6 day Gorillas and Chimpanzee Express - Lodge Safari: A six-day safari from Entebbe, visiting the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda.
Uganda has a wealth of primates, over 1000 bird species with 27 endemics. Good game viewing includes Uganda Kob, Giant Forest Hog, Forest & Cape Buffalo, as well as a healthy population of lion, leopard, elephant, and antelope. There exists about one half of the world's population of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Rwanda is home to half of the world's mountain gorilla population, this tiny country is starting to develop a thriving economy on tourism, with new lodges and camps being built in the region.
Rwanda is home to half of the world's mountain gorilla population, this tiny country is starting to develop a thriving economy on tourism, with new lodges and camps being built in the region.
On this itinerary, time permits for either one or two treks, if you only want to trek once, the other day can be used for a forest walk or cultural/village visit. A combination of good quality lodges and hotels or camps are used throughout, and transport is by customised 4x4 vehicle. All meals on safari are provided, bed & breakfast only in Entebbe. Included is an excursion to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria where orphaned chimpanzees have been relocated. Viewing of these chimpanzees is excellent, offering good photographic opportunities. By visiting Ngamba Island, you are directly assisting the funding of this worthy project.
Package: Gorillas and Chimpanzee Express Lodge Safari
Visiting Park National des Volcans (Rwanda), Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Entebbe, Lake Mburo National Park, Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Uganda
2011 Rate: 6 day land only package from USD2275 (2 persons) pps
2012 Rate: 6 day land only package from USD2275 (2 persons) pps
Add USD500 for gorilla permit (Please note: we sell the Gorilla permits at cost price). (From time to time low season permit price is USD350 – when Uganda Wildlife Authority release this price, ie not guaranteed).
Valid until 31 Dec 2012.
Excluding Xmas and Easter supplements.
Enquire for SA Residents rates.
Please note that certain of these trips will trek gorillas in RWANDA. Enquire at time of booking.
Private safaris available on request
2011 (Departs Fridays):
2-7 Sept, 30 Sept – 5 Oct, 4 – 9 Nov, 2 – 7 Dec
2012 (Departs Saturdays):
28 Jan – 2 Feb, 25 Feb – 1 Mar, 17 – 22 Mar, 28 Apr – 3 May, 23 – 28 June, 7 – 12 July, 4 – 9 Aug, 1 – 6 Sept, 15-20 Sept, 27 Oct – 1 Nov, 10 – 15 Nov, 8 – 13 Dec.
Email us now for more information on this 6 day Gorillas and Chimpanzee Express - Lodge Safari or a customized Uganda tour.
Day 01 - Hotel (BB)
On arrival in Entebbe, you will be met at the airport and transferred your hotel in Entebbe. Travel this afternoon from Entebbe pier by boat, across Lake Victoria to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and view a chimpanzee feeding session close-up from the visitor's platform area. Listen to a talk by sanctuary staff, view a neighbouring fishing village, enjoy some fantastic bird-watching and other wildlife encounters, with the option to swim on the equator, or just sunbathe and relax before returning to Entebbe. Overnight at Lake Victoria Hotel, or similar, on a bed and breakfast basis.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary excursion could go at the end of the itinerary, but is time-permitting and depends on flight schedule and timing either pre/post tour.
Spacious and elegant, the Lake Victoria Hotel nestles in well-manicured, palm-studded gardens. Step over the threshold of Lake Victoria Hotel into an oasis of tranquility in classic colonial style. Each room is equipped with air-conditioning, and the veranda or terrace overlooks the tropical gardens and calm beauty of Lake Victoria. Service with a smile is the established hallmark of Lake Victoria Hotel. The staff take pleasure in making you feel like an honoured guest from the moment you arrive and consider it their privilege to serve you well during your stay.
Entebbe is a small town located on the edge of Lake Victoria. Depending on your time of arrival, you may like to spend some time exploring the town on foot, or you can take a taxi to Kampala and visit the craft and curio markets, or the Kasubi Tombs and Museum there. In Entebbe there is the Wildlife Education Centre where you can see close-up the large slow-moving Shoebill Stork, or you can try your hand at golf on the local 9-hole golf course.
Ngamba Island is a project of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT), established in 1997 by the Born Free Foundation (UK), International Fund for Animal Welfare (USA), the Jane Goodall Instituted (Germany and Uganda), the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre Trust (UWECT) and the Zoological Board of New South Wales (Australia) and it provides orphaned chimpanzees with a secure home to live out their lives, since a return to their natural habitat is not possible, while educating visitors and local communities about their remarkable species and the importance of conserving their fragile forest habitat. Ngamba Island consists of approximately 100 acres, 98 of which are forested and separated from the visitors area by an electric fence. Ngamba Island was officially opened to visitors in October 1999 and is currently home to 40 orphaned chimpanzees.
Day 2:
After breakfast, drive to the west of Uganda, along mountain roads, to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - where your gorilla tracking permits are held. Lunch will be en-route. Alternatively, you can fly to Bwindi on a private charter (additional cost applicable). For those flying, an afternoon forest walk or cultural visit may be undertaken. Overnight at Buhoma Lodge, or similar, on a full board basis.
Please note: Overnight may take place in Parc National de Volcans in Rwanda.
Buhoma Lodge, one of only two located inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, is on the edge of the forest offering spectacular views of the forest, and is only a short walk to the starting point for gorilla tracking. Its peaceful location means you may truly relax after your tracking experience while you listen to the birds and primates in the forest. Each cottage has its own private veranda and is self-contained with a shower, flush toilet and basin. There is a cosy central lounge area for you to unwind around the evening fire, and meals are served in a separate dining room.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in south-western Uganda, covering parts of Rukungiri, Kisoro and Kabale Districts. This is the richest forest in Uganda in terms of the number of plant species as the area is one of the few large expanses of forest in East Africa where lowland and montane communities merge. The valley bottoms contain a dense ground cover of herbs, vines and shrubs, with only a few trees - hence its name "the Impenetrable Forest". This is also one of the richest faunal communities in East Africa where about one half of the world's population of the endangered Mountain Gorillas live. The forest is also home to several endangered species of birds.
Day 3:
You will be escorted to the National Parks Headquarters after breakfast to meet your guides for the day for your gorilla trekking experience. An early morning trek into the forest on the slopes of the volcanoes, led by experienced trackers, will bring you amongst a family of Mountain Gorillas. These massive primates are extremely rare, with only approximately 650 remaining. You will get within metres of the family, and be privileged to spend time with them. Time permitting, return to camp for a late lunch with the opportunity for a forest walk with the guides, or just to relax. Overnight at Buhoma Lodge, or similar, on a full board basis.
Please note: Trekking and overnight may take place in Parc National de Volcans in Rwanda.
The trekking may be fairly strenuous - up to six hours or longer is not uncommon - at relatively high altitudes. Mountain Gorillas are wild animals and, as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed. The success rate however is well over 90%.
Day 4:
Today, for those who have opted for a second Gorilla Trek, set off once again into the forest in search of one of the gorilla families. Those not trekking will be able to go on a forest walk in Bwindi looking for birds and primates with a local, knowledgeable guide, or go on a local community village walk. Relax for the afternoon at your camp, or possibly go and do some curio shopping along the road, or visit a local village where you may be treated to some dancing. Overnight at Buhoma Lodge, or similar, on a full board basis.
Please note: Overnight may take place in Parc National de Volcans in Rwanda.
Day 5:
The road to Kabale takes you into the Uganda Highlands - the Switzerland of Africa - with great views and vistas of this lush green area. Continue from here, heading towards Kampala on good tarmac roads to Lake Mburo National Park. This small park offers a great variety of game, including zebra, leopard, various antelope and hippo - as well as prolific birdlife. Here you may go on a walk with a local guide or on game drives exploring this park. Overnight at Mantana Lake Mburo Tented Camp, or similar, on a full board basis.
