We make tracking the elusive Mountain gorillas both a privilege and an exhilarating adventure. Mountain gorillas are the rarest of all the apes in the world today, and there are only about 600 left in the mountainous region of Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC in East Africa. Come and trekk with us through steep hills, thorny trees and tangled vines. Getting up close a gorilla in the undergrowth is a spine tingling experience.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Entebbe and relax. Arrive at Entebbe Airport, probably the friendliest in Africa, welcomed by your Real Africa excursions driver and guide. Set off to your hotel in Kampala or southbound to Bwindi. On the way see the royal drum makers in Masaka; stand on the Equator and be in both hemispheres at once; and bargain at the roadside markets for fruit and vegetables. Continue to the escarpment overlooking the Great Rift Valley - an unforgettable sight. If time allows you will visit the Tropical Bee Care Centre to look at their range of community projects from bee keeping, honey making to the community nursery for children. Descend to Queen Elizabeth National Park, keeping an eye out for the wildlife on the way. Overnight at Mweya / Jacana (FB).
Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP). Go for an early morning drive to seek out wildlife, rest during the heat of the day and then go on an evening game drive. The Kasenyi plains support large concentrations of wildlife especially lion. The area around the seven crater lakes in the northern hills are very scenic but wildlife viewing is erratic. The Mweya peninsula is usually good to see the large mammals, bushbuck, waterbuck, and elephant, as well as the unusual giant forest hog. Leopard may also be seen in this area. Overnight at Mweya / Jacana (FB).
Day 3: QENP - Chimp Tracking (1). An excursion to Kyambura gorge nearby to track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees one of man's closest relations. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable. The walk in this "lost world" is nevertheless enchanting. Alternatively go for a nature walk in Maramagambo Forest. This forest harbors some unusual species - potto, giant forest hog, pygmy antelope and giant elephant shrew. You can also visit the bat caves and the blue lake. In the afternoon a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel which is especially rewarding for viewing a variety of animals, especially hippo, buffalo, elephant and a vast array of birds. Overnight at Mweya / Jacana.
Day 4: QENP - Chimp Tracking (2). Second chimp tracking in Kyambura gorge in the morning. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable. The walk in this "lost world" is nevertheless enchanting. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Mweya / Jacana.
Day 5: Drive to Bwindi. Start for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Either drive via Ishasha, home of the tree climbing lion, roads permitting, or take the alternative route through cultivated expanses. Time permitting, go for a guided nature walk. Overnight at Bwindi Lodge.
Day 6: Bwindi - Gorilla Tracking (1). Either go gorilla tracking (subject to permit availability at time of booking), walking up steep densely forested. In this thick and humid forest you almost have to cut your way through the undergrowth but finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring moment. Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively go for a leisurely walk on one of the different trails that meanders through the Impenetrable Forest. Overnight at Bwindi Lodge.
Day 7: Bwindi - Gorilla Tracking (2). Either go gorilla tracking again (subject to permit availability at time of booking) or go for a guided nature walk in the thick forest rich in birds, butterflies and monkeys. Alternatively, look for monkeys and birds near the river below the Lodge. Overnight at Bwindi Lodge.
Day 8: Drive to Mgahinga. Leave for Mgahinga. Make brief stops at places of interest including Kanaba Gap to view the dramatic Virunga volcanoes and beautiful terraced hills. You can either continue directly to Mgahinga, or make a detour to Lake Mutanda. Here you can take a gentle stroll on the lake shores whilst watching local life, or weather permitting, take a canoe to Toyo Island, before continuing to Mount Gahinga. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Mount Gahinga Lodge .
Day 9: Mgahinga - Gorilla Tracking (3). Either go gorilla tracking again, this time in Mgahinga on the northern side of the Virunga mountains (subject to permit availability at time of booking), or climb the Muhavura or Gahinga volcano, or go for a nature walk. Mount Gahinga Lodge at 2,300m nestles in the shadow of the dramatic Virunga volcanoes. Overnight at Mount Gahinga Lodge.
Day 10: Drive to Rwanda. Either relax or walk near the Lodge, or do one of the activities detailed on day 8 in the morning and then transfer to Rwanda after lunch. Clocks go backward one hour. Visit local communities around Virunga Lodge, or simply take in the panoramic sunset over the volcanoes. Overnight at Virunga Lodge / Gorilla Nest Hotel.
Day 11: Parc National des Volcans (PNV) - Gorilla Tracking (4). Go gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (subject to permit availability at time of booking). Tracking the gorillas through the lush forested slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour or so with them, and be back at the base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla families however are more elusive and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. Overnight at Virunga Lodge / Gorilla Nest Hotel.
Day 12: Leave for Kigali. Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, a widow¹s project selling quilts, handicraft shops, the Franco-Rwandan cultural centre and a genocide memorial. Transfer to the airport in Kigali or drive back to Kampala.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The price is based on two people sharing. The US Dollar and Great british pound is the base currency and payment in other currencies is acceptable, but the cost will vary inline with exchange rates.
Customised trips to your design are available, subject to resources/permits. Gorilla permits are on high demand and must be applied for well in advance of your intended date of travel, as the first stage of your booking with Real Africa Excursions. The cost for the Gorilla permits varies, but should be in the range USD350 - USD400 per person.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Uganda
Rwanda
Wildlife Viewing
Hiking & Trekking
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