As seen on
Uganda: A Hosted Women’s Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Journey
Uganda
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Intermediate
Type:
Wildlife
Transfers
Duration:
11 Nights
4 - 10
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- Stay in beautiful eco lodges in incredible settings
- Travel solo, together: Maximum 10 women
- Gorilla & chimp permits + internal flight included
- 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
- Search for Ishasha’s tree climbing lions
- Explore Mabamba Swamp
Gorillas, wildlife, beautiful lodges and a small group of women to share it all with, hosted throughout by YellowWood.
Uganda is one of those countries that tends to stay with you. The wildlife is extraordinary, but so are the journeys between the national parks, the people you meet along the way and the places you get to call home for a night or two.
This adventure has been created specifically for women who want to experience Uganda without having to travel there alone. With no more than ten women in the group, it is small and relaxed, and hosted throughout by Tessa, our Uganda specialist, alongside an experienced local guide who knows the country inside out.
Over twelve days, the journey travels through western Uganda, tracking rhinos on foot, looking for chimpanzees beneath the canopy of Budongo Forest and exploring the savannahs of Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. There are boat journeys along the Nile and Kazinga Channel too, watching for elephants, hippos and the extraordinary birdlife gathered along the banks.
The gorillas are truly the highlight. You’ll head into Bwindi Forest with expert trackers and spend time with one of the gorilla families that live here. No two treks are quite the same and there is no knowing exactly how the day will unfold, which is very much part of the experience.
The drives between the parks are part of the trip too. Uganda is incredibly green and as you travel west, open savannah gradually gives way to crater lakes, farmland, tea plantations and forest. On a clear day you may see the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance. There is also time to visit local communities and get a better sense of life away from the national parks.
The accommodation on this trip is particularly special. Rather than larger safari hotels, we’ve chosen smaller lodges for their setting, character and the way they work with their surroundings and local communities. You’ll stay beside the Nile, overlook a volcanic crater lake and spend nights surrounded by the wilderness of Ishasha and the forest around Bwindi. They are places you’ll genuinely look forward to coming back to at the end of the day, with enough time in the itinerary to actually enjoy being there.
And if you’re thinking about this trip but don’t have someone to come with, that’s really the point. You’ll be travelling with a small group of no more than ten women, with Tessa and our local team there throughout. There’ll be hosted dinners, evenings swapping stories over a drink around the fire pit after a day out. And, of course, plenty of space to soak in your surroundings.
Watch our webinar to discover what it’s like to travel with YellowWood Adventures in Uganda.
Before You Book
The cost of your gorilla & chimp trekking permits are included in the price of your adventure. To secure your permits, £650 (approximately US$800) of your £1,200 ($ 1,500 USD) 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.
Prices are based on two people sharing a twin room. If you’re travelling on your own, we can pair you with another woman in the group. If you would prefer your own room, a single supplement is available.
Please note that this adventure includes a particularly high standard of accommodation, including luxury lodges and wilderness camps in some of Uganda’s most beautiful and remote locations. As a result, the single supplement is higher than on some of our other adventures.
Watch our webinar to discover what it’s like to travel with YellowWood Adventures in Uganda
Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe and Meet Your Group
Transfer
Dinner
Guest house
Your journey begins in Entebbe, on the shores of Lake Victoria. When you arrive, a member of our local team will be waiting to welcome you at the airport and take you straight to Karibu Guest House.
Set amongst tropical gardens, Karibu is a lovely, relaxed place to arrive after a long journey. There’s time to settle into your room, have a swim in the pool or simply find a quiet spot in the garden and take it all in.
Tessa will be there to welcome the group, and this evening you’ll come together for your first dinner. It’s a chance to meet the women you’ll be travelling with, get to know Tessa and hear a little about what lies ahead over the next twelve days.
Accommodation: Karibu Guest House
Day 2: Rhino Tracking & Journey to Murchison Falls National Park
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
Leaving Entebbe behind, travel north towards Murchison Falls National Park. Today is one of the longer drives of the trip, but there is plenty to see along the way. Once you’re beyond Kampala, the roads take you through rolling countryside, busy trading centres, farmland and villages, giving you your first proper look at everyday life in Uganda.
