TOUR UG1: GORILLAS AND WILDLIFE SAFARIS IN UGANDA- BWINDI AND LAKE MBURO (5 Days)

This safari starts and ends in Entebbe. It can also be done from Kigali in Rwanda, or from Kampala in Uganda [The Bwindi gorilla permit is included in the safari cost].

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in south-western Uganda on the edge of the western rift valley. It is one of the largest natural forests in East Africa, with both montane and lowland forest. About half of the world's population of mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi. Three families are habituated at Buhoma – Mubare, Habinyanja and Rushabura (6 permits per day are available for each of these gorilla families); and one family is habituated at Nkuringo (4 permits per day are available), making the park accommodate 22 trackers each day.

Gorilla tracking is a year-round activity, irrespective of season. Porters are available to carry clients’ belongings (at a charge of between $3-$10 per porter per day) Bwindi is rich in other primates, including chimpanzee and blue monkey. Butterflies are the most conspicuous of the rich insect fauna of the park, with more than 200 species.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Entebbe International airport. Meet, greet and transfer to Imperial Resort Beach Hotel for overnight (BB).

Day 2: Drive on the southbound road; passing charming attractions en route: look at royal drum makers, enjoy the Equator, stop at the roadside markets to enjoy some fruit and vegetables. Lunch en route. Continue to Buhoma in the thick, impenetrable Bwindi Forest via Kabale. Arrive late afternoon. [Approximate driving time: 9 hours] O/N: Bwindi Tented Camp or Buhoma Homestead (FB).

Day 3: Go gorilla tracking (subject to availability of gorilla permits at time of booking), carrying a packed lunch. You will be accompanied by a guide and porters. You will then set off to the thick forest in search of gorillas. The terrain can be difficult, with steep slopes covered in dense vegetation that gives the park its name. In addition, the altitude of 5200 feet and more means participants do need to be physically fit. The time taken to track the gorillas varies enormously, from as little as half an hour to as much as 8 hours before one returns to camp. Difficulty, however, is not impossibility and coming face to face with the great primates is well worth it! O/N: Bwindi Tented Camp or Buhoma Homestead (FB).

Day 4: Start for Mbarara, enjoying natural attractions en route. Proceed to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s most conspicuous park, with zebra, leopard, hippo, antelope and many birds. Lunch on arrival. Boat trip on Lake Mburo. Time permitting, an evening game drive. [Approximate driving time: 5 hours] O/N: Mantana Mburo Camp (FB).

Day 5: After breakfast, drive to Kampala arriving early afternoon and transfer to Entebbe airport for your flight (HB). [Approximate driving time: 5 hours. Tour Ends.

Please take time to read our Gorilla Tracking etiquette document. 

More Uganda Tours

Flights

Merit Safaris will advise the most appropriate airlines to use to fly to Uganda. We could book your flights; alternatively you can contact your tour operator or travel agent.

Safaris start and end either in either Entebbe or Kampala in Uganda; or Kigali in Rwanda.

For those who wish, a visit for an extra three days by air, to the Karamojong nomadic farmers/cattle rustlers in the North, can be arranged. Please contact us for details.

Unless otherwise stated, prices quoted include a safari car for the itinerary stated, accommodation on a shared basis and meals (in Kampala/Kigali bed and breakfast only and on safari full board), 1 boat/launch trip, park fees, chimpanzee permits and one gorilla permit.

Prices do not include airfares to Uganda/Rwanda, entry visas and airport taxes, all personal expenditure such as tips, telephone calls, laundry and drinks. For single rooms, the supplement (SRS) has to be paid. Fees for mountain climbing, fishing and other specialist activities will attract an extra charge where not stated.

Prices are quoted in US Dollars. At the time of booking, clients should confirm with us the prevailing exchange rates for Pounds and Euros, if they wish to pay in those currencies. At the time of booking, the client(s) will need to pay for all gorilla permits needed in full otherwise a deposit equivalent to 20% of the cost of a safari paid, whichever is higher.

Key to Itineraries: