Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda
13 Day Tour
Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda
February 21 – March 5, 2025
BEAdventurous on our Mountain Gorilla Safari Adventure!
Winston Churchill once stated that “Uganda is the Pearl of Africa” and we couldn’t agree more. Uganda is where East and West Africa collide. Be prepared to excite your senses and peak your desire for adventure. With lush green landscapes and warm, welcoming locals there is so much exploration packed into one small country. Experience the authenticity of Uganda on this unforgettable customized Broad Escapes tour.
There is no short supply of animals as you visit the largest National Park in Uganda, Murchinson Falls. Getting up close to Murchinson Falls allows you to sense its power and see its unbelievable beauty. Trek Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, following them as they swing through the treetops. Catch a glimpse of the famous tree climbing lions as you take a game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. Trekking Gorillas will be the ultimate wildlife experience, getting so close you can observe their features and experience their daily rituals. Rich in cultural history you will experience the many traditions that remain strong still today by visiting local villages and engaging with the people. Meet local women who trust that everyone has the power and potential to change their life, regardless of their challenges.
With expert guides leading the way, you will realize why Uganda has all the best that Africa has to offer on this exclusive BE Uganda – Mountain Gorilla Safari Adventure tour!
This very intimate travel experience will have a maximum of 11 travellers so don’t miss out, book today!
Here’s what previous clients have to say:
This was an experience of a lifetime! It was way beyond my expectations. – Debbie
I was hoping for adventure, and that’s exactly what I got. Everything from cruising the waters of the Nile River to trekking through the jungle following chimpanzees. This was followed by making our way through Bwindi’s Impenetrable Forest in search of Mountain Gorillas. This trip exceeded any expectations. Absolutely every detail was covered, and we wanted for nothing. Thanks BE for an adventure I will never forget. – Lynn
This tour was beyond my expectations, from start to finish. I came by myself and did not know anyone. The group dynamics couldn’t have been better. I met so many wonderful women on this tour and made a lot of new friends. I would definitely travel with BE again. – Kathy B
Our trip to Uganda was an incredible experience. I think what made it even better was travelling with a really small, manageable group of like minded women led by a strong experienced tour guide. I look forward to travelling with Broad Escapes again! – Kathy M
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Private group arrival/departure transfers (transfers based on group air arrival/departure times)
- Private transportation on 4×4 Land cruisers – 7-seater
- 12 nights’ accommodation – 1 night Entebbe, 1 night Nakitoma, 2 nights Murchison Falls, 1 night Hoima, 1 night Kibale, 2 nights Queen Elizabeth, 1 night Ishasha, 3 nights Bwindi
- Day room use in Entebbe
- Breakfast daily, 11 lunches & 12 dinners
- Sightseeing and entrance/park fees as per Itinerary
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Game Drives in Murchinson Falls National Park & Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Chimpanzee Trekking & Permit
- Gorilla Trekking & Permit
- Boat ride to Murchinson Falls
- Boat ride along the Kazinga Channel
- One-way domestic flight Kihihi – Entebbe
- Drinking water in the vehicle
- Service of an English-speaking driver/guide throughout
- Service of a Broad Escapes Tour Manager throughout
- Includes all applicable taxes and service charges
- 24-hour Ellison Travel & Tours Ltd. Emergency Contact Number while on tour
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Insurance has not been included as part of your tour package. Broad Escapes strongly recommends the purchase of Manulife Insurance coverage for Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, Comprehensive Assistance, Health Coverage, Individual Accident Coverage and Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance. Contact us for rates and complete details.
- International airfare
- Passport, visas (e-Visa $50USD), government processing fees, vaccinations
- Luggage handling
- Beverages
- Meals not mentioned
- Items of personal nature
- Gratuities
- Additional taxes, fuel surcharges or service charges levied by the governments or our suppliers
OPTIONS
- International Flights – A designated flight from Toronto will be assigned. We would be pleased to book your flights from Toronto or any other departure gateway.
- Arrival and departure transfers – for those not arriving & departing on group flights
Day 1 | Friday, February 21
ARRIVE ENTEBBE
*Independent arrival in Entebbe
Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival meet a representative who will escort us to our safari vehicles and introduce us to our driver/guides for a private group transfer to our hotel. As most flights arrive in the evening, we’ll drive to our accommodation where we will be able to relax after a long flight.
Boma Guest House (or similar) – 1 night
*Note: This is a land only tour, however, Broad Escapes will have a designated group flight from Toronto. The group transfer will be based on the recommended group flight arrival time. Private transfers (additional cost) can be arranged for those arriving at a different time/date. Flights from all gateways can be arranged through Broad Escapes.
