Uganda Gorilla Safari

Uganda Gorilla Safari 5 Days

Prices From £2,887pp
Year round | 4 nights

Uganda Gorilla Safari 5 Days

A classic Uganda gorilla trekking itinerary combining the wildlife-rich landscapes of Lake Mburo National Park with the ancient rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. This short but rewarding adventure offers an incredible variety of experiences, from boat safaris and game drives in Lake Mburo to the unforgettable thrill of coming face-to-face with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Travelling from Entebbe in the company of an experienced guide and driver, you will first explore Lake Mburo National Park, where zebra, impala, eland, hippo and abundant birdlife can be found among its lakes, savannah and acacia woodland. Continue through spectacular scenery to Bwindi and the renowned Mahogany Springs Lodge, where your gorilla trekking adventure begins. Alongside your mountain gorilla encounter, there will also be opportunities to discover some of the forest’s other primates and remarkable birdlife, with nature walks and scenic forest trails adding another dimension to your stay.

Prices shown are per person, based on 2 people sharing. A low single room supplement of $370 applies for solo travellers.

Prices do not include international flights but these can be arranged as part of your package.

Please note: The gorilla trekking experience will require a walk of between 2 and 8 hours through sometimes muddy conditions, and participants will therefore require an average level of fitness.

Highlights

  • Enjoy the ultimate wildlife experience…walking with the famous mountain gorillas!
  • The chance to see 9 other primates in the wild and over 350 bird species
  • Discover Bwindi National Park’s spectacular scenery
  • Enjoy an exciting boat safari and evening game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
  • Travel in comfort in the company of an expert English-speaking driver and guide

What's Included

  • All accommodation and meals as described in the itinerary
  • Gorilla permit for Bwindi National Park and gorilla tracking experience
  • Transport to/from the starting point for gorilla tracking
  • Airport transfer to/from Entebbe Airport
  • Transportation in a 4WD safari vehicle. Prices shown are for a minivan option. Upgrade options are available
  • English speaking guide driver
  • AMREF Flying Doctors Insurance

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All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Entebbe
1Day

Entebbe

Welcome to the pearl of Africa! After having arrived independently to Entebbe International Airport you will be greeted by a representative for your transfer to the Boma Guesthouse (5 to 10 minute drive) for your included overnight stay. Enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep in this tastefully restored colonial homestead in preparation for the adventures that lie ahead.

Overnight stay at the Boma Guesthouse with breakfast included.

Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park
2Day

Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, travel southwest with your private driver-guide towards Lake Mburo National Park, pausing at the Uganda Equator for photographs, a short geographical demonstration and time to browse the local craft stalls. Continue through the countryside before arriving at the park in time for lunch and settling into Rwakobo Rock Lodge, surrounded by sweeping views of the acacia-studded landscape.

This afternoon, take to the water on Lake Mburo for a boat safari in search of hippos, Nile crocodiles and abundant birdlife, including African fish eagles and pied kingfishers. Later, head out on an evening game drive, conditions permitting, with the chance to spot some of the park’s nocturnal wildlife. Despite being Uganda’s smallest savannah national park, Lake Mburo supports an impressive variety of species, including zebra, impala and eland, alongside rich birdlife and beautiful scenery of lakes, woodland, savannah and papyrus wetlands.

Overnight stay at Rwakobo Rock Lodge with all meals included.

Lake Mburo to Bwindi National Park
3Day

Lake Mburo to Bwindi National Park

Today your adventure begins in earnest as after an early breakfast you will be collected for your transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the home of the mountain gorillas! Accompanied by an English speaking driver guide sit back, relax, and soak up the spectacular scenery that abounds along the way. You will arrive at the luxury Mahogany Springs Lodge by late afternoon/early evening and enjoy a tasty evening meal before settling into your beautiful “banda” which features 2 comfortable double beds, an en-suite bathroom and a private terrace with panoramic views of the forest and surrounding land.

Set back on the pristine waters of the Munyanga River, Mahogany Springs is located just 2 minute drive from the Bwindi National Park headquarters where we will be heading tomorrow for our gorilla tracking experience.

2 nights accommodation at Mahogany Springs Lodge with breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Upgrades to a Land Cruiser vehicle for your transfer from Entebbe to Bwindi are available upon request.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi NP
4Day

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi NP

Get ready for the experience of a lifetime! After an early breakfast you will join your transfer to the offices of the National Park where upon arrival you will be allocated a gorilla family, an 8-person group and a gorilla trekking guide. After a briefing into what lies ahead, including safety precautions and an introduction to the behaviour of the gorillas, you will be driven to the trailhead for the start of your thrilling adventure.

