THE MOUNTAIN GORILLA TRAIL (5-days)
DAY 1 Arrive Entebbe. You will be met and taken for an early lunch. Afterwards you will drive to Mbarara passing through papyrus swamps close to Lake Victoria and tracts of rain forest and the rolling plains of Ankole cattle country. Mbarara is a colorful and friendly market town.
DAY 2 Drive into the ‘Switzerland of East Africa’ passing through areas of breathtaking scenery, high hills and low valleys. Arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, famous for gorilla trekking and now a World Heritage Site.
DAY 3 Early departure for a day of gorilla tracking in the forest. The guides will lead you through the high altitude rainforest abundant in endemic plants such as orchids, bamboo, etc. The length of time needed to locate the gorillas varies greatly – anywhere from 15 minutes to 4 hours. It may be VERY taxing, and should be undertaken only if you are fit.
After finding the gorillas, you will spend an hour observing and photographing these fascinating animals. You may be rewarded with fine views of gorillas feeding, grooming each other, socializing and perhaps climbing trees. You are sure to be awed by these huge, gentle creatures.
DAY 4 Depart for Mbara where you will stop for the night.
DAY 5 Today drive to Entebbe, If time permits it is possible to stop in Kampala for shopping, the Mpigi Royal Drum Makers before heading to the airport for your next adventure.
ADDITIONAL NIGHTS MAY BE NECESSARY BEFORE OR AFTER DEPENDING ON FLIGHT SCHEDULES.
NOTE: The long drives can be reduced or eliminated by using charter flights partially or entirely on the Uganda itineraries. These can be quoted on separately.
UGANDA has much more to offer than just the gorilla tracking. Take time to further explore this beautiful and fascinating country by including Queen Elizabeth National Park with its variety and scenic beauty, Chambura Gorge to view the chimpanzees, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo National Park, Lake Bunyoni and much more. Ask us about itineraries with these exciting additions. One suggested is:
QUEEN ELIZABETH SAFARI (5 DAYS)
DAY 1 Arrive in Entebbe where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon a city tour of Kampala, capital of Uganda. Kampala, the city of seven hills, contains interesting architecture and history.
DAY 2 This morning descend the escarpment onto the valley floor. Enjoy game viewing along the Channel Tracks to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Park offers a remarkable variety of flora and fauna. Situated in western Uganda there is a remarkable range of habitats — grassy plans, tropical forest, rivers, lakes and old volcanic craters. The scenery is breathtaking!
DAY 3. The morning optional game viewing or a visit to Chambura Gorge to view the chimpanzees. In the afternoon board the launch for a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel and into Lake Edward. The trip passes through the highest concentration of hippo in Africa. The launch offers an excellent vantage point for photography and game viewing.
DAY 4 After breakfast depart for Kampala.
DAY 5 This morning drive to Jinga, the second largest city in Uganda. Continue on to the source of the Nile and Bujagali Falls. This afternoon transfer to the airport.
These two itineraries can be combined to make a 7-day Gorilla and Queen Elizabeth Tour. Other options include Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo National Park, Lake Bunyoni and more.
UGANDA AND RWANDA
Uganda and Rwanda, in the southern hemisphere, have rains from late March to the end of May, and to a lesser degree, in October and November. From October through December, the gorillas are moving toward the bamboo area, which necessitates a longer tracking period.
