UGANDA GORILLAS TOUR: GORILLAS AND WILDLIFE - BWINDI AND LAKE MBURO - Gorillas in Bwindi, Game in Lake Mburo and Visit Lake Bunyonyi: (6 Days Tour)

 

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 - about 300 animals - are found in Bwindi. Three families are habituated at Buhoma – Mubare, Habinyanja and Rushegura (8 permits per day are available for each of these gorilla families); and one family is habituated at Nkuringo (8 permits per day are available), making the park accommodate 32 trackers each day. Tracking commences every morning from the park headquarters at 0830 hours, but clients should report to the headquarters at 0800 hours ready for a detailed briefing from the guides on gorilla etiquette. Gorilla tracking is a year-round activity, irrespective of season. The rain forest is moist, and it rains very often in Bwindi, even in the dry season. Porters are available to carry clients’ belongings. 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. There is a large variety of trees, dense undergrowth, an extensive stand of bamboo and a number of swamps. There are also a number of nature trails in the park to explore this primeval African forest - to the waterfall, along the Rushura trail for some sweeping views towards Lake Edward and the Rwenzoris; and to the Mubwindi swamp near Ruhija for some unusual bird species.

ITINERARY for Gorillas in Bwindi, Game in Lake Mburo and Visit Lake Bunyonyi
(Tour Code UG3)

This safari starts and finishes 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].

DAY 1
Arrive Entebbe airport. Meet, greet and transfer to Boma Guest House IN Entebbe or to Hotel Africana or Bougainviller Hotel in Kampala for overnight (BB)   

DAY 2, Kampala to Lake Mburo Park
A gentle 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. 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: Arcadia Lodge (FB)

DAY 3, Lake Mburo Park To Bwindi Gorilla Park
Early morning game drive. Continue to Buhoma in the thick, impenetrable Bwindi Forest via Kabale. Arrive late afternoon. [Approximate driving time: 5 hours] O/N: Gorilla Resort (FB)

DAY 4, Gorilla tracking!
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 who will carry your shoulder pack for you. 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: Gorilla Resort (FB)

DAY 5, Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, drive to Kabale and on to Lake Bunyonyi. Afternoon relax at the sandy beaches of lake bunyonyi, explore the lake, visit various islands and the local communities.
O/N: Bunyonyi Overland Resort or Heritage Lodge or similar (FB)

DAY 6, Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala and on to the airport for your flight
Start for Kampala arriving early afternoon and transfer to Entebbe airport for your flight (HB). [Approximate driving time: 6 hours]

Tour Ends.

Group Price EUR 1647, USD 2223, £ 1482 per person. One gorilla permit included in cost.
Single Room Supplement EUR 146, USD 197, £ 131

DEPARTURE DATES 2009

	Sept 2009	Oct 2009	Nov 2009	Dec 2009
Dates	4	2	6	4
	18	16	20	18

 

DEPARTURE DATES 2010

	Jan 2010	Feb 2010	Mar 2010	Apr 2010	May 2010	Jun 2010	Jul 2010	Aug 2010	Sept 2010	Oct 2010	Nov 2010	Dec 2010
Dates	1	5	5	2	7	4	2	6	3	1	5	3
	15	19	19	16	21	18	16	20	17	15	19	17

 

Enquire or book this tour

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Please take time to read our Gorilla Tracking etiquette document. 

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.

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.

O/N:	Overnight
FB	Accommodation on Full Board basis. All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) are included in the safari cost.
HB	Accommodation on Half Board basis. One meal (either lunch or dinner) as well as breakfast are included in the safari cost.
BB	Accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis. Only breakfast is included in the safari cost at the stated property.
B	Accommodation on Bed Only basis. All meals at the stated property are not included in the safari cost. To be paid for directly by the client.