Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Searching for the gorillas is an unforgettable experience, and this is one tour that will provide you lasting memories of these indomitable creatures.   This is a six-day safari from Entebbe, visiting the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest) or Rwanda (Parc National des Volcans Gorilla Sanctuary). On this itinerary, time permits for either one or two treks will be issued. If trekking only once, the other day will be used for a forest walk or cultural/village visit. Searching for the gorillas is an unforgettable experience, and the beauty of the jungle and mountain scenery are amazing. Included is an excursion to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria where orphaned chimpanzees have been relocated. Viewing of these chimpanzees is excellent, offering good photographic opportunities. By visiting Ngamba Island, you are directly assisting the funding of this worthy project. Highlights: Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria, visiting the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest) or Rwanda (Parc National des Volcans Gorilla Sanctuary) Group Size: Minimum 2 people Type of Safari: Adventure Trekking Safari Accommodation: Combination of good quality lodges and hotels or camps Price from £995.00pp from $1895.00pp from €1595.00pp   Gorilla permits from £225/$430/€360 payable locally. Includes: A combination of good quality lodges and hotels or camps are used throughout, transfers and park fees per itinerary below, Ngamba island chimpanzee reserve. All meals on safari are provided as per itinerary, bed & breakfast only in Entebbe. Excludes: Visas, permits, drinks, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature. Gorilla & Chimp tracking permits extra from £225.00. Meals Key: [B] Breakfast [L] Lunch [D] Dinner Tailor-Made Travel: This safari is run on request throughout the year. We can tailor-make a private safari to meet your departure date, time period, group size and budget. Contact the office for further information. or call 0800 043 7942 Day 1 Arrive Entebbe International Airport, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Lake Victoria Hotel, Entebbe. Bed and Breakfast only included. Depending on your arrival time, a half-day trip to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Reserve on Lake Victoria has been arranged for this afternoon. [BB] Day 2 We strongly recommend you FLY from Entebbe to Bwindi or Kisoro today, it's just under two hours by air and is most scenic. Alternatively, we will depart after an early breakfast to to the west of Uganda, along mountain roads to either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda gorilla sanctuary - depending on where permits are held. Overnight in en suite chalet/lodge accommodation, all meals included. It will be a fairly long day in the vehicle, passing some interesting scenery, farmland and lush green hillsides. Lunch en route. [BLD] Day 3 An early morning trek into the forest on the slopes of the volcanoes, led by experienced trackers will bring you amongst a family of Mountain Gorillas. These massive primates are extremely rare, only approximately 650 remaining. You will get within metres of the family, and be privileged to spend time amongst them. Returning to the camp for a late lunch, we have an opportunity for forest walks with the guides, or just to relax. Overnight lodge or camp. The trekking may be fairly strenuous; up to six hours or longer is not uncommon - at relatively high altitude. Mountain Gorillas are wild animals, as such sightings cannot be guaranteed, however the success rate is well over 90%. [BLD] Day 4 Today, those who have opted for two gorilla treks, will set off once again into the forest in search of one of the gorilla families. Those persons not trekking will be able to go on a forest walk in Bwindi looking for birds and primates with a local knowledgeable guide, or go on a local community village walk (Bwindi or Rwanda). This has been included in your tour. Relax for the afternoon at your camp, or possibly go and do some curio shopping along the road, or visit a local village where you may be treated to some dancing etc. Overnight Bwindi / Rwanda all meals included. [BLD] Day 5 The road to Kabale takes you into the Uganda Highlands - the Switzerland of Africa - with great views and vistas of this lush green area. From here we continue, heading towards Kampala on good tarmac roads to Lake Mburo National park. This small park offers a great variety of game. Here you may go on a walk with a local guide, or on game drives exploring this park. [BLD] Day 6 Return to Entebbe, stopping en route to shop for curios and at the Royal Drum makers at Mpigi if desired. You will be back in Entebbe mid afternoon, in time for an early evening flight out. [B]