Depending on your itinerary several of the activities listed - from gorilla trekking, to white water rafting - can be included in your Ku Tunza Safari. However please note that Jinja (2hrs east of Kampala, Uganda) is now rated as East Africa's Adventure Capital and is where most of the 'adrenalin' activities take place.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
This is one of the main highlights for anyone taking a trip into Uganda or Rwanda. The trek to find the gorillas can take anything from 45 minutes to five hours and although your viewing time is limited to one hour, you may get as close as 5 metres to these incredible primates. The Wildlife Authorities make sure that all necessary precautions are taken – the trekking groups are small and the guides experienced and knowledgeable, making this the trek of a lifetime. The trek can be from 3 hours to 10 hours.
Notes: Children under 15 years of age are unable to trek.
Gorilla trekking can be done in either Uganda or Rwanda although it does depend on permit availability at time of booking.
Chimp Trekking
Chimp trekking in either Kibale Forest or at Kyambura Gorge is a thrilling experience - not only because you are searching for man’s closest relative, but because the habitat in which they live is remarkable and full of beautiful birds and several other primates. The treks can be from 2 hours to 3 hours.
Notes: Children under 13 years of age are unable to trek.
Chimp trekking can be done in Kibale Forest (Fort Portal) or Kyambura Gorge (QEII National Park)
Ngamba Island – Chimp Sanctuary
Ngamba Island is a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees. A one hour boat journey takes you to the island where you are invited to spend the day in the company of these unique primates.
Notes: Children as young as 3 are able to visit the Island. Lifejackets are provided for the boat crossing.
Ngamba Island is off the mainland, accessible via Entebbe, and can be done am or pm.
Bird Watching
Uganda enjoys over one thousand species of birdlife, so bird watching can be done in any of the national parks, forests or crater lakes.
Bigodi Wetlands (Fort Portal) is a particularly diverse area for great bird watching & Murchison Falls is the park of choice for spotting the elusive Shoebill.
Walking with Rhinos
Rhinos became extinct in Uganda in 1982, but at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary they have set up a breeding programme to re-introduce black and white rhinos into their original habitat within the next few years. The sanctuary is open to day visitors and for those keen to take a walks with a rhino, it is certainly possible to come face to face with these unique animals whilst guided by a ranger.
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is en-route to Masindi, Murchison Falls.
National Park Boat Cruises
Both Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth II National Park offer wonderful boat trips - at Murchison the boat travels up stream to the base of the magnificent Falls. On either trip you creep slowly along the banks of the river, where the wildlife is in abundance – everything from elephant to hippos, water buck, buffalo, heron, kingfishers, crocodiles and impala - grazing or drinking at the water’s edge.
Either NP Boat Cruise takes 3 hours.
Dug Out Canoe Trips
Around the beautiful Lake Bunyoni trips to the many islands can be taken in locally crafted canoes paddled by experienced locals. Expect to see otters, birdlife and people canoeing to the markets in town.
The above takes around 2 hours and can be done early in the morning at Lake Bunyoni.
White Water Rafting
All rafting trips begin in Jinja, the source of the Nile, and this is an exhilarating way to travel it! The Nile is one of the safest rivers to raft and with over 3 professional companies to choose from you’ll be in the safest of hands tackling this volume of water. The Nile has everything from Grade 5 rapids to leisurely flat sections and for those not keen to flip there’s a safety raft that can take you down the easier sections.
Notes: Full day, half day or family float trips can be arranged. All safety equipment provided.
The companies rafting the Nile operate from Jinja, but pickups can be arranged from Kampala.
Kayaking
For beginners or seasoned kayakers the Nile is a wonderful river from where you can experience the calm of the still water or take on one of the many wild rapids. Tandom kayaking is also available.
Notes: All safety equipment, including life jackets and helmets is provided.
Any of the above can be done either as a half or full day whilst in Jinja.
Sunset Canoe Trips
Enjoy the peace of Lake Victoria whilst gently paddling around the waters edge. The prolific birdlife is wonderful at this time of day, and as the sun dips below the water’s edge the sky becomes alive with fruit bats. Sunset drinks & snacks are available.
Notes: Life jackets are provided.
The above takes around 2 hours and can be done in Jinja.
Horse Riding
On well schooled horses you can take an inspiring horseback safari along the banks of the Nile, riding alongside the river and through local villages. Whether you’re a novice or experienced rider they have horses to suit all abilities. Rides vary in length from 2-3 hours, or you can overnight on one of their breathtaking lodge safaris, encompassing a 2 day ride.
Notes: Nile Horseback Safaris can provide hats, but you will have to bring your own long trousers/boots etc
Based in Jinja, rides go out daily - although during the wet season, afternoons are often best.
Volunteering
British registered charity Soft Power Education, has built 2 pre-schools for Aids Orphans and with the help of international volunteers they have gone on to refurbish 20 government primary schools within the local area. You can volunteer for one day to 2 months, doing anything from painting, to digging, to assisting with educational workshops.
Based in Jinja you can do either a half day or full days volunteering or perhaps you'd like to spend a week helping the organisation either side of your safari?
Mountain Biking
A half day or full days ride with an experienced guide who can take you through local villages and forest on a myriad of dirt tracks either in Mabria Forest or around the countryside in Jinja.
Notes: All bikes and equipment, including helmets, are provided.
You can bike ride for a couple of hours or a full day whilst in Jinja.
Quad Biking
1, 2, 3 or 4 hour guided quad bike safaris along the banks of the River Nile and into rural Africa.
Notes: Available to all ages. Training, protective clothing and refreshments are also included.
Any combination of the above can be done whilst in Jinja.
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