Don't Miss Out on These Incredible Experiences
Enhance your safari adventure with a range of additional experiences or visit some of our interesting projects(opens in a new tab) that bring extra excitement and discovery to your journey. These optional activities offer opportunities to dive deeper into the wonders of East Africa, creating unforgettable memories beyond your chosen itinerary.
Whether you’re keen on gorilla trekking, getting up close with lions, visiting the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, or embarking on canoe and hiking trips, our special selection of extra activities ensures that your adventure is as enriching and personalised as possible. For a truly unique perspective, consider adding a hot air balloon ride to your itinerary, where you can float above the savanna and marvel at the landscape from above.
Wildlife Encounters
Adventure Activities
Wildlife Encounters
Gorilla Tracking or Habituation
Of the approximate 800 Mountain Gorillas left on the planet, half of this endangered species are found in Uganda. You can meet these magnificent creatures on Gorilla Safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. Most of the other portion of the world's Mountain Gorilla population is found in the Virunga complex (Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo). You will spend either one hour with the Gorillas during the normal tracking or up to 4 hours during the so-called Gorilla Habituation Experience. For more information about Gorilla Tracking in Uganda or Rwanda, including what will happen on the gorilla tracking, please visit Manya Africa Tours FAQ page.
Price:
- Gorilla Tracking $800 per person
- Gorilla Habituation $1.500 per person
Primate Walks, Chimpanzee Tracking or Habituation
Kibale’s primate walks start from the Kanyanchu Visitor Center at 08:00 and 15:00, lasting 2 to 3 hours. These walks are highly popular and offer a chance to track chimpanzees, the most sought-after primates. Along the way, keep an eye out for black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Guides will also highlight various bird species, including pittas, and provide insights into the forest's plant life. Group sizes are limited to 6 people, so advance booking is crucial, especially during peak season.
The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience provides a unique opportunity to join Kibale’s researchers and observe chimpanzees as they become accustomed to human presence. This immersive experience includes watching the chimps de-nesting (between 05:30 and 06:30) and following their daily activities until they build new nests for the night around 19:00.
Price:
- Chimpanzee Tracking $250 per person
- Chimpanzee Habituation $350 per person
Prices for foreign (non-resident) travellers in Uganda
Chimpanzee Trekking Permits:
- Kyambura Gorge $100 per person
- Kalinzu Forest $130 per person
- Budongo Forest $ 85 per person
Chimpanzee Habituation Permits:
- Kibale Forest National Park $300 per person per trek
- Kalinzu Forest, Bugoma Forest, and Budongo Forest $150 per person per trek
Game Drive to Encounter Lions - Uganda Carnivore Program
Lions, leopards, and hyenas are some of the world's most iconic wildlife, yet their populations have declined sharply due to habitat loss, prey depletion, and human-wildlife conflict, largely driven by expanding human settlements and agricultural development.
Go on a unique game drive with Dr. Ludwig Seifert’s expert team to learn about their vital conservation efforts. The Uganda Carnivore Program focuses on monitoring, researching, and conserving predators in northern Queen Elizabeth National Park. Their work aims to find sustainable solutions that benefit both wildlife and local communities.
Price:
- $120 per person
Rhinos at the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
Discover the Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch en route to Murchison Falls. This sanctuary offers guided tours led by experienced rangers, allowing you to observe the rhinos up close in a safe and controlled environment. While exploring the sanctuary, you’ll also have the chance to see a variety of other wildlife, including Uganda kobs, reedbucks, orbis, bushbucks, hippos, and crocodiles.
Price:
- $50 per person
Ishasha Uplift Program’s Community Tours in Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Explore the vibrant culture and daily life of rural Ugandans with the Ishasha Uplift Program. This initiative, created in collaboration with the Ishasha community, supports local agriculture and promotes sustainable living. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of:
Deo’s Trench & Model Homestead Tour: Experience traditional rural life and learn about innovative farming practices.
Agartha’s Taste of Uganda Tour: Dive into local culture and cuisine with a visit to Agartha’s homestead.
Both tours are conveniently located near the Bwindi-Ishasha Road and offer a unique glimpse into the daily lives of those living on the park’s edge.
Price:
- $30 per person
Search for the Shoebill at Murchison Falls National Park
Embark on a scenic 20 km journey downstream from Paraa to the Victoria Nile Delta, renowned for its rare wetland birds like the shoebill and papyrus species. Enjoy a scheduled morning cruise with a "breakfast on board" option, departing from our jetty on the South Bank at 7:00 AM (subject to minimum numbers). For a more personalised experience, we can also arrange private boat trips tailored to your schedule and preferences.
Price:
- Nile Delta Cruises (4-5 hours) from $55 per person - subject to minimum numbers on board.
Birdwatching on a Guided Nature Walk in Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary at Kibale
Explore the vibrant biodiversity and scenic beauty of the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. This 4.5 km trail, winding through the crucial wildlife corridor of Kibale Forest, offers a 3-hour adventure. Known as the "Home of the Great Blue Turaco," the sanctuary is a haven for bird enthusiasts, hosting around 200 bird species, including hornbills, turacos, parrots, cranes, kingfishers, and various swamp endemics. Additionally, the wetlands are home to eight primate species, such as the black-and-white colobus, red colobus, red-tailed monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, olive baboon, L’hoest monkey, vervet monkey, and blue monkey.
Price:
- $25 per person
Adventure Activities
Canoe and Hiking at Lake Bunyonyi: Discover the Gorilla Highlands
Experience the unique blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty with a canoe and hiking adventure at Lake Bunyonyi. Located in the heart of the Gorilla Highlands, this activity combines dugout canoeing and trekking through remote areas of southwestern Uganda.
Price:
- From USD 15 per person: 2-hour Touch of Bunyonyi shows you Edirisa and the green paradise of Bushara Island.
- From $40 per person: 5-hour Culture on the Crest leads you to the peaks of Kyabazinga for superb views, a nursery, an herbalist and a craft maker.
- From $90 per person: 1-day Islands of Miracles adds visits to three special islands to Culture on the Crest.
- From $180 per person: 2-day Mama Bena’s Bonus includes getting to know all major islands, climbing Karembe Hill, staying with the famous Mama Bena and meeting Batwa “Pygmies”.
- From $230 per person: 3-day Mother of All Treks adds Tom’s Homestay and a morning with a craft maker.
Hot Air Balloon Ride at Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth National Park
Elevate your safari experience with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth National Park. Start your day at dawn, quietly soaring over the vast African savannah as the sun rises, casting a golden glow over the fields below.
From the sky, witness herds of elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife in their natural habitat, all while enjoying the tranquillity of this unique vantage point. The flight lasts about an hour, offering unparalleled photo opportunities and a truly unforgettable perspective of Uganda's diverse ecosystems.
Price:
- $380 per person
Grade 5 White Water Rafting on the River Nile
Experience the thrill of some of the world's best Grade 5 white-water rafting on the mighty River Nile in Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital. Begin your journey in this exhilarating destination, where you can also challenge yourself with East Africa’s only bungee jump, diving right into the Nile below.
Manya Africa Tours offers flexible rafting packages, including day trips, overnight adventures, or multi-day excursions. Just a two-hour drive east from Kampala, Jinja promises an unforgettable adventure for thrill-seekers.
Price:
- Half-day $125 per person
- Full-day $140 per person
Bungee Jumping Over the Nile
Leap over the source of the Nile from one of the most spectacular bungee jumping sites in the world. We specialise in tandem jumps, water touches and full-moon jumps. Jumps can be organised at most times, even in the dark (for the more daring).
Price:
- $115 per person
- Rafting & Bungee Combo: $195 per person
Boat Rides on Lake Victoria
Treat yourself to a serene sunset cruise on Lake Victoria, one of the world's largest lakes. Departing from Entebbe in the late afternoon, our boat rides head towards the equator line or local islands for stunning sunset views. Enjoy watching fishermen cast their nets while you savour snacks and drinks provided on board.
Meeting Point & Timings: Meet at Lugard Avenue outside UWEC (Zoo) in Entebbe, where safe parking is available. The pier is a short walk away. Sunset cruises typically last around two hours and start around 5:00 PM.
Price:
- $35 per person (subject to minimum numbers of passengers on board)
Cheese & Wine Cruise on Lake Victoria
Cap off your safari or Uganda adventure with a sunset cruise on Lake Victoria, complete with a cheese platter and your choice of wine.
Meeting Point & Timings: Meet at Lugard Avenue outside UWEC (Zoo) in Entebbe, where safe parking is available. The pier is a short walk away. The cruise lasts approximately two hours and departs in the late afternoon at a time that suits you.
Price:
- From $85 per person (includes wine and cheese)
Fishing Trips on Lake Victoria or at Murchison Falls National Park
Experience sport fishing at Murchison Falls National Park, where you can cast your line from the riverbank or from a boat in the pools below the falls. Wild Frontiers Fishing Safaris provides access to prime fishing spots by boat from our launching point at Paraa or the riverside lodge.
Murchison Falls
Temperatures at Murchison Falls can soar above 40°C, especially during midday. Be prepared with sun protection such as sunscreen, hats, and long-sleeved shirts. Tsetse flies can be prevalent, so wearing long trousers and using insect repellent is recommended.
Price
- From $215 pero person (3 guests in 1 boat) - special discounted rates available for East African residents - contact us for further information.
Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is renowned for its Nile Perch, one of the world's largest freshwater fish. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, our half-day and full-day excursions offer the perfect chance to experience the thrill of catching and releasing this impressive fish. With over 12 years of experience, we know the best spots and techniques for a successful fishing trip. Our knowledgeable skippers, fluent in English, will guide you through every step of the adventure.
Price:
- Half-day from $125 per person
- Full-day from $250 per person (based on 4 guests in 1 boat)
Special discounted rates available for East African residents - contact us for further information.
Traditional Lunch at Tinka Johns Bigodi Tourism
Good Food, Good People, Good Times: For a true taste of traditional Kitooro cuisine, the Tinka family warmly welcomes you. Enjoy a fresh, organic meal under a thatched roof, surrounded by friendly company and the soothing sounds of songbirds. As you savour your lunch, you’ll also learn about local food traditions, preparation methods, and fascinating local stories.
Price:
- $20 per person
Meet the Batwa of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
You can now experience Batwa's rich cultural heritage through two unique programs: the Batwa Trail in Mgahinga and the Batwa Experience in Buhoma, Bwindi. Both offer a chance to learn about the Batwa’s traditional lifestyle and their deep connection with the forest.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southwestern Uganda is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including the endangered mountain gorillas, a variety of primates, birds, and unique vegetation.
Historically, the Batwa, also known as Batwa pygmies, were the original inhabitants of this lush rainforest. They lived harmoniously within the forest, relying on its resources for sustenance.
However, conservation efforts aimed at preserving Bwindi’s rainforest and its wildlife, including the mountain gorillas, led to the displacement of the Batwa from their ancestral home. This shift has introduced them to a new way of life, significantly different from their traditional forest-based existence.
Price:
- Batwa Trail in Mgahinga $80 per person
- Batwa Experience in Buhoma, Bwindi $100 per person
Pick and Roast Your Own Coffee at Sipi Falls
Nestled at the base of Mt. Elgon, Sipi Falls is renowned for its stunning series of waterfalls, with the 95-metre main fall being the highlight of this picturesque region. The area is celebrated for its breathtaking beauty and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a memorable stay, whether you're visiting as part of your Uganda journey or combining it with a trek up Mt. Elgon.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southwestern Uganda is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including the endangered mountain gorillas, a variety of primates, birds, and unique vegetation.
In addition to the scenic falls, Sipi Falls offers a unique coffee experience. Visit a nearby family-run coffee farm to engage in the entire coffee-making process. From picking ripe coffee berries to shelling and grinding them with traditional tools, you’ll roast your coffee over an open fire and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of real Arabica coffee. This hands-on experience allows you to savour the rich flavours of Uganda’s finest coffee while immersed in the local culture.
Price:
- Waterfalls Hike $30 per person
- Coffee Tour $30 per person
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