uganda gorilla safari

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Entebbe/Bwindi: Upon arrival (no later than 11 am) at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met and assisted to your 12:30 pm scheduled flight to Kihihi airstrip (or to Kisoro airstrip with the luxury option) (flight included). Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your safari lodge for a late lunch. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. Dinner and overnight here. (Note: With the Luxury option, you will need a pre-night in at the Protea Hotel Entebbe because the flight to Kisoro airstrip on Day 1 is at 7:45 am. This extra night is included in the Luxury safari price per person, including breakfast.)

Value Option: Mahogany Springs Lodge is situated in one of the most intimate, secluded, beautiful and natural settings in the world and is only about 2 minutes away from the gorilla tracking starting point. All 12 deluxe suites have their own private terrace with magnificent panoramic views over the grounds, river and surrounding areas.

Deluxe Option: Volcanoes Bwindi Safari Lodge has eight stone and timber glass-fronted bandas with thatch roofs. Each banda has an en-suite bathroom with flushing toilet, double vanity, shower with hot and cold running water. Rooms have walk-in mosquito nets, 240v lighting, and a private balcony.

Luxury Option: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge guests stay in their own cottage. Built of local volcanic stone, every cottage has a large sitting room with fireplace, vast overstuffed armchairs and hand-woven carpets. Each individual cottage features the work of one of Uganda’s most respected artists.

Day 2 – Bwindi/Gorilla Tracking Day: It is gorilla trek day (permits not included and not guaranteed until secured with full payment)! After breakfast, take a short drive to park headquarters and meet with local guides and trackers who will instruct you on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. Afterward, hike to the point where the gorillas were seen the night before and begin your trek. The trekking can take from 1-to-6 hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 7,500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding, the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. Picnic lunches are provided, and it is important to take plenty of water. It can rain at a few minutes’ notice; hence waterproof clothing is essential, including zip lock bags for camera gear. Return to your lodge for your afternoon at leisure or arrange a community activity offered by your lodge/camp. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 3 – Bwindi: After breakfast, enjoy a second gorilla trek today to spend time with a different family (permits not included and not guaranteed until secured with full payment). If time allows, visit the local village and tour their clinic. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 – Entebbe/Depart: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kihihi airstrip (or Kisoro airstrip with the luxury option) for your scheduled flight back to Entebbe for lunch. Upon arrival, connect to your onward flight.

Interested in this trip? Give us a call or drop us an email.