Overview
Step into the heart of Uganda for an experience that blends cultural immersion, community involvement, and awe-inspiring nature. Meet the local communities, contribute to meaningful initiatives, and embark on Uganda’s most unforgettable experience—trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. At Amatsiko Tours, responsible tourism is at the heart of everything we do. Your booking supports local communities and wildlife conservation efforts. 20% of your tour fee goes to Amatsiko School, providing education and meals for over 400 children. Your gorilla trekking permit funds conservation initiatives that help protect endangered mountain gorillas and preserve their natural habitat. The tour includes deep cultural immersion, volunteering, Lake Bunyonyi, local farming, and gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Itinerary
Arrive in Uganda or Rwanda and begin the trip.
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport or Kigali International Airport (Rwanda). Depending on your flight, you can either explore Kampala or Kigali for a short city tour or rest up before the adventure begins. Travel time to Kabale next day: Entebbe to Kabale 400 km / 7–8 hours; Kigali to Kabale 105 km / 2 hours. Accommodation: Hotel 7 Seasons.
Travel to Kabale and enjoy Lake Bunyonyi.
After breakfast, start your journey to Kabale with stops along the way. If travelling from Entebbe, you’ll pause at the Equator for a photo op. From Kigali, cross into Uganda and enjoy the scenic route. Upon arrival at Lake Bunyonyi, unwind with a peaceful boat ride across the calm waters. Accommodation: Bunyonyi Safaris Resort.
Learn crafts, meet the Batwa community and cook with a local family.
Spend your morning learning traditional crafts like basket weaving and pottery with local artisans. Afterward, visit the Batwa Pygmy community for an eye-opening cultural exchange. Finish the day by preparing a meal with a local family, using fresh ingredients from nearby farms. Accommodation: Bunyonyi Safaris Resort.
Volunteer with students and support the school.
Spend the day at Amatsiko Preparatory School, volunteering with students and helping set up the school’s library. Whether you’re teaching a class, organising activities, or playing with the kids, your time here will leave a lasting impact. Accommodation: Cephas Inn.
Visit local farms and travel to Kisoro.
Begin your day with a visit to local farms, where you’ll learn about sustainable agriculture and assist farmers with their daily tasks. After lunch, travel to Kisoro, passing through beautiful landscapes on your way to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp.
Trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see mountain gorillas.
Get ready for the highlight of your trip—an unforgettable trek through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to encounter one of the world’s last remaining mountain gorilla families. Spend an awe-inspiring hour with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, followed by an optional visit to the Batwa Cultural Experience. Accommodation: Rushag Gorilamp.
Return to Entebbe or Kigali for departure.
Say goodbye to Uganda as you begin your journey back to Entebbe or Kigali for your departure flight.
Useful Information
- International flight and visas are excluded from the package. The page also references a Uganda visa page and gorilla trekking permits, which should be booked well in advance.
- Meals are full board with drinking water. Best time is all year around. Gorilla trekking permits should be booked well in advance and are limited. The trip can be customized to preferences. Safe travel tips mention avoiding exploring Kampala or Entebbe alone at night, keeping valuables secure, skipping flashy jewelry, and storing important documents in a hotel safe. The page also notes a small group departure from 8–16 November 2026 for nine days of community, culture, wildlife and wellbeing with $1,940 single occupancy, $1,730pp sharing, a $250 deposit, and bookings close 30 September.
