us for expert advice and a competitive flights quote.

What meals are included on Uganda holidays?

Most meals are included throughout the tour as listed in the day-by-day itinerary. Drinks and items of a personal nature are not included.

UgandaFrom £5,495

Uganda Tours & Holidays

Uganda holidays bring you face to face with mountain gorillas, tree-climbing lions and the source of the Nile. Few African countries pack this much wildlife into one journey.

Best timeJuly, Aug, Dec, Feb
Time zoneUTC+3 (East Africa Time)
CurrencyUgandan Shilling (UGX)
LanguageEnglish & Swahili (official)
Travel styleSmall group / Tailor-made
TransportPrivate overland vehicle
VisaVisa required for most nationalities.

Overview

An introduction to Uganda

Uganda is one of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife destinations, known for mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and rare tree-climbing lions. From the source of the Nile near Entebbe to the forests of Bwindi, the country combines rainforest, lakes and savannah with some of Africa’s most memorable wildlife experiences.

Our Uganda tour packages travel from Entebbe through Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Highlights include rhino tracking, chimpanzee trekking, a Kazinga Channel cruise, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and a mountain gorilla trek. Tours finish with Lake Mburo National Park and a stop at the equator before returning to Entebbe. Both small group tours and tailor-made Uganda holidays are available.

Explore

Uganda

Our journeys

Tours in Uganda

Small-group departures led by local experts, plus private tailor-made itineraries shaped around your interests, pace and dates.

Primates of Uganda

Uganda is known as one of the most stunning countries in Africa, and with good reason. On this Uganda small group tour we visit some of its most beautiful areas in search of incredible wildlife, much of which has long since disappeared from the rest of the continent. From the bustling capital Kampala, we see the source of the Nile and then head north via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Murchison Falls National Park to search for elephant, lion and buffalo on game drives, then search for chimpanzees in the Kibale Forest. From there we head to the spectacular Queen Elizabeth National Park, with its plains, forest, swamps and lakes – a wide diversity of landscapes means that wildlife viewing here is varied. But the highlight of this trip is perhaps one of the highlights of all of Africa – tracking a family of gorillas in their natural habitat through the forests of Bwindi National Park. Make no mistake; this is a truly astonishing wildlife experience that will leave you lost for words.

From

£5,495

All tours

Why visit

What makes Uganda worth the journey

A place apart

Gorillas, Chimps & Lions in One Journey

Uganda is the only destination where you can track mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and tree-climbing lions on a single small group tour.

Gorilla Permits Included

All Uganda tour packages include gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest — no hidden extras or surprise costs on arrival.

Small Groups, Big Experiences

Tours run with a maximum of 12 people, keeping every wildlife encounter intimate, unhurried and low-impact.

Full Country, One Route

The itinerary spans Uganda from Murchison Falls in the north to Bwindi in the southwest, taking in every major national park along the way.

See itineraries

Next departure to Uganda

Primates of Uganda

27 Aug 2026Guaranteed departurefrom £5,495 pp

View tour

Highlights

The highlights of Uganda

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Hike through dense forest to track mountain gorillas on foot in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest — one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters in Africa.

Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary

Walk with a ranger to find southern white rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary — the only place in Uganda where they can be seen in the wild.

Murchison Falls Nile Cruise

Cruise upstream on the Victoria Nile to the base of the thundering Murchison Falls, passing hippos, crocodiles and prolific birdlife along the way.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

Explore the lush rainforest of Kibale in search of wild chimpanzees, alongside red-tailed monkeys and black and white colobus monkeys.

Tree-Climbing Lions at Ishasha

Drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park to spot lions lounging in fig trees — a rare and iconic sight found almost nowhere else in Africa.

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Cruise the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park for close encounters with hippos, buffalo and some of the park's remarkable birdlife.

Chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge

Trek into Kyambura Gorge for a second chance at chimpanzee tracking in a dramatic forested ravine within Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Lake Mburo National Park

Take a boat cruise and morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park, watching for crocodiles, antelopes and the elusive African finfoot.

Source of the Nile & the Equator

See the source of the Nile near Entebbe and stop at the equator on the return journey — two iconic landmarks on a single Uganda tour.

Uganda rewards travellers who slow down — the best stories are found off the tour-bus route.

From the field

When to go

Picking the right season for your trip

Sweet spot: Jul

Our Uganda tour departures are scheduled in July, August, December and February, when conditions are generally best for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing. The drier months of July and August usually mean easier trekking trails and better game viewing around water sources, while December and February offer greener landscapes, fewer visitors and good overall safari conditions. Weather in Uganda can still be unpredictable, especially in rainforest areas like Kibale and Bwindi, so lightweight clothing and waterproof layers are always recommended.

