10 Day Wildlife, Waterfalls & Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Dates: 22nd July – 31st July 2026
Cost: €3,450
Countries: Uganda & Rwanda
Welcome to Uganda!
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as Janet’s Journeys takes on Uganda and Rwanda for the third time!
Uganda, often called the “Pearl of Africa,” is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, including lush landscapes, the majestic Lake Victoria, and the source of the Nile River. It’s also renowned for its diverse wildlife, offering unforgettable experiences such as mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and rich cultural heritage.
This itinerary is custom built to bring you up close and personal with nature and wildlife with local guides and rangers. Truly a once in a lifetime experience
We also cross into Rwanda and learn about the people, history and explore a side of a contemporary, urban side of Africa.
LEADER: This trip will be led by Janet’s Journey legend Louise Varley, who has been on more than EIGHT Janet’s Journeys adventures!
What’s Included
All domestic transport
All accommodation
Airport pick-up on the day trip starts
Airport drop-off on the day the trip ends
All Activities, as listed
All Meals, as listed
Gorilla & Chimp permit (priced at $1,000)
Excluded
Personal expenses
International Flights
Travel Insurance
Tips for guides
Visa costs
Accommodation
Throughout our stay in Uganda, we will stay in a mixture of 3* hotels, game lodges and comfortable, tented camps.
All rooms on all trips are shared, with 2 people in each room. We will partner you with an adventure buddy – an amazing way to make new friends! You’ll be moved around to pair up with a new friend every couple of nights.
All rooms will be twin-sharing, private rooms. Please note that there will not be air conditioning. However, rest assured that temperatures in the mountains drop overnight, making them unnecessary.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Entebbe
Welcome to Uganda!
You will be greeted at the airport and taken to the guesthouse for check-in. Grab a nap, relax or maybe wander out to explore this unique city known for its lush botanical gardens, vibrant local markets, and rich history.
Once everyone has arrived and settled, we will enjoy a welcome dinner and cheers to the incredible journey ahead.
Meals Include: Dinner
Day 2 - Murchison Falls National Park
Today, we’re off to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and one of its most exciting safari spots. The wildlife viewing here centres around the stunning Nile River, home to hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. The river also attracts thirsty animals, such as elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and antelopes.
It’s mainly a travel day to get up North to the park, but we’ll stop off for some rhino tracking en route, where we’ll get to WALK with endangered rhinos.
We then continue our drive, and as the sun sets and we reach the park, you might start seeing wildlife out the window, such as elephants and giraffes!
Dinner at the hotel and early to bed for an exciting day ahead!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 - Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise
We’ll head out early to catch predators on the prowl and herds of elephants, buffalo, and giraffe roaming the savannah.
Later in the morning, we’ll take a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, spotting hippos, crocs, and incredible birdlife along the way.
In the afternoon, we’ll drive up to the top of the falls to see it up close and personal before heading back to camp for sunset on the terrace.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 - Kibale National Park
We start the day with an early morning game drive in the hopes of catching some big cats as they wake for the day!
The rest of the day is mainly spent in transit, as we begin our journey to Kibale National Park – home to many species of birdlife and monkeys!
We’ll stop off at a local restaurant for lunch, and arrive in Kibale in the late afternoon to have dinner at our forest lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5 - Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
This morning, we take a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Here, you have an excellent opportunity to spot up to five different monkey species.
The forest is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with standout sightings like the vibrant great blue turaco, papyrus gonolek, yellow-spotted barbet, and blue-throated roller, among many others.
We’ll also stop at a women’s community project to see the incredible work being done by local women supporting their families and communities through sustainable initiatives.
We then transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park is arguably the best spot in Uganda for seeing lions. Its lakes and wetlands are teeming with wildlife and waterbirds, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6 - Game Drives & Kazinga Channel Cruise
Today’s all about the wildlife! We’ll set out on a morning game drive through the park, keeping our eyes peeled for lions, elephants, and Uganda kobs.
After lunch, we’ll board a boat for a cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects two lakes and attracts vast numbers of hippos, buffalo, and waterbirds.
It’s one of the best wildlife experiences in Africa!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 7 - Trekking with Chimpanzees
Rise and shine – the chimps are waiting!
In the morning, we will trek through the forest in search of chimpanzees in the Karinzu Forest Reserve. When we spot these incredible primates, you’ll have a unique opportunity to connect with some of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
In the afternoon, After the trek, we’ll transfer south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Big day tomorrow!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 8 - Gorilla Tracking
Today is the day we’ve been waiting for, getting up close and personal with MOUNTAIN GORILLAS!
After a briefing from the rangers, we depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where we will trek through the forest and have the chance to spend time with these incredible and soulful family groups. While the hike can be challenging at times, the experience is one you’ll never forget.
This afternoon, we’ll transfer to Kisoro for the night.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Kigali
Today we’ll cross into Rwanda and make our way to Kigali.
Nestled across the steep slopes that gave Rwanda its nickname, the Land of 1000 Hills, Kigali is a tidy, vibrant, and fast-growing city located at the heart of the national road network.
In the late afternoon, we’ll visit the Genocide Museum and learn about Rwanda’s dark history and resilience.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10 - City tour & Departure Day
Our adventure comes to an end today, but not before we squeeze in a city tour of Kigali.
We ask that you book a LATE AFTERNOON (after 3 PM) or evening flight so that you’ll have time to get a taste of this fantastic city.
We will arrange all airport transfers.
*When booking your flights, remember that the tour begins in Entebbe, but ends in Kigali.*
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
FAQ & Itinerary Note:
This itinerary, as always, is open to small changes depending on the weather, flights, etc. Fear not, if we have to make any adjustments, it will be to swap something out with an equally, if not better, experience!
Remember that the animals in Uganda are WILD, and thus there is never a 100% guarantee that you’ll see everything you want to – but the guides will always try their best!
Please note: this trip begins in Entebbe and ends in Kigali.
I'm ready! How do I book?
Ready for an unforgettable adventure in Uganda? Click the BOOK NOW button to head to our payment portal and secure your spot with a €750 deposit. The remaining balance will be divided into two equal payments, due 2 and 3 months before departure.
Need a custom payment plan? No problem! Reach out to us, and we’ll create a plan tailored to your needs. Remember, spots are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait!
How many people are on the trip?
This trip requires a minimum number of guests to proceed, and this minimum must be met at least 4 months before departure to be guaranteed. If the minimum number of guests is not met by then, a full refund will be issued.
Expect to travel with 6-14 new friends!
Why are deposits non-refundable?
The deposit for your trip is non-refundable due to several important factors. Firstly, when you book a spot, we immediately begin the process of planning and preparing for your journey. This involves engaging staff who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure every aspect of your trip is meticulously organised. These preparations often involve upfront costs that are incurred from the moment your booking is confirmed. Additionally, by requiring a non-refundable deposit, we aim to ensure that all participants are committed to the trip.
We understand that plans can change, which is why we insist all travellers have trip insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that might affect their ability to participate.
What about my other payments? Are they refundable?
All payments, except your deposit, are fully refundable three months prior to the departure date. After the three-month mark, any payments made are non-refundable. This is because we are usually unable to find a replacement at such short notice, and have contracts in place with our vendors that need to be fulfilled.
Again, we strongly recommend all travellers have travel insurance so that they can refund you should your plans change. At the end of the day, we are a small business, and we want nothing more than to continue showing our guests the world. We hope you understand the importance of adhering strictly to this policy.
How much money will I need for non-included meals, alcohol, and souvenirs?
Most meals are included in the itinerary, but budget €7-15 for meals that are not. You also might want to purchase snacks that will not cost much along the way. Alcoholic drinks typically cost €1.50-€3.50 for a beer and €5-€10 for wine or cocktails, but they are not always readily available. For souvenirs, budgeting is based on personal spending habits.
How does tipping work?
To make things smooth and stress-free, we will be collecting a kitty of €100 at the beginning of the trip. This ensures all of our incredible on-the-ground vendors are taken care of, including guides, drivers, meals, and activities that are listed in your itinerary.
For any additional meals or personal expenses not included in the itinerary, you should expect to pay a separate tip. We will guide you on what is appropriate throughout the trip so you feel confident and comfortable.
How physically demanding is the trip?
This trip is designed to be accessible to everyone in good health. Activities include moderate walks and moderately strenuous hikes, such as the gorilla trek. It’s not overly strenuous, but a basic fitness level will help you enjoy the experiences to the fullest!
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Absolutely! Even though we’re off the beaten path, we can accommodate most dietary restrictions. Please inform us of your specific needs in advance so we can ensure your dietary requirements are met.
What if I want my own room?
We believe that rooming is one of the best parts of the experience. It feels a little like adult summer camp and has always been a highlight for our guests, with nothing but positive feedback in the past.
That being said, if you feel that sharing does not suit your travel style, we are happy to discuss the option of a single room supplement. Simply reach out to us at janetsgrouptrips@gmail.com and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What are the health and vaccination requirements?
Uganda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination. Additionally, it’s recommended to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B & typhoid. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Who’s leading the trip?
Janet and the local tour guide will be with you every step of the way.
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