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Map of Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original including Uganda

Travel to Uganda on a quest to meet mountain gorillas

Travel to Uganda and embark on a journey to meet one of the world's most endangered species - the noble mountain gorilla. Encounter Uganda's birdlife, frogs and butterflies while hiking through the thick jungle with an experienced local tracker in search of these majestic creatures. The first glimpses of mountain gorillas will be sure to capture hearts and render most speechless - a just reward for the challenging trek. This Ugandan adventure is action packed and sure to satisfy.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Kampala, Uganda
Finish
Kampala, Uganda
Destination
Uganda
Style
Original
Theme
Wildlife
Code
YGAU
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Enjoy a game drive through Lake Mburo National Park

  • Trek through mountainous forest terrain in search of a gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Gorilla permit is included).

  • Meet Uganda's majestic mountain gorillas for one breath taking hour.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Trekking to find the gorillas can be a challenging and long hike.

  • You will spend only one hour with the gorillas. There is an option to pre-purchase another gorilla permit to visit the gorillas for a second time on Day 3. However this will result in an altered itinerary. Lake Mburo will be replaced with an additional night in Bwindi.

  • Day 4 is a long travel day as you head back to Kampala.

  • This is one of our Short Breaks and is slightly different to our group tours. There is no group leader but rather a local guide with the idea being that you maintain a level of independence during down time. You'll most likely travel on a join-in basis, which means you may or may not be joined by others for activities and transportation, depending on demand.

Get up close to the mountain gorillas of Uganda
You'll have to trek through the mountain jungle to see the gorillas in their natural habitat
It's not just gorillas that make an appearance on this trip, Colobus monkeys are a familiar sight
Get up close to the mountain gorillas of Uganda

Itinerary
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Ki kati! Welcome to Uganda. Your adventure begins at 09:00am at our joining point hotel. We then make our way to Lake Mburo National Park ( approximately 270km, 3hrs ).

The flora of Lake Mburo National Park is acacia woodland, different to most other parks in East Africa, which means its fauna is also different to other reserves. It's the best place in the country to see the gigantic eland antelope and has about 68 different species of mammals including zebras, impalas, buffalo, leopards, hyenas and jackals. There are five lakes within the park which are home to hippos, crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds, while the papyrus swamps provide cover for the sitatunga antelope and red, black and yellow papyrus gonalek. This small park is less well-known among tourists so it's much quieter than some of the more famous East African parks.
This afternoon we take a game drive through the park before settling into our accommodation in Mbarara for the night.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lake Mburo National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
Meals Included
  • Dinner

This morning we rise early and make our way towards Bwindi Impenetrable forest ( approx. 3hrs ). Famous for its remarkable biodiversity, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to many endangered species including roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.

The afternoon is free to check out some of the local sights. The optional village visit takes you to Mikozi Village. Here become acquainted with the Ugandan countryside, visit the local markets, speak with a traditional Ugandan healer and enjoy a drink or two at the local bar before returning to your lodge in Rushaga.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Rushaga - Village Visit - USD20
  • Rushaga - Waterfalls visit - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Today you travel into to Bwindi Impenetrable forest to see the mountain gorillas. There's a maximum group size of 8 on each gorilla visit and only 24 gorilla trekking permits available each day. Visits are strictly controlled to minimise the possibility of disturbance or transmission of disease to the animals.

Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable and may reach altitudes of almost 2000 metres above sea level. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid, but the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours - up and down hill. We can usually get very close to the mountain gorillas, who are placid and gentle, and watching their movements is like seeing a mirror image of yourself. Once a trekking group encounters one of the gorilla families, your visit with the gorillas will last one unforgettable hour. Afterwards retire to your lodge and soak up the incredible views.
Accommodation
  • Lodge (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Today is a long travel day as we make tracks back to Kampala stopping along the way to take pictures at the equator and enjoy a picnic lunch.

This tour ends at our finish point hotel at approximately 4pm. No accommodation is included tonight. If you would like to stay longer, we can book your post-tour accommodation at our finish point hotel if required. If you are planning to fly out tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 9pm to allow for any delays.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

4x4 Safari Vehicle

Accommodation

Lodge (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Lake Mburo National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
  • Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1.There is a minimum age of 15 years for the gorilla trekking.
2. This trip requires an additional non-refundable deposit (AUD 1000, USD 1000, EUR 800, NZD 1250, GBP 650, CAD 1000, ZAR 8000, CHF 900) in order to secure a gorilla permit. We also require a scanned copy of your passport at time of booking. Please see 'Passport and visa' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
3. This trip starts in Kampala/Lake Mburo on Day 1 at 9am. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore Kampala/Lake Mburo. This trip finishes upon arrival in Kampala on Day 4. Please do not book any flights until after 9pm this evening.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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