Live weather

Uganda

Tours departing in this window

Primates of UgandaNext departure 5 Jul 2027 · from £5,495

From the journal

Stories from the region

Dispatches, field notes and practical advice from our specialists.

All stories

Algeria Desert and History Group Tour Review

Africa

Algeria Desert and History Group Tour – April 2026 Trip Review

Emma Holmes·1 May 2026

Africa

Hidden Travel Gems: 5 Unique Destinations Beyond the Tourist Trail

For the adventurous traveller, the world still holds countless hidden gems — destinations where unspoiled nature, rich cultural heritage, and unique experiences await. If you're looking to step away from the typical tourist trails in 2025, we've handpicked five off-the-beaten-track destinations that promise breathtaking landscapes, intriguing histories, and immersive cultural encounters. From the remote islands of the Indian Ocean to the heart of West Africa, these destinations are craving to be explored.

Jim Louth·1 May 2026

Africa

A Traveler’s Guide to the Enchanting Benin Voodoo Festival

Every January, the coastal town of Ouidah comes alive with the Benin Voodoo Festival — a UNESCO-recognized celebration of Vodun heritage drawing 40,000 visitors to witness ancient trance ceremonies, masked spirit processions, and offerings to ancestors.

Jim Louth·15 Jul 2025

Voices from the road

What travellers say about us

Reviews from across our small-group programme. Independently rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ travellers.

“Jason was very helpful and the booking process was quick and easy. UD offers itineraries that many competitors do not. I thoroughly enjoyed both trips I've taken with them. While they may not suit everyone, I have happily recommended the Senegal tour to fellow travellers.”

Bernice Hird

“Excellent customer service, reliable itineraries and ability to solve local issues when they arise”

Gustavo Musto

Uruguay

“I like the small size of groups, the range of destinations and excellent itineraries. This is my third holiday with your company and I have found your itineraries really good.”

Traveller from the UK

“London to Istanbul by train - great trip from concept to execution. Very glad to have participated. Mark was an excellent and empathetic leader. ”

Ken Nathanson

Hong Kong

“Excellent company to book with. Complex tour mostly delivered as per itinerary with professional and pleasant local representatives. ”

Adam Choonara

“Jason was outstanding, patiently answering my many questions about the Senegal trip, particularly regarding accessibility. He was professional, supportive, warm and friendly, giving me the confidence to book. I truly appreciate his exceptional service and support.”

Ramnit Bassi

“Undiscovered Destinations is able to find wonderful support staff and will go to the far corners of the earth.”

Patricia Taylor

“This is my third trip with UD and all have been first rate. ”

Judith Hoyle

“I am very satisfied with every trip that I have doe with you since you match my interests in culture and tribal peoples.”

Eric Ferkins

“Jason was incredibly helpful and efficient in getting us booked last minute on this trip when our trip with another company was cancelled with no notice.”

Sarah Keir

Can’t find the right fit?

Every one of our Uganda journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.

Tailor my trip

Gallery

Scenes from Uganda

Tap any image

Tailor-made journeys

Didn’t find your
perfect Uganda trip?

We’ll build one around you.

Our bespoke Uganda travel packages are built around your pace and interests. Whether you want more time for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, additional gorilla permits in Bwindi, a longer stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park or a private game drive in the Ishasha sector for tree-climbing lions, we can tailor every element. Tailor-made Uganda holidays can be extended to include Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in whatever combination suits you, with private guiding and accommodation chosen to match your style. Contact our team to start planning your private Uganda trip.

Your dates

Travel when it suits you

Private group

Just you, family or friends

Your pace

Linger longer, skip the rest

Bespoke extras

Private guides, rare access

Start planning your trip Speak to a specialist

Typical reply within 3 working days · No obligation · Trusted by travellers since 2004

How it works

1Tell us what you have in mind
2We build an itinerary + quote
3Refine until it feels right

Est. 2004

20+ years of
bespoke travel

Questions, answered

Planning a trip to Uganda?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest involves hiking through dense forest on steep slopes. The terrain can be challenging, and participants need to be reasonably fit. The time spent tracking gorillas varies from as little as half an hour to as much as 8–9 hours. Long sleeves, trousers and robust walking boots are essential. Porters are available to carry your shoulder pack.

Before you go

Essential information

Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.

Foreign Office travel advice

We follow the travel advice issued by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). You can view the latest guidance here UK Foreign Travel Advice. There are currently no warnings against travel to the areas of Uganda visited on this tour. We monitor official advice continuously and will contact clients directly if any updates affect their trip. Non-British nationals should check the latest advice issued by their own government.