Dr. Ian Clarke Coffee Plantation Tour in Uganda

Dr. Ian Clarke Coffee Plantation Tour in Uganda

Looking for a unique cultural experience to add to your Uganda safari? Don’t miss the Dr. Ian Clarke Coffee Plantation Tour—a scenic and hands-on adventure at Clarke Farm in Kyenjojo District, western Uganda. Nestled in the rolling hills of Katambale, this 1,500-acre farm grows Robusta coffee across half of its land, along with eucalyptus, macadamia, Irish potatoes, maize, mangoes, and oranges.

Your visit to Clarke Farm isn’t just about coffee—it’s about experiencing Uganda’s countryside in an immersive way. Take in breathtaking hilltop views, go mountain biking or bouldering, stroll along river and forest trails, or join a guided Jeep tour around the plantation. Cap off the day by roasting your own coffee beans and savoring a locally prepared meal right on the farm.

Top Uganda Safari Experiences Including the Coffee Tour

Combine the Clarke Coffee Tour with some of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife and primate encounters for a truly unforgettable safari. Here are some of the best activities to add to your itinerary:

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking is Uganda’s top wildlife experience and can be done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. To join a trek, you’ll need a gorilla permit, which costs:

• USD 800 for foreign non-residents

• USD 700 for East African residents

• UGX 300,000 for East African citizens

This permit allows you to spend one hour with a fully habituated mountain gorilla family. For a deeper encounter, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience (see below), which offers a four-hour visit for USD 1,500.

Gorilla Habituation Experience

Offered only in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this unique activity allows visitors to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family. You’ll hike with researchers and rangers as they continue the process of familiarizing these gorillas with human presence. It’s an immersive and educational alternative to the standard gorilla trek and is limited to just four visitors per day.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is one of the best places in Africa to track wild chimpanzees. You can go chimp trekking in:

• Kibale Forest National Park (the most popular)

• Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Kalinzu Forest Reserve

• Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls National Park

Kibale Chimpanzee trekking permits cost:

• USD 250 for foreign non-residents

• USD 200 for residents

• UGX 180,000 (USD ~30) for citizens

For a more extended experience, opt for Chimpanzee Habituation in Kibale Forest, which gives you a half-day encounter with chimps in the wild as they go about their day.

Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

Golden monkey tracking is a fun and fast-paced experience exclusive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You can choose between:

• Standard Tracking – USD 100 for a one-hour visit

• Habituation Experience – USD 140 for a four-hour in-depth encounter

Golden monkeys are playful, photogenic, and a delight to watch as they leap through the bamboo forests.

Wildlife Viewing on Game Drives

Uganda’s savannah national parks offer unforgettable game viewing experiences. Embark on game drives through:

• Queen Elizabeth National Park – famous for its tree-climbing lions and diverse ecosystems

• Kidepo Valley National Park – one of Africa’s most remote and wild destinations

• Murchison Falls National Park – home to large herds of elephants and spectacular waterfalls

• Lake Mburo National Park – a great spot for zebras and antelope sightings

Wildlife you’re likely to encounter includes elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, leopards, warthogs, hippos, and zebras—plus a variety of birdlife during your drive.

Experiential Wildlife Activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park

For those seeking a more hands-on and scientific approach to wildlife tourism, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a series of experiential tourism activities. These include:

• Lion Tracking with researchers using radio collars

• Mongoose Tracking in the Mweya Peninsula

• Hippo Census and Bird Counts along key water bodies

These activities give you a chance to observe wildlife behavior up close while supporting conservation efforts in the park.

Cultural Experiences in Uganda

With over 50 ethnic groups and languages, Uganda is one of Africa’s most culturally diverse countries. You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Visit local communities near national parks

• Learn about traditional lifestyles and challenges of co-existing with wildlife

• Enjoy vibrant cultural dances, storytelling, and music

These encounters offer deeper insights into daily life in Uganda and help support local livelihoods through community tourism.

Mountain Hiking and Cycling Adventures

Uganda’s rugged terrain makes it an excellent destination for hiking and cycling. You can explore volcanic peaks and scenic highlands such as:

• Mount Elgon – great for multi-day hikes and waterfalls

• Rwenzori Mountains – known as the “Mountains of the Moon”

• Mount Moroto, Sabinyo, Muhavura, and Gahinga – ideal for shorter treks with panoramic views

These adventures are perfect for active travelers seeking a physical challenge amidst stunning natural backdrops.

Birdwatching in Uganda

Uganda is a birder’s paradise with over 1,000 recorded bird species, including migratory birds and Albertine Rift endemics. Top birding destinations include:

• Mabamba Swamp – renowned for the elusive Shoebill Stork

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mubwindi Swamp – home to many forest species

• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary near Kibale Forest

• Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Commonly spotted birds include the Grey Crowned Crane (Uganda’s national bird), Giant Kingfisher, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Palm-nut Vulture, African Jacana, Shoebill, Pel’s Fishing Owl, and more. Game drives in savannah parks also offer excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Boat Safaris and Water Excursions

Uganda’s lakes and rivers provide some of the most scenic safari experiences. Highlights include:

• Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park – perfect for spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and aquatic birds

• Nile Delta Excursion in Murchison Falls National Park – enjoy wildlife sightings en route to the top of the falls

• Lake Mburo Boat Trip – a relaxing cruise with opportunities to see water birds, hippos, and basking crocodiles

These boat safaris offer a peaceful and unique perspective of Uganda’s rich biodiversity.

Dr. Ian Clarke Coffee Plantation Tour – A Taste of Uganda’s Highlands

For a change of pace, add the Dr. Ian Clarke Coffee Plantation Tour to your safari. Located in Katambale, Kyenjojo District, this 1,500-acre farm sits amid beautiful hilltop scenery and grows Robusta coffee, along with macadamia, eucalyptus, mangoes, and other crops.

During your visit, you’ll:

• Tour the farm by Jeep or on foot

• Hike forest trails or go mountain biking

• Roast and sample fresh coffee

• Enjoy home-cooked Ugandan meals

This tour is an ideal cultural and agro-tourism experience that offers a relaxing yet insightful glimpse into Uganda’s farming life.

Best Time to Visit for Wildlife and Coffee Tours

The best time to enjoy safaris and outdoor activities in Uganda—including the Dr. Ian Clarke Coffee Plantation Tour—is during the dry seasons from:

• December to February

• June to October

These months offer better conditions for wildlife viewing and travel, with less rain and more accessible roads. Uganda’s equatorial climate includes two rainy seasons (March–May and November), which can make some trails slippery and more challenging to navigate.

Plan Your Uganda Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we prioritize your comfort, safety, and authentic connection with Uganda’s people and wildlife. Whether you’re planning a full safari, a short coffee farm visit, or a birding-focused adventure, we’re here to help you craft the perfect itinerary.

Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable Uganda safari experience!