What to do and see in Mbarara, Western Region: The Best Multi-day Tours

November 24, 2021 Jana Sager

Mbarara is a town in the Western Region of Uganda. It is the main municipal, administrative, and commercial center of Mbarara District and the site of the district headquarters.
Restaurants in Mbarara

1. 14 Day The Pearl of Africa Uganda Classic Wildlife Safari

Bamboo Ecotours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

The 14-day budget safari offered by Bamboo Ecotours takes you to the most stunning tourist attractions in southwestern Uganda. The major highlights are game drives, gorilla trekking and community experiences.

Inclusions: Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Gorilla & chimp permits, park entry fees

Exclusions: Visas, flights, travel insurance and other costs of personal nature

Reviewed By Quest402245

We are fanatically independent travellers who refuse to go for all-in packages but prefer to vet hotels ourselves and arrange independent transport. This may not be right for everyone but that's the way we roll. We made up our own itinerary for a Kenyan/Ugandan trip but the reality of real journey distances, gorilla permits and other unknowns drove us to choose a company that would respect our wishes while offering on-the-ground advice. The Ugandan leg was Bamboo Eco Tours. My first contact with Edison and his calm knowledgeable Whattsups assured us that we had chosen the right company. At one point I accidentally transferred our entire hotel pre-payments to the Eco Tours account. No problem. Edison transferred the money himself out of his account and to the correct parties. Integrity, professionalism and honesty are the fundamentals of this company. After the Kenyan shutdown we were forced (thankfully in retrospect!!) to cancel our 2 weeks there and add it onto our Ugandan itinerary. No problem!! Edison was on it and we arranged for an extended 26 day epic trip. We stayed a leisurely 5 nights in the Kampala Serena and met up with Fred. From the get go he was polite, friendly and extremely concerned that we would get everything we dreamed off out of this holiday. My first bizarre request was to visit the old Entebbe terminal where the famous July 3/4, 1976 raid was carried out by Israel to free hostages. Hotel: Sorry...it is a UN area and is off limits to tourists. Fred: Let me see what I can do. I have a friend.... The long and the short of it is Fred made it happen. We got a tour of the bullet-riddled tower and environs. Without Fred and Ecotours...forget it!! What a thrill and we hadn't even left Kampala yet!! We had a wonderful city tour with Fred who saw quickly that some midday RnR at the Serena was in order. Bless him!!! Next day it was the road!!! First stop was Mahingo Lodge near Lake Mburo. Fred quietly let us settle in before materialising like Jeeves to ask when we wanted to start next day. That was typical of his understated but efficient manner. We viewed lots of game in Fred's 4 wheel drive aka "The Beast"!! There was no place it could not go and Fred is a fantastically safe driver. Main roads in Uganda are excellent but the side roads are brutal!! No problem for The Beast!! Then on to Kyumbura Gorge where we were the only guests for 3 days!! We even had our own butler!! But that's another review!! Next to Mt Mgahinga Lodge sitting under 2 volcanoes; part of a string of volcanoes stretching into DRC Congo. This was Fred's home town so he was invaluable in getting us to the Silver back and Golden Monkey trekking sites on time and relaxed. Words cannot describe the experience of the Silverback encounter. A family of 9 gorillas in even terrain moving around you. We were alone but for the rangers, porters and trackers...no other tourists!!! I actually wept after the experience. One of the greatest moments spent travelling....ever!! The walk up to the jumping off point was surprisingly tough. Fred told me of a US lady who wanted to give up even at this point. He said to me that HE wanted to cry for her vanished dreams so he convinced her to go on and she did! What a guy!! On the journey home a small poor child stood by our car. I felt obliged to give him some money. As we drove away Fred spoke to him in Ugandan. I asked him what he had said. "Go give it to your mother to spend on books and clothes not on candy!!" Later I found out Fred had gone away and found out the mother to check he had given the money to her. That tells you everything you need to know about this wonderful person!! Then we drove to Bwindi as we had actually gotten TWO gorilla permits in case the trackers couldn't locate the families!! Trust me they ALWAYS get their man...or primate!! That was a heck of a drive but Fred enriched it by conversing on the terrain, the vegetables, fruit and local villages. What a trip!! The man literally eats and drinks like a bird and runs on power like a Terminator!! Bwindi was totally different and a little bit more touristy although way down on pre-covid days. We again did the gorillas and the trek was even worse than the other two due to the dense forest and steep terrain. It also rained!! Viewing of the gorillas was again different and magical although we enjoyed the Mgahinga experience more. Sliding and slipping down the mountain in the rain was brutal but Fred was there to meet us in The Beast!! We drove back to Kampala stopping off at our favourite Mahingo Lodge again on the way. I also added Jinja and the site of the Speke identification of the source of the Nile. Fred was totally up for it!! This turned into an epic day with beautiful clouds piled up over Lake Victoria. Highly recommended. Finally back at the Serena it was time to say goodbye. We hugged and shed a tear and said goodbye to the guy who had shared one of the greatest trips of our lives. Go with Bamboo Eco Tours. They have the key to unlock the treasures within Uganda's preposterously beautiful land and magical people. You can thank me later!!!

2. 3 Days Gorilla Tracking In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Kampala, Uganda Cathie Tour Guide Uganda
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 mammals, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 400 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Visit the Royal making drum village where you meet and interact with the drum makers. Stopover at the Equator line for photography and refreshments There is birding in the park where you will see different bird species. There is mountain biking in the park which you will enjoy on your tour. Your will also enjoy culture encounters mostly performed by the Batwa people

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast

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Reviewed By africaexquisitetours

Cathie tour guide Uganda is your number one travel guide. The experience I have with her is not value for money, she is very organized and wise. she is trustworthy and so you are safe with her.book with her now for your better travel experience

3. 9 days Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Lions Safari

Kampala, Uganda Dark Hills Uganda
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

See some of Uganda’s top wildlife spots on this safari: Queen Elizabeth National Park for chimpanzee tracking and to find the tree-climbing lions, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for the amazing experience gorilla tracking and Lake Mburo National Park for great game viewing on a morning or evening game drive.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Accommodation x 8, English speaking guide/driver, All entrances , All Park entry fees, Airport pick up and drop off

Exclusions: Tips for the guides, Third party/health insurance/Travel insurance, Souvenirs, Visa Processing, Flight bookings, Air Ticket, Wildlife permits

Reviewed By allmuh

The Safari was my highlight for the year. The scenery is refreshing, people are amazing, the food at Murchison River Lodge was to die for. The Safari mates made the whole experience fun and memorable.

4. 2 days Lake Mburo National Park Safari

Kampala, Uganda Dark Hills Uganda
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This safari will take you to Lake Mburo national park, in the western part of Uganda. The park has a variety of animals such as zebra, hippos, impala, warthog, common eland, African buffalo, African leopard and over three hundred (300) bird species. At 260 square kilometres (100sq mi), the park is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks. The park has camp grounds and permanent tent facilities for visitors. This park is famous for having a large number of Zebras.

Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, English speaking driver/guide, park entry fees, Accommodation , Rolex (Ugandan snack), Hotel Pick up and drop off

Exclusions: Visa processing, Drinks during the stay at the hotel, Tips for the guides, Airport drop off (unless asked for), Souvenirs, Third party/health insurance/Travel insurance

Reviewed By allmuh

The Safari was my highlight for the year. The scenery is refreshing, people are amazing, the food at Murchison River Lodge was to die for. The Safari mates made the whole experience fun and memorable.

5. Seven Days One Wonderful Week Safari In Uganda

Bright Safaris Uganda
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

this tour is the most unique trip which will give a memorable great experience because of how the itinerary is designed having visited the chimpanzees, gorillas, having boat cruise at the kazinga channel and also the zebras at lake Mburo it's really worth it.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner

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Reviewed By AlexMoak237

Gorillas are very cute. I huge him. They are not wild. :) This tour is amazing and cheap. I see lions! Lions look like very strong. I take a many picture. Tour workers are very good. They always help you. This tour is very natural and ı like it. You should see Uganda. Uganda is very natural and chill place.

6. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Bwindi Forest Park

Entebbe aircargo transporter, 14 Kitaasa Rd, Entebbe, Uganda WILDLIFE ADVENTURE SAFARIS - UGANDA
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Here at Wildlife Adventure Safaris Uganda, our Safaris are Authentic, Customized and Guided by Fully experienced Africa Tour Safari Guides who will take you to all corners of the Country in the Jungles of the Uganda. We organize all kinds of safaris in Africa such as Africa Birding Safaris, Africa Gorilla Safaris, Africa Wildlife Safaris, Africa Cultural Safaris, and many more giving our Clients a Multitude of Choice to have the best According to there Interest. We request that you book with us to have Unforgettable Safari Experience in the Horizons of this Mighty African Continent.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch

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7. Three days escape to Queen Elizabeth National park

Outback Adventure Safaris
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Double equator experience , wonderful view of tea plantations, hot springs and volcanic crater lakes, experience a scenic game drive to view different wild life.

Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks

Reviewed By SJDxb

We had a fantastic trip and wonderful experience of Uganda, nature and people. Eric was an absolutely trustworthy, reliable, well informed and always cheerful guide. We highly recommend him. Felt safe even on the craziest roads,all was well organized. Will definitely book him again for another Africa safari experience!

8. 13-Day Premier Uganda Safari Retreat

Safari Retreats Uganda
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4.0 based on 1 reviews

This luxury safari will take you to some of Uganda's most spectacular highlights: safaris on the savannah, chimpanzees in tropical forest, hippo viewing from the boat and, of course, the rare mountain gorillas . Plus, in Lake Mburo N.P. you can take a bush walk or even a horseback safari. And after each day of intense activity and sightseeing, you will rest in some of the best lodges in the country!

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, 1 gorilla permit per person (value: US$700), All activities described in the itinerary, Chimp permit $200, Fueled Safari Landcruiser, Prices based on Twin rooms Sharing

Exclusions: All expenses of personal nature , A porter during the gorilla tracking (someone who carries your backpack), International air fares and entry visa to Uganda, Personal (medical/travel) insurance, Government tax or park fees increase

Reviewed By shafkasujja

Had such an awesome time with my friends who were in the country for the summer holidays. We were well taken care of and had such a good time.

9. 12 Day Rwenzori Trek with Safari

Nkuringo Walking Safaris

The Rwenzoris, or the “Mountains of the Moon”, have a celebrated beauty. Shrouded almost perpetually in mist, they have a seducing, eerie quality that led to many wondrous tales about them through the ages. Rwenzori is known primarily for its challenging hiking and climbing possibility with a unique among East African Mountains. Rwenzori is not Volcanic in Origin, but it rises directly from the Rift valley floor. Its range also supports a diversity of animals including mammals and about 177 bird species, with several being Albertine Rift Endemics. It’s the highest mountain range in Africa, with its Loftiest peaks, Margherita (5,109m) and Alexandra (5083m) on Mount Stanley, are exceeded in altitude elsewhere in Africa only by Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya.

Inclusions: Accommodation as per itinerary, National Park fees, Local taxes, Local guide, Professional guide, Transport by private vehicle, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By stevensusser

My son and I spent two weeks experiencing the magic that is Uganda and we will never forget our time there. Truly a priceless experience. I could talk about those experiences for pages -- the friendly people, the beautiful Nile River where we did whitewater rafting, the two lions we saw in a tree, the elephant who told us to back-off a bit, the chimpanzee group w/whom we spent a morning, and the majestic mountain gorillas who let us into their community for a visit. And on and on. I am so fortunate that I found Nkuringo Walking Safaris. I worked closely w/the owner, Lydia, to prepare a schedule that was custom made for me and my son. She was a pleasure to work with and did not get flustered even when I had to change the whole itinerary at the last minute. Then there was Jack who was our fearless guide throughout our trip. A true animal lover, Jack had an encyclopedic knowledge of Uganda's wildlife. He was professional, responsive, and fun to be around. A great navigator! And I cannot forget Jackie and Catherine, who introduced us to the delicious Rolex in Entebbe. They were a pleasure! An all-round terrific organization w/outstanding people, I cannot recommend Nkuringo Safaris enough!

10. 10 Days Uganda and Rwanda Adventure Vacation Safari

Kigali, Rwanda Friendly Gorillas Safaris

The 10 Days Adventure Vacation Safari in Uganda and Rwanda is among the extended adventure safaris in Uganda and Rwanda that present remarkable safari memories. The safari takes you to Nyungwe forest National Park famous for its canopy walk and the chimpanzee trekking, the cultural tours in Butare National Museum and the Nyanza palace, the remarkable Congo – Nile divide trail exploration, the water adventures on Lake Kivu, the gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, the Sabyinyo Volcano Climbing, the Island hopping on Lake Bunyonyi, night game drive and walking safari in Lake Mburo and the white water rafting and bungee jumping along the Nile in Jinja.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, VAT for hotels and lodges outside Kampala, Gorilla & Chimpanzee permit, Entrance fees and ranger fees for national parks

Exclusions: Visa (USD $50, available upon arrival), Personal Expenses, Forest Walk Bwindi (USD $55 per person)

Reviewed By GilChrisDeLosReyes

Our guide/driver Tony was great and made our trip wonderful. He took the time to ear our meals with us to go over the trip plans and answer any questions we had. The gorilla hike was amazing and definitely recommend it, the rangers were really helpful and great. Once in a lifetime trip and recommend doing it with Tony and Friendly Gorilla Safaris, they made our trip memorable.

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