Uganda & Gorilla Trek Express - 6 days
Uganda & Gorilla Trek Express - 6 days
Uganda & Gorilla Trek Express - 6 days
6 Days Starting and ending in Kampala, Uganda
Visiting: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Kampala
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2725/UGTE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
18-75
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 6-day adventure with the Uganda & Gorilla Trek Express, a small group safari tour that begins and ends in the vibrant capital city of Kampala. Journey through the lush landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you'll have the chance to spot chimpanzees and over 500 bird species. The highlight of your trip will be trekking through the steamy jungles of Bwindi National Park to encounter the majestic and endangered mountain gorillas. Spend two relaxing days by the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi, surrounded by tropical jungle and rolling green hills, where you can enjoy optional activities like bird-watching and canoeing. This tour includes camping accommodations, meals, and expert guides to ensure a memorable experience in the heart of Africa.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Kampala
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Kampala - Queen Elizabeth National Park. Departing the capital city, Kampala, we cross the Equator and pass through fertile green hills, tangled forests and rugged mountain ranges to the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Originally Named Kazinga National Park on its inception in 1952, the reserve was renamed in 1954 after a visit by the newly crowned British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
Our first evening here is free for you to take a walk in the lush surroundings, who knows what wildlife you may spot! The reserve is home to elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, chimpanzee and much more. Encouragingly, reports from the Uganda Wildlife Authority suggest that wildlife populations in the reserve are increasing, thanks to effective protection. This is largely down to your tourism money!
Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure at Red Chili Hideaway in Kampala and the tour departs at 5am on Day 1. Please see the Trip Notes for further information.
Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Name: camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we are heading into Queen Elizabeth National Park, admiring the mountain views and stopping whenever we see something of interest. As well as the charismatic larger animals, the reserve is home to more than 500 bird species. Reaching Kyambura Gorge we head out on foot in search of chimpanzees. The rangers will have a good idea of where they are and the trek can vary in length from less than an hour to several. Chimps tend to stay in the treetops so you may have to crane your neck for a view of our closest relatives.
Please note: Chimpanzee Trek permits are issued by the wildlife authority in groups of up to 8 people per group. Depending on our group size, we may trek on the afternoon of day 1, morning or afternoon of day 2, or morning of day 3.
Day 3-5: Lake Bunyonyi
Location: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Lake Bunyonyi. On day 3 we drive to Lake Bunyonyi, dotted with scenic islands and surrounded by lush forest and rolling hills. Over the next three days everyone in the group will enjoy their mountain gorilla trek, but we will split into smaller groups in order to avoid disturbing the gorillas. On the days when you are not trekking, you are free to take a boat trip to some of Lake Bunyonyi's islands, go bird-watching, visit a local village or hire canoes to paddle on the lake.
On the day of your trek, we will hike for anywhere between 30 minutes and 6 or 7 hours into Bwindi National Park (or occasionally Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, this will be made clear to you in advance), depending on the location of the gorillas. A decent level of fitness is required as we trek through the steamy jungle. Your guide will know the location of the nearest gorilla family.
Once we have located the gorillas, you will spend around an hour watching from a safe distance. Keep quiet, keep low to the ground and follow all the instructions of your guide - this is for your safety and for the welfare of the mountain gorillas. You are welcome to take photos, as long as there is no flash.
One of the world's most endangered creatures, mountain gorillas are heavily protected, with around 1,000 animals now living in the rainforests of central Africa. Numbers have increased remarkably due to effective protection in recent years - keep your eyes peeled for the giant silverback alpha male, and some of the adorable youngsters that represent the future of their species.
When it is time to leave the gorillas, we trek back to Lake Bunyonyi, where you can reflect on what is sure to be the highlight of your African adventure. The rest of your time here is at leisure, whilst the rest of our group completes their trek.
Day 6: Kampala
Location: Kampala
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Lake Bunyonyi - Kampala. Leaving the mountain gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi behind, we return to Kampala, skirting around the northern edge of Lake Victoria. Our tour arrangements come to an end on arrival back in the city late afternoon / early evening.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.
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Accommodation
5 nights camping in 2-person dome tents are included.
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Tour Crew
The tour is escorted by a licensed 2-person crew.
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Transportation
Transportation is provided in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment.
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Sleeping Arrangements
A sleeping mattress is provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.
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Road Tolls and Taxes
All road tolls and vehicle taxes are included.
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Chimpanzee Trekking
Queen Elizabeth National Park chimpanzee trekking with expert guides is included, subject to payment of permits.
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Gorilla Trekking
Bwindi National Park gorilla trekking with expert guides is included, subject to payment of permits.
What's Not Included
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Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit
The non-refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit costs USD $935 per person and must be paid at the time of booking in addition to the deposit.
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International Flights and Visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included but can be booked on request.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
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Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is not included; please bring your own.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities are not included, and prices are listed in the Trip Notes.
Age Policy
18 and over. Anyone over 65 to complete a Tour Suitability Form.Maximum age 75.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking gear, ensuring a comfortable journey through Uganda's diverse terrains. All road tolls and vehicle taxes are included, making for a hassle-free adventure.
Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights of camping in 2-person dome tents, providing a close-to-nature experience amidst Uganda's stunning landscapes. A sleeping mattress is provided, but guests are required to bring their own sleeping bags for added comfort.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 5 nights of camping in 2-person dome tents. A sleeping mattress is included, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.
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What is the group size for chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Chimpanzee trek permits are issued in groups of up to 8 people per group by the wildlife authority.
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What should I expect during the gorilla trekking experience?
During the gorilla trek, you will hike for 30 minutes to 6 or 7 hours into Bwindi National Park, depending on the gorillas' location. Once located, you will spend around an hour observing them from a safe distance. It is important to keep quiet, stay low to the ground, and follow the guide's instructions for safety and the welfare of the gorillas. Photography is allowed without flash.
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Are there any additional costs for the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits?
Yes, there is a non-refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit fee of USD $935 per person, which must be paid at the time of booking in addition to the deposit.
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What activities are available at Lake Bunyonyi when not trekking?
When not trekking, you can take a boat trip to some of Lake Bunyonyi's islands, go bird-watching, visit a local village, or hire canoes to paddle on the lake.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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