Uganda Gorilla Safari Tour
Treasured Encounters in the Impenetrable Forest
- Available: January, May, July, August, October, November, December
- Activity: Level 4
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
2-6 Guests
Min Age: 15
Highlights
- Embark on thrilling treks through Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and see rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
- Observe magnificent wildlife, including lions, elephants, and hippos, on exciting game drives and gain insight into conservation efforts
- Immerse yourself in the culture, engage with local communities, and learn about their unique lifestyles
Itinerary
Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda
Day 1
Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival in Entebbe, meet a MT Sobek representative outside the customs and immigration area at the airport, for your transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel Entebbe
Transportation: 5-minute private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Explore the Kibale Forest
Day 2
This morning board a 4X4 vehicle and drive into Uganda's lush countryside, a country that Winston Churchill once described as "the pearl of Africa." Pass through gorgeous scenery featuring farmsteads crammed with bananas and tropical trees, scenic wetlands, and patches of bush and forest. Continue on to the hill country below the Rwenzori mountains, through beautiful tea plantations and parts of the tropical Kibale forest, where you may spot some monkeys.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge-Uganda
Transportation: 7-hour private 4x4 vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary and the Crater Lakes
Day 3
This morning, head to Bigodi village for a wetlands walk in search of primates: keep your eyes out for red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, black-and-white colobuses, L'Hoest's monkey, gray-cheeked mangabeys, and olive baboons, along with some of Uganda's beautiful birds such as the great blue turaco and the elusive Angola pitta. After a traditional Ugandan lunch, head to Bigodi village to meet the locals before returning to our lodge where an optional and leisurely crater lake walk awaits with a backdrop of picturesque landscapes beautifully dotted with serene crater lakes. On clear days it's possible to see the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, the tallest African mountain range, in the distance.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge-Uganda
Activity: 3-hour nature walk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Track Chimps in Kibale National Park
Day 4
We will depart early this morning with a packed breakfast and spend most of the day in the forest and up to 4 hours observing the chimps! Follow experienced ranger-guides and a tracker, listening out for the chimps' pant-hooting calls on your way to their nesting site. An early start means the opportunity to see them waking up, stretching, and descending from the tree tops. As the day goes on, you'll quietly witness their routines, see them eat, and watch the group's social interactions. Late in the afternoon, you will say farewell (and goodnight) to the chimps and head back to park headquarters.
Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge-Uganda
Activity: 8-hours chimp habituation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spot Hippos on a Kasinga Channel Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 5
Drive south along the eastern length of the Rwenzori Mountains, with views of their glaciated peaks, and into the Great African Rift valley. Set out on a 2-hour launch trip on the Kasinga Channel to view some of the largest concentration of hippo in the world - reported to be about 30,000. In the afternoon, drive two hours to today's destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park Ishasha sector. Uganda's most popular and accessible savannah reserve, this spectacular park showcases leafy rainforests, dense papyrus swamps, and natural volcanic crater lakes. It has impressively rich biodiversity, including a total of 95 recorded mammal species and more than 610 species of birds.
Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Transportation: 5-hours private 4x4 vehicle transfers, 2-hour boat safari
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Safari in Ishasha Region of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 6
Head out to explore the southern Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Keep an eye out for the areas famed tree-climbing lions, with a 75% viewing success rate. The area is also known for herds of elephant, buffalo, and many antelope species, including the graceful kob and colorful topi.
Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Activity: Morning & afternoon game drives
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Day 7
Today drive through the park to search for tree-climbing lions (75% success rate) and other game. Then continue on to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, one of Africa's most ancient habitats comprised of steep, jungle-coated mountains known for their exceptional biodiversity. Protected as a national park and a World Heritage Site, these magnificent landscapes are home to more than 160 species of trees, over 100 kinds of ferns, at least 90 mammal species, and almost half of the world's population of critically endangered mountain gorillas.
Accommodation: Mahogany Springs-Uganda
Transportation: 2-hour private 4x4 vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek the Forest in Search of Gorillas
Day 8
After breakfast, report to the ranger station for a talk on the etiquette of gorilla tracking, then hike with a guide and tracker through misty rainforest to encounter these wild creatures. Trekking can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 hours, on rough and at times muddy terrain; a reasonable degree of fitness is required. You'll forget the fatigue once you lay your eyes on your first mountain gorilla - the experience of seeing these gentle giants at close range and in the wild is among the most extraordinary nature can provide.
Accommodation: Mahogany Springs-Uganda
Activity: 1-7 hours gorilla trekking & wildlife watching on foot
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Encounter Mountain Gorillas
Day 9
Rise early for another full day of gorilla tracking. Hike through the bush, pushing your way through the undergrowth and parting thick creepers. You will have one hour with these gentle giants of the African forest after first encountering them. Bwindi is renowned for its mountain gorilla population, an estimated 280-320 individuals living in 15 groups. Looking deep into their expressive brown eyes is an unparalleled experience. Look out for other wildlife as you trek through the forest, including yellow-backed duikers and a variety of birds.
