This wild adventure begins in the urban jungle of Kampala, the capital of Uganda. There’s a welcome meeting at the hotel at 6pm, in which you’ll meet the local leader and the rest of your group. After finding out what the trip’s all about, enjoy free time to explore the local street-food market with your new-found buddies.

Leave the capital and take a six-hour drive to Kibale National Park. Head straight to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a known hangout for chimpanzees. With your leader guiding the way, you’ll cross wooden boardwalks on an animal-watching hike; keep your eyes peeled for baboons, otters and, of course, chimpanzees. After, visit a village to learn more about rural life in Uganda. A local will lead the way as you learn about the crop-growing process here and interact with a mzee (village elder). 

Today is yours to spend as you wish in Kibale National Park. The main attraction for many is a trek to find chimps – speak to your leader as this will need to be booked in advance. However, a day here is equally well spent hiking to crater lakes or visiting one of the nearby tea plantations.

Bid adieu to Kibale and take a roughly three-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to elephants, buffalo and hippos. You’ll have lunch, then hop in a vehicle for an unforgettable game drive. After, you’ll cruise down the Kazinga Channel, which links lakes Edward and George, with the chance to spot basking hippos, skulking crocodiles and plodding elephants.

Journey south to Kisoro – your gateway to the gorilla-trekking site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey takes six hours, but you’re unlikely to get bored – the wildlife you might spot through the window includes zebras, baboons and antelope. You’ll also discover rural Uganda with a stop at Mikozi village, where you’ll peruse the local market, meet a traditional healer, and drink a tipple or two at a local bar. 

Today is the one you’ve been waiting for – gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Led by an expert and trackers, hike through the mountainous terrain in search of these magnificent creatures. Be warned, it’s hard graft. The terrain can be wet and muddy, but the rewards will linger much longer than the aching calves. You’ll spend an unforgettable hour with a group of gorillas before returning to the lodge.

Today is all about relaxation – wave goodbye to Kisoro and journey to Lake Mburo National Park, a roughly six-hour drive. Your accommodation is a spacious, safari-style tent with a veranda. Chill and enjoy views of the park. Or if you’re eager for another adventure, organise a cruise on Lake Mburo through your leader. 

It’s the final day, but there’s still time for an adventure. Join a park ranger and embark on a walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park. The local wildlife includes giraffes, zebras and impalas. After, head back to the accommodation for breakfast before travelling to Kampala where this Uganda tour ends in the late afternoon (or if you’d prefer to be dropped off at Entebbe airport, just let the leader know).