5 DAYS UGANDA GORILLA TREKKING
Gorilla Trekking Safaris
The chance to see Africa’s primates is one of the continent’s greatest adventures! The mountain gorilla is an endangered species and is found in only three countries on earth – Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our gorilla safaris will get you up close and personal with these incredible primates. You’ll hike through the central African rainforest on the adventure of a lifetime and spend time with the gorillas as they eat, play, groom … gaining an intimate glimpse into their family lives.
Uganda, and its neighbour Rwanda, share the unique responsibility of conserving a population of critically endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, funded in no small part through the trekking fees levied on visiting guests.
Arriving at Entebbe airport in the capital Kampala visitors can embark on a full safari itinerary encompassing the best of the diverse parks, or simply a short excursion to the southeast for gorilla trekking.
After an early breakfast, you will be picked from the hotel to start your journey to the primate capital of the world; Kibale Forest National Park. Your journey will take you via Fortportal City where you will have Lunch and later on embark for the Bigodi Sanctuary eco-community walk through the wetland. The walk offers you possible views of counts of birds including the great Blue Turaco and Hornbills. The views of the swamp dwelling animals like Sitatunga may also be sighted. Then proceed to the local communities and get to experience their way of life such as feeding, interaction, socioeconomic activities and maybe learn about their history and heritage. You may visit different families doing different activities such as banana juice making, banana gin making, banana beer brewing, coffee picking, coffee processing, herbal medicine, basket weaving, craft making, carpentry, woodwork, pottery, blacksmithing etc. Later on, you will move to your lodge, still in time to spot the beautiful hot orange sunset
Accommodation: Mid-range Accommodation
Meal Plan: Full board
After an early breakfast, you will transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Information Centre at 8am for briefing by the park rangers and then set off for the chimpanzee trekking experience. Kibale Forest boasts of high counts of habituated chimpanzees with over 95% chances of encountering them. The chimpanzee trekking exposes you to impressive forested landscapes with undulating terrain that presents a rewarding hike. The hour of direct encounter with chimpanzees, seeing them as they patrol, munch leaves or fruits, socialize, young ones playing and make pant hooting calls creates remarkable memories. During the trekking, you may spot primates like black and white colobus monkeys.
Accommodation: Mid-range Accommodation
Meal Plan: Full board
After an early breakfast, you will embark on your transfer to the South Western part of Uganda to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Your journey goes through Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s Premier destinations. The journey will be complimented by fascinating view of the landscapes of the fabled ‘Mountains of the Moon’, the Rwenzori Mountains.
Accommodation: Mid-range Accommodation
Meal Plan: Full board
Wake up very early to prepare for the supposed most significant highlight of your safari, the remarkable meet with the Gentle Giants! After breakfast, we take drive to the park offices where you will be briefed about the dos and don’ts of the jungle and then you will be off for a forever-memorable adventure of your life. Trekking through the steep, densely forested hills of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and then finally coming across the gorillas cloaked in the foliage is an amazing experience, and indescribable because of the difficulty to paint a verbal picture of the vegetation, terrain, smells, colors and the animated entertainment from the gorillas and other residents of the jungle.
Accommodation: Mid-range Accommodation
Meal Plan: Full board
After a lazy breakfast, we shall set off for Entebbe making a stopover at the Equator point in Kayabwe for the Coriolis water effect showing the magnetic forces on the center of the earth’s surface. We shall then proceed with our journey to the Airport .
It will be going back home or taking new destination in East Africa countries by exploring more culture or go climbing the highest mountain in Africa (Kilimanjaro 5895Mt) in Tanzania.
Not Included
- Accommodation on Arrival and departure (Entebbe airport guest good and highly recommended)
- International flights
- Entry/Tourist Visa for Uganda
- Meals and drinks not mentioned
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Items of personal nature and tips
Included
- Expert English speaking Driver guide.
- Accommodation at Crested Crane Buhoma or Bakiga lodge or Rushaga Gorilla Camp (it all depends on availability of gorilla permits in a particular sector of the Bwindi impenetrable forest)
- All Meals (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Bottled drinking mineral water
- 4WD Safari vehicle and all transportation on ground
- All entry fees into the National Park
- Lunches en-route- to and from Bwindi
- 1 Gorilla tracking Permit per person
- Flight from Uganda to Tanzania
1. What is included in the cost of the tour?
- The cost includes accommodation, all ground transportation, full board meals, gorilla tracking permit, guided activities, park entrance fees, and bottled water during transfers and excursions.
2. What is not included in the cost of the tour?
- Exclusions cover international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, optional activities, tips and gratuities, and any medical expenses.
3. What type of accommodation is provided?
- Accommodation is in comfortable mid-range lodges or tented camps with en-suite facilities, typically offering double or twin rooms.
4. What should I pack for the trip?
- Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, comfortable clothing, rain gear, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera, binoculars, and any personal medications. A warm jacket is also recommended for the cooler mornings and evenings.
5. Do I need a visa to enter Uganda?
- Most travelers require a visa to enter Uganda. It’s advisable to obtain a visa in advance online through the e-Visa system or upon arrival at the airport.
6. What is the best time of year for gorilla tracking in Uganda?
- Gorilla tracking can be done year-round, but the best times are during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when the trails are less muddy and conditions are more favorable.
7. How physically demanding is gorilla tracking?
- Gorilla tracking can be physically demanding, involving hiking through dense forests and uneven terrain. A moderate to high level of fitness is recommended.
8. How close can I get to the gorillas?
- Visitors are allowed to get as close as 7 meters (about 23 feet) to the gorillas to minimize disturbance and the risk of disease transmission.
9. What is the Batwa cultural experience?
- The Batwa cultural experience involves visiting a Batwa community, where you’ll learn about their traditional way of life, participate in cultural activities, and hear their stories and songs.
10. Are there age restrictions for gorilla tracking?
- Yes, the minimum age for gorilla tracking in Uganda is 15 years.
11. Is it safe to drink the water in Uganda?
- It is recommended to drink bottled or filtered water. Bottled water is provided during transfers and excursions.
12. What should I expect during the gorilla tracking experience?
- Expect to hike through the forest with a guide and rangers, potentially for several hours, until you locate the gorilla family. You will then spend about one hour observing the gorillas.
13. Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
- Yes, most lodges and camps can accommodate special dietary requirements if notified in advance.
14. How much should I tip the guides and staff?
- Tipping is at your discretion, but a general guideline is $10-20 per day for your guide and $5-10 per day for lodge or camp staff.
15. Are there any health precautions I should take?
- It’s recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccines. Consult with a travel doctor about vaccinations for yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and malaria prophylaxis.