Along the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll head out on foot with experienced rangers to track white rhinos through the bush. Being on foot makes this a very different wildlife experience, and your rangers will tell you more about the sanctuary’s breeding programme and the work being done to return rhinos to Uganda’s protected areas. Afterwards, stop for lunch before continuing north.
Later this afternoon, enter Murchison Falls National Park and make your way to the top of the falls. Here, the Nile is squeezed through a gorge just seven metres wide before crashing into the river below. You’ll have time to walk around the viewpoint, feel the spray and take in just how much water is being forced through such a small gap.
From here, continue to Twiga Safari Lodge beside the Nile. After a long day on the road, settle in, grab a drink and enjoy the surroundings. Keep an eye on the river for hippos and crocodiles, and don’t be too surprised if you spot a hippo wandering through the lodge gardens after dark.
Accommodation: Twiga Safari Lodge
Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Safari on the Nile
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
Rise early for your first full safari, heading out with a ranger across the northern bank of the Nile as the park begins to wake up. The cooler morning hours are often when wildlife is at its most active, so it’s worth the early start.
Travel through open grasslands, scattered acacia trees and riverine woodland, looking for elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi and waterbuck, with a good chance of seeing lions too. Your guide and Tessa will help you spot the things that are easily missed, from tracks in the road to movement in the grass, and explain more about the animals and their behaviour as you go.
After lunch, leave the safari vehicle behind and head out onto the Nile by boat. This is a much slower way to explore the park, drifting past pods of hippos, crocodiles resting along the banks and elephants and other wildlife coming down to the water to drink. Keep your binoculars nearby too, as the river is particularly good for birdlife.
There’s something very relaxing about spending the afternoon on the water after a morning out on the plains. Afterwards, return to Twiga Safari Lodge, with time for a drink and a relaxed evening beside the Nile.
Accommodation: Twiga Safari Lodge
Day 4: Chimpanzees of Budongo and the Road to Fort Portal
Boat/Ferry
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
Early this morning you head into Budongo Forest with an experienced guide and trackers in search of chimpanzees.
Walking beneath the forest canopy is very different from safari on the open plains. Your guide will help you understand the forest around you, pointing out other primates, birds and signs of wildlife as the trackers work to locate the chimpanzees.
Often you'll hear the chimps before you see them, their calls carrying through the forest as they move through the trees. Once found, you can spend up to an hour observing them as they feed, groom, care for their young and move through the canopy.
After the trek, stop for an early lunch at Café Budongo before beginning the journey south towards Fort Portal.
This is one of the longer drives of the trip, taking around seven to eight hours, but it also reveals another side of Uganda. Pass small villages, banana plantations and agricultural communities as the landscape becomes progressively greener towards Fort Portal and the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Travelling in a group of just 10 means these journeys become part of the experience too. There is time to talk, watch life unfolding outside the window and see the country between its national parks rather than simply flying over it.
After a long day, arriving at Kyaninga Lodge is quite a reward. Perched high above the deep blue waters of Lake Kyaninga, it’s a beautiful place to slow down for a couple of nights. Settle in with a drink, stretch your legs or take a swim overlooking the crater lake before coming together for dinner.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge
Day 5: Crater Lakes and a Slower Day Together
Breakfast
Dinner
Lodge
After several busy days, today is deliberately slower, with time to enjoy the crater lake country around Fort Portal and make the most of Kyaninga Lodge.
Head out this morning to explore some of the region’s volcanic crater lakes, surrounded by green hills, farmland and small villages. It’s a completely different landscape from the open plains of Murchison, and a lovely area to explore at an easier pace.
Back at the lodge, the rest of the day is yours. Lake Kyaninga is one of Uganda’s clearest crater lakes and one of the few considered safe for swimming, so you can head down for a dip if you fancy it. There’s also the pool, or simply find a quiet spot and enjoy the view.
Each cottage has a large private deck overlooking the lake, so this is also a good afternoon to roll out a yoga mat, read a book or just sit with a cup of tea and nowhere you need to be. On a clear day, you can see the Rwenzori Mountains rising beyond the lake.
Come back together this evening for dinner and another night at Kyaninga.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge
Day 6: Through Western Uganda to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Wildlife
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
After breakfast, continue south towards Queen Elizabeth National Park along one of Uganda's most scenic routes. The journey takes around three to four hours, with the Rwenzori Mountains rising to one side whilst the vast plains of the Rift Valley stretch out on the other.
