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Region » Africa » Uganda

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Gorilla Safari
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Pearl of Africa- time to go is now..   

Gorilla Safari

 

Raw & refined, complex & simple, inspiring & troubling - Africa always has the power to confound. More than ever, intrepid travellers are making their way to Uganda & there’s little wonder why. A new dawn has risen in Uganda, polishing a glint back into the ‘pearl of Africa’ and it alone would make a dozen visits worthwhile - where else on earth can you fall asleep to the sound of lions roaring. Come, the Gorillas are waiting……let us make the introduction………

 

How do you capture the essence of Africa on paper without using up every cliché in the book? No other continent comes close to it for scale, variety and pure, raw impact.

 

Bounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, by the Red Sea to the northeast, and by the Indian Ocean to the southeast, it contains a wide array of peoples, skin colours, religions & cultures

 

Something special about Africa touches the soul; it is the second largest continent in terms of both land area & population with 54 immensely diverse sovereign countries - the most on any continent - that is both deeply troubled & profoundly uplifting. A very diverse continent, with each country, or even each part of a country having its own unique culture. Tragically misunderstood by many people simply as a land of suffering - a misconception only bolstered by the media & the numerous NGOs on the continent - Africa today is a vast continent with many bustling metropolises, friendly people, and amazingly diverse & beautiful landscapes and most of the continent is peaceful, well-fed & working class.

 

Africa’s natural history alone would make a dozen visits worthwhile - where else on earth can you fall asleep to the sound of lions roaring, or watch a million flamingos take off from the waters of a remote soda lake? Parts of Africa boast scenery so spectacular they will damn near blow your mind, but the essence of this incredible continent isn’t in any desert, mountain or lake.

 

Whether you are a wide-eyed first-timer or a frequent visitor, Africa cannot fail to get under your skin. The canvas upon which the continent's epic story is written is itself astonishing & reason enough to visit. From the tropical rain forests of Central Africa to the endless rippling dunes & waterless tracts of the Sahara, from the signature savannah of the east to jagged mountains & green-tinged highlands all across the continent, Africa has few peers when it comes to natural beauty.

 

But there is so much more to Africa than nature's considerable bounty. On this continent where human beings first came into existence, customs, traditions & ancient rites tie Africans to generations past and to the collective memory of myriad people. In many rural areas, it can feel as though the modern world might never have happened, and old ways of doing things - with a certain grace & civility, hospitality & a community spirit - survive.

 

It is the spirit of the people - pushing, shoving, sweating, dancing, singing & laughing - that infects so many visitors with a travel bug so powerful they will never stop coming back, sometimes against all sense or reason. Even as the past retains its hold over the lives of many Africans, just as many have embraced the future, bringing creativity & sophistication to the continent's cities & urban centres.  Modern Africans are taking all that is new & fusing it onto the best of the old.

 

And now, let us talk about the magic of Uganda emerging from the shadows of its dark history.

 

African Landscapes | Wildlife Bonanza | Cultural Experiences  

 

With a tapestry of landscapes, excellent wildlife watching & welcoming locals, Uganda packs a lot into one small country. It is home to Africa's tallest mountain range (the Rwenzoris), the source of the Nile, the world's longest river & the continent's largest lake. Rafting the Nile offers a world-class adrenaline adventure, but the country's most iconic experience is tracking mountain gorillas in their misty habitat.

 

A new dawn of tourism has risen in Uganda, polishing a glint back into the ‘pearl of Africa’. A landlocked country in East Africa whose diverse landscape encompasses the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains & immense Lake Victoria.

 

Uganda is Africa condensed, with the best of everything the continent has to offer packed into one small but stunning destination. Uganda is home to the highest mountain range in Africa, the Mountains of the Moon in the Rwenzori National Park. It is the source of the mighty Nile, and around Jinia, offers the best white-water rafting in the world. It has the highest concentration of primates on earth, including the majestic mountain gorilla, one of the rarest animals on the planet. Head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a chance to get close to these great apes.

 

Uganda also has much more to offer, including a number of national parks that offer some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa. This is a country boasting equatorial rainforests, acacia savannahs, great lakes and soaring mountains. It is also a land of spirit & beauty, as evident in the warmth and grace of its people. A trek to see the chimpanzees of Kibale Forest National Park is an outstanding opportunity to enter the world of these cheeky primates. Time in Queen Elizabeth National Park and its remote southern region, Ishasha, and a further night in Lake Mburo National Park deliver a feast of wildlife-related activities and viewing opportunities, as well as a glimpse into Ugandan life. Add to this classic camps and dazzling lodges and you have a week of adventure & a lifetime of memories!

 

On top of all this, the scenery is so striking that it looks like an oil painting, the beautiful national parks see far fewer visitors than in neighbouring Kenya & Tanzania, and the capital, Kampala, is safer & friendlier than most in Africa. In 1907, pioneering tourist Winston Churchill called it the ‘Pearl of Africa’. He was right. Other than watching out for the odd hippo at your campsite, there is no more to worry about here than in most other countries.

 

Explore this fascinating country and encounter the chimpanzee & the rare mountain gorilla.

 

This safari offers an incredible glimpse & encounters that are sure to remain etched in your memories forever. Undoubtedly the ultimate highlight of our journey occurs the moment that we enter the realm of the majestic mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. To be granted entry into their amazing world is an experience without comparison and to be able to witness the strong bond within the gorilla family & the quiet, regal nature and awesome dignity of the silverback, is a rare added privilege. Words cannot really describe this overwhelming experience.

 

Tracking Mountain Gorillas is a breath-taking experience…. standing metres from a gorilla family in the depths of the forest after scrambling over vines, fallen logs and up & down muddy paths is one of the most rewarding experiences.

 

If you are short on time but who have always wanted to see some of the rarest primates on the planet, then this is the trip for you as the safari takes you to the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda & game viewing at Lake Mburo National Park. One gorilla tracking opportunity is included & you have the time for another optional one if you want to.

 

We travel from Entebbe to the south-western corner of Uganda, Bwindi, to spend time with the majestic highland mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Passing incredible landscapes, meeting local Ugandans & coming face to face with endangered Gorillas in their own environment is a real privilege & an experience that will be indelibly etched in our minds. Quite simply trekking to visit mountain gorillas is one of those ‘must do’ things and Uganda offers an incredible opportunity to achieve this.

 

How do you capture the essence of Africa on paper without using up every cliche in the book? No other continent comes close to it for scale, variety and pure, raw impact. A unique experience is just the beginning. Take the plunge now & Yep…. the Man….(oops! the Apes) are waiting in Uganda &  The Journeys is ready to take you on well, a journey (or journeys) of discovery.

 

  Come……be inspired & discover the World with us

 

Gorilla Safari

Day | Date 

City

Transfers  |  Sightseeing

Any Day

 

01 | 00  |  0

Kampala

Arrival Transfer  |  Free (balance of the day)

02 | 00  |  0

Bwindi NP

AM vTransfer  |  PM  Nature Walk  |  Free (balance of the day)

03 | 00  |  0

Bwindi NP

AM  Gorilla Trekking  |   Free

04 | 00  |  0

Bwindi NP

FD Free

05 | 00  |  0

Lake Mburo NP

AM vTransfer  +  Game Viewing | Free (balance of the day)

06 | 00  |  0

Kampala

AM vTransfer   |  Depart 

 

 

 

 

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Pearl of Africa -   experience it now....

Gorilla Safari

Kampala * