Welcome to the heart of East Africa! Uganda, a landlocked gem, boasts an array of natural wonders, vibrant cultures, and unique wildlife experiences. In this 5-day itinerary, we’ll guide you through the bustling streets of Kampala and the mystical Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with a highlight stay at the enchanting Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge. Buckle up for an unforgettable journey! This is based on our itinerary and I linked to more deep dive videos that I’ve shared so you can truly get a feel for the experience.

Day 1: Exploring the Charms of Kampala

Begin your adventure in the lively capital city of Kampala. Kick off the day with a visit to the historic Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into Buganda Kingdom’s rich history. Stroll through the vibrant markets of Owino and Nakasero, where you can shop for traditional crafts and taste local delicacies.

Lunch Recommendation: For a taste of authentic Ugandan cuisine, head to the famous Ekitoobero Restaurant, known for its hearty dishes.

Afternoon Activity: Explore the Uganda Museum to delve deeper into the country’s diverse cultural heritage. Wrap up the day with a sunset cruise on Lake Victoria, enjoying breathtaking views and unwinding after a day of exploration.

Day 2: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Embark on a scenic drive from Kampala to the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity and home to the endangered mountain gorillas. We drove in and flew out because it was a more cost effective option but if you’re visiting and it’s even a little bit rainy or you have tight timing I would recommend flying both ways. Note that you will have restrictions on luggage for the small plane to get there and back so plan to pack a smaller soft bag that’s about ~15kg max.

Lodge Highlight: Check into the Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, nestled on the edge of the forest. I shared a room tour here, views here and we loved our stay so much! The staff are incredible. The lodge offers breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes and provides a comfortable and eco-friendly stay.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Today is the day you’ve been waiting for – an exhilarating gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest! Join experienced guides on a journey through the dense vegetation to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Make sure to capture the moment but remember to respect the gorillas’ space and follow guidelines for responsible wildlife viewing, bring a camera that zooms because you’ll be about 10 feet away. Here is a video where I breakdown our day gorilla trekking and here is a video where I break down what I wore and what I wish I wore. Bring hiking pants like these and gators are recommended for good reason.

Lunch Recommendation: Enjoy a packed lunch provided by the lodge during your trekking adventure.

Evening Relaxation: Unwind at the lodge, sharing stories of your gorilla encounter with fellow travelers. We made friends talking about experience! Take in the panoramic views from the terrace and savor a delicious dinner prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. If you’re at the Nkuringo lodge and love ginger, get the Dawa tea, it is made with fresh ginger, honey and all of the warming vibes.

Day 4: Cultural Immersion in Nkuringo Village

Immerse yourself in the local culture by spending a day in the nearby village. Start off with the Batwa cultural tour, and learn about community-led conservation efforts. It’s amazing to see how the local community supports one another. Participate in a traditional dance performance and witness the vibrant customs of the Bakiga people.

Optional Activity: Take a guided nature walk to explore the flora and fauna surrounding Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge.

Day 5: Farewell to Bwindi and Return to Kampala

Bid farewell to the magical Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and make your way back to Kampala. Stop by the equator for a unique photo opportunity and shop for souvenirs at the craft markets along the way if you choose to drive or fly from Kisoro.

This is how we spent our time in Uganda but there is SO much more to see and this is one of the countries that surprised us most during out trip.

Keep an eye out for our full honeymoon guide, where you’ll be able to see exactly how we planned out the trip including the improvements we would make now that we’ve done it all.