Depending on the gorilla family that you have been allocated the trek to see them can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 6 hours so patience and an average fitness level are required. The terrain can be muddy, and rainy weather is likely, but as you trek through the jungle the anticipation of seeing these gentle giants in the wild, along with the spectacular views and likely bird sightings on offer, is likely to be more than enough distraction from that. And we can almost guarantee that when you come face to face with these majestic animals the trek will soon become a distant memory!

Upon sighting the gorillas your group will be allowed one hour with them to watch them as they go about their daily lives; feeding, moving, playing, wrestling and feeding their young – this will be a totally unique and unforgettable experience!

Gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi have been designed to ensure that numbers are kept to a minimum whilst still offering the experience of seeing these animals in the wild so that more can be done to protect them and ensure the species’ ongoing survival. The vast majority of your gorilla permit cost goes to protecting these vulnerable animals and ensuring that their population thrives. Without tourist visits there would be substantially less funds available to do this. Each of the habituated families of mountain gorillas are only allowed to be visited by one group of eight people per day, and only 72 visitors are allowed each day.

After your thrilling experience of witnessing the famous mountain gorillas up-close, your guide will lead you back to base where you will be transferred back to the lodge for a delicious dinner and the chance to reflect on what may well have been the greatest wildlife experience of your life.

Bwindi NP to Entebbe
5Day

Bwindi NP to Entebbe

After your memorable time in Bwindi National Park it’s time to head back to Entebbe as you depart after breakfast for your return drive to the airport, with lunch along the way.

A view from Above

Accommodation Options

Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge

This outstanding lodge set back on the pristine waters of the Munyanga River offers the ultimate in comfort and luxury. Located within a spectacular setting just 2 minutes drive from the Bwindi National Park headquarters, this is the perfect place in which to relax after the mountain gorilla experiences that Bwindi holds. A marvel of expert interior design throughout, Mahogany Springs offers eight individual luxurious and spacious “bandas” which comprise of 2 double beds, a beautifully designed en-suite bathroom and a fantastic private terrace with panoramic views of the forest and surrounding land. Upgraded suites with two bedrooms and a spacious living area are also available.

The main area of the lodge has been designed to offer the highest levels of comfort and features a beautiful and relaxing lounge area with fireplace and a book, games and DVD library. The large bar area is stocked with a great selection of wines and beverages and the welcoming restaurant allows guests to enjoy delicious a-la-carte meals either by the cosy glowing fire or outside on the terrace surrounded by the delightful sights and sounds of nature. Weekly BBQ nights are held on the terrace and a tasty afternoon tea filled with sweet treats and yummy pastries is available free of charge every day. The huge panoramic terrace that stretches all around the front of the building finishes off in style one of the most luxurious accommodation options available in all of East Africa.

Boma Guest House, Entebbe

Set in tropical gardens in a leafy suburb just a short drive from Entebbe International Airport, this welcoming guesthouse is the perfect place from which to begin your Uganda safari experience. A tastefully restored colonial homestead, the Boma Guest House effortlessly combines modern comforts with the charm and characteristics of the original 1940’s building.

Each of the guest house’s comfortable and welcoming bedrooms has been decorated in a mixture of African and European décor and features an en-suite bathroom, four-poster beds with mosquito nets, and a private verandah. The guest house is situated within beautiful landscaped gardens with lake views and the delightful private swimming pool is perfect for a refreshing dip after a long flight. There is also an excellent on-site restaurant and bar, and a craft shop.

Rwakobo Rock, Mburo

This eco-friendly, family-run lodge is nestled on a scenic outcrop of the edge of the Lake Mburo National Park and provides comfortable and welcoming accommodation for those looking for a peaceful and secluded retreat right in the heart of nature. Being so close to the park, guests will delight in regular visits from some of the park’s intriguing wildlife including zebra, warthog, impala and bushbuck.

Private, well-equipped and very comfortable cottages dotted along the hillside provide good quality accommodation with all the necessary amenities including large comfortable beds, private bathrooms and cosy terraces with great views. There are also rooms available in the newly-built Hornbill House section of the lodge, each of which has an en-suite bathroom and verandah.

In the evening guests can enjoy their evening meal in the beautiful main dining area which overlooks an expanse of rock that adjoins the park, before gathering around the campfire to watch the sun go down on a day of adventure in one of Uganda’s finest wildlife destinations.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Uganda adventure for you.

Sally Nevitt Sales Team Leader

Sally pairs a real love of adventure travel with a natural gift for looking after people. She knows exactly what makes a trip unforgettable, and with her warmth and endless patience she'll guide you from your first enquiry right through to the moment you're safely home again.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

With a lifetime of unforgettable nature and adventure based travel under his belt, Simon shares his passion, enthusiasm and hands-on experience to help create the perfect itinerary for every client.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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