Mantana Lake Mburo Tented Camp is a classic tented camp in the grand safari tradition, providing the only luxury accommodation inside the Lake Mburo National Park. It is set in a commanding hilltop position overlooking Lake Mburo and its surrounding eco-system. Each of the guest tents are set on wooden platforms with veranda, twin bedroom, dressing room and en-suite bush shower and toilet. Solar power electric lighting is fitted in each tent. The dining and bar facilities are also set on raised wooden platforms that provide stunning views of Lake Mburo. Lake Mburo Tented Camp provides first class service and comfort in a truly tranquil and natural setting, in the classic African safari tradition.
Lake Mburo National Park, which is 260 square kilometres in size, was gazetted in 1982 as Uganda's fourth national park. It is composed primarily of grassland, wetland and acacia woodland habitats. At the centre of the park lies Lake Mburo which, together with 14 other lakes in the area, forms part of an extensive wetland system. The park is home to topi, eland, klipspringer, zebra, buffalo, oribi, sitatunga, and leopard as well as an excellent variety of water and acacia savannah bird species like crested crane, marabou stork and bronze-tailed starling.
Day 6:
Return to Entebbe, arriving late afternoon. Enjoy some curio shopping en-route. Additional accommodation may be booked on request. Ngamba Island is recommended for an overnight stay post safari.
DO NOT BOOK FLIGHT OUT BEFORE 20H00 THIS EVENING!
Includes: Meet & greet services, airport transfers to/from Entebbe airport, accommodation in good quality hotels / lodges, meals on safari, services of driver/guide, all park entry fees and activities on the itinerary and an excursion to Ngamba Chimpanzee Island by boat.
Excludes: Visas, drinks, tips, personal travel insurance and items of a personal nature. Gorilla permits USD500/350 each. Charter flights also optional extra.
NB – Should guests not be able to visit Ngamba due to flight connections etc, a deduction of USD 64 applies.
Please note Gorilla permit prices are subject to change.
On arrival in Entebbe, you will be met at the airport and transferred your hotel in Entebbe. Travel this afternoon from Entebbe pier by boat, across Lake Victoria to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and view a chimpanzee feeding session close-up from the visitor's platform area. Listen to a talk by sanctuary staff, view a neighbouring fishing village, enjoy some fantastic bird-watching and other wildlife encounters, with the option to swim on the equator, or just sunbathe and relax before returning to Entebbe. Overnight at Lake Victoria Hotel, or similar, on a bed and breakfast basis. Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary excursion could go at the end of the itinerary, but is time-permitting and depends on flight schedule and timing either pre/post tour.
Spacious and elegant, the Lake Victoria Hotel nestles in well-manicured, palm-studded gardens. Step over the threshold of Lake Victoria Hotel into an oasis of tranquility in classic colonial style. Each room is equipped with air-conditioning, and the veranda or terrace overlooks the tropical gardens and calm beauty of Lake Victoria. Service with a smile is the established hallmark of Lake Victoria Hotel. The staff take pleasure in making you feel like an honoured guest from the moment you arrive and consider it their privilege to serve you well during your stay.
Entebbe is a small town located on the edge of Lake Victoria. Depending on your time of arrival, you may like to spend some time exploring the town on foot, or you can take a taxi to Kampala and visit the craft and curio markets, or the Kasubi Tombs and Museum there. In Entebbe there is the Wildlife Education Centre where you can see close-up the large slow-moving Shoebill Stork, or you can try your hand at golf on the local 9-hole golf course.
Ngamba Island is a project of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT), established in 1997 by the Born Free Foundation (UK), International Fund for Animal Welfare (USA), the Jane Goodall Instituted (Germany and Uganda), the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre Trust (UWECT) and the Zoological Board of New South Wales (Australia) and it provides orphaned chimpanzees with a secure home to live out their lives, since a return to their natural habitat is not possible, while educating visitors and local communities about their remarkable species and the importance of conserving their fragile forest habitat. Ngamba Island consists of approximately 100 acres, 98 of which are forested and separated from the visitors area by an electric fence. Ngamba Island was officially opened to visitors in October 1999 and is currently home to 40 orphaned chimpanzees.
