Gorilla Expedition in Uganda
Embark on this Gorilla trekking Safari, a harmonious blend of wildlife encounters and unforgettable experiences, crafted by Rafiki Eco Safaris.
Duration
13 days
Starting At
Pricing based on options and group size.
Overview
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with our Gorilla Expedition in Uganda. Join us on a remarkable journey to encounter the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. Nestled within the breathtaking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these gentle giants await your visit. Our expert-guided treks through tropical forests promise not only a chance to witness these majestic creatures but also an adventure that will forever remain etched in your memory.
Day 1: Welcome to Uganda
Start of Your Safari Adventure Begin your extraordinary safari by joining Rafiki Eco Safaris in Uganda. Our knowledgeable guide will warmly welcome you at Entebbe or Kigali, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience. Travel to Kampala and, depending on your arrival time, explore the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Botanical Gardens, or take a Kampala City Tour. Overnight at the comfortable Latitude 0 Hotel.
Day 2 to 3: Discover Lake Mburo National Park
Immerse in the natural wonders of Lake Mburo National Park, exploring its diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Day 4: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After a hearty breakfast, set out for the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the Mountain Gorillas. En route, soak in the captivating landscapes, making stopovers at the equator and the cultural haven of Igongo Cultural Centre and Country Hotel. Arrive at Bwindi in the evening and settle into the welcoming Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.
Day 5: Thrilling Gorilla Trekking Expedition
Embark on an early morning adventure as you prepare for the Gorilla trekking safari. Participate in a briefing at the Park headquarters before venturing into the dense, steep forested hills. Equipped with jungle boots, experience the exhilaration of getting up close to these awe-inspiring gorillas. Relish the overnight stay at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.
Day 6: Immerse in Batwa Cultural Experience
Explore the Batwa tribe’s ancestral community, gaining insights into their rich history through captivating folk stories and dances. Marvel at their traditional way of life, including hunting, honey gathering, and nature walks. Your retreat for the day is the enchanting Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort.
Day 7: Lake Bunyonyi Exploration and Lake Mburo National Park Transfer
Delve into the tranquil beauty of Lake Bunyonyi before transferring to Lake Mburo National Park for the next stage of your adventure.
Day 8: Full-Day Journey to Kampala
Embark on an all-day travel journey to Kampala, soaking in the changing vistas and local life along the way.
Days 9-11: Ngamba Island Sanctuary & Pineapple Bay Retreat
Unwind and explore the captivating Ngamba Island Sanctuary, home to rescued chimpanzees and the idyllic Pineapple Bay, reveling in their unique offerings.
Days 12-13: Jinja Exploration – East Africa’s Adventure Hub
Travel to Jinja, East Africa’s adventure capital, and immerse yourself in its vibrant tourist spots and thrilling activities.
Day 14: Return to Kampala and Farewell to Uganda
Head back to Kampala and then proceed to Entebbe for your departure flight, carrying with you cherished memories of this remarkable journey.
Trip Extensions Available: Extend your adventure with trips to Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, offering even more extraordinary wildlife encounters.
Day 1: Welcome to Uganda
Start of Your Safari Adventure Begin your extraordinary safari by joining Rafiki Eco Safaris in Uganda. Our knowledgeable guide will warmly welcome you at Entebbe or Kigali, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience. Travel to Kampala and, depending on your arrival time, explore the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Botanical Gardens, or take a Kampala City Tour. Overnight at the comfortable Latitude 0 Hotel.
Day 2 to 3: Discover Lake Mburo National Park
Immerse in the natural wonders of Lake Mburo National Park, exploring its diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Day 4: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After a hearty breakfast, set out for the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the Mountain Gorillas. En route, soak in the captivating landscapes, making stopovers at the equator and the cultural haven of Igongo Cultural Centre and Country Hotel. Arrive at Bwindi in the evening and settle into the welcoming Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.
Day 5: Thrilling Gorilla Trekking Expedition
Embark on an early morning adventure as you prepare for the Gorilla trekking safari. Participate in a briefing at the Park headquarters before venturing into the dense, steep forested hills. Equipped with jungle boots, experience the exhilaration of getting up close to these awe-inspiring gorillas. Relish the overnight stay at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.
Day 6: Immerse in Batwa Cultural Experience
Explore the Batwa tribe’s ancestral community, gaining insights into their rich history through captivating folk stories and dances. Marvel at their traditional way of life, including hunting, honey gathering, and nature walks. Your retreat for the day is the enchanting Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort.
Day 7: Lake Bunyonyi Exploration and Lake Mburo National Park Transfer
Delve into the tranquil beauty of Lake Bunyonyi before transferring to Lake Mburo National Park for the next stage of your adventure.
Day 8: Full-Day Journey to Kampala
Embark on an all-day travel journey to Kampala, soaking in the changing vistas and local life along the way.
Days 9-11: Ngamba Island Sanctuary & Pineapple Bay Retreat
Unwind and explore the captivating Ngamba Island Sanctuary, home to rescued chimpanzees and the idyllic Pineapple Bay, reveling in their unique offerings.
Days 12-13: Jinja Exploration – East Africa’s Adventure Hub
Travel to Jinja, East Africa’s adventure capital, and immerse yourself in its vibrant tourist spots and thrilling activities.
Day 14: Return to Kampala and Farewell to Uganda
Head back to Kampala and then proceed to Entebbe for your departure flight, carrying with you cherished memories of this remarkable journey.
Trip Extensions Available: Extend your adventure with trips to Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, offering even more extraordinary wildlife encounters.
Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Batwa community cultural and nature experience
- Scenic Lake Bunyonyi, birdwatching, island visits
- Game viewing and landscapes at Lake Mburo National Park
- Island experience at Pineapple Bay
- Chimpanzee sanctuary visit on Ngamba Island
- Adventure activities and river scenery in Jinja
- Welcome city tours—Botanical Gardens, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
- Optional trip extensions: Ziwa Rhinos, Murchison Falls
- Guided by local wildlife and cultural experts
Meeting Location
Entebbe International Airport
Additional Information
Includes
- All accommodations as specified
- Full board meals per itinerary
- Private driver/English-speaking guide
- All in-itinerary transfers and park entries
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Scheduled activities, walks, and culture/community visits
- Bottled water during travel
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Excludes
- International flights/airport taxes
- Visas, travel/medical insurance
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, tips, drinks, optional activities, extra permits)
Policy
List of Services
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Health & Participation Participation in our East African tours requires that you are in good overall health. Please inform us in advance if you have any medical conditions or dietary restrictions. The tour leader may, at their discretion, disqualify any participant whose physical condition could compromise their safety or that of the group. No refunds will be issued under such circumstances.Health & Participation
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Changes, Delays, and Tour Cancellation Rafiki Eco Tours reserves the right to adjust dates, itineraries, or accommodations in response to unexpected situations, such as adverse weather or transportation issues. Any extra expense due to such changes is the guest’s responsibility. If Rafiki Eco Tours must cancel a tour before departure—for example, due to insufficient participants or logistic issues—all payments made to Rafiki Eco Tours will be fully refunded. However, we are not responsible for non-refundable costs you may have incurred to prepare for your trip, such as airline tickets, special gear, or visa fees.Changes, Delays, and Tour Cancellation
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Limitations of Liability Rafiki Eco Tours, its owners, agents, and employees act as intermediaries for other service providers. We are not responsible for injury, loss, or damage to person or property resulting from factors outside our control (e.g. natural disasters, civil disturbances, regulatory changes). Any itinerary changes will be made to ensure your safety and comfort.Limitations of Liability
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Acknowledgment of Terms By making a reservation and submitting your deposit, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions.Acknowledgment of Terms
Included in the Tour Price:
- Transportation in a 4WD vehicle or van
- English-speaking Ugandan driver/guide
- Specified accommodations
- All national park entrance fees
- All game drives as listed in the itinerary
- International airfare
- Meals not included in your accommodation
- Personal travel or medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
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Customs Notice Prior to returning to your home country, check local customs regulations. Notably, countries such as Australia and New Zealand have strict quarantine laws.Customs Notice
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Cancellation Policy To secure your spot on any Rafiki Eco Tours adventure, a non-refundable deposit of 40% of the total trip price is required at booking. The remaining 60% must be paid no later than 60 days before the tour’s departure date. All tour prices are provided and payable in U.S. dollars. If you need to cancel your reservation, refunds will be handled according to the following schedule:Cancellation Policy
- If you cancel more than 45 days before the tour’s first day: you will receive a refund of 65% of your deposit.
- For cancellations made 30–45 days before the tour: you will receive a 40% refund of the total tour cost.
- For cancellations with less than 25 days’ notice, no refund can be issued.
Pricing From
Pricing based on options and group size.
Available Time: Year Round
Duration: 13 days
Begins: Meet/greet in Entebbe or Kampala, transfer
Quick Links
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