Example trip

Off the beaten track in Uganda

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Highlights

Tree-climbing lions, safari, authentic encounters, gorillas, and beautiful lakes

Location

Uganda

Budget

from € 4.000,- p.p. excl. flight tickets

Off the beaten track between gorillas and tree-climbing lions

Discover the Pearl of Africa and combine your tour with a visit to the majestic mountain gorillas. Uganda has so much to offer: vibrant cities, stunning natural landscapes, and unique cultural sites. This trip is full of variety: of course, you'll go on safari, like in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you'll need to look for lions up in the trees. But you'll also explore on foot and have authentic encounters with the local people.

16 days in Uganda

Day 1

Arrival

All set for your Uganda trip? Head to the airport on time, pick a good movie for your flight, and get ready for a warm welcome in Entebbe. This charming town lies by Lake Victoria, just outside the hustle and bustle of the capital, Kampala. It's the perfect place to acclimatise and get ready for your journey through Uganda!

Day 2

Kampala

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.

Day 3 - 5

Murchison Falls

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!

Day 6 - 7

Crater Lakes

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!

Day 8

Kalinzu Forest Reserve

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.

Day 9 - 10

Queen Elizabeth National Park

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.

Day 11 - 12

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

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!

Day 13 - 14

Lake Bunyonyi

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.

Day 15

Masaka

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.

Day 16

Departure

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.

Interested in this example trip?

Schedule a free consultation and we will immediately get to work on making your preferred trip completely to your liking. See you soon in Uganda?

What our travellers say about us

     
 
 
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   Auralie Blauwbloeme 
 31 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic trip through Namibia with two families with teenagers. The trip was fully planned according to our wishes and tailored to the composition of the group. The personal approach, the communication, the preparation… everything was top-notch. Our next trip to Africa will be with Charlie's Travels again!

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    +5
 
 
 
 
 
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   RJ 
 64 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow!! What an amazing trip we took through Kenya with Charlie's Travels. Self-drive, highly recommended, and wonderfully taken care of from start to finish! Thank you so much ❤️🍀

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    +5
 
 
 
 
 
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   GoeVerhaal. 
 71 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We booked our honeymoon to Namibia with this organization, and how fantastic was it? We received clear information beforehand, they used a detailed app, and we received thoughtful messages before and during the trip to check in. Truly an organization with a heart for the mission of showcasing the beauty of Africa. When we looked into the organization further after the trip, we understand why. Thank you for everything! We didn't feel like just a number, received incredibly quick answers to questions before and during the trip, and received a beautiful, customized itinerary where everything was perfectly arranged everywhere on-site. You gave us the trip of a lifetime ❤️ Best regards and see you again! Laura and Arne

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   Merel Doreleijers 
 86 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I look back with immense pleasure on my pioneering trip to Madagascar with Charlie's Travels. What made this trip so special for me was its off-the-beaten-track nature. We visited places you wouldn't easily get to as an ordinary tourist, saw beautiful nature, and had a lot of contact with the local people. That made the experience very authentic. One of the biggest highlights was driving off-road myself. In addition, there were so many unexpected moments that I won't soon forget: a football match against the locals in the Tsaranoro Valley, unexpectedly finding myself in a local sacrificial ritual, and a canoe trip that went very differently than planned. We thought we were going on a sailboat trip, but it turned out to be a few leaky canoes. In hindsight, it actually became one of the best memories of the trip for me. That is also the charm of a pioneering trip: not everything goes as planned, but it is precisely those unexpected moments that make the adventure complete. I also appreciated the variety of accommodations. From homestays, B&Bs, and hotels to sleeping in a tent under the starry sky. That fit perfectly with the adventurous nature of the trip. I do think, however, that a pioneering journey isn't for everyone. You need to be flexible and be able to accept that plans sometimes change. If you can surrender to that and simply enjoy the journey as it unfolds, that is precisely what yields the most beautiful stories and memories. The reason I am not giving 5 stars is that the communication before and during the trip was sometimes a bit disorganized. I would also have liked to see more transparency regarding certain costs. In my opinion, those are areas where Charlie's Travels can still improve. Despite that, I look back on a fantastic trip full of special experiences and memories that I won't soon forget. If you are looking for an adventurous, authentic journey off the beaten path and are open to the unexpected, then I can certainly recommend a trip with Charlie's Travels.

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   Martijn van Heest 
 88 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sjoerd from Charlies Travels organized my trip through Morocco, and it was fantastic! Due to limited time, I skipped the big cities and mainly visited the less crowded places in the interior. For a large part of the time, I stayed with families and experienced just how warm the culture of this country is. My 'guides' felt more like friends; they were hospitable, took me to visit family, and managed to strike a perfect balance between 'going on with life' while showing me the most beautiful spots in Morocco. For me, the added value of Charlies lay in selecting these amazing, not always obvious places, and the accompanying partners/guides/families who were willing to give me an inside look. Highly recommended for everyone!

