Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas
Overview
To give an insight into the types of luxury travel experiences we create, please view the sample itinerary below. It can either be treated as a standalone program, incorporated into a longer itinerary, or modified to match your particular interests and budget. Alternatively, you may wish for us to start with a blank canvas, to handcraft a personalised itinerary based on what you want and nothing more. Prices will fluctuate based on the time of year, length of stay, accommodation choices, number of participants and inclusions.
We pride ourselves in our ability to plan and execute every trip to perfection.
Contact us to request the itinerary in PDF format.
Itinerary
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Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, meet your Travulous representative and transfer to your accommodation for check-in.
Spend the rest of your day at leisure enjoying some of Entebbe’s sites or relax at your accommodation.
Meals: All meals at own arrangement.
Overnight: Accommodation options
Optional Activities: Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Lake Victoria sunset boat cruise, birdwatching in Mabamba papyrus swamp, Entebbe Botanical Gardens nature walk, visit to Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC).
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After breakfast, meet your Travulous guide and transfer to your accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The national park is also home to one of Uganda's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, protecting roughly half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, including several habituated groups for tourists to visit. The park offers some of the finest montane forest birding in Africa.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying your accommodation's facilities, followed by dinner in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Accommodation options
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After an early breakfast, depart for mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
The activity starts with a briefing at 8am at the park headquarters. After the briefing you depart with the guide and rangers to find the mountain gorillas. The time spent tracking gorillas in Uganda depends and varies from half an hour to eight hours depending on the gorilla movements.
Although the hike can be physically demanding, the beauty of the forest and its inhabitants is a fascinating and very rewarding experience. Once the gorilla families have been found, your visit with these great apes lasts for one magical hour.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Accommodation options
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Today you have the option to go on a second gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Though the National Park is best known for its outstanding gorilla tracking, it also provides refuge to forest elephant, chimpanzee, monkeys and various small antelope. Bwindi is also home to around 350 bird species, of which 23 are endemic to the Albertine Rift and at least 14 are found nowhere else in Uganda.
After your gorilla trek you return to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure enjoying the facilities, followed by dinner in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Accommodation options
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After breakfast, there is time for a guided forest walk, before departing for Entebbe airport and your homebound flight.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Alternatively, consider extending this trip by adding one of our Extension Ideas (see below) to this program.
General Info
Highlights
BWINDI NATIONAL PARK
Visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of Uganda's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests
PRIMATE SPOTTING
Spot other apes including chimpanzees, baboons, colobus monkeys and Vervet monkeys
GORILLA TRACKING
Embark on 2 mountain gorilla treks, and spend a magical hour per visit in their presence
BIRDING
A bird lovers paradise, go in search of over 347 species of forest birds recorded in Bwindi
Accommodation Options
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Map
Extension Ideas
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
Visit world famous safari highlights including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and the Gorillas
BEHIND THE SCENES
Gain unique insights into Wildlife Conservation, Educational Experiences and History & Traditions
BEACH DESTINATIONS
Round-off your safari in East Africa with a great choice of world-class Indian Ocean beach destinations
WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES
Visit a wildlife sanctuary and learn about the increadibe work they do to safeguard Africa’s wildlife
Climate
Uganda is tropically warm all year round, with temperature fluctuations mainly determined by altitude and the presence of lakes. Rain showers are commonplace, with the dry seasons being December to March and June to August. In the south, April is the rainiest month, and the rains can stretch into May.
Although the dry months are more popular for gorilla trekking and birding, you might see more during the wetter months as this is the peak breeding season for wildlife.
Visas
Most foreign nationals require a visa for entry to Uganda. Tourist visas can no longer be obtained, on arrival, at any port of entry.
The Ugandan government has introduced an online e-visa application system for obtaining tourist visas in advance of travel. Travellers should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
Language & Currency
English and Kiswahili are the official languages of Uganda. There are over 40 languages spoken throughout Uganda, with Luganda being the most geographically spread language.
The local currency is the Ugandan shilling. US dollars are widely accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Larger hotels in tourist areas may accept credit cards; however, surcharges are commonplace. Access to cash machines is available in most towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
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“No one who looks into a gorilla’s eyes – intelligent, gentle, vulnerable – can remain unchanged, for the gap between ape and human vanishes; we know that the gorilla still lives within us. Do gorillas also recognize this ancient connection?”