6-day Gorillas and Chimpanzee Express

A six-day safari from Entebbe, visiting the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda. On this itinerary, time permits for either one or two treks - if trekking once the other day being used for a forest walk or cultural/village visit. A combination of good quality lodges and hotels or camps are used throughout, and transport is by customised 4x4 vehicle. All meals on safari are provided, bed & breakfast only in Entebbe. Included is an excursion to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria.

Highlights: Mountain Gorillas and game
Group Size: Minimum 2 people
Type of Safari: Lodge
Vehicle: 4WD

Price: from USD$2095 per person sharing* + Gorilla Permit USD 500

Includes: Meet & greet services, airport transfers to/from Entebbe airport, accommodation in good quality hotels / lodges, meals on safari, services of driver/guide, all park entry fees and activities on the itinerary and an excursion to Ngamba Chimpanzee Island by boat

Excludes: Visas, drinks, tips, personal travel insurance and items of a personal nature. Gorilla permits USD500 each. Charter flights also optional extra.

Day 1 - On arrival in Entebbe
You will be met at the airport by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to the Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel in Entebbe. Depending on flight details a half day trip to Ngamba Island may be included pre or post safari. Travel this afternoon from Entebbe pier by boat, across Lake Victoria Lake to Ngamba Island and view a chimpanzee feeding session close-up from the visitor's platform area. Listen to a talk by sanctuary staff, kayak, view a neighbouring fishing village, enjoy some fantastic bird-watching and other wildlife encounters, with the option to swim on the equator, or just sunbathe and relax before returning to Entebbe.

Day 2 - After breakfast, drive to the west of Uganda, along mountain roads, to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - where the permits are held.  Lunch will be en-route. Alternatively, you can fly to Bwindi on a private charter (additional cost applicable). For those flying, an afternoon forest walk or ultural visit may be undertaken. Overnight at Buhoma Lodge on a full board basis.

Day 3 - You will be escorted to the National Parks Headquarters after breakfast to meet your guides for the day for your gorilla trekking experience. An early morning trek into the forest on the slopes of the volcanoes, led by experienced trackers, will bring you amongst a family of Mountain  Gorillas. These massive primates are extremely rare, with only approximately 650 remaining. You will get within metres of the family, and be privileged to spend time amongst them.  Time permitting, return to camp for a late lunch with the opportunity for a forest walk with the guides, or just to relax. The trekking may be fairly strenuous - up to six hours or longer is not uncommon - at relatively high altitudes. Mountain Gorillas are wild animals and, as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, the success rate is well over 90%.

Day 4 - Today, for those who have opted for a second Gorilla Trek, set off once again into the forest in search of one of the gorilla families. Those not trekking will be able to go on a forest walk in Bwindi looking for birds and primates with a local, knowledgeable guide, or go on a local  community village walk.  Relax for the afternoon at your camp, or possibly go and do some curio shopping along the road, or visit a local village where you may be treated to some dancing.

Day 5 - The road to Kabale takes you into the Uganda Highlands - the Switzerland of Africa - with great views and vistas of this lush green area. Continue from here, heading towards Kampala on good tarmac roads to Lake Mburo National Park. This small park offers a great variety of game, including zebra, leopard, various antelope and hippo - as well as prolific birdlife. Here you may go on a walk with a local guide or on game drives exploring this park. Overnight at Lake Mburo Tented Camp on a full board basis.

Day 6 - Return to Entebbe, arriving late afternoon. Curio shopping en-route.