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   Victor Bijlsma 
 158 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went on a pioneering trip to Senegal, Gambia & Guinea-Bissau with Charlie's Travels. It was special to visit such pristine countries without mass tourism. The difference between Senegal & Gambia was already significant – and the trip was very diverse. From beaches and big cities to eco-lodges & local markets. Highly recommended to utilize the expertise of Charlie's team; it saved a lot of hassle :)

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   Jasper M. 
 179 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a fantastic pioneering trip with Charlie's through Senegal, the Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau 💯 World-class tour guides and a fun group!

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   Casper Berkhout 
 265 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Uganda and Kenya for almost a month and we did not leave dissapointed! Our goal was to visit "off the beaten track" destinations and experience real local culture and Charlie's did not let us down. In Uganda we saw TONS of wildlife, with the bike safari in Lake Mburo being the undisputable highlight... unforgettable. We spent a day with the Batwa people, which was a unique culturally enriching experience. In Kenya we got to relax at the beach in a luxurious resort and get our tan on! All the tour guides that were organized by Charlie's were both knowledgable and wonderfully enthusiastic. This was the most memorable vaction in years, and we would reccomend booking a trip with Charlie's to anyone (if you are adventurous enough of course ;) ).
  
 
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   Maikel Hurts 
 282 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola surprised me in ways that are difficult to put into words. The country is raw and pure, with landscapes that seem to breathe: the red earth glowing in the sun, endless savannas disappearing into a haze of warmth, and the ocean incessantly beating its rhythm against the coast. With Xavier Rudd playing through the car speakers, everything took on an extra layer of meaning. His music—those earthy sounds, that peace and freedom—seemed to become one with the landscape. As the road wound through villages full of color and smiling faces, it felt as if every song had been written especially for this moment.

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   Wolfeew 
 282 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been to Africa with Charlie's multiple times – Kenya, Uganda, and most recently to Angola: Friendliness and rawness personified, a delightful mix of pure Africa and Portuguese influences. Beautiful, untouched nature, tranquility, and fantastic people. From desert to jungle, from canyons to waves crashing against the rugged coast – what a country. It's wonderful to be taken under Charlie's wing!

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   Hanneke 
 282 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angola with Charlies was amazing! Remote and real pioneering. A great country to discover with friends. One big adventure, from camping in the beautiful desert to making memories for life with proud locals. Went home with a big smile and would love to be back soon!

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    +4
 
 
 
 
 
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   Jan 
 283 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic organization, in short. We traveled to Namibia with a group of 7, and CT guided us through the entire process to set it up exactly how we wanted. During the trip, "our" travel coach Nick was also attentive, asked how we were doing, and arranged a few things for us, such as a New Year's breakfast. CT works with local organizations that we felt comfortable with.

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   Tessa Tuk 
 320 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Last October, I went on a pioneering trip to Malawi with Charlie's Travels, and it turned out to be a unique experience. The moments that stuck with me the most are the beautiful hike through Nyika National Park, where we camped in the middle of nature and zebras walked past our tent in the morning; and the evening we all dove into a local pub and danced the night away with the locals. The paradisiacal Likoma Island and the car rides through the stunning African landscape, with spontaneous stops at local bars along the way, are also memories that will stay with me for a long time. Malawi is called 'the warm heart of Africa,' and that is exactly how it felt. It was amazing to discover this country with Charlie's Travels and a wonderful group of people. Highly recommended!

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   Lisa Snepvangers 
 334 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Kenya for a month with our family of 5, all arranged by Charie's Travels, and it was AMAZING. We wanted a mix of off-the-beaten-path and comfort, a mix of adventure and vacation, and they made it all happen. Everything from planning the trip and airport pick-up to hotel bookings and activity arrangements went smoothly. We really had the most amazing time! (so much so that I'm writing this review years after taking this trip, cause we're still talking about it!) Definitely recommend booking your trip with Charlie's Travels!
  
 
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   Saskia Looijen 
 341 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a fantastic experience to go pioneering in Malawi with Charlie's Travels. Truly the warm heart of Africa, with very friendly and open people. Malawi is a country with so many different things to do. We explored the lesser-known north: hiking in Nyika National Park with stunning views over colorful hills, an exciting boat trip across Lake Malawi, and beach vibes and lots of beautiful birds on Likoma Island. There are also beautiful bays and hidden spots along Lake Malawi. The roads are getting better but offer challenges here and there, which is highly recommended for the more adventurous traveler. The setup and organization by Charlie's Travels were excellent, always flexible and tailored to everyone's wishes.

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Unforgettable motorbike trip across Uganda

Example trip Unforgettable motorbike trip across Uganda Get on that bike Highlights Gorillas, nature, safari, camping, road-tripping, local experience Location Uganda Budget from € 3.500,- p.p. excl. flight tickets Drive through Uganda and discover its nature and culture Discover the unspoilt beauty of Uganda on a breathtaking motorbike journey that takes you to the most […]

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