Gorillas, Wildlife & Chimps
WHATS INCLUDED: All transport as shown in the itinerary, English speaking guide, accommodation as shown, meals as shown, excursions as shown, park fees, chimpanzee permits and one gorilla permit. At the lodges the stays are on an all inclusive basis including unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks, laundry service, activities around the lodge and a complimentary massage. 
WHATS EXCLUDED: Flights, meals not stated, beverages, additional gorilla permits, personal items
GROUP SIZE: Minimum 2 passengers
COMMENCING: Kampala, Uganda
CONCLUDING: Kampala, Uganda
ACCOMMODATION: Hotels and eco lodges
MEAL KEY: B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner
ITINERARY:
DAY 1: FORT PORTAL
You will receive a briefing on your forthcoming safari before starting out towards Fort Portal via the town of Mubende set in the rolling hills. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route before continuing to Kibale. You will be arriving late afternoon so you can take time to relax around the lodge or explore the nearby Crater Lake. Overnight at Ndali/Mantana Kibale. LD
DAY 2: CHIMPANZEE TRACKING
Today you will track the noisy chimps and other primates crashing around the high canopy of the forest with colourful birds squawking nearby. Take time out to enjoy a packed lunch before your afternoon walk in Bigodi to see swamp birds and some of the community projects financed by tourism. Overnight at Ndali/Mantana Kibale. BLD
DAY 3: QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Today you may get the chance to walk in the foothills of the Rwenzoris, one of the greatest mountain ranges of the world, looking out for its forbidding peaks in the distance. Alternatively you may travel straight to Queen Elizabeth National Park, the game here varies depending on the season you travel. The Kasenyi Plains are good for lion and the Mweya Peninsula for a variety of other animals. Overnight at Mweya/Jacana. BLD
DAY 4: KYAMBURA GORGE
Today you will have a choice of what you want to do. Option one would be to visit Kyambura Gorge to track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees, one of man’s closest relations. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable but the walk is enchanting. Option two would be to go for a nature walk in the Maramagambo Forest to see other primates and to visit the bat cave and the blue lake. In the afternoon you will take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where the wildlife and a vast array of birds come to drink. Overnight at Mweya/Jacana. BLD
DAY 5: TRAVEL TO BWINDI
Today you will start your journey towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The journey will take you either via Ishasha, home to the tree climbing lion, roads permitting, or the alternative route would be through cultivated expanses. On arrival, time permitting, you can go for a nature walk in the lodge’s vicinity to check out some of the local wildlife. Overnight at Bwindi Lodge. BLD
DAY 6: BWINDI IMENETRABLE FOREST
Today you will join your gorilla trek (permit included). You will walk up the steep densely forested hills before finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation. An inspiring moment! Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Overnight at Bwindi Lodge. BLD
DAY 7: KAMPALA, ENTEBBE
Today you will have an early start back to Kampala, retracing your steps through this green pleasant land. You will stop en route for your picnic lunch before arriving back into Kampala late afternoon. BL
Gorilla Tracking & Permits
Only a limited number of permits are available in each gorilla park. It is therefore essential to book well in advance. Permits need to be paid for at the time of the initial safari booking so that they can be purchased immediately. Delay in payment can result in permits not being secured. To protect gorillas from disease, no children under 15 or people with illnesses may go tracking. Trackers must be fit and in good health as tracking in thick forest at heights up to 3,000m traversing steep-sided mountains and ravines can be tough, arduous and wet. Porters can be hired to carry equipment. Part of the gorilla permit fee goes to communities living around the gorilla parks. Permits are non-refundable except for medical reasons and a medical certificate has to be provided. Gorilla viewing can be denied at short notice because of national park or border closures, security changes or gorillas going out of range. In such circumstances refunds are at the discretion of the authority and are not within the company's control. Obtaining a gorilla permit therefore is not a guarantee of seeing a gorilla. One hour is allowed with the gorillas, at a distance of at least 5 metres. Flash photography is not allowed, so fast film is useful (400-1600 ASA). Personal video recorders are allowed. Professional film makers require permission and need to purchase filming permits. At the National Parks you will meet your ranger who explains the rules for tracking gorillas and will take you up to the gorillas. Please follow the rules stated.
Additional gorilla permit charges - £395.00 per person per permit
Please note these permit charges are subject to change
Conservation Contribution
For every person that books a gorilla safari, $100 per person will be donated to the Volcanoes Partnership Trust, a non-profit organisation that undertakes community and conservation activities
