Off the beaten track in Uganda

Kampala is built on green hills, and because the houses are low-rise, you get an incredible view from every corner of the city! Kampala is lively, never dull, and has many different faces. There's the loud and chaotic ‘Town’, but also tranquil, green oases surrounded by palm trees, banana leaves, and tropical birds or monkeys. From slums with wooden huts to villas behind golden gates. From colourful fruit markets to fancy shopping malls. From local eateries with plastic chairs to posh restaurants. The streets are teeming with street food stalls, boda-bodas, and bars, while Ugandan beats pump out of old stereos.

Murchison Falls is the oldest and largest national park in Uganda. It is characterised by lush vegetation, but especially by the Nile River, which forcefully pushes through a seven-metre wide rock fissure and cascades down with mighty power. This roaring waterfall is the signature feature of Murchison Falls and an attraction in itself! In a 4x4, you can check off nearly the entire Big Five, along with a wide range of other wildlife. But what truly makes Murchison Falls unique is the spectacular boat safari along the Nile!

When you're high up among the lush vegetation, surrounded by singing birds, and looking out over a peaceful blue lake, you wouldn't think that this landscape was once the wild stage for fiery volcanic activity 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. Today, these wild volcanoes have settled down, and peace has returned. The result? A rolling landscape dotted with mirror-like 'Crater Lakes'.

We've set up a special motorbike tour for you around the Crater Lakes: hop on the back, zoom through the landscape, and take in the views. And the best part? You’ll hardly run into other tourists here! Chatting with friendly locals who have fascinating stories to share? You’ll find that everywhere! With a sense of excitement, you'll hop onto the bike this morning. Don't worry, these guides know exactly what they’re doing. All you need to do is enjoy the stunning views!

Uganda is known for its unique primates, and one of them is our hairy cousin, the chimpanzee. According to scientists, the chimpanzee is our closest living relative. Today, you'll track them down and get to know them in Kalinzu Forest! This piece of rainforest is often overshadowed by its bigger sibling, Kibale Forest, which most tourists tend to visit—making it an off the beaten track choice! Around 220 chimpanzees live here, which is special because this animal—unfortunately!—is endangered and is not easily spotted in the wild in many places. With the guidance of a ranger, you'll embark on a trek through the jungle to meet this fascinating relative in person.

A thrilling night in the wild, where you were occasionally woken by the laugh of a hyena or the sniffing of Pumba. As the morning sun casts its pink rays over the savannah, you wake up slowly, enjoying a breakfast with a wide open view.

Queen Elizabeth National Park surrounds Lake Edward and Lake George: two large lakes connected by the Kazinga Channel. In Ishasha, on the southern side of the park, you can see the famous ‘tree-climbing lions’. There are only two populations in the world that love to lounge in trees: the ones in Ishasha and another in southern Tanzania.

Up early! Today is THE day! Are you ready for an unforgettable, unmatched adventure? You’re heading into the misty, almost impenetrable (well, nearly) Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of the mysterious mountain gorillas. Your gorilla trekking adventure begins at the Rushaga gate. From this gate, groups of up to 8 people will set off to visit the gorilla families. Each group will visit just one family. You’ll all start from the same location, but you’ll be divided into smaller groups, each going to a different family.

It’s an impressive trek, and depending on where the family is located, the distance varies. The hike can range from 3 to 7 hours, so make sure you’re prepared with good hiking gear, a well-packed daypack with water, insect repellent, sunscreen, and layers of clothing. The trek takes you through the jungle (think: machetes, vines, Tarzan, and Jane), guided by rangers who track the gorillas. You’ll navigate slippery muddy trails or even cut through the bush where there’s no path, sometimes uphill or downhill, since this dense rainforest grows on mountainsides.

After plenty of sweat and effort, you’ll find yourself face to face with these majestic primates. You’ll be able to admire them as they go about their business, just a few metres away. This is an experience you’ll never forget!

Welcome to Lake Bunyonyi, located in the far southwest of Uganda, one of Charlie’s Travels’ favourite nature spots. Lake Bunyonyi is also known as the ‘Switzerland of Uganda,’ and once you’re here, you’ll understand why! It’s a long, winding lake with 29 islands scattered across its surface, surrounded by lush, towering hills (especially tall by Dutch standards). From the largest island, which hosts the only school and hospital in the area, to the tiniest island, just a few square metres in size, this lake is steeped in history and natural beauty.

In the past, women who became pregnant outside of marriage were sent to this tiny island to spend their final days in isolation and hunger. But despite this dark history, Lake Bunyonyi is stunning, sitting 900 metres above sea level and ranking as the fifth deepest lake in the world. It’s green, lush, and absolutely breathtaking.

This cosy and small town always gives off good vibes! With friendly people and over 100,000 residents, it still feels very much like village life. Despite being nearly destroyed during the Uganda-Tanzania war in 1979, this peaceful and growing town (or village?) has rebuilt itself without showing the scars of the past.

Ready for a motorbike trip through rural Uganda? During the ride, you'll zoom through charming villages, dense forests, and beautiful plantations. The breathtaking Lake Victoria will also make an appearance, along with an exciting hike to caves inhabited by millions of bats. All the while, you’ll discover the authentic Ugandan life and meet various cultures! Got a sore bottom or thirsty? Take a nice walk along Lake Victoria, through the forest, or stop by a local bar for a refreshing soda or a cold Nile Special beer. Throughout the trip, you'll ride comfortably behind an experienced driver.

Everything comes to an end, including this beautiful adventure through Uganda. Fully refreshed, you pack your bags and head to the airport for your flight home. With a healthy glow on your cheeks, you board the plane, close your eyes, and lean your seat back, drifting off as you relive the amazing experiences you’ve had. Full of inspiration and with an overload of beautiful memories, you open your front door. Untouched nature, abundant wildlife, an inspiring population, and vibrant cities – you now have enough stories to share later by the fireplace with your family and friends. Welcome home! One adventure has come to an end, but you’re richer with a new collection of experiences.