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Uganda Gorilla Tracking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Africa > Uganda

A chance to look into the eyes of our closest relatives in the heart of Africa. With very restricted and controlled access these tours should be booked well in advance and with high permit fees, this is an expensive add on to an East African safari, but as one guest put it: “It is worth it!”

 

This trip takes you into the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A lowland forested jungle and UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible only by foot. One of the richest ecosystems in Africa providing habitat for over 90 mammals including 11 primates, 346 species of birds, 202 butterflies, 163 tree species, 100 species, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, and geckos. However, most notably are the 340 mountain gorillas, about half of the world’s population of this critically endangered primate. In Bwindi there are 7 habituated families, most notably are Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Buhoma, and Nkuringo. You take the opportunity to hike and spend a magical hour with these amazing animals for 2 days. A unique and rare experience!

Gorilla Tracking on foot!

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in East Africa. The park is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and is situated along the Democratic Republic of Congo border next to the Virunga National Park and on the edge of the western Great Rift Valley. It comprises 331 sq kms of jungle forests and contains both montane and lowland forest and is accessible only on foot.

Pricing starts at:

$4,999

Pricing Estimate
BASED ON 2 PEOPLE

$4,999

per person gorilla permit @ $1,200 each x 2 days

Pricing Estimate
BASED ON 4 PEOPLE

$4,735

per person gorilla permit @ $1,200 each x 2 days

All of our adventures are private, customizable and individually tailored just for you! Please fill out the REQUEST QUOTE  form to connect with one of our Adventure Architects to plan your next journey!

Sample Itinerary. All of our journeys are individually custom tailored.

1

Day 1: ENTEBBE

Upon arrival into Entebbe Airport you are personally met and transferred to your well-appointed hotel.

Overnight Protea Hotel Entebbe (Dinner)

2

Day 2: BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast you are transferred to catch a schedule charter flight to Kisoro. Upon arrival you are personally met and transferred to your well-appointed lodge overlooking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Overnight Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

3

Day 3: BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

Today after an early breakfast you prepare for an unforgettable experience. You head to the park headquarters for a pre-gorilla tracking briefing and get info about the gorilla family you will track. At 900am you set off into the forest in the footsteps of the Mountain Gorillas! The time taken to find these humble apes is unpredictable, varying from 3 hours to longer depending on their previous day nesting and movements. The trek itself, climbing up and down through steep forested rocks, can be exhausting but the thrill of coming face to face with these giant primates and spending 1 hour with them as they go about their daily life – more than makes up for the time taken in their search. En route there is rich variety of birdlife and other primates such as the red tailed monkey, black and white Colobus monkey, velvet monkey, and grey-cheeked Mangabeys. Afterwards you trek back to the lodge for lunch and a refreshing shower, soaking in the experience. In the afternoon you have chances to visit the local pygmy African tribe who are the largest community around Bwindi. They used to live in the forest and derived their livelihood until the forest was gazetted a National Park.

Overnight Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

4

Day 4: BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

You awake for another great day to see the gorillas. You have the option to see the same family or choose a different family for a more rounded experience. After your lunch at the lodge, you then have options for a guided nature walk in the Bwindi forest, spending time finding the smaller animals that live in the forest.

Overnight Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

5

Day 5: ENTEBBE / DEPART

Today you are transferred to catch a schedule charter flight to Entebbe. From here you connect with departures.

(Breakfast)

Accommodations

PROTEA HOTEL ENTEBBE

is ideally located on the glistening shores of Lake Victoria and convenient 1 km from the airport. Protea Hotel Entebbe has a restaurant that offers an exciting and truly inviting a la carte menu seven days of the week. Specialties include Tilapia and Nile Perch, while guests can relax on the terrace and bar.

CLOUDS MOUNTAIN GORILLA LODGE

is set on a forested ridge near the entrance to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge boasts eight spacious cottages built from volcanic stone. Spectacular views stretch all the way to the Virunga Volcanoes of Rwanda, as well as across the border into the Congo, where the glow of Nyiragongo Volcano can be seen on a clear night. Warm and welcoming, each cottage features a bedroom, ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower and separate lounge. Comfortable chairs on the outdoor verandas provide the perfect vantage point to admire the unforgettable vistas of the forest below. Blazing fireplaces create a cosy glow as evening falls. Meals are prepared using the freshest local ingredients and served in front of a roaring fire in the dining area or in the privacy of your stone cottage.

  • Professional guides and private fully equipped 4 x 4 safari vehicle (w/ water & drinks)
  • All relevant Park fees & rescue fees
  • Gorilla permit fees
  • Emergency medical evacuation
  • All accommodation and meals as described in the itinerary
  • Transfers and plane flights as described in the itinerary
  • International flights
  • Entry visas
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Alterations to this itinerary (i.e. if different accommodations and services are provided then the price will most likely vary up or down)
  • Laundry (unless stated by hotel)
  • Beverages in hotels (except those in your personal safari vehicle or unless stated)
  • Hospital bills and international evacuation in the event of an emergency

Pricing starts at:

$4,999

Pricing Estimate
BASED ON 2 PEOPLE

$4,999

per person gorilla permit @ $1,200 each x 2 days

Pricing Estimate
BASED ON 4 PEOPLE

$4,735

per person gorilla permit @ $1,200 each x 2 days

All of our adventures are private, customizable and individually tailored just for you! Please fill out the REQUEST QUOTE  form to connect with one of our Adventure Architects to plan your next journey!