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UGANDA!! Self drive 4x4 Land Cruiser 🦍🌿Gorilla & Rhino tracking! Coffee, Waterfalls & Hikes 🇺🇬
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7 Days30 Days!
Extra cancellation days
only for the first TripMate
Guided trip ![]()
Jemima will take the lead and plan your journey for you. Just sit back and enjoy the adventure.
What's special?
Wildlife tracking HEAVEN
Bush camping in multiple national parks
Adrenaline fuelled activities!
Details about this trip
Forget the rigid schedules of a standard safari.. this is about taking the wheel of our own adventure across one of the most breathtaking, vibrant countries in Africa! Over 2 extraordinary weeks, we will self-navigate the lush wildlife rich rainforests of Uganda on our own exact terms. This bespoke journey is for you if you demand both the thrill of raw, unscripted exploration alongside the absolute pinnacle of luxury; navigating a premium, fully-equipped 4x4 through ancient landscapes. A trip like this is not ordinarily known to be the cheapest.. however, I've designed it as a group to allow us to experience the forest canopy in the most budget friendly way possible without sacrificing the fun. The itinerary is ACTION PACKED from start to finish. See you in Africa 🫡 TRIP HIGHLIGHTS: 🇺🇬 Kampala & the Katsubi tombs 🇺🇬 Quad biking and Ugandas railway museum in Jinja 🇺🇬 3 waterfall hike & world famous Ugandan coffee bean tour in Sipi 🇺🇬 Stay with the Boomu women's group; tour their village, meet their people and learn basket weaving 🇺🇬 Track Rhinos & night walk in Ziwa Rhino sanctuary 🇺🇬 Guided game safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park 🇺🇬 Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable UNESCO National Park 🇺🇬 Finish in Entebbe by the side of Lake Victoria Disclaimer: As much as I try to stick to our plans as much as possible, itineraries can be subject to change due to weather, travel logistics, safety or other unexpected reasons. 👥 OUR GROUP: We will be a group of 2 vehicles with 8 people (including myself). I am looking for TripMates similar to myself - laid back in character but organised enough to get ready to leave on time by themselves! Happy to have good conversation whilst spending time in our group but also independent enough to be able to make their own choices and explore themselves as well. People who as I would describe are 'all-rounders' - you love a mixture of chilling on a beach, the adventure of a hike, the want to learn and explore culture and at the same time have downtime for a wine or to read a book/watch a movie/enjoy the sunset. If you request to travel as part of the group, I will set up a call with you prior to accepting the request. This was I can ensure we have the right fit for the most pleasurable experience for all of us. 📍 MEETING POINT: Entebbe airport 📝 VISAS: Please check BEFORE booking that you are eligible for a visa & you have a valid passport – these essentials are down to yourself to check & ensure validity. You will also need to check if Uganda has any alternative entry requirement forms or documents essential to be granted entry to the country for your nationality. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on prior to arrival for Uganda. 💉 VACCINATIONS: All travellers MUST present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) for Yellow Fever upon arrival. Any other vaccinations or medications should be discussed with your healthcare professional. ❤️🩹 INSURANCE: Travel insurance is included if you are a resident of Germany or Austria. You can view all the inclusions & exclusions of this insurance here: www.joinmytrip.com/en/t/travel-insurance. For any other TripMates, you will need to purchase your own Travel Insurance, which also covers you for Medical expenses should you need it whilst we are away. 📱WHATSAPP GROUP: I will be making a ‘Uganda’ specific group WhatsApp before we depart for us to start these conversations where I can answer any questions you may have about the trip.
🙋🏽♀️ ABOUT ME: I'm Jemima! 🍰 34 🇬🇧 British 🇶🇦 Living in Doha, Qatar 🌍 Just finished travelling to my 80'th country 💸 After 12 years working in the travel industry, I am now an independent travel agent I LOVE a hobby: 🏐🏇🏻⛷️🏄♀️🛥️🛼🎨✝️🥾🧳🐚🥢🏋️♀️🎥 🔧 I design my trips with the following in mind: Keeping costs minimal but with comfort. Maximising time on ground but allowing for flexibility and independent exploring. Experiencing as many different sides of a country as possible - if a country has beach, forest, mountains AND cities to experience... you best believe I will be allocating the appropriate number of days there to get to see a bit of it all! Ensuring a range of activities that suit my multiple personalities! To find out more about me, please head to my profile 😌
WHERE YOU'LL STAY: 2x hostel, 3x nights roof tent, 6x nights onground tent 🚙 4x4 Landcruiser - Toyota Landcruiser with unlimited mileage per day - Comprehensive car insurance for all drivers - GGTO cover ⛺ Tents Each vehicle has 1 roof tent and 3 on ground tents. 🎒 Camping sets - Sleeping bags - Pillows - Bedsheets - Air mattress with pump - Camping chairs - Camping table - Thermos bottle and foldable water jerrycan - Lamp, shovel, and solar shower - LED headlights - Cool box 🍳 A complete kitchen & campset in durable boxes: - Gas stove, bottle, and lighter - BBQ-grid for outdoor cooking - Cooking pans and kettle - Plates, cutlery set, bowls, mugs, and glasses - Chopping board and salad bowl - Washing and cookware sets 💸 KEEPING IT FAIR: To keep things affordable and stress free whilst in Africa, we’ll use Splitwise to track all shared costs whilst away - primarily the petrol and groceries.
What's included?
4X4 Landcruiser - unlimited mileage/helpComprehensive car insurance & GGTOAll campsite chargesCamping equipment hire/loading/cleaningActivities specified in the itineraryGorilla permitAll game park entrance feesLocal guide, Self drive, & Vehicle fees2 nights accommodation in EntebbeTripLeader & pre-departure adviceWhat's excluded?
International flightsVisas & vaccinationsSouvenirsFood & Drink (Approx 10-25 USD per day)Petrol (Estimated up to 140 USDpp)
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Your trip itinerary![]()
13 days trip
ViaVia Entebbe, Kasubi tombs & 11 more
Accommodation
Camping & Hostel
Transportation
Car, Trekking
ViaVia Entebbe
Day 1-2
DAY 1: Our journey officially kicks off in the relaxed, tropical setting of Entebbe 👊🏽. Nestled along the shores of Lake Victoria, it is the perfect place to catch our breath, shake off the jet lag, and get excited for the road ahead! Here is how our afternoon will unfold: ▶️ The Handover: Our fully equipped vehicles (4X4 Landcruisers) will be delivered directly to the lodge. ▶️ Equipment Check: We will do a comprehensive walk-around to inspect the rig. We'll run through how to set up the rooftop tent and onground tents. We'll check the camping fridge & equipment is working well. Organize our belongings (which we will have all kept nice and light I hope!) into a tidy fashion and finally become accustomed to the A&E/recovery gear. By the time we're done, everyone should be familiar with the entire setup! ▶️ Hitting the Road: We’ll pack up securely checking the bluetooth is nicely hooked up to start our journey tomorrow! 🌇 Tonight is all about settling in and toasting to the upcoming adventure. We'll enjoy a welcome drink together as the sun sets over the lake. 🍻 Your first round should definitely feature the local favourite - an ice cold 'Nile Special'. This is Uganda's flagship lager - deliciously crisp! Along the trip - try a classic 'Waragi and Tonic'. Uganda 'Waragi' is a popular and surprisingly smooth local gin distilled from millet. We'll spend the evening getting to know each other and soaking in the warm equatorial evening 😌
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Kasubi tombs
Day 2
DAY 2: After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast (along with some excellent Ugandan coffee), it's time to get down to business & jump in our new home which conveniently moves with us! Goodbyeeeee Entebbe!! 🛖 A short drive into Kampala brings us to the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a place of profound spiritual and cultural significance. This peaceful hilltop enclosure is the royal burial ground for four Kabakas (kings) of the Buganda Kingdom. We'll take a guided walk through the royal enclosure, learning about the deep-rooted traditions of the Baganda people. The bandas have impressive traditional structures, constructed entirely from natural materials like thatch, woven reeds, and wood. It's a great chance to experience a site that isn't just a museum, but an active spiritual center where ancient rituals are still performed today. 🛒 We'll finish off the morning after the tombs with a strategic mission to the local grocery store to stock our 4x4’s with everything we need for our pre-planned recipes.
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Jinja
Day 2-3
🌿 After a quick local lunch, we’ll role the overlanders onto the Kampala-Jinja Highway! Driving through Forests and Plantations, the 80km journey (approx 2.5 hour drive) to Jinja is a visual feast of Ugandan life. The road winds through the Mabira forest: A lush, towering tropical rainforest that creates a cool, emerald canopy over the highway. Keep an eye out for monkeys swinging near the roadside! As we emerge from the forest, the landscape opens up into rolling tea and sugarcane plantations that stretch as far as the eye can see. Our grand entrance into Jinja is across the iconic, cable-stayed bridge. From here, you’ll get your first breathtaking glimpse of the Victoria Nile flowing beneath us. Jinja is more than just a town; it’s a vibe. Known as the Adventure Capital of East Africa, it feels world-renowned yet remarkably laid-back. It has a colonial-era charm mixed with a vibrant, backpacker energy and a deep connection to the river. 🏕️ We’ll pull into our campsite just outside of town, perched on the high banks of the Nile. There’s nothing quite like the first night of overlanding - unfolding the rooftop tents and firing up the grill while watching the river churn below!
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Jinja
Day 3-4
DAY 3: It's a day of adrenaline for the whole group! We'll see if Jinja lives up to its reputation of being one of the most wild and fun towns in Africa! ⛰️ We’re off-roading on a Quad bike safari! We’ll pilot our quads through thick forest trails and remote Ugandan villages. Expect wide smiles from the local kids as we pass by and plenty of technical, muddy tracks along the river’s edge. 🌊 To "rinse off" the morning's mud, we’ll enjoy the facilities at our campsite. It's perched a stones throw away from the nile with an actual slide you can use to get be whisked away into the river! The whole campsite is slightly more busy and has a great atmosphere to start our Uganda adventure! It's the ultimate way to cool down after a busy morning. After the adrenaline settles, we’ll head into town to check out 'The Hangout'. This is Jinja’s premier social hub - a cool, open air food court made of shipping containers with a mix of Japanese, Mexican, and local food stalls. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink, browse the farmers' market, and chat with fellow travelers! *PLEASE NOTE: there are TONNES of activities to take part in, in Jinja (Bungee jumping & white water rafting just to name a few).. you are more than welcome to take part in these but they will be extra cost to you. I didn't include these in the itinerary to save on the costs as Africa is expensive to travel on a budget and not everyone wants to do those adrenaline type of activities.
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Sipi
Day 4-5
DAY 4: Our next leg takes us from the industrial history of the Nile to the misty, cool highlands of Mount Elgon. 🚂 Before we leave Jinja, we’ll make a quick stop at the Uganda Railway Museum. Housed in the beautifully restored 1928 Jinja Railway Station, this museum tells the story of the "Lunatic Line"—the monumental engineering feat that connected the coast of Kenya to the heart of Uganda. You can climb into vintage, century-old locomotive engines and restored passenger carriages. The History.. Beyond the steel and steam, the museum explores how the railway shaped Uganda's modern identity, from the "Man-Eaters of Tsavo" legends to its role in the country’s independence. We'll have an hour or two to have a stroll around the centre of Jinja - from coffee shops to touristy souvenir shops, it's a very quaint and charming town. 🚙 The drive to Sipi takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, and the transformation of the landscape is incredible. We’ll leave the flat sugarcane plains of the south and begin a steady climb. The road is well-paved but begins to twist and turn as we reach the foothills of Mount Elgon. As we gain altitude, the air turns crisp and the views open up. To one side, you'll see the sheer cliffs of the mountain; to the other, the vast, shimmering Karamoja Plains stretching out toward the horizon. The roadside is a tapestry of small-scale coffee farms and vibrant green banana groves. 💦 Once we arrive at our base, we’ll be parking our overlander at arguably the best spot in Sipi for a 4x4 setup. Perched right on the edge of a cliff, the campsite offers a legendary "million-dollar view" directly across from the main 95-meter Sipi waterfall. It’s a classic, laid-back overlander haunt. While the facilities are basic (think bucket showers with hot water on request), the atmosphere is unmatched. We’ll set up the rooftop tents under a canopy of indigenous trees, and as the temperature drops, the staff usually light a communal bonfire. It’s the perfect place to sit with a local coffee and listen to the roar of the falls in the darkness under the stars.. 💫
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Sipi
Day 5-6
DAY 5: Waterfalls & the perfect brew!! Today we swap the Landcruisers engine noises for the sound of rushing water and the aroma of roasting beans as we explore the heart of Mount Elgon’s foothills. We’ll set out on foot with a local guide to tackle the Sipi Falls hike, a series of three distinct cascades. This isn’t a manicured park trail; it’s a living path that winds through the backyards of the Sabiny people, passing through banana groves and community farms. ☕️🫘 After a morning of hiking, we’ll head to a small, family-run plantation for an immersive Coffee Tour. In this region, Arabica coffee is life! The fertile volcanic soil produces some of the finest beans in the world! We’ll walk through the shade-grown trees to learn how to pick only the perfectly ripe "red cherries." You’ll help with the traditional pulping, washing, and drying of the beans. We’ll sit around an open fire to roast the dried beans in a heavy iron pot until they turn that perfect chocolatey brown and start to "pop." After hand-pounding the roasted beans in a large wooden mortar and pestle, we’ll brew the freshest cup of coffee you’ve ever tasted. There’s no better way to end the day than sitting on a cliff-edge with your 4X4 vehicle that already feels like home. A steaming mug of your own creation in your hands, what a way to watch the sun dip toward the horizon!
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Boomu Women's Group
Day 6-7
DAY 6: Today is a classic overlanding "transit day" ...a long but visually stunning drive. The journey from Sipi to the Boomu Women's Group takes about 7 to 8 hours. We’ll wind our way down the hairpin bends of Mount Elgon, leaving the lush coffee groves behind. As we head toward Masindi, the air grows more humid. We'll transition from the open plains into the thick, tropical greenery of the Budongo Forest area. 👯♀️ We’ll be setting up camp at the Boomu Women’s Group, located just a few hundred yards from the southern gate of Murchison Falls National Park. "Boomu" means "together," and this site is a beautiful example of community-led tourism. It’s a peaceful, grassy area shaded by large mango and mahogany trees. Since it’s a community project, it’s an authentic African village experience. There’s no running water or mains electricity here - we'll simply be enjoying the quietness after a guided tour of the village and a lesson in basket weaving! Around the communal campfire, it’s the perfect time to hear stories from the village elders about the history of the Bunyoro people before we tuck ourselves into the sheets for another night under the stars.
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Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
Day 7-8
Day 7: After waking up inbetween the traditional round 'bandas' and colourful vegetation, we'll pack up after breakfast and head to Ziwa rhino sanctuary (which will be approx 1 hour drive). Settle into your new camp, refuel with food and then head out for an afternoon Rhino tracking. Tracking these beasts is essential to helping them thrive in the wild. 🦏 Aside from white rhinos, Ziwa are lucky enough to have a plethora of wildlife, including over 300 species of birds, warthogs and much more! Ziwa proudly harbors Uganda's wild endangered rhinos & is situated in Nakasongola District, near Nakitoma Village, in the north of Kampala. Head to the bar on the property for sundowners overlooking the African wilderness - there may even be a couple of Rhinos wondering past whilst you're sipping away. Once the sun goes down, head out on a nature walk through the bush with our guide... it's a completely different vibe out there when the lights go out!
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Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 8-9
DAY 8: Did you know: The shoebill stork 🦤 is one of the most sought-after birds 'to be seen' in Uganda?! Ziwa is one of the only places that you are almost always guaranteed to see them. The birds are fantastically prehistoric looking and nest within the swamps in Ziwa. If you didn't manage to get your fix of Shoebill spotting yesterday, you could choose to add it as an extra optional activity today. In fact Ziwa have an array of activities you could choose to opt into this morning. After a late breakfast post activities, we’ll pack up the overlanders for the journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is a significant travel day - the drive typically takes between 6 and 8 hours. We’ll head south via the Kyenjojo-Hoima road toward Fort Portal. The road is largely paved, but be prepared for some winding sections and the occasional "African massage" from uneven surfaces. The landscape shifts dramatically into lush, rolling tea plantations, with the massive mountains providing a dramatic backdrop as we approach the park. We’ll aim to reach Queen Elizabeth by the late afternoon. This is prime time for wildlife, so keep your cameras ready even as we enter the park gates because you never know when the elephants and buffalo will be crossing the road!
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Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 9-10
DAY 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park is a vast and ecologically diverse destination - there are 3 key sectors that offer distinct landscapes and wildlife experiences. Today we will do an all day self drive safari with a local guide around two of the sectors: 1) Northern sector - 🦁 The Kasenyi plains: Known as the "breeding grounds" for thousands of Uganda kob, these open grasslands are the best place to spot predators like lions and leopards. 🦒 Mweya: The northern part of the park is the most visited area, characterized by vast, open savannahs and high concentrations of game. It serves as the main hub for safari activities. 🦛 Mweya peninsula: This elevated plateau sits where the Kazinga Channel meets Lake Edward. It houses the park's main visitor center and offers spectacular views of the water. Central Sector (Kazinga Channel & Kyambura) 🐊 Kazinga channel: A 40km natural waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. Boat cruises here offer some of the world's best sightings of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and thirsty elephant herds. 🐿️ Kyambura gorge: Often called the "Valley of Apes," this is a deep, forested gash in the savannah floor that provides a sunken tropical habitat for a community of habituated chimpanzees. We'll be camping in the national park campsite of the Ishasha sector - although not 'wild camping' (as it's not allowed in Uganda) it's the next best thing! Who knows what you'll hear outside the door whilst trying to get some shut eye!!
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Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Day 10-11
DAY 10: We carry on with our guided safari game drive this morning with the Southern Sector (Ishasha): 🐆 The remote southern tip of the park offers a much wilder, less crowded atmosphere. It is physically separated from the northern sectors by the Maramagambo Forest. 🐘 Tree-climbing lions: This is the most famous feature of the area. Unlike almost anywhere else in Africa, the lions here habitually climb and lounge in the branches of giant fig trees. 🦌Unique wildlife: The landscape of Ishasha consists of riverine forests and acacia woodlands, providing a home to the rare shoebill stork and large herds of topi and buffalo. We’ll exit Queen Elizabeth through the southern Ishasha gate. Keep your eyes on the giant fig trees as this is our last chance to spot the lions lounging in the branches! The upcoming drive is widely considered one of the most beautiful in Uganda! It showcases the dramatic transition from the Rift Valley floor to the mist-shrouded Kigezi highlands as we head over to Bwindi forest. 🪲 But Bwindi isn't just a forest; it’s a fortress of biodiversity. Home to nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, it’s a place where the canopy is so thick that sunlight rarely reaches the forest floor. We’ll set up the overlander at our base for the next couple of nights. The evening soundtrack here is a symphony of forest insects, turacos, and distant primates. Tonight is all about "the big prep." We’ll check our hiking boots, pack our waterproofs, and ensure our cameras are fully charged.
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Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Day 11-12
Day 11: We'll get a briefing on "Gorilla Etiquette" to ensure we are ready for the trek of a lifetime.. ...and then we'll finally set off on this EPIC adventure. 🦍 Hike through the rainforest in search for families of mountain gorillas! There is no saying how long it will take us to discover the gorillas due to their wild nature.. but hopefully we won't be searching for more than a few hours. When we find them, we can take pictures and observe the impressive creatures until they show us signs that they want us to leave. If we're REALLY lucky we could also spot Elephants and/or Chimpanzees too!
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ViaVia Entebbe
Day 12-13
DAYS 12 & 13: Goooood morning!! 👋🏽 After making ourselves breakfast over discussions all about the time with the gorilla family yesterday, we'll start making our way through the Ugandan traffic back to Entebbe. This is a full 10 hours drive and we’ll stop off for breaks en route. Once back at Via Via, we'll be handing over the keys to our home on wheels. Take a moment to decompress.. being back in Entebbe will be the CRAZIEST full circle moment after having just camped for the best part of 3 weeks in the bush! We'll be reunited with a proper bed, a proper shower and we'll grab our final meal! WHAT A RIDE!!! Leave Africa with some truly amazing memories in one of the most authentic ways possible!! The trip ends here, but you have tonight in the hostel should you need it. 🫶🏽🇺🇬
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