Muir's Tours - Gorilla Tracking

Uganda
Gorilla & Chimpanzee Tracking

 

This short itinerary includes gorilla tracking in Bwindi National Park and is ideal as an extension to your safari in Tanzania or Kenya.

This gorilla and chimpanzee safari traces the western Rift Valley in the very heart of Africa. On the savannah plains below the Rwenzoris (the Alps of Africa), see the wildlife of Africa in Queen Elizabeth National Park - elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo, and leopard. Look out for the rare shoebill stork. Track chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge. In Ishasha go on the hunt for the tree-climbing lions lounging on old fig trees. Further south visit three gorilla parks - Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda. Then cross over into Rwanda to Parc National des Volcans on the other side of the misty Virungas. Climb a volcano or explore the volcanic lakes. Fly out from Kigali.

Please see the important notes about Permits

7 Day Scheduled Itinerary

Day 1 Sunday
Briefing on the safari. Start for Fort Portal via the town of Mubende set in rolling hills. Picnic lunch en route and continue to Kibale. Arrive late afternoon. Relax at lodge or explore nearby crater lake. Overnight: Ndali/Mantana Kibale (FB).

Day 2 Monday
Track the noisy chimps and other primates crashing around through the high canopy of the forest with colourful birds squawking nearby. Packed lunch. Afternoon walk in Bigodi to see swamp birds and see some of the community projects financed by tourism. Overnight: Ndali/Mantana Kibale (FB).

Day 3 Tuesday
Either a day’s walk in the foothills of the Rwenzoris, one of the great mountain ranges of the world, looking out for its forbidding peaks in the distance, or drive straight to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The game seen will depend on the season, the Kasenyi plains are good for lion and the Mweya peninsula for a variety of animals. Overnight:  Mweya/Jacana (FB).

Day 4 Wednesday
An excursion to Kyambura gorge nearby 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. Alternatively go for a nature walk in Maramagambo Forest to see other primates and to visit the bat cave and the blue lake. In the afternoon take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where the wildlife and a vast array of birds come to drink. Overnight:  Mweya/Jacana (FB).

Day 5 Thursday
Start for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Either drive via Ishasha, home of the tree climbing lion, roads permitting, or take the alternative route through cultivated expanses. Time permitting, go for a short stroll around the Lodge or explore the village. Overnight: Bwindi Lodge (FB).

Day 6 Friday
Go gorilla tracking (subject to permit availability at time of booking), walking up 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. Alternatively go for a leisurely nature or community walk. Overnight: Bwindi Lodge (FB).

Day 7 Saturday
Early start for Kampala, retracing your steps through this green and pleasant land. Picnic lunch en route. Arrive Kampala late afternoon (HB).

                                                                      map of the area

Please see the important notes about Permits

Ref: UGS2

Departs 2008: 13 Jan, 10 Feb, 9 Mar, 13 Apr, 11 May, 8 Jun, 13 Jul, 10 Aug, 7 Sep, 12 Oct, 9 Nov, 7 Dec

Departs 2009: 11 Jan, 8 Feb, 8 Mar, 12 Apr, 10 May, 7 Jun, 12 Jul, 9 Aug, 13 Sep, 11 Oct, 8 Nov, 13 Dec

Price Indication Per Person 2008: GBP1719 / USD3378              Please email for availability

Basis: The price is based on two people sharing. The US Dollar is the base currency and payment in other currencies is acceptable, but the cost will vary inline with exchange rates.  Customised trips to your design are available, subject to resources / permits.

Single Supplement: GBP188 / USD370

 

What is Included
Accommodations, all meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on final day (see the code B,L,D), land transportation, services of local guides and English speaking leader.  One Gorilla Tracking Permit is included.  

What is Not Include
All travel costs to the start and from the finish of the tour, as detailed in the itinerary. Optional services of porters while gorilla tracking (approximately USD5 per trek), alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and required comprehensive travel insurance. Airfares and airport departure taxes.

Physical Requirements
The strenuous (sometimes very strenuous) trek to the gorillas usually takes between two and three hours (but could be as little as fifteen minutes or as long as four to eight hours), it is impossible to predict. We travel at a pace to accommodate all hikers. Travellers are not required to participate in all activities and are welcome to forego any portion of the program. Travellers should be aware that if they turn around do to fatigue, illness or any other reason the remainder of the group will go on. The returning traveller will be escorted by a local guide or porter.

Getting There & Getting Home
Arrive in Entebbe in the morning where you will be met and taken for lunch at the Lake Victoria Hotel. You are free to depart from Entebbe after 5pm on the final day.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk  As Insurance is always provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.