10 Day Uganda Cycling and Gorilla Safari Tour

This 10-day Uganda cycling safari combines active travel with two of the country’s standout wildlife experiences, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest and gorilla trekking in Bwindi. The route also includes cycling stages through tea country, volcanic crater landscapes, the Bwindi Highlands, and the wildlife-rich plains of Lake Mburo National Park. With game drives, a Kazinga Channel boat cruise, and guided community rides built into the journey, this trip is designed for travelers who want to explore Uganda beyond the standard vehicle-based safari.

Safari Highlights

• 10-day guided cycling and wildlife safari across western Uganda
• Bicycle ride from Fort Portal toward Kibale Forest
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
• Optional scenic cycling route toward Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Game drive in Kasenyi and boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Highland cycling in the Bwindi region
• Cycling with wildlife in Lake Mburo National Park
• Suitable for active travelers looking for a varied Uganda adventure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Airport Transfer and Hotel Check-in

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by a representative from AA Safaris and Tours and transferred to your hotel in Entebbe. This is a light arrival day designed to allow you to rest after your international flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel or take a short walk along the lakeside. Overnight at 2 Friends Hotel Entebbe.

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale, Afternoon Cycling from Fort Portal to Kibale Area

After breakfast, meet your guide for a briefing and begin the drive west toward Fort Portal through Uganda’s lush countryside. Arrive in Fort Portal in time for lunch. In the afternoon, begin your first cycling experience with a guided ride toward the Kibale area. This 40 km ride passes through tea plantations, rolling hills, and rural communities, offering a scenic introduction to Uganda’s landscapes. The support vehicle follows the group, allowing flexibility for riders who may want to shorten the distance. Overnight options (Kibale area): Budget: Kibale Forest Camp, Midrange: Crater Safari Lodge, Luxury: Ndali Lodge

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Cycling to Bigodi Wetland

After an early breakfast, transfer to Kibale National Park headquarters for a briefing before starting your chimpanzee trek. The trek through the forest takes between 1 and 3 hours depending on the chimpanzee location. Once found, you will spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge for lunch, then head out for a shorter afternoon cycling ride toward Bigodi Wetland. This ride passes through village paths and forest edges, with opportunities to see monkeys, birds, and local community life. Return to your lodge for overnight.

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth, Optional Crater Cycling Route

After breakfast, depart Kibale and drive toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. For those interested in more cycling, part of this journey can include an optional 21 km ride through scenic crater landscapes, farms, and local homesteads before rejoining the vehicle. Arrive in the park in the afternoon and head out for an evening game drive. You may also visit nearby crater lakes or the Katwe salt mining area, depending on timing. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge for Luxury, Bush Lodge for Budget, or Enganzi Lodge for Mid-range.

Day 5: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start early for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains and Queens Mile area, where you may see lions, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, leopards, and Uganda kobs. Return to the lodge for breakfast and rest. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, known for its high concentration of hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and birdlife along the shoreline. Overnight at your lodge

Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha, Afternoon Community Ride

After breakfast, drive toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the Ishasha sector, where you may spot tree-climbing lions. Arrive in the Bwindi region in the afternoon. After lunch, go for a guided community cycling ride or a short village circuit instead of a walking tour. This ride allows interaction with local communities and offers insight into daily life around Bwindi. Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Safari Lodge for  Mid-range, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp, Budget, or Buhoma Lodge for Luxury.

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park

After breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for briefing before beginning your gorilla trek. The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once found, you will spend one hour observing them. Return to the starting point and transfer back to your lodge for rest.

Day 8: Cycling in the Bwindi Highlands

Today, you will explore the Bwindi highlands by bicycle. The route passes through hills, local villages, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the forest. This ride offers a mix of moderate climbs and downhill sections, with stops along the way for photos and interaction with local communities. Return to the lodge for lunch. Later, enjoy a cultural performance by local community members.

Day 9: Transfer to Lake Mburo, Cycling with Wildlife

After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park. Arrive in time for lunch, then in the afternoon enjoy a guided cycling safari inside the park. This is one of the few places in Uganda where you can safely cycle alongside wildlife such as zebras, antelopes, and buffalo. Budget – Eagles Nest campsite, Moderate – Lake Mburo safari lodge / Arcadia cottages  , Luxury – Minhingo lodge.

Day 10: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Entebbe

After breakfast, go for a final morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. Later, begin the drive back to Entebbe with a stop for lunch along the way. Continue to the airport for your onward flight. End of your Uganda cycling and gorilla safari.

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• Airport transfers in Entebbe
• Private ground transport and cycling support vehicle
• Accommodation as per selected category
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Guided cycling stages and community rides
• Game drives and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Park entry fees
• Meals as outlined

Exclusions

• International flights
• Uganda visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal cycling gear and helmet hire
• Tips and personal expenses
• Extra accommodation before or after the tour