Uganda: Gorillas & Beyond
Come face to face with some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. Travelers say their gorilla encounters touched them very deeply.
SPECIAL OFFER
7.7*
ECO SCORE
16
PASSENGERS
11
DAYS
3.5/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Uganda: Drink It In
Explore the “Pearl of Africa,” from the banks of the Nile to the deepest reaches of the rain forest, blazing a trail through the mists of Uganda’s waterfalls and evergreen leaves, tracking chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions and endangered mountain gorillas along the way. Encounter mountain gorillas under the biodiverse canopy of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, ranging through mist-covered hillsides to observe these greatest of the apes in their natural surroundings, sensing the deep connection between their species and our own.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
- -Travelers describe their encounters with wild gorillas as extremely meaningful, even life-changing!
-Glimpse chimpanzees in Kibale National Park and enjoy two full days of game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park viewing tree-climbing lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, and the elusive leopard.
-Relax in beautiful hotel properties and travel with the expert guides and the unforgettable service offered by this world class, luxury operator.
Trip Sustainability Awards
CARBON
Fantastic advances in minimizing carbon footprints at locations.
ENERGY
On the East African Energy Renewal Board
EDUCATION
Runs local educational facilities for children.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Entebbe, Uganda
Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda, a nation of stunning greenery, deep lakes, soaring mountains and rich biodiversity. Transfer to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Entebbe
Day 2: Murchison Falls National Park | The Nile's Jewel
Depart Entebbe and fly to Murchison Falls National Park, one of the most scenic spots along the Nile and the location of the classic Humphrey Bogart film, The African Queen. After settling into your lodge on the banks of the Victoria Nile, join your guide for a visit to Murchison Falls, where invigorating spray — the collective force of the majestic Nile — pours down on a narrow ravine.
Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge
Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park | Nile Safari
Today, a game drive takes you along the northern banks of the Nile in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park. You may see giraffes, buffalo, elephants, warthogs, leopards, lions and antelope. This afternoon, embark on a boat cruise the base of the falls, watching for hippos, crocodiles, elephants and birds along the river’s banks.
Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge
Day 4: Kibale National Park | Bunyaruguru Crater Walk
After breakfast, board a flight to Kibale and transfer to your lodge. Later, you may take an optional nature walk along the top of Bunyaruguru Crater.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge
Day 5: Kibale National Park | Forest of the Chimpanzees
Kibale Forest is home to 11 species of primates, including chimpanzees and mangabeys, as well as 300 species of birds and an array of butterflies. Rise early this morning for the start of your chimpanzee trek. Barks of baboons occasionally pierce the forest’s silence as you make your way along the trail. This afternoon, you may go on a guided primate walk in the Bigodi Forest swamp.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge
Days 6 & 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park | Nature Anew
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to elephants, lions, hippos, buffalo and baboons. Participate in game drives this afternoon and the next day. While exploring, watch above for tree-climbing lions, a sight rarely seen anywhere else in Africa. You may also sight some of Uganda’s largest elephant herds.
Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Day 8: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Mist-Shrouded Mountains
Set out for a morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. Make your way out of the Rift Valley through the Kigezi Highlands and on to the mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later today, tour the Uganda Nursing School Bwindi, a project supported by this operator's philanthropy arm, meeting the teachers who are empowering the next generation of this
remote region’s health care workers.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Days 9 & 10: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Gorilla Encounters in the Wild
Spend two days tracking endangered mountain gorillas, spending up to an hour among them each day. See mothers keeping infants close as they knucklewalk on three limbs. Watch scampering toddlers reined in by an attentive father, whose job is to protect his family. When you encounter a mountain gorilla in the wild, there is no mistaking the bond that exists between primate and man — and no escaping the poignant fact these creatures lie on the brink of extinction.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Day 11: Depart Entebbe
Fly to Entebbe and return to your hotel, where a day room awaits until your international flight home.
Additional Costs:
Internal Air: Economy class from $1,750
Entebbe/Murchison Falls/Kibale; Bwindi/Entebbe
Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are priced from an additional $1,600.
Activity Level: Moderate to Active.This journey includes active elements such as hiking through isolated jungle regions.
Children: Minimum age is 15 years.
Gear: Each guest on this journey will receive a Safari Duffel.
First group event: welcome briefing at 10:00 a.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: hotel transfer at 11:30 a.m. on Day 11.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
Rates
Questions?
Encountering gorillas in the wild has been extremely moving for my clients. If you're looking for a rich, highly meaningful experience, Uganda awaits!
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All accommodations, meals and fully guided sightseeing (including park and entrance fees) as noted in the itinerary; airport transfers to/from hotel in the first/last published city regardless of day of arrival and departure; services of Resident Tour Director or appropriate guide on Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions; coffee/tea/soft drinks, designated welcome and farewell dinners; local bottled water during sightseeing; porterage of up to two (2) pieces of baggage per person; complimentary Internet access (where available on cruises and at land accommodations; service levels are not guaranteed); hotel taxes; and gratuities throughout, except to the Resident Tour Director/Extension guide/East Africa safari driver-guides.
Travelling Bell Boy Service is provided; however, because of security regulations, this service may be limited at airports, rail stations and points of embarkation for cruises. Traveler’s Valet includes laundry service for eight (8) pieces per person once during journey (excludes Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions). Dry cleaning is not included. Breakfast in Bed service is included on select days up to two times per journey (limitations may apply for safari journeys).
