5 day(s)
English
Included
See the exact spot where Lake Victoria releases its waters into the great River Nile
Visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the volcanic mountains of Kisoro
See endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and diverse bird species
Discover stunning volcanic landscapes and misty forests in southwestern Uganda
€ 2076.47
€ 1910.35
Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
Our 5-day white-water rafting tour in Jinja offers travelers an unforgettable blend of adventure and discovery while in Uganda. Located just 85 kilometers east of Kampala, Jinja is Uganda’s second-largest town and a place of great historical and cultural importance, established in 1907. Known as the former industrial hub of the country, Jinja holds global fame as the source of the Nile, where Lake Victoria spills its waters into the mighty river. Here, you will experience the thrill of tackling world-class rapids on the Nile during a day of adrenaline-pumping rafting, complemented by the breathtaking scenery of the riverbanks. Beyond rafting, Jinja’s lively atmosphere, colonial architecture, and riverside charm make it a rewarding destination for both relaxation and exploration, adding depth to this adventure-packed tour.
The journey continues southwest to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, nestled within the green volcanic mountains of Kisoro near the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This unique park is famed for its endangered mountain gorillas, which remain the highlight for most visitors. Trekking through the misty forests and rugged terrain brings you face-to-face with these gentle giants, while the park’s other treasures, such as playful golden monkeys and diverse bird species, further enrich the experience. Mgahinga’s stunning landscapes, shaped by volcanic peaks and lush vegetation, create a serene backdrop for wildlife encounters. Accessible by a scenic 6–8 hour drive from Kampala or a quicker 2-hour flight, this part of the journey offers both natural beauty and rare wildlife, ensuring a truly unforgettable safari that combines adventure on the Nile with the magic of Uganda’s gorilla highlands.
Breakfast
Dinner
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
WiFi on board
All Fees and Taxes
Personal Travel insurance
Personal items like Souvenirs
Gratuities
Comfortable shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing
Change of cloth
Public transportation nearby
A valid passport is required
Keep your personal essentials
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
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This is a lovely park, and I noticed that almost all 1-star reviews are from African tourists who write that the park is great - I belive they dont realise that 5 stars is the best rating you can give - believing that you should give 1 star if you think the experience was 'number 1, top grade'... which is a common intercultural misunderstainding but a bit unfortunate here. The Batwa tour is amazing and they take you on a hike in the forest where they have prepared examples of how they used to live and hunt in the forest, illustrated thorugh small role plays which are entertaining. While the tour is amazing and they are intriguing and very welcoming people, their story is very sad, this vulnerable group was brutally disposessed and thrown out of their forest since ignorant governments and conservation organisations believe it is impossible to conserve gorillas at the same time as conserving the Batwa's uniqe culture, while they have lived side by side with gorillas for millenia and gorillas are thretended by farmers, tea plantations and poachers, not the Batwa. Their completely unique culture should be a cherished UNESCO cultural heritage. We went on three different tours - Golden monkey, Batwa and Gorilla. It's best to save the gorillas for last so as to build up to the experience. It is much easier to get a permit here since most operators prefer taking tourists to Bwindi. Our guide to the gorillas and on the Batwa tour was very friendly and excellent. We stayed at the community camp which was simple but friendly and adequate with well-cooked food and very conveniently located just a few minutes from the park! For us the golden monkeys were the furthest away, but this varies and can take up to 6 hours. Bamboo walking sticks are provided but you may want to take your own poles, it can be slippery and steep. Reasonably fit people should have no problem, despite the altitude, they can walk slowly and guides are patient. It’s possible to hire a porter even just for a small daypack for a minimum of 20 USD; they come from the local community and is a good way to give back something to them while ensuring you can manage the trek. As usual with national parks across East Africa where Americans have introduced profuse tipping, guides and trackers etc. have come to expect tips, and their wages are kept low since they receive tips anyway – not a great system if you ask me. The permits are very expensive and it is provoking that the money mainly goes to the government and the National parks while the guides get small salaries. The money should really be channeled to the guides! On the Batwa tour the community only gets 50% of what you pay for the tour - the park takes the rest which is also not right... On each trek there are 3 trackers following the monkeys from morning to evening to easily be able to find them the next day, plus one guide and two guards with rifles at the front and back – all expecting a tip. In addition, the local community performs a dance and beat drums when you are coming for the trek – while it is good that they are engaging the community it is yet another request for your money, so be prepared with a lot lot of small bills to give to all these people or prepare to feel uncomfortable. Furthermore, children and even adults all along the road to the park shout ‘Mzungu! Give me money!’ when they see white people - again since tourists have found it amusing to hand out money or sweets when driving past – this is now encouraging kids to run after cars and beg for these things, and one day a terrible accident is bound to happen. I really wish people would behave more sensibly and treat local people with respect, contributing to good causes when they can and buying/staying locally but not handing out gifts out of the blue when driving past as if white people are walking bags of money. This will not encourage equal encounters and respectful meetings.
We did the golden monkey trekking, absolutely worth it. It’s quite a hike up the mountain, but along a good trail. We even had bonus chameleon.
We had last week an incredible experience at Mgahinga Park and were lucky to have only a short hike to reach the gorillas. This is the only gorilla family in the park, making the encounter even more special. It’s an experience I will never forget. The gorillas are truly majestic and radiate an incredible sense of calm. A big thank you to our guides and rangers James, Innocent, and Robert who knew every detail about the gorillas and their behavior. James, in particular, had worked in Bwindi for several years and also spent some time in Mgahinga, giving him an impressive depth of knowledge. Many thanks to the entire team at Mgahinga Park for making this such an unforgettable adventure!
Incredible hike through the forest to the Golden Monkeys. The guides were attentive and friendly, ensuring we were able to make the most of our hour admiring the monkeys in their nature habitat. Before our briefing for the hike, we were shown traditional dance and music from the local community which was beautiful.
The gorilla national park left me in awe. The immersive experience of observing these magnificent creatures and the different avian species in their natural habitat is unparalleled. The park's commitment to conservation efforts is commendable, and the knowledgeable guides enhanced the educational aspect of the visit. The lush surroundings and diverse wildlife contribute to a truly enriching adventure. While the trek can be challenging, the reward of encountering gorillas in their habitat makes it an unforgettable journey. For the true lovers of flora and fauna, you'll definitely find your trips worth here.Solid five stars for the remarkable conservation and captivating wildlife experience.