Arrive at Elephant Plains Lodge, set high on the western escarpment overlooking the open grasslands of Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake George beyond. There is time to settle in, enjoy lunch and take in the views before heading back out later in the afternoon.
As the heat begins to ease, head into the park for a game drive in the softer evening light. This area of open savannah supports large numbers of Uganda kob, which in turn attract predators including lions. Look out too for elephants, buffalo, warthogs, giant forest hogs and hippos as you explore with your guide.
Return to Elephant Plains as dusk settles over the park. Enjoy dinner at the lodge, followed by a drink around the campfire or some time beneath the stars.
Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Kazinga Channel
Wildlife
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
Today is all about the wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park. With a packed breakfast on board, head out early to explore the open plains in search of lions, elephants, buffalo and Uganda kob, whose grazing grounds are often closely watched by predators.
There is plenty to notice beyond the larger animals too, with over 600 species of bird recorded across the park. Stop along the way for breakfast and enjoy fresh coffee and orange juice out in the bush, with the sounds of the park around you and the occasional blow of a hippo carrying across the water.
Return to the lodge for lunch before taking to the Kazinga Channel, the natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel draws an extraordinary amount of wildlife to its banks and is home to one of the world's largest concentrations of hippos.
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.
Return to the lodge this evening for dinner together, overlooking the plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge
Day 8: Into Ishasha
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
This morning, travel south into the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a quieter and more remote part of the park.
Ishasha is best known for its tree climbing lions, which can sometimes be found stretched out in the branches of large fig trees above the plains. Spend the morning exploring with your guide, keeping watch for the lions and the other wildlife that inhabits this more secluded corner of the park.
Arrive at Ishasha Wilderness Camp in time for lunch and a few hours to relax. Set beside the Ntungwe River within the national park itself, this tented camp puts you right in the middle of the wilderness. There are no fences, so wildlife is free to move through the surrounding area. Elephants are sometimes seen bathing in the river, buffalo graze nearby and troops of black and white colobus and vervet monkeys are regular visitors.
Later, head out again as the afternoon begins to cool. Your guide will search for the lions as well as the other wildlife that inhabits this southern corner of the park.
Return to camp for a sundowner and dinner together beside the river, surrounded by the sounds of the park as night begins to settle in.
Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Day 9: From Ishasha to the Forests of Bwindi
Transfer
Breakfast
Packed Lunch
Dinner
Lodge
After breakfast, leave the open savannah of Ishasha behind and begin your journey south towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to almost half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.
As you travel towards Bwindi, the landscape begins to change dramatically. Open plains give way to rolling green hills, farmland and increasingly dense vegetation as the road winds higher into south western Uganda. After days on the savannah, arriving at the edge of the forest feels like entering a completely different part of the country.
Settle into Mahogany Springs Lodge and enjoy a slower afternoon. Tomorrow you'll be heading into the forest on foot, so there is time to rest, organise your day pack and make sure your walking gear is ready.
Tessa and your local guide will be on hand to talk you through what to expect from the trek, what to carry and what the conditions are likely to be. There’s time to get your day pack and walking gear ready before coming together for dinner.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner together this evening before getting an early night.
Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Day 10: Mountain Gorillas and the Communities of Bwindi
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. There is no need to race. This is about making your way through the forest together, taking your time where needed and knowing there is support around you.
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.
The experience is powerful without needing embellishment. Being close to a wild mountain gorilla, in the forest where it lives, is something very few wildlife encounters can prepare you for.
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. It is an important part of understanding Bwindi beyond the gorillas. The future of the forest, its wildlife and the people who live alongside it are closely connected, and this afternoon gives you a chance to hear more about that relationship from the community itself. And, if the opportunity arises, you may even find yourself joining in with some dancing.
Return to Mahogany Springs this evening for dinner together, with plenty to talk about after a day that will undoubtedly stay with you.
Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Day 11: Fly Across Uganda 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.
From the air, you will have a completely different perspective on the country you have spent the past 10 days travelling through, from the green hills and forests of the south west towards Lake Victoria and Entebbe.