Day 2 | Saturday, February 22 B/L/D
ENTEBBE – NAKITOMA
After breakfast we’ll travel to Nakitoma with a stop along the way at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a Rhino Trekking Expedition. The Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where one can see Southern White Rhinos. Once famed for its dense rhino population by the mid 80’s Uganda had no rhinos left. The sanctuary re-introduced rhinos in the early 2000’s and due to the conservation efforts at Ziwa, their numbers have increased from 6 to 30+ rhinos. Witness the magnificent white rhinos up close and personal as we track their footsteps through the pristine wilderness with knowledgeable guides. Feel the thrill of anticipation as we explore the sanctuary’s lush landscapes, listening for the echoes of wildlife and catching glimpses of rare bird species along the way. Later relax in our nearby lodge for the evening and overnight.
Overnight Amuka Lodge (or similar) – 1 night
Day 3 | Sunday, February 23 B/L/D
NAKITOMA – MURCHISON FALLS N.P.
Start the drive to Murchison Falls National Park through the Kaniyo Pabidi Forest via the southern entrance. Murchison Falls National Park is split into its northern and southern sectors by The Nile that runs east to west through the park. We’ll visit the Nile River at the top of the falls where the water cascades down through a narrow gap on its way to the Mediterranean Sea. Capture stunning photographs of misty rainbows and panoramic vistas and feel the rush of one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. This afternoon, get your cameras ready for our first incredible game drive! The park is home to the Big 5 except for the rhino. Also in residence are hippo, buffalo, giraffe as well as several antelope, monkey species, abundant bird species and more.
Overnight at Pakuba Safari Lodge (or similar) – 2 nights
Day 4 | Monday, February 24 B/L/D
MURCHISON FALLS N.P.
Rise this morning for a game drive! Most of the game viewing will be done with our expert guides in the Buligi Game tracks in the northern sector of the park. After lunch we’ll take a boat ride along the Nile to the foot of Murchison Falls. See birds perched on tree branches ready to hunt, mammals drinking or cooling down in the river and reptiles basking in the sun. A highlight of the tour will be to get up close to Murchison Falls.
Day 5 | Tuesday, February 25 B/L/D
MURCHISON FALLS N.P. – HOIMA
After breakfast we will game drive as we leave the park, then head south westwards to Hoima Town which acts as a midway stopping point between Murchison Falls National Park and Kibale Forest National Park. Hoima Town is historically known as the principal city of the Bunyoro Kingdom. Here we’ll stay in eco-conscious comfort with an authentically African cultural theme.
Overnight at the Hoima Cultural Lodge (or similar) – 1 night
Day 6 | Wednesday, February 26 B/L/D
HOIMA – KIBALE N.P.
Our safari will head further south into the Kibale Forest region. We’ll leave the Bunyoro Kingdom and journey into the heart of the Tooro Kingdom towards the principal city Fort Portal. The city sits at the foot of the Ruwenzori Mountains, considered a gateway to many of the National Parks in Western Uganda. Grab your cameras and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! Today we will go on our Chimpanzee Trekking experience. Begin in Uganda Wildlife Authority HQ in Kibale National Park where we will have a short briefing with our guide before the trek. Kibale is a primate paradise home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, cheeky baboons, and a sensational symphony of birdlife. Once we locate the Chimpanzees, we can only spend 1 hour with them ensuring they don’t become accustomed to human contact.
Overnight at the Turaco Treetops (or similar) – 1 night
Day 7 | Thursday, February 27 B/L/D
KIBALE N.P. – QUEEN ELIZABETH N.P.
The safari will continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Entry will be via the northern sector famous for the Kasenyi Plains and Kazinga Chanel. This part of the safari is all contained within the Tooro Kingdom, and we will notice a distinct change in the scenery as the lush green crater lake region of the surrounding Kibale Forest gives way to the open savannah land of Queen Elizabeth National Park. One of the highlights of visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park is the boat ride along the Kazinga Channel. Our boat trip is a round trip beginning at the Mweya Peninsula. The channel has one of the world’s largest concentration of hippos, numerous Nile crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, and a whole host of birds including African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, storks, and skimmers. Be captivated by the peaceful ambiance, and the pristine beauty of this natural paradise as we float down the channel.
Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge (or similar) – 2 nights
Day 8 | Friday, February 28 B/L/D
QUEEN ELIZABETH N.P.