Day 2:
After breakfast, drive to the west of Uganda, along mountain roads, to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - where your gorilla tracking permits are held. Lunch will be en-route. Alternatively, you can fly to Bwindi on a private charter (additional cost applicable). For those flying, an afternoon forest walk or cultural visit may be undertaken. Overnight at Buhoma Lodge, or similar, on a full board basis.Please note: Overnight may take place in Parc National de Volcans in Rwanda.
Buhoma Lodge, one of only two located inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, is on the edge of the forest offering spectacular views of the forest, and is only a short walk to the starting point for gorilla tracking. Its peaceful location means you may truly relax after your tracking experience while you listen to the birds and primates in the forest. Each cottage has its own private veranda and is self-contained with a shower, flush toilet and basin. There is a cosy central lounge area for you to unwind around the evening fire, and meals are served in a separate dining room.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in south-western Uganda, covering parts of Rukungiri, Kisoro and Kabale Districts. This is the richest forest in Uganda in terms of the number of plant species as the area is one of the few large expanses of forest in East Africa where lowland and montane communities merge. The valley bottoms contain a dense ground cover of herbs, vines and shrubs, with only a few trees - hence its name "the Impenetrable Forest". This is also one of the richest faunal communities in East Africa where about one half of the world's population of the endangered Mountain Gorillas live. The forest is also home to several endangered species of birds.
Day 3:
You will be escorted to the National Parks Headquarters after breakfast to meet your guides for the day for your gorilla trekking experience. An early morning trek into the forest on the slopes of the volcanoes, led by experienced trackers, will bring you amongst a family of Mountain Gorillas. These massive primates are extremely rare, with only approximately 650 remaining. You will get within metres of the family, and be privileged to spend time with them. Time permitting, return to camp for a late lunch with the opportunity for a forest walk with the guides, or just to relax. Overnight at Buhoma Lodge, or similar, on a full board basis.
Please note: Trekking and overnight may take place in Parc National de Volcans in Rwanda.
The trekking may be fairly strenuous - up to six hours or longer is not uncommon - at relatively high altitudes. Mountain Gorillas are wild animals and, as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed. The success rate however is well over 90%.
Day 4:
Today, for those who have opted for a second Gorilla Trek, set off once again into the forest in search of one of the gorilla families. Those not trekking will be able to go on a forest walk in Bwindi looking for birds and primates with a local, knowledgeable guide, or go on a local community village walk. Relax for the afternoon at your camp, or possibly go and do some curio shopping along the road, or visit a local village where you may be treated to some dancing. Overnight at Buhoma Lodge, or similar, on a full board basis.
Please note: Overnight may take place in Parc National de Volcans in Rwanda.
Day 5:
The road to Kabale takes you into the Uganda Highlands - the Switzerland of Africa - with great views and vistas of this lush green area. Continue from here, heading towards Kampala on good tarmac roads to Lake Mburo National Park. This small park offers a great variety of game, including zebra, leopard, various antelope and hippo - as well as prolific birdlife. Here you may go on a walk with a local guide or on game drives exploring this park. Overnight at Mantana Lake Mburo Tented Camp, or similar, on a full board basis.Mantana Lake Mburo Tented Camp is a classic tented camp in the grand safari tradition, providing the only luxury accommodation inside the Lake Mburo National Park. It is set in a commanding hilltop position overlooking Lake Mburo and its surrounding eco-system. Each of the guest tents are set on wooden platforms with veranda, twin bedroom, dressing room and en-suite bush shower and toilet. Solar power electric lighting is fitted in each tent. The dining and bar facilities are also set on raised wooden platforms that provide stunning views of Lake Mburo. Lake Mburo Tented Camp provides first class service and comfort in a truly tranquil and natural setting, in the classic African safari tradition.
