11 Day Adventure (Pack)raft Trip in Uganda - Africa!
From the Savannah to the Jungle of Uganda
Want to discover Africa in a unique and adventurous way, away from the standard routes? This trip through Uganda offers you a perfect mix of action, nature and culture. Discover breathtaking landscapes from a kayak or boat as you explore jungle lakes and rivers. Combine that with an unforgettable safari in the vast savannahs - an experience that will stay with you forever.
On this trip, you will experience the best of Uganda: challenging trails, paddling across crater lakes and thrilling rapids on the River Birira, which eventually flows into the savannah. Along the way, you will admire an abundance of tropical birds, spot the Big 5 on a safari and trek through the jungle in search of gorillas and chimpanzees.
Besides the impressive nature, you also get the chance to sample the local culture. Enjoy traditional dishes, sample local drinks and meet hospitable communities. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or just looking for a trip full of new experiences, this carefully curated trip offers it all: adrenaline-pumping activities, relaxing moments in nature and a deep connection with the country and its people.
Are you ready for an adventure you will never forget?
What will you do.
This trip offers the perfect mix of adventure, breathtaking nature and restful moments. We will take you on an unforgettable journey of discovery, with:
- Hiking through impressive mountain landscapes and pristine nature, where you will fully experience the power of nature.
- (Pack)Rafting on wild rivers that push your adrenaline to unprecedented heights, and on calm lakes that offer you an oasis of calm.
- Visiting local villages, where you will meet the hospitable locals and learn more about their traditions and lifestyle.
- Exploring hidden places, known only to locals, that you won't soon forget.
- A safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can admire wildlife up close.
- Optionally, you can complement the trip with a Gorilla and/or Chimpanzee trek, for a unique experience with the majestic animals.
Areas you visit
We explore Uganda's breathtaking regions, ranging from rugged mountain ranges and vast valleys to sparkling rivers. The trip takes you from Rwanda's capital to Uganda's south-west and on to the heart of the country. The landscape gradually changes from lush tropical rainforest to rolling hills covered with endless banana plantations, and finally to the vast savannah. Throughout the trip, you will explore these diverse landscapes by car, on foot and on water.
Difficulty and Activities
This trip is suitable for adventurers of all levels. The hikes are challenging, but doable for people of average fitness. The rafting ranges from exciting to challenging, so make sure you are well prepared for a good dose of adventure. Our guides adapt to your level, so you can enjoy the activities at your own pace.
Price
The price for this unforgettable experience is € 2945,00 per person.
Includes:
- All overnight stays (in the listed accommodations)
- All activities (hiking, rafting and local visits) - except gorilla tracking, chimpanzees and volcano Sabynyo
- Transport during the trip, including driver
- Local guides and guidance
- Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Not included:
- Flight tickets to the starting point of the trip
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance and cancellation insurance
- Optional activities such as gorilla tracking, chimpanzees and climbing volcano Sabynyo. These activities can be booked separately and have to be paid extra.
About us
We are a passionate team of adventurers and guides, dedicated to creating the best experiences for our guests. Sadat Kawawa, world freestyle kayaking champion and professional raft guide, hails from Uganda and is the founder of SANA Gorilla Rafting. He designed this trip to experience the best of the country, from your raft! Our team consists of local experts who not only know the region, but also the culture and history of the places we visit. In addition, all our guides are professional river guides, who make sure you always feel safe and welcome. We love to share our knowledge and love for this special region.
Day 1
Arrival and Welcome to Africa!
With open arms, we welcome you to the heart of Africa! After a warm introduction to your fellow travellers and guides, we begin your adventure. We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your first stay in Kigali, the vibrant capital of Rwanda, where you will immediately experience the energy and beauty of this special country
Day 2
Adventure in the mountains and to Lake Mutanda
Today we drive through the breathtaking mountains to Uganda, where we drop you off at the idyllic Lake Mutanda. Here, your adventure begins with packrafting to Gahiza Island. After a day of adventure, relax with a refreshing cocktail and enjoy a tasty dinner as the sun sets and the magic of the surroundings comes to life.
Day 3
Choice between Adventure and Magic
Option 1: Mount Sabinyo
Early in the morning, you will be picked up by speedboat and taken to the base of one of the most beautiful and technical volcanoes in the region. This volcano is right on the border of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda! A challenging climb of about 6 hours awaits you. (Cost: 80 USD)
Option 2: Gorilla tracking
Early in the morning, you will be picked up by speedboat for an unforgettable experience: an encounter with the impressive mountain gorillas in their natural habitat! (Cost: 800 USD) After this magical experience, there is still time to go out on the lake in the afternoon, for those who still have energy and want to explore nature further.
Day 4
Discovery of Rukungiri and the Birira River
Early in the morning, we drive to Rukungiri, where the enchanting Birira River awaits you. On arrival, we enjoy a delicious local lunch, then in the afternoon you will take the beautiful waterfall hike (about 2 hours). Here you can refresh under the waterfall! Next, you will hike through the banana plantations, where you will interact with the friendly locals and enjoy a tasty gin. The day ends with a visit to the river, where you can relax and take in the scenery.
Day 5
Adventure on the River Birira
This unforgettable experience takes you deep into the jungle, where you will be put on a raft with the SANA Gorilla Rafting team for an exhilarating trip over non-stop rapids on the Birira River. After the intense rafting experience, you will cook on an open fire and camp on the riverbank, in a tented camp carefully set up for you by the guides. It's a day full of adventure, nature and the magic of the outdoors.
Day 6
Self-Rafting on the River Birira
The second day on the River Birira offers the chance to raft yourself in your packraft! It's a quieter stretch of the river, where you'll paddle quietly through Uganda's lush jungle, surrounded by an abundance of tropical birds that will amaze your eyes. After this peaceful but impressive experience, the day ends at the edge of the savannah, where we spend the night at the comfortable Ishasha Pride Lodge, a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.
Day 7
Safari through Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today you will take an exciting safari through the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for lions climbing trees and impressive populations of elephants! After a delicious lunch at the Bush Lodge, you will take a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel, where you will sail among hippos and crocodiles. The day ends with a refreshing beer as you enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the African savannah.
Day 8
The Next Morning: Safari and Rafting in the Rwenzori Mountains
The next morning, another thrilling safari is on the programme, before we travel on to the next beautiful river from the Rwenzori Mountains, where you will challenge yourself with rafting once again. After the thrilling trip, we will take a short hike to a hidden, enchanted spot in the forest, on the edge of a crater lake. Here we will enjoy a cosy BBQ and reflect on the adventurous day we experienced together.
Day 9
On the Road to Entebbe
Today we will drive to Entebbe, where you will end the evening with a romantic dinner on the shores of Lake Victoria, watching the breathtaking sunset.
Optional: Start the day with an adventurous chimpanzee trek in the morning, followed by a leisurely afternoon by the lake. In the afternoon, travel on to Entebbe for a relaxing end to the day.
Day 10
Last Day: Pack Rafting on Lake Victoria
On the last day, you will go pack rafting across the serene Lake Victoria, towards a beautiful island. Once you get there, enjoy an invigorating hike through pristine nature, to end your adventure on a magnificent note.
Day 11
End of trip or another adventure?
Optional: Extra Rafting in Jinja
Depending on the time of your flight, it is possible to spend an extra day rafting in Jinja, Uganda's adventure destination. This can be done at an additional cost of $140, for those who want to add extra adventure to the trip. We will transfer you to the airport in Entebbe - Uganda from the accommodation this day.
Accommodation in Africa: Discover our beautiful accommodations
During your trip, you will stay in comfortable and authentic accommodation, carefully selected to perfectly match the nature and culture of the region. You will stay overnight at the following special locations:
Gahiza Island: An enchanting lodge on an island in Lake Mutanda, where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and panoramic views.
Mutanda Lake Resort: This resort offers spectacular views of the volcanoes and the lake, making it an ideal place to completely unwind.
SANA Hostel: In Rukungiri, you will stay at the SANA Gorilla Rafting team's hostel, which has an informal and friendly atmosphere.
Camping in Nature: After rafting, you and the team set up camp on the banks of a river, offering a truly back-to-nature experience.
Ishasha Pride Lodge: After two days of rafting and before the start of your safari, you will stay at this riverside lodge, a peaceful and atmospheric spot.
Bush Lodge: Located in northern Queen, this lodge with safari tents offers a unique experience, where it is possible to see elephants nearby during dinner.
Lake Kasenda Lodge: Located on a beautiful crater lake, this lodge is the perfect place to completely relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Buvi Lodge: An eco-lodge on Lake Victoria, an oasis of tranquillity that puts you in complete harmony with nature.
