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Gorilla

Africa Gorilla Expedition

Example 12 Day Tour
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This epic Africa Safari takes you from the shores of Lake Victoria through the vast savannah plains of the Western Rift Valley to the forested volcanic slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. Spot chimpanzees and colobus monkeys in the sunken rainforest of Kyambura Gorge; catch a glimpse of leopards, lions, elephants and hippos in the less traveled Queen Victoria National Park, and a spy on a plethora of birds in the dense forests of Uganda and Rwanda on this Africa tour. The highlight of any trip to this area: Silverback Gorilla tracking, and on this trip you have 5 opportunities!
Enjoy the native dances of the Batwa People Chimpson the Volcanoes Trail hike around Mount Gahinga LodgeWitness some amazing birds in Africa such as the Grey Headed KingfisherA giant canyon cuts its way across the land.One of the safari vehicles used on excursionsA small child smiles for the camera.Uganda Market is full of brightly colored handicrafts.This mongoose is the proud mother of many babies.Two hippos make their way through the water.A lion is perched high in a tree.Witness some amazing birds in Africa such as the Grey Crested CraneGorilla
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Entebbe

Arrive Entebbe, Uganda and make your way through customs. Meet your expert guide who will travel with you for your entire journey. Drive south towards Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge, your home for the next three nights. En route, visit the royal drum makers, and stand on the equator before arriving to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy a drink on the veranda of the lodge and enjoy an amazing view of the Rwenzori Mountains before sitting down to dinner with your fellow adventurers.

NOTE: You must arrive no later that 11 AM on day 1. Please let your travel consultant know if you need to arrive the day before the trip starts.

Day 2: Game Drive

Start the day with an early morning game drive. Depending on the season visit Kasenyi Plains to watch for lions and herds of Uganda Kob, or the Mweya peninsula, which offers the best place to see leopards. Depending on the animal sightings, there may be time to visit the Kyambura Women's Coffee Cooperative and its coffee processing station, or go birding in the wetland reserve.

Day 3: Kyambura Gorge

Today you venture into the Kyambura Gorge to track chimpanzee, one of our closets living relatives. The chimp population is extremely mobile, and tracking can be unpredictable, but any visit to the gorge will be worthwhile. This afternoon, cruise the Kazinga Channel, where you will find the largest concentration of hippo in Africa, as well as herds of elephant, buffalo and other animals that seek the cool water of the channel. Keep your eyes peeled for pelicans, Africa fish eagle, and other birds.

Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Move from Queen Elizabeth National Park to the Bwindi forest today. The route is subject to the road conditions and may take the majority of the day. Drive via Ishasha, where you will observe tree-climbing lions. Notice the change in surroundings as you move into the thick forest of Southern Uganda. Arrive at Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge in time for dinner.

Day 5: Gorilla Tracking

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing the lodge in search of gorillas. The Bwindi habitat is steep and densely forested and the trek requires stamina, as it can take the better part of a day to come across the gorillas. The first moment you finally see the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring and privileged moment. If you would like a change of pace, enjoy any of the other activities hosted by the lodge.

Day 6: Bwindi Forest Optional Activities

The day is yours to spend as you wish! Choose between another gorilla tracking adventure (fees apply) or any of the optional activities hosted by the Bwindi Lodge.

Day 7: Mgahinga National Park

After breakfast journey through bamboo forests and on mountain roads on your way to Kanaba Gap, where you will have spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink on the veranda of the Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge and soak in the breathtaking views of the nearby volcano.

Day 8: Batwa Trail

Accompanied by Batwa elders, walk the Batwa trail and learn about their unique cultural heritage. Watch as the Batwa demonstrate their traditional hunting techniques, and listen as they share their in-depth knowledge of medicinal plants. Visit the sacred Ngarama cave and enjoy the music and dance of this interesting culture. Alternatively, you can participate other activities offered at the lodge.

Day 9: Travel to Rwanda

Take the opportunity to try out another of the optional activities offered at the lodge (except Gorilla Tracking) this morning. Mid-morning you head south to Rwanda and Volcanoes Virunga Lodge, near Lake Bulera and Ruhondo. Watch the changing landscape for the next few hours as you enter Rwanda. Tonight, enjoy a performance for the Intore Dance troupe (weather permitting).

Day 10: Parc National des Volcans

Through the mountain forest on the slopes of the Virunga range we track gorillas. Once you locate the troop, spend one hour with these amazing primates. Usually, you return to camp in time for a late lunch, however, some of the gorilla families are elusive, and tracking can take a full day.

Day 11: Free Day

Today participate in the activity of your choice hosted by the Virunga Lodge. Choose to track gorillas in the Parc National des Volcans (fees apply), or opt for another activity here.

Day 12: Depart Rwanda

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Your journey comes to an end as you arrive to Kigali. Depending on your international flight times you may have the opportunity for a city tour, or a visit to the Genocide Memorial. Return to your hotel, or transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.

Note: Flights must depart after 4 PM. Earlier flight times will require an overnight in Kigali.

Accommodations

Mount Gahinga Lodge

Mount Gahinga Lodge
Main Lodge Area
Mount Gahinga Lodge Dinning Area

Virunga Lodge

Virunga Lodge Rooms
Main Lounge
Dinning Room

Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge

Bwindi Lodge-Fire Place
Bwindi Lodge-Library
Bwindi Lodge- Lounge

Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Kyambura Gorge Lodge - Pool
Kyambura Lodge - Gorge
Kyambura Gorge Lodge-Bridge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Uganda Tours.

Notes

Select a Date
Rates based on high season scheduled departures

Low season scheduled departures: $7,591

Custom start dates available. Rates range from $6,914 - $10,282
Included
  • 12 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 12 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
  • 12 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Both Arrival and Departure Transfers are included.
  • Park Entrance Fee
  • 1 Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking Permit
Excluded
  • International Flights
  • Required Travel Insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Airport Departure Tax
  • Required Visas
  • Optional Gorilla Tracking Permits
    • Additional Days must be purchased at time of booking. $600 Bwindi, $600 Mgahinga, $750 PNV

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf

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