Gorillas of Uganda
This Safari is operated by our partners specialising on gorilla safaris in Uganda
COMBINE THE WONDERS OF THE PLAINS WITH A TRULY MEMORABLE VISIT TO THE ENDANGERED MOUNTAIN GORILLAS OF UGANDA
Half of all mountain gorillas live in Uganda and by choosing Uganda you have the option to visit these iconic mammals in either Bwindi Forest or Volcano Mountains. I have chosen as the first option, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as is entirely within Uganda and offers pristine rainforest where you are immersed in an ancient jungle. The second location is 'Volcano Region' which extends from Rwanda through Uganda to the Congo, which offers incredible vistas of the volcanoes and landscape. While the two locations are different, the gorilla trek and experience remains the same. A strict one hour experience with a group of gorillas with a maximum of eight clients is an unforgettable experience.
I have chosen Bwindi Forest as the first option as it is the safer option further away from terrorist activity.
Why have I chosen Uganda against Rwanda? It is cheaper the gorilla fee is for example $1500 in Rwanda and only $700 in Uganda.
This Safari is run combining the Mara first and then Gorilla second as you can fly direct from the Mara without having to go to Nairobi as there are additional expenses.
Typical 3 days Bwindi Forest safari
Day 1: Fly to Bwindi Forest
You depart Mara at 0900 fly to Kisumu where you change flight to Entebbe Airport on Air Kenya arriving at about 1130hrs. You clear with immigration/customs, our representative will be waiting to welcome and direct you to the check in area for your scheduled flight from Entebbe to Bwindi (Kihihi) departing Entebbe at 12:00hrs. Your driver guide and vehicle for the safari will be waiting to transfer you to the Engagi Lodge. This drive to the lodge will take approximately 45 min to 1 hour. Overnight Engagi Lodge, Breakfast and lunch.
Day 2: Trek Gorillas
After your breakfast, you will be driven to the park headquarters where game rangers will brief you at 8:00 am then lead you, through the gorilla trek paths in the thick Bwindi Impenetrable rain forests searching for the giant mountain Gorillas.
Once the mountain gorillas are found you will have 1 hour of regulated time to view these beautiful primates plus taking photographs. Take a picnic lunch and at least 2 litres of water with you. After the gorilla trek, return to the lodge to reminiscence on Gorilla Trekking experience. Optional activity if the gorilla trek ends early is the community walk.
Day 3: Fly back to Entebbe
Light breakfast then drive to Kihihi airstrip to catch your scheduled flight back to Entebbe International Airport to connect with your flight out to Nairobi. This can be via Kenya Airways to coincide with Kenya Airways Nairobi to UK for example.
Summary of flights required-
These are the flights you will require whilst in Kenya and Uganda as follows:-
-Nairobi to Mara
-Mara to Entebbe via Kisumu to clear immigration and customs.
-Entebbe to Kihihi return.
-Entebbe to Nairobi. This can be via Kenya Airways to coincide with Kenya Airways Nairobi to UK for example.
VISA- Rather than buying two separate visas for Kenya and Uganda, buy a combined East African visa. The visa application is via Kenya or Uganda High Commission in your country. For example this link is Kenya High Commission for GB citizens based in London EAST AFRICAN VISA VIA KENYA High Commission
YELLOW FEVER- Yellow fever card is required on entry and exit to Uganda only.
It is a once in a life time experience seeing the Gorillas of Uganda which are unfortunately endangered. Your visit will help in saving these lovely, fascinating and gentle giants , you will not regret it. It will be an experience you will never forget that I guarantee.
This safari can be anytime of the year.
