The Primate Trek Safari takes you all over Uganda's scenic countryside and into the forest for an extended no boundaries encounter with Uganda's popular mountain gorillas. Observing these gorillas in the wild is the experience of a lifetime and nothing else compares. The safari is at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. The Impenetrable Forest is the most luscious forest in Uganda in terms of diverse plant species and is home to half the population of the perilously endangered mountain Gorillas in the world. You will also pass through Ankole Cattle country and enjoy a game drive through Entebbe.
Proposed Itinerary
Day 0: Trip Preparation
Day 1: Kibale Forest
Your adventure starts immediately with a long, seven hour day of exploring the Kibale Forest area. Once you leave the Lake Victoria Basin, you will pass through beautiful rural countryside where every type of fruit and vegetable imaginable is grown. Once you arrive at Kyanjojo, in the lower foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, you take a drive through spectacular tea plantations and into Kibale tropical rain forest.
Accommodations: Lodge. Food: LD
Day 2: Kibale Forest
Day two is a journey through the swamps and paths of the rain forest to view birds and primates, including chimpanzees. Walking is not difficult, trails have been made in the forest and you are always with excellent local guides. Kibale Forest is noted to have the most varied and prevalent population of primates in Africa.
Accommodations: Lodge. Food: BLD.
Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today you can enjoy a relaxing and scenic seven hour drive to Bwindi through the Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing by Fort Portal and then south along the eastern length of the Rwenzori Mountains. If the weather is clear you have a great chance of seeing the glaciated peaks while driving through the scenic area known as The Switzerland of East Africa.
Accommodations: Gorilla Forest Camp. Food: BLD.
Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Day four is the day you finally track down and view the gorillas of Uganda. Following breakfast you will take a short drive to Park Headquarters and meet with our wonderful tour guides and trackers who will give a briefing on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. After that, you then hike into the forest where the gorillas were seen the night before and track from that point. The journey can take from 1 to 6 hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 7,500 feet. The terrain is harsh and at times muddy. The entire experience is worth it when you finally find the Gorillas and get to watch them interact in their natural habitat.
Accommodations: Gorilla Forest Camp. Food: BLD
Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
You will spend day six tracking the gorillas once again to get the most out of this safari.
Accommodations: Gorilla Forest Camp. Food: BLD
Day 6: Mbarara
Today you will drive to Mbarara passing through East Africa area and finally into Ankole Cattle country around Mbarara. These cattle are enourmous with horns larger than you can believe. From here, you will continue to Lake Mburo National Park for a game drive. Accommodations: Mihingo Lodge. Food: BLD.
Day 7: Depart
You eight and final day starts with a game drive before traveling to Entebbe, which takes about 5 hours. Depending on time, you might be able to return to host familyu/project. Accommodations: None. Food: B
NOTE: This is a sample itinerary and may be altered to accommodate changes in field conditions.
Dates and Price
Price:
USD $165/day ONLY for GLOBAL CROSSROAD volunteers ($1155 for 7 days)
Dates:
To be determined by In-Country Coordinator (most likely at the end or middle of participant's respective volunteer program)
A gorilla permit costs $500 per person. With regard to the high demand of permits we advise you to book them at least 3-4 months in advance
What's Included
- All Meals and accommodation as per the itinerary.
- All ground transportation in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle.
- Park entrance fees
- Services of a full time English speaking driver/guide.
- And all government taxes/levies.
What's Not Included
- Gorilla Permit per person
- Personal expenses on food/drinks
- Tips
Important
Please note the gorilla tracking in this itinerary can be done in Rwanda as well if permits/accommodation can't be acquired in Uganda at the time of your booking. Gorilla tracking is dependent on the permits availability at the time of your booking. Gorilla permits in all park are on a very high demand and we advise that you book them as early as possible.