Accommodation: Mahogany Springs-Uganda
Activity: 1-7 hours gorilla trekking & wildlife watching
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Entebbe and Bid Farewell to Uganda
Day 10
This morning after an early breakfast, bid farewell to the bush and transfer to the airport for a flight back to Entebbe, scheduled to depart Kihihi airstrip at 9:45 am, arriving at Entebbe at approximately 11:25 am. Enjoy access to a dayroom at Protea Hotel (available until 6:00 pm) before your transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Transportation: 1.5-hour private transfer, 1.5 hour flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$450 internal airfare+$1,450 single supplement+$1,650 non-refundable primate permits due upon booking
Special Details
$400 May Discount
Check for Availability - $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$450 internal airfare+$1,450 single supplement+$1,650 non-refundable primate permits due upon bookingAvailable
- $8,795 price per person dbl occ+$450 internal airfare+$1,450 single supplement+$1,650 non-refundable primate permits due upon bookingFully Booked - Private DepartureConfirmed
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$450 internal airfare+$1,450 single supplement+$1,650 non-refundable primate permits due upon bookingAvailable
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$450 internal airfare+$1,450 single supplement+$1,650 non-refundable primate permits due upon bookingAvailable
- $7,995 price per person dbl occ+$450 internal airfare+$1,450 single supplement+$1,650 non-refundable primate permits due upon bookingAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
2 to 3 guests from $8,395 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Internal Airfare: $450
Non-refundable Primate Permits due upon booking: $1,650
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Take Over One of These Dates
- Oct 01 - 10, 2023
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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January, May, July, August, October, November, December
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- Additional non-refundable primate permit fees
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Habibu Muhereza
Habibu was born in Uganda's Bushenyi district and is of the Munyankole Tribe. After working as a teacher, Habibu decided to follow his love of animals and become a Uganda Wildlife Authority guide. His work with UWA, as a ranger and interpretive guide, gave him the opportunity to explore all of Uganda's parks in depth. With hard work and dedication he was appointed head UWA guide for Queen Elizabeth National Park, enabling him to manage wildlife and educate his local community on how to live alongside their neighboring fauna.
Milton Owinji
Milton was born in Western Uganda and has over 10 years of experience leading trips in the region. He is an excellent communicator and exudes tremendous enthusiasm for exploring and experiencing Uganda's landscape, wildlife, and culture. Milton makes each guest feel welcome, and possesses an exceptional level of local knowledge to create a truly memorable MT Sobek travel experience.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. The hikes to see the mountain gorillas can last anywhere from 30mins to 7 hours over moderately steep, thickly forested, and uneven terrain, and the climate will be hot and humid. There are some long driving days over rough roads and dusty dirt tracks. Morning and afternoon game drives in our 4WD vehicles.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 3
3-hour nature walk
Day 4
8-hours chimp habituation
Day 6
Morning & afternoon game drives
Day 8
1-7 hours gorilla trekking & wildlife watching on foot
Day 9
1-7 hours gorilla trekking & wildlife watching
Accommodations
Lodges with modern comforts and great access to Uganda\'s raw wilderness, plus a boutique hotel to bookend the trip.
Kyaninga Lodge-Uganda
Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Kyaninga and the Rwenzori mountains, this elegant solar-powered lodge showcases nine spacious cottages made from hand-carved logs, each with a private deck. The en-suite bathrooms boast marble countertop basins, claw-footed freestanding baths, and glass-walled showers. The swimming pool overlooks the lake, and the restaurant in the main lodge serves superb European cuisine with local ingredients.
Mahogany Springs-Uganda
Set on the Munyanga River and facing the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mahogany Springs is the perfect base for gorilla tracking expeditions. The suites showcase private terraces with panoramic views and en-suite bathrooms with open terracotta showers. The main building features a terrace with marvelous vistas, a living room with a fireplace and a library, and a restaurant and bar.
Protea Hotel Entebbe
This modern 73-room hotel is ideally located on the glistening shores of Lake Victoria and conveniently located just minutes from the airport. Protea Hotel Entebbe has a trendy restaurant that offers an exciting and truly inviting a la carte menu seven days of the week. With elegant furnishings and a warm, inviting feel, the hotel's decor and rooms create a luxurious atmosphere. The outside terrace, with its own special ambience and superb lake views, is the perfect place to take it all in.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Ishasha Wilderness Camp is set in a magical location on the edge of the Ntungwe river in the middle of the wilderness, offering a unique bush experience. With African meru-styled tents, guests have private en suite bathroom and dressing area providing hot water 'bush' showers and an ecofriendly toilet.
Weather
Uganda enjoys a tropical climate, though the heat is tempered by the altitude of more than 3,000' above sea level.
FAQs
How long can I spend with the gorillas?
Upon seeing the gorillas you will have just one hour with them, so we do two treks. On the second trek, you often feel you can put your camera down and really enjoy.
Will I definitely see the gorillas on a gorilla trek?
There are no guarantees, but it is highly likely you will see them. Guides are trained in locating the gorillas and will know where they were the day before, as well as their movement habits.
Do I need a visa for Uganda?
Uganda does require a tourist visa for travelers from the US. You must obtain this e-Visa before your trip. You can apply for this visa online. It costs $50USD and is valid for 90 days.
What are gorilla tracking conditions like?
You will find yourself climbing up steep slopes at high altitudes, scrambling through, over, and under dense undergrowth with nettles, barbed vines, and bamboo thickets on slippery and muddy terrain. It's important to be in good physical condition.
Are vaccinations required for Uganda?
A number of different vaccinations are recommended and/or required before entering Uganda. A certificate proving you have had the Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Uganda.
Is Uganda safe?
Uganda is considered safe and politically stable. Ugandan people are incredibly welcoming, polite and friendly.