Lake Mburo National Park, which is 260 square kilometres in size, was gazetted in 1982 as Uganda's fourth national park. It is composed primarily of grassland, wetland and acacia woodland habitats. At the centre of the park lies Lake Mburo which, together with 14 other lakes in the area, forms part of an extensive wetland system. The park is home to topi, eland, klipspringer, zebra, buffalo, oribi, sitatunga, and leopard as well as an excellent variety of water and acacia savannah bird species like crested crane, marabou stork and bronze-tailed starling.
Day 6:
Return to Entebbe, arriving late afternoon. Enjoy some curio shopping en-route. Additional accommodation may be booked on request. Ngamba Island is recommended for an overnight stay post safari.
DO NOT BOOK FLIGHT OUT BEFORE 20H00 THIS EVENING!
Includes: Meet & greet services, airport transfers to/from Entebbe airport, accommodation in good quality hotels / lodges, meals on safari, services of driver/guide, all park entry fees and activities on the itinerary and an excursion to Ngamba Chimpanzee Island by boat.
Excludes: Visas, drinks, tips, personal travel insurance and items of a personal nature. Gorilla permits USD500/350 each. Charter flights also optional extra.
NB – Should guests not be able to visit Ngamba due to flight connections etc, a deduction of USD 64 applies.
Please note Gorilla permit prices are subject to change.
Uganda - Permits to view gorillas in Uganda are in high demand, with only 18 people per day being allowed to view at Bwindi, and 6 at Mgahinga, plus a further 6 at Nkuringo. A percentage of the permits at Bwindi are sold up to 48 months in advance, and only members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators are allowed pre-purchase permits. The balance is sold three months prior to trekking. At Mgahinga & Nkuringo, the permits are on sale three months prior to trekking date - this is due to the fact that the gorilla family at Mgahinga sometimes crosses the border to Rwanda, and so cannot be viewed.
For those guests on private or tailor made tours outside the scheduled dates for which we have limited permits, we will purchase permits after we have secured payment for these from you. Should we be unable to secure permits, we will refund guests immediately.
Rwanda - there are four family groups for trekking in Rwanda, with a total of 32* permits per day being available. These may be pre-booked, as with Bwindi permits, gorilla viewing is excellent.
Please note that due to the popularity of Gorilla Tracking, it is important to secure your dates as soon as possible to avoid disappointment, particularly during the peak seasons of June-October, and December-February.
Visas: Most nationalities require a visa to enter Uganda. These can normally be obtained on arrival at the border - please check with our office at time of booking.
Health requirements: Yellow Fever (this must be done no later than 10 days prior to departure - if you have had any previous liver disorders you must consult your physician first). Anti-malaria tablets.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend you take out sufficient medical cover for the duration of your holiday. Please ask for our assistance in this regard.
Please note:
For those guests on private or tailor made tours outside the scheduled dates for which we have limited permits, we will purchase permits after we have secured payment for these from you. Should we be unable to secure permits, we will refund guests immediately.
Rwanda - there are four family groups for trekking in Rwanda, with a total of 32* permits per day being available. These may be pre-booked, as with Bwindi permits, gorilla viewing is excellent.
Please note that due to the popularity of Gorilla Tracking, it is important to secure your dates as soon as possible to avoid disappointment, particularly during the peak seasons of June-October, and December-February.
Visas: Most nationalities require a visa to enter Uganda. These can normally be obtained on arrival at the border - please check with our office at time of booking.
Health requirements: Yellow Fever (this must be done no later than 10 days prior to departure - if you have had any previous liver disorders you must consult your physician first). Anti-malaria tablets.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend you take out sufficient medical cover for the duration of your holiday. Please ask for our assistance in this regard.
Please note:
- This itinerary may be altered slightly depending on gorilla permits and flight bookings.
- Guaranteed departure with minimum two persons (subject to permit availability).
- The minimum age limit on these two safaris is 16 years. For families or private groups with children, please Email us for a tailormade quote. Guaranteed for minimum two people.
- All prices are subject to change due to any unforeseen price increase.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
