Tours of Uganda

The Ultimate Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari

This fabulous wildlife safari holiday to Uganda and Rwanda focuses on tracking the endangered Mountain Gorillas as well as all the wildlife highlights of these countries. Our adventure begins with a '˜Rhino Walk' at the Ziwa Sanctuary to see these beautiful and also endangered giants. We then move to the Murchison Falls National Park where we enjoy boat rides, game drives on the shores of the River Nile, and see the famous waterfalls. Hippos, elephant and giraffe are all found on the river banks and gives us a lovely start to this two-week wildlife holiday. We then track chimpanzees in Kibale National Park (loads of elephants here as well) with its splendid views over to the Rwenzori Mountains, and pop to the Bigodi Wetlands for some further monkeys and to see its prolific birdlife. Continuing south we cross the Equator (exciting!) and enter Queen Elizabeth National Park for some classic game drives to see lion, leopard, buffalo, Kob, elephants and much more. We include Ishasha were the lions, unusually, hang out in the trees. From our hotel base on Lake Bunyonyi we track the gorillas in their forest habitat - a most humbling of wildlife experiences. A couple of days later we are in Rwanda in Virunga National Park, were we have a free day to take advantage of a list of further awesome wildlife to see - we can purchase a further gorilla permit and see them here, near Dian Fossey's famous hide-out in the forest. Or we can go see the golden monkeys, before we have a night on Lake Gisenyi and transfer to Kigali for a city tour and our flight home. These two countries are both beautiful, they contain some very special wildlife and this holiday will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Great Apes of Uganda

Tour Map of Great Apes of Uganda

"No one who looks into a gorilla's eyes - intelligent, gentle, vulnerable - can remain unchanged, for the gap between ape and human vanishes; we know that the gorilla still lives within us. Do gorillas also recognise this ancient connection?" - George B Schaller. When you think of safari holidays, Uganda is not always the first destination that comes to mind, yet this incredible addition to our portfolio is unbeatable for its collection of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. In small groups of a maximum 16 people per departure, we stay in beautifully crafted lodges in serene national parks including Queen Elizabeth National Park, which boasts one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game park - from the open savannah to rainforest, dense papyrus swamps and crater lakes, to the vast Lake Edward. In our six-passenger 4x4 vehicles, you will be guaranteed a window seat, and within each park we take game drives, nature walks and boat rides to search for the countless mammals, reptiles, birds and butterflies that reside here. Whilst hikes to observe chimpanzees and a powerful troop of magnificent and hauntingly human-like mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, are likely to be the truly unforgettable highlight.

From wildlife safaris in Africa to tiger tracking in India and visits to the chattering penguins of Antarctica, Explore offers a diverse range of wildlife adventures for everyone, whatever your passion. Join us in Spitsbergen in search of Polar bears or in Madagascar to see reclusive lemurs; experience face-to-face encounters with endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda or track elusive jaguars in Guyana. Search for the Big Five – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo and elephant – in Africa’s world-famous game parks; or for the ultimate African wildlife experience join a walking safari, where the thrill of being on foot among the wildlife is second to none. Closer to home you could observe the rare European brown bear in Finland, the whales and dolphins of the Azores or the prolific birdlife of the Scottish islands. By exploring in small, inconspicuous groups you can not only get into the heart of the animal kingdom for exciting wildlife encounters, but also enjoy longer periods of relaxed observation with excellent opportunities for photography and video.

Gorilla and Chimp Safari

Tour Map of Gorilla and Chimp Safari

Join us for a chance to see the incredible primates and wildlife of the Ugandan rainforest. We spend two days in Kibale Forest, the best place in Africa to spot chimpanzees. From our comfortable eco-lodge we explore the forest with a population of over 1000 chimps and 13 varieties of other primates including Red-Tailed monkey, Colobus monkey and many others. We take a day walk in the majestic Rwenzori Mountains also known as "Mountains of the Moon" and visit local villages around the area. We join a cruise in the Kazinga channel, a real highlight and a chance to observe hippo, crocodile, buffalo and herds of elephants at close range before taking game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park where we hope to spot the famous tree climbing lions. We then travel deep into the rainforest near Bwindi, where we experience the ultimate wildlife encounter: we get up close and personal with the endangered mountain gorilla in its natural habitat. We also take a swim or a canoe ride in Lake Bunyonyi, surrounded by verdant rolling hills and a walking safari in Lake Mburo.

Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences. Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character. Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience. All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own.

The trips we've build our reputation on. Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.

Culture & Wildlife of Uganda & Rwanda

Tour Map of Culture & Wildlife of Uganda & Rwanda

There’s a wealth of adventure to be had in both Uganda and Rwanda, especially now that tourists are beginning to rediscover this region. We keep this trip small and intimate – think guesthouses and farm stays – in order to really create a connection with this captivating land. Of course there’ll be trekking to spot chimps and gorillas and game drives through Queen Elizabeth II National Park to see elephants and hippos, but we’ll also visit the genocide museum for a closer look at the recent history of the region. Trust us: Uganda and Rwanda will stay in your memory for a very long time.

All the adventure you want, with a softer landing. Handpicked, character-rich accommodations with upgraded amenities services. Upgraded and private transport, including flights to maximize time. More included meals, activities and transfers.

Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Discovery

Tour Map of Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Discovery

When your guide puts his hand up and motions for you to crouch down, you’ll know why. In the near distance, a silverback gorilla settles down to eat. Opportunities like these exist on this unique and life-changing adventure through Rwanda and Uganda. Deepen your understanding of Africa’s primates and you’ll deepen your understanding of all of us.

Excellent value, amazing prices, quality experiences. Camping most nights with some hotel stays to start and throughout. Affordable public and private transport for maximum cultural interaction.

Popular with 18-30-somethings. Yolo trips are built for those who want to take on the planet in a fun and affordable way with a small group of like-minded travellers. Skip the oversized tour bus and truly connect with your destination. Hit the highlights without giving up the freedom to mix it up according to your own tastes.

Uganda & Gorillas Overland

Tour Map of Uganda & Gorillas Overland

Meet mountain gorillas and the other amazing wildlife on this nine-day overland adventure. Spot chimps in Kalinzu Forest and join experienced trackers while travelling deep into the Ugandan forests for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spot endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Our overland adventure vehicles (OAVs) are an adventurous and inexpensive way to see the highlights while wilderness camping will keep you in the thick of the action. Experience a world apart as you encounter the colourful cultures and wild landscapes of Uganda.