Landing back in Entebbe, you'll be met and transferred to your guesthouse where the remainder of the day is yours to relax. If you still have some energy, head out with Tessa to explore a little more of Entebbe, browse the local craft markets and perhaps stop at the Gorilla Conservation Café if time allows. Or simply stay at Karibu, find a quiet spot in the garden or by the pool and enjoy having nowhere you need to be.
This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for one final group dinner.
Accommodation: Karibu Guest House
Day 12: Mabamba Swamp Excursion & Departure
Transfer
Breakfast
There’s time for one last wildlife experience this morning before heading home. After an early breakfast, travel to the shores of Lake Victoria and board a small wooden boat to explore the waterways of Mabamba Swamp.
With Tessa, who is a keen birder, and your local boat captain, travel quietly between the papyrus reeds in search of the shoebill. These enormous and rather unusual looking birds live amongst the wetlands, often standing remarkably still as they watch the shallow water for fish. As with all wildlife encounters, there are no guarantees, but searching for them is all part of the morning.
There is plenty else to watch along the way too, with an incredible variety of birdlife amongst the reeds and local fishermen heading out onto the water.
After around three hours exploring the swamp, return to Entebbe and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. After twelve days travelling together, sharing dinners, game drives, boat journeys and quite a few early mornings, it’s time to say goodbye to Tessa, your local team and the women you’ve shared Uganda with.
Adventure Optional Extras
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
Accommodation is a big part of this trip, and we’ve chosen places that are full of character and make the most of their surroundings. Along the way, you’ll stay in welcoming safari lodges, luxury eco lodges and wilderness camps in some of Uganda’s most beautiful settings.
Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with private bathroom facilities throughout, and many of the lodges have swimming pools, terraces and wonderful views. There is a real warmth to the hospitality too. These are smaller places where you’ll be well looked after, whether that’s returning from a day out to a cold drink and a chat with the team, sitting down to a delicious dinner or simply having time to relax and enjoy where you are.
Some of the lodges are very much part of the experience themselves. At Twiga Safari Lodge, you’ll stay close to the Nile, while Kyaninga Lodge sits above a volcanic crater lake, with individual log cottages tucked into the hillside. At Ishasha Wilderness Camp, you’ll sleep right in the wilderness, with wildlife free to move through the surrounding area. And by the time you reach Bwindi, you’ll be staying surrounded by the forest you’ve come all this way to explore.
Prices are based on two women sharing a twin room. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with another woman in the group, so there is no need to find someone to travel with. If you would prefer the privacy of your own room throughout, a single supplement is available.
Please note that this adventure includes a particularly high standard of accommodation, including luxury lodges and wilderness camps in some of Uganda’s most beautiful and remote locations. As a result, the single supplement is higher than on some of our other adventures.
Solo travellers
Trip pricing is based on two guests sharing a room. If you are travelling solo but would prefer your own room throughout, a single supplement applies.
There is no need to find someone to travel with. You can choose to share with another woman in the group or opt for your own room.
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.
Your Hosts & Guides
Tessa, your YellowWood host
Tessa is our Uganda specialist and will travel with the group throughout the journey. Originally from South Africa, she knows Uganda well and is also a keen bird enthusiast. She is there to bring the group together, help everyone feel comfortable and make sure you have support throughout the trip.
Your local Ugandan guide
You will also travel with an experienced local guide, bringing invaluable knowledge of Uganda, its wildlife, landscapes and communities. Specialist rangers, trackers and guides will join you for experiences including gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, rhino tracking and game drives.
Am I fit enough?
This adventure explores the national parks and landscapes of western Uganda on foot, by road and by boat.
You should be in good physical health and comfortable walking on uneven ground. Gorilla tracking can involve several hours on foot over steep, muddy and sometimes slippery terrain, particularly after rain. There is no need to rush, and porters are available to help carry your day pack if you would like some extra support.
For the gorilla trek, you will need to carry water, a packed lunch and spare layers. We recommend comfortable waterproof walking boots with good grip rather than heavy hiking boots. Please see our full packing list for more information.
As with any adventure in Uganda, come with an open mind and a willingness to experience a culture, pace of life and way of travelling that may be different from your own.
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.
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.
Chimpanzee and Gorilla permits
The cost of your adventure is inclusive of the Chimpanzee and Gorilla permits which is $720.
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
- USDto 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.
Or call us directly 24/7 on: