Amatsiko Explorer
10-Day African Safari Uganda, with Local Communities, Culture and Mountain Gorillas
A Deeper Connection to Uganda’s People and Wildlife
Looking for a richer, more immersive adventure? This 10-day tour is designed for those seeking a profound connection with Uganda’s landscapes, wildlife, and culture. Alongside cultural immersion and community engagement, this extended journey offers unforgettable wildlife experiences—from trekking with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to a thrilling safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you’ll witness the raw beauty of the African savannah.
Tour Highlights
Location
South-West Uganda
Best time
July – August
Group size
10-20 people
20% of your booking fee directly funds the Amatsiko School, providing education to over 400 children.
Your Adventure with Purpose
At Amatsiko Tours, responsible tourism is at the core of everything we do. Your booking doesn’t just offer an unforgettable adventure—it directly supports local communities and wildlife conservation efforts. With 20% of your tour fee going to Amatsiko School, you’re helping to provide education and meals to over 400 children. Additionally, your gorilla trekking permit funds conservation initiatives that protect endangered mountain gorillas and preserve their natural habitat.
On your journey, you’ll not only trek to see these magnificent gorillas but also witness the impact of your contribution firsthand by visiting Amatsiko School and meeting the children whose lives you’re helping to shape.
When you travel with us, you’re making a meaningful difference in both the people and wildlife of Uganda.
Itinerary Overview
01
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Depending on the time of your flight, you can either stay in Entebbe for the night or take a short city tour of Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital. If arriving late, rest up for the next day’s adventure.
-Option 2: Arrive at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda, and transfer to your hotel for the night if you arrive late. If your flight allows, begin the 2-hour drive to Kabale, Uganda, and enjoy the scenic countryside.
02
After breakfast, set off for Kabale, either from Entebbe (approx. 400 km / 7-8 hours) or Kigali (approx. 105 km / 2 hours). Those departing from Entebbe will enjoy a scenic drive with a stop at the Equator Line for photos and souvenirs, while travellers from Kigali cross the border for a shorter journey. In the late afternoon, arrive at the stunning Lake Bunyonyi, where you can unwind with a peaceful boat ride and take in the serene surroundings.
03
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Lake Bunyonyi by starting your day with local artisans, learning traditional basket weaving and pottery from women whose livelihoods depend on these crafts. Then, take a boat to visit the Batwa Pygmy Community for a meaningful cultural exchange, discovering their history, traditions, and challenges. In the afternoon, join a local family for a hands-on cooking class, using fresh ingredients from nearby farms to prepare and enjoy a traditional meal together.
04
After breakfast, travel to Amatsiko Preparatory School in Kabale (approx. 10 km / 30 minutes) to spend the morning volunteering. The school, which supports orphans and vulnerable children, offers a warm welcome as you help in classrooms, organise activities, and engage with students through teaching or mentoring. In the afternoon, assist in setting up a new library by organising books, creating reading corners, and introducing literacy programmes. Your contributions will inspire a love of learning and create lasting connections, leaving a meaningful impact on the children and their education.
05
Start your morning visiting local farms around Kabale, where you’ll learn traditional and sustainable farming techniques and assist farmers with daily tasks, gaining insight into the region’s agricultural challenges. After lunch, travel to Buzaniro Village in Kisoro (approx. 70 km / 2 hours) for hands-on experience in permaculture, crop rotation, and organic farming practices that are transforming the community’s food security. Spend time inspiring local children through teaching and interactive activities, encouraging them to dream big. In the afternoon, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (approx. 35 km / 1.5 hours).
06
Begin your day with an exhilarating trek through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, guided by an expert to track one of the last remaining mountain gorilla families. Spend a magical hour observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. After this unforgettable experience, return to Bwindi Lodge and spend the rest of the day unwinding and reflecting on your adventure.
07
After your time in Bwindi, we’ll make our way to Queen Elizabeth National Park, crossing the Ishasha sector known for its famous tree-climbing lions. Packed lunch and arrival at the lodge near the large Lake Edward.
08
Start chimpanzee tracking within the Kyambura Gorge where there are several habituated Chimpanzees. The scenery within this gorge is spectacular and there are several other mammals plus birds to be seen as you start out in the morning on your chimpanzee trek. In the afternoon we will go on a photographic safari along the park’s routes in search of elephants, buffalo, leopards, lions, and many other animals.
09
Cruise on the “Kazinga Channel” that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. Incredible point of view to observe hippos, buffaloes, elephants drinking from the river and other animals that inhabit this wonderful area. This will surely be an unforgettable activity that will make you come into contact with the real life of the African savannah.
10
Begin your journey back to either Entebbe or Kigali for your departure flight
– Kyambura to Entebbe (Approx. 400 km /7 hours)
– Kyambura to Kigali (Approx. 330 km / 6 hours)
Itinerary Overview
01
Arrival in Uganda
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Depending on the time of your flight, you can either stay in Entebbe for the night or take a short city tour of Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital. If arriving late, rest up for the next day’s adventure.
-Option 2: Arrive at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda, and transfer to your hotel for the night if you arrive late. If your flight allows, begin the 2-hour drive to Kabale, Uganda, and enjoy the scenic countryside
03
Cultural Immersion at Lake Bunyonyi
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Lake Bunyonyi by starting your day with local artisans, learning traditional basket weaving and pottery from women whose livelihoods depend on these crafts. Then, take a boat to visit the Batwa Pygmy Community for a meaningful cultural exchange, discovering their history, traditions, and challenges. In the afternoon, join a local family for a hands-on cooking class, using fresh ingredients from nearby farms to prepare and enjoy a traditional meal together.
05
Visit Local Farms & Farewell Dinner and move to Kisoro
Start your morning visiting local farms around Kabale, where you’ll learn traditional and sustainable farming techniques and assist farmers with daily tasks, gaining insight into the region’s agricultural challenges. After lunch, travel to Buzaniro Village in Kisoro (approx. 70 km / 2 hours) for hands-on experience in permaculture, crop rotation, and organic farming practices that are transforming the community’s food security. Spend time inspiring local children through teaching and interactive activities, encouraging them to dream big. In the afternoon, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (approx. 35 km / 1.5 hours).
07
Queen Elizabeth National Park
After your time in Bwindi, we’ll make our way to Queen Elizabeth National Park, crossing the Ishasha sector known for its famous tree-climbing lions. Packed lunch and arrival at the lodge near the large Lake Edward.
09
Water safari
Cruise on the “Kazinga Channel” that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. Incredible point of view to observe hippos, buffaloes, elephants drinking from the river and other animals that inhabit this wonderful area. This will surely be an unforgettable activity that will make you come into contact with the real life of the African savannah.
02
Journey to Kabale & Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, set off for Kabale, either from Entebbe (approx. 400 km / 7-8 hours) or Kigali (approx. 105 km / 2 hours). Those departing from Entebbe will enjoy a scenic drive with a stop at the Equator Line for photos and souvenirs, while travellers from Kigali cross the border for a shorter journey. In the late afternoon, arrive at the stunning Lake Bunyonyi, where you can unwind with a peaceful boat ride and take in the serene surroundings.
04
Volunteering at Amatsiko Preparatory School
After breakfast, travel to Amatsiko Preparatory School in Kabale (approx. 10 km / 30 minutes) to spend the morning volunteering. The school, which supports orphans and vulnerable children, offers a warm welcome as you help in classrooms, organise activities, and engage with students through teaching or mentoring. In the afternoon, assist in setting up a new library by organising books, creating reading corners, and introducing literacy programmes. Your contributions will inspire a love of learning and create lasting connections, leaving a meaningful impact on the children and their education.
06
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Begin your day with an exhilarating trek through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, guided by an expert to track one of the last remaining mountain gorilla families. Spend a magical hour observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. After this unforgettable experience, return to Bwindi Lodge and spend the rest of the day unwinding and reflecting on your adventure.
08
Chimpanzee tracking and safari
Start chimpanzee tracking within the Kyambura Gorge where there are several habituated Chimpanzees. The scenery within this gorge is spectacular and there are several other mammals plus birds to be seen as you start out in the morning on your chimpanzee trek. In the afternoon we will go on a photographic safari along the park’s routes in search of elephants, buffalo, leopards, lions, and many other animals.
10
Departure
Begin your journey back to either Entebbe or Kigali for your departure flight
– Kyambura to Entebbe (Approx. 400 km /7 hours)
– Kyambura to Kigali (Approx. 330 km / 6 hours)
Traveller’s experiences
Accommodation Options
Budget
Comfortable and welcoming lodges providing all the essentials for an authentic Ugandan experience.
Day 1: Central Inn Entebbe (Entebbe) / Quiet Haven Hotel (Kigali) (HB)
Day 2 & 3: Byoona Amagara Island Retreat (HB)
Day 4: Albertine Tourist Hotel (FB)
Day 5 & 6: Rushaga Gorilla Haven (HB)
Day 7: QENP PVT Lodge / Pumba Safari Cottages (HB)
Day 8 & 9: QENP PVT Lodge / Pumba Safari Cottages (FB)
Mid-Range
A blend of comfort and value, these lodges provide excellent service and amenities for a relaxing retreat.
Day 1: Airport Guest House – Entebbe (HB)
Day 2 & 3: Eco-Resort, Kyahungye (HB)
Day 4: Kabale Safari Club / Cephas Inn (FB)
Day 5: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (HB)
Day 6: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (FB)
Day 7: Bush Lodge, QENP (HB)
Day 8 & 9: Bush Lodge, QENP (FB)
High-End
For those seeking added comfort, these lodges offer enhanced service and amenities after an adventure-filled day.
Day 1: Protea (Entebbe) or Hotel des Mille Collines (Kigali) (HB)
Day 2 & 3: BirdNest @ Bunyonyi Resort / Arcadia Cottages (HB)
Day 4: White Horse Inn Kabale (FB)
Day 5 & 6: Gorilla Forest Camp / Four Gorilla Lodge (HB)
Day 7: Parkview Safari Lodge – Kyambura (HB)
Day 8 & 9: Parkview Safari Lodge – Kyambura (FB)
*HB Half Board | *FB – Full Board
What’s included
We’ve thought of everything to ensure your adventure is seamless, from transport to guided experiences, so you can focus on making memories that matter.
What’s excluded
Frequently asked questions
We understand you might have questions before booking your tour. Here are some common queries. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us directly!
We would love to share our passion for Uganda with you.
Got a Question? We’d love to help you plan your adventure! Fill out the form or email us at info@amatsikotours.com.
Ready to create memories that last a lifetime?
Book your tour now and start your adventure.
