Gorilla Trek in Uganda

Depart the USA on your flight to the Republic of Uganda in Africa.

Karibu, and welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival in Entebbe International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the capital city of Kampala.

Make connections across cultures with a visit to Awegys Secondary School, where you’ll see firsthand a day in the life of Ugandan youth. See the classrooms and dorm rooms, and meet the students who are very happy to welcome you. Your trip also helps support the school, which provides an education to at-risk youth in Uganda. Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of Kampala. See the Royal Mile and Parliament building. On the panoramic portion, drive through the city center to catch a glimpse of local life, and pass the embassies in the government district. Stroll through the grounds of the Buganda Kingdom Palace where your guide details the tragic history of the country during the turbulent time of the 1970’s. Return to the hotel for an included dinner and evening at leisure. Meals: B, L, D

This morning, depart with your guide for the Kibale Forest region. The forest is home to at least thirteen primate species, including the red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkey, earning its reputation as “the Primate Capital of the World”. Stop en-route for lunch before arrival at your accommodations. Meals: B, L, D

Hike: Kibale Forest National Park is widely considered to offer some of the best chimpanzee tracking in Uganda. Additional primates include red-tailed, vervet, red colobus, black-and- white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, and olive baboons. Black bee-eater and green pitta are among the bird species found in Kibale. This morning, set out on a chimpanzee trek of two – four hours in the depth of the rainforest, offering the chance to see chimps in their natural habitat. Watch these captivating animals as they swing from the fruiting trees. Bird lovers are also in for a treat, as the rainforest hosts an astonishing 335 species. After the trek, enjoy a lunch of local, freshly grown and cooked specialties at Tinka’s Homestead. Learn about local culture and the history of the homestead from a family member as you absorb the lush surroundings and relaxing atmosphere while you dine. After lunch, depart on a nature walk through the Bigodi Wetlands, home to over 200 bird and eight primate species. The Bigodi conservation project began as a local environmental effort run by the communities of Kibale. Beyond conserving the wetlands and its wildlife, the project has also supported the building of a local school, safe drinking water for residents, and local health care efforts. Meals: B, L, D

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before departing for Queen Elizabeth National Park. During the journey towards the park, the incredible scenery of the “Mountains of the Moon” unfolds. Relax during lunch at the lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive in the park. Elephants, buffalo, Uganda Kob, topi, lions, and waterbuck are among the 95 mammal species inhabiting the park, along with over 50 species of raptors. A stop is also made at Lake Katwe to see the traditional methods of mining salt from the lake’s waters. Meals: B, L, D

Set out on an early morning game drive as the sun rises over the vast savannah, illuminating the surrounding “Mountains of the Moon”, shrouded in a mystical haze. Your guide searches for lions at hunt and hyenas before they retreat into the woods to seek shelter from the sun. This afternoon, a different adventure is in store as you set sail on the Kazinga Channel, exploring the waterway known for its various bird species and hippo population. Elephants are often seen drinking from the shores, water buffalo bask in the mud, warthogs run along the shore and plenty of birds inhabit the trees. Spend the evening relaxing at the lodge or enjoy an early-evening game drive through the park. Meals: B, L, D

Enjoy a final morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park before heading to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Home to approximately half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas, this ancient forest unfolds over the steep ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley, providing breathtaking views and extraordinary wildlife viewing. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure to relax and enjoy the amenities and surroundings of the lodge. Meals: B, L, D

The hike of a lifetime begins as you discover the incredible biodiversity of the park on your gorilla trek! Primates, birds, butterflies and a variety of hardwood trees, ferns and plant life surround you as you trek through the park in search of these amazing animals. After an early breakfast, meet the park rangers who will serve as your guides for this fantastic experience. On average, gorilla trekking lasts three to eight hours total, but once you meet the gorillas, you will be able to spend an unforgettable hour with them in their native habitat during this awe-inspiring adventure. Depending on the length of your trek, enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest or upon returning to the lodge. After trekking, visit a local women’s cooperative to experience Ugandan culture. See how they make traditional handicrafts and learn how the arts, music and dance are practiced to preserve their heritage. End the day with a farewell dinner at the lodge as you recount the amazing experiences and animal encounters of this journey in Uganda. Meals: B, L, D

This morning, transfer to Kihihi Airstrip for the one-hour flight from Kihihi to Entebbe International Airport for your international flight connection. Flights from Entebbe should depart after 6:00pm. Meal: B