Top Things to Do After Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking is one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences in Uganda. After hiking through the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to see the endangered mountain gorillas, many travelers wonder what else they can do to make their trip even more memorable. Uganda offers plenty of exciting activities that complement gorilla trekking. Whether you want more wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, or relaxation, here are the top things to do after gorilla trekking in Uganda.
-
Go on a Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an unforgettable gorilla trek, a classic safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a perfect way to continue your adventure. Located a few hours from Bwindi, this park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and diverse bird species.
You can take a game drive in the Ishasha sector to see the tree-climbing lions or explore the Kasenyi plains, where you will find buffaloes, antelopes, leopards, and hyenas. A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel is another highlight, offering close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species along the water’s edge.
-
Explore Lake Bunyonyi—the Switzerland of Africa
For those seeking relaxation after trekking, Lake Bunyonyi is the perfect place to unwind. This stunning lake, surrounded by rolling hills and dotted with 29 islands, offers breathtaking scenery. The calm waters make it a great spot for canoeing, swimming, and birdwatching.
You can take a boat tour to explore the islands and learn about their unique history, including Punishment Island, where unmarried pregnant girls were abandoned in the past. There are also plenty of lodges with scenic views where you can relax after your trek.
-
Visit Murchison Falls National Park
If you want to experience Uganda’s most powerful waterfall and a fantastic safari, head to Murchison Falls National Park. Located in the northwestern part of Uganda, this park is home to the Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges down 43 meters.
A boat cruise on the Nile takes you close to the falls, where you can witness the power of the rushing water. Game drives in the park offer a chance to see elephants, lions, giraffes, leopards, and buffaloes. The park is also a great place for birdwatching, with species like the shoebill stork commonly spotted in the wetlands.
-
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park
If you enjoyed gorilla trekking, you might love chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park. Known as the primate capital of the world, Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, as well as other primates like red-tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
Chimp trekking is a different experience from gorilla trekking. Chimpanzees are highly active and often move through the trees, making the trek more dynamic and exciting. A chimpanzee habituation experience allows you to spend more time with these intelligent primates and observe their behavior up close.
-
Discover the Batwa Culture
For a cultural experience after your gorilla trek, visit the Batwa pygmies, the original forest dwellers of Bwindi and Mgahinga. The Batwa Cultural Experience takes you through their traditional way of life, including hunting techniques, medicinal plants, and traditional dances.
This experience provides insight into how the Batwa survived in the forest before it became a protected national park. Visitors can also support community projects that help the Batwa preserve their culture while improving their livelihoods.
-
Hike to Sipi Falls
If you love nature and hiking, a visit to Sipi Falls in eastern Uganda is a great way to extend your trip. Located on the foothills of Mount Elgon, Sipi Falls features three stunning waterfalls, with the highest dropping 100 meters.
You can go on a guided hike through local villages and coffee plantations to reach the falls. The region is also famous for Arabica coffee, and a coffee tour allows you to see how coffee is grown, harvested, and processed by local farmers.
-
Experience adventure on the Nile in Jinja.
For adrenaline seekers, Jinja is the ultimate adventure destination. Located at the source of the Nile River, Jinja offers thrilling activities like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, quad biking, and kayaking.
Whitewater rafting on the Nile Rapids is a must-do for adventure lovers. For a more relaxed experience, you can take a sunset boat cruise or visit the Mabira Forest for zip-lining and nature walks.
Plan Your Post-Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Uganda
Gorilla trekking is just the beginning of an unforgettable journey in Uganda. Whether you want to explore wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, adventure sports, or relaxing lakeside retreats, Uganda has something for every traveler. Extend your trip and discover the many wonders that make Uganda the Pearl of Africa.
