This safari takes you up-close and personal with Uganda’s popular mountain gorillas. Viewing gorillas in the wild is a breathtaking and unforgettable wildlife experience; totally incomparable! The safari is at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. It is the richest forest in Uganda in terms of numbers of plant species and is home to half of the population of the critically endangered mountain Gorillas in the world. Gazetted in 1991 with an area of 331sq km, it is 514km away from the capital Kampala and covers parts of Rukungiri, Kisoro and Kabale districts in south west Uganda. Half of the world's population of endangered mountain gorillas exists in Bwindi forest and there are also several endangered species of birds within limited ranges.
What to do:
Mountain Gorilla Tracking, Gorilla Trekking, Gorilla Safaris or Uganda Gorilla Holidays and Gorilla Tracking Tours began on the 1st April 1993. It is advisable to make your booking for gorilla tracking 3 Months in advance and at least a few months before your intended visit. Rain is common in this area, so please come equipped with wet weather gear, a good pair of hiking boots, gloves and elastic bandage in case of sprains!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport , you will be met by a Real Africa Excursions representative who will take you on a 45 minutes drive to your hotel in Kampala and that is where you will spend your first night in Uganda . If the flight is early morning our guide will take you on a Kampala city tour if you wish, other wise you can have a well deserved rest at your hotel.
Day 2: Leave Kampala in the morning and drive south. A first stop over at the Equator; a famous spot for photography. For the rest of the journey, view the long horned Ankole cattle, papyrus, acacia woodland, and terraced landscape of Kigezi highlands on your way to Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park. Lunch enroute. Dinner/overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp or Mantana tented camp or Volcanoes.
Day 3: After an early breakfast and briefing from the guides, set off for the gorilla tracking in the forest sanctuary. Mountain Gorillas are wild animals, as such sightings cannot be guaranteed, however the success rate is well over 90%. You will be led by experienced trackers on the slopes of the volcanoes. You will start from the site where the gorillas were encountered the day before and from here the tracking begins. The gorillas, whose continuous search for food requires a nomadic lifestyle, determine the duration of the hike. The trek can take between one and six hours, sometimes more, at elevations in excess of 7,500 feet and over rough terrain. Although the hike can be physically demanding, the anticipation of the exciting experience ahead is invigorating, and the beauty of the forest and its inhabitants are fascinating. These massive primates are extremely rare, only approximately 650 remaining. When the gorillas are encountered, any fatigue is quickly forgotten. Few who have had this rare privilege would disagree. Each strictly regulated 60-minute visit passes all too quickly, and you depart leaving the gorillas to their fragile existence. Return to your lodge for a late lunch. If your trek was relatively short, you will have the opportunity for a forest walk with a guide or just to relax. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 4: After breakfast, return to Kampala at leisure. Lunch enroute.
Day 5: Depending on the time of your flight, we shall conduct a Kampala city tour before your Airport transfer. You can go souvenir hunting and get ready for the 40 minutes ride to Entebbe Airport. A Real Africa Excursions company representative will see you off.
Legend: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Safari Costs:
2 People: $1,868 US dollars or £ 1,006 GB Pounds
3 People: $1,650 US dollars or £ 888 GB Pounds
4 people: $1,541 US dollars 0r £ 829 GB pounds
Package includes:
- Uganda Government Safari taxes
- Transportation by 4x4 vehicles
- Gorilla Park entrance fees
- One Gorilla permit per person, to be secured and paid for in advance
- Driver/Guide fees and allowances
- Lunches en route
- Full board accommodation
Not included:
- personal expenses like drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, cigarettes etc.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Uganda
Wildlife Viewing
Hiking & Trekking
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