9 Days Southern Highlands Hiking Circuit

Discover Uganda’s hidden gem — the Southern Highlands Hiking Circuit. This 9-day journey takes you through lush terraced hills, volcanic ridges, crater lakes, bamboo forests, and cultural villages. Perfect for adventure seekers, this trip combines breathtaking hikes, wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and relaxation with stunning highland views.

Safari Highlights

• Scenic hikes through terraced landscapes and volcanic ridges.

• Visit Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s most beautiful lake with 29 islands.

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (optional add-on).

• Community and cultural experiences with local highland tribes.

• Explore bamboo forests and crater lakes.

• Relax with panoramic views at handpicked eco-lodges.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Overnight stay.
>Day. 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Game drive and walking safari.
>Day 3: Drive to Kabale – Start of Southern Highlands circuit.
>Day. 4: Hiking through terraced hills & villages.
>Day 5: Explore crater lakes and bamboo trails.
>Day. 6: Lake Bunyonyi boat cruise & island hike.
>Day 7: Bwindi Forest trek (optional gorilla trek or nature walk).
>Day. 8: Hike volcanic ridges & community visit.
>Day 9: Return to Entebbe & departure.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Activities:
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide. Transfer to your hotel and unwind after your flight. Take some time to enjoy the hotel amenities, or if you wish, a gentle stroll along Lake Victoria’s shores to stretch your legs.

Accommodation: 2 Friends Guesthouse (Mid-range) / Protea Hotel (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: Entebbe – Lake Mburo National Park

Activities:
After breakfast, drive southwest to Lake Mburo National Park, a small but scenic park famous for its zebras and impalas. Enjoy a game drive, spotting giraffes, buffaloes, and warthogs. In the afternoon, experience a guided walking safari, observing wildlife up close while your guide explains the ecosystem and animal behavior.

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge (Mid-range) / Mihingo Lodge (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Lake Mburo – Kabale Highlands

Activities:
Drive south into the Kabale Highlands, often called Uganda’s “Switzerland” for its rolling hills and stunning scenery. Spend the afternoon at leisure, soaking in panoramic views, taking photographs, or walking around the lodge’s gardens.

Accommodation: Bunyonyi Eco Resort (Mid-range) / Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Terraced Highlands Hiking

Activities:
Begin your hiking adventure through terraced farms, small highland villages, and forest trails. Interact with local communities and learn about traditional farming practices, cultural crafts, and daily life. Take in the breathtaking highland vistas throughout the hike.

Accommodation: Highland Community Homestay / Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Crater Lakes & Bamboo Trails

Activities:
Hike through bamboo forests and crater lakes, enjoying the serene landscapes and wildlife. Stop for a picnic lunch amidst stunning natural scenery. This day combines moderate hiking with opportunities for photography and birdwatching.

Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp (Mid-range) / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Lake Bunyonyi Exploration

Activities:
Explore Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s deepest lake, with a morning boat ride visiting the lake’s islands. Hike short trails along the shores, enjoy birdwatching, and take in the tranquil atmosphere. Relax at the lodge in the afternoon or swim in the lake if weather permits.

Accommodation: BirdNest @ Bunyonyi Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Activities:
Option 1: Gorilla trekking (permit required) – track a family of mountain gorillas through the dense forest, observing their fascinating behavior.
Option 2: Forest nature walk & Batwa cultural encounter – learn about the forest ecosystem, medicinal plants, and Batwa hunter-gatherer traditions.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Mid-range) / Buhoma Lodge (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Volcanic Ridge Hike & Cultural Visit

Activities:
Hike along volcanic ridges offering spectacular views over Rwanda and Congo. In the afternoon, engage in a cultural visit featuring local storytelling, traditional music, and sampling of regional foods. Capture panoramic photographs of the lush highlands and valleys.

Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Return to Entebbe

Activities:
After breakfast, transfer back to Entebbe. Stop at the Equator line for photographs and souvenirs. Continue to Entebbe for your evening departure.

Accommodation: — (End of safari)
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Inclusions

• Airport transfers

• Ground transport in 4×4 safari vehicle

• Professional English-speaking guide

• All park entry fees

• Accommodation & meals as per itinerary

• Bottled water on safari

Exclusions

• International flights

• Uganda entry visa

• Gorilla trekking permit (USD 800 per person)

• Travel & medical insurance

• Personal expenses (laundry, tips, drinks)

What to Pack

• Comfortable hiking boots & walking shoes

• Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for hiking

• Rain jacket & warm layers (evenings can be chilly)

• Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen

• Insect repellent

• Refillable water bottle

• Camera & binoculars

• Daypack for hikes