A game drive in Kasenyi sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is a great place to see the differing landscapes and ecosystems in Uganda. This park is the oldest and most visited in Uganda. The game drive will take place on the Kasenyi Plains which are in the north-east section of the park. We’re likely to see antelopes, buffalo, elephant, warthogs, baboons as well as lions and the odd leopard if luck is on our side. This afternoon we have a cultural experience with a women’s co-operative which provides training and business opportunities to women in the local community. Enjoy this cultural interaction and the opportunity to support this sustainable women’s enterprise. Later this afternoon choose to engage in an afternoon game drive or rest and relax at the lodge, the choice is yours.
Day 9 | Saturday, March 1 B/L/D
QUEEN ELIZABETH N.P. – ISHASHA
Today we will enjoy a game drive in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park which is notably recognized for its resident tree climbing lions that can sometimes be spotted resting in the branches of the large fig trees. It is a very breathtaking sight to see the “King of Jungle” perched up high on one of the branches, lazily resting away as the day goes by. In addition to the fascinating tree climbing lions, keep your eyes out for buffalo herds, antelope, elephants, hippos and more.
Overnight at Ishasha Wilderness Camp (or similar) – 1 night
Day 10 | Sunday, March 2 B/L/D
ISHASHA – BWINDI N.P.
Another amazing and unforgettable day ahead. We will start with a morning game drive then transfer south towards Bwindi and the Gorillas. We will continue our journey east into the traditional Ankole region of Uganda. This area is characterized by the endless rolling hills, savanna grass and acacia trees, an environment that is ideal for rearing cattle and which the Ankole people are well known for. During our private lecture this afternoon, we will learn all about the Mountain Gorillas, including the conservation efforts being made locally and internationally and the positive effects your tourism dollars have on protecting the species and providing sustainability for the local economy.
Overnight at Mahogany Springs Lodge (or similar) – 3 nights
Day 11 | Monday, March 3 B/L/D
BWINDI N.P.
Today is the day we’ve been waiting for – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. An early start will have us transferring to the Park Headquarters for a briefing with the Uganda Wildlife Authority guides. An advance party of guides will have gone ahead into the forest to locate where the gorillas slept the previous night and will begin to track their movements. For conservation purposes, time allowed with the Gorillas is one hour. There are a multitude of other animals that we might encounter including antelopes and rare monkeys, not to mention the beauty of the forest itself. The afternoon will be at leisure to share stories about the trek and to relax in the lodge at your leisure.
Day 12 | Tuesday, March 4 B/L/D
BWINDI N.P.
Part of our commitment to responsible tourism is to support the communities in which we interact with, to minimize the environmental and socio-cultural impact while creating economic growth and long-term sustainability. One such community in the Buhoma area of Bwindi is called Ride 4 a Woman. During our visit with these incredible women, we will learn more about their stories and how their lives have changed through the efforts of this association. Participate in some of the activities that take place at this community project including weaving, tailoring, traditional cooking, and dance.
Day 13 | Wednesday, March 5 B/D
BWINDI – ENTEBBE – DEPARTURE
After breakfast, we will transfer to the Kihihi airstrip for a domestic flight to Entebbe. This evening we’ll celebrate this incredible journey with a farewell dinner as we reminisce about the memories and experiences we’ve shared. Most international flights depart from Entebbe late in the evening so we’ve secured day rooms which will be available until our final farewell dinner and evening group transfer to the airport.
Day Room at 2 Friends Beach Hotel (or similar) – Entebbe
B – Breakfast / L – Lunch / D – Dinner
denotes meals included in tour cost
**While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the tour. Due to traffic or other circumstances beyond our control, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations. Broad Escapes reserves the right to change the itinerary when deemed necessary.**
Level 3 – Moderate/Active
This trip is appropriate for travellers who lead an active lifestyle and have a good level of fitness. Walking/Hiking for 3-4 hours on uneven terrain or other moderate physical activities may be expected on this tour. Travellers who typically walk 3-5km or participate in other physical activities at least three times a week, should not require physical preparation to join this tour.
There are some long travel times in this itinerary, and that is because of the nature of the destination – but the travel days are also part of the adventure and an opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of Uganda.
As a courtesy to fellow travellers all Broad Escape tours are considered non-smoking in that smoking will not be permitted during group activities or on board the bus.
$11995 CAD – twin occupancy
Maximum 11 passengers
Upgrade to your own room $1300 CAD*
*Due to boutique lodge capacity in one National Park, those who book single may be required to share a twin-bedded room for one night.
Early Booking Bonus: Save $200 CAD for bookings made by March 31, 2024
Deposit $1200 per person & insurance due: at time of booking
2nd deposit $1500 per person due August 21, 2024
Balance due: November 21, 2024