Uganda is often the ‘surprise package’ on an overland tour in East Africa. I say this because in spite of not having major attractions that compare to the Serengeti or Masai Mara in neighboring countries, overland tours in Uganda offer a great local experience. The country feels more untouched, primitive and less developed than Kenya, Tanzania etc and you will likely talk with more locals in Uganda than anywhere else on your overland tour. Trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is literally a once in a lifetime experience and Jinja is the activity capital of East Africa. Whitewater rafting the River Nile? Quad biking through villages? Volunteering at a local school? These are the type of activities on offer in Jinja!
Capital City – Kampala
Currency: Uganda Shilling
Language: English, Tribal languages
Major Attractions: Mountain Gorilla trekking, Lake Bunyoni, River Nile (Jinja)
Gorilla Trekking and Overland Tours in Uganda
Most overland tours in Uganda involve a trip to see the mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park. This park is located near Kisoro in the very east of the country and most operators offer a return trip to see the gorillas which starts and ends in Nairobi, Kenya. This means you would join your tour after arriving at Nairobi airport and travel through Kenya and Uganda on the tour. You will also likely return to this same starting point in Nairobi after completing a round-trip (loop) to see the gorillas. While some operators offer to start your tour in Uganda and finish in Kenya, I personally think these itineraries are rushed and not as enjoyable as the route mentioned above.
I used to provide details for a contact in Kisoro, Uganda through which you could book a short tour and essentially get a gorilla permit direct. This option is no longer a good idea because you have no fall back/insurance in the event of something going wrong with your gorilla permit. This can absolutely happen and this is why I strongly recommend booking a trip with a company that, even in the event of a problem arising, will ensure get to see the gorillas. But which overland tour or wildlife safari in Uganda do I recommend you consider?
You will need personal travel insurance to join most tour operators in Uganda. I always use World Nomads and suggest you at least get an idea of the cost by getting a quote on the link below. It takes just a few seconds…
My Picks for the Best Overland Tour in Uganda
Kenya & Uganda Gorilla Overland Tour
Duration: 15 Days
Start: Nairobi / Finish: Nairobi
Ready to explore Africa your way? This is one of the overland tours in Uganda which is perfect for young travelers on a budget. If Africa’s amazing wildlife has been on your mind, you’re in luck! Over 15 days, you’ll embark on an overland adventure through Kenya and Uganda. Get up close to the “big five” in the Masai Mara, spot chimpanzees in the Kalinzu Forest, and trek deep into Uganda’s forests with expert trackers for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It’s like your favorite animal documentary—or that awesome animal Instagram account—coming to life right before your eyes!
OR Rather than starting in Nairobi, perhaps start in Kampala…
Uganda Overland: Gorilla and Chimps Adventure
Duration: 9 Days
Start: Kampala / Finish: Kampala
This is a similar option for overland tours in Uganda except it does not include the Kenya section. I recommend this option for anyone that wants to keep things simple and fly in/out of Kampala, Uganda.
Ps. You could also see the gorillas on the EPIC overland tour below…
My Favorite Overland Tour in Africa
Serengeti to Cape Town Overland
Duration: 55 Days
Start: Nairobi / Finish: Cape Town
55 days might sound like a lot, but once you’re in South and East Africa, you’ll realize there’s a lifetime’s worth of epic landscapes, rare wildlife, and amazing people to discover. You’ll track the “big five” across open savannas, glide through the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro canoe, and trek deep into the Ugandan wilderness to encounter gorillas. It’s a journey that will show you just how vast Africa really is. Travel in comfort aboard our overland adventure vehicle, the Lando, and camp in the wild to get up close to the region’s incredible wildlife. But don’t blink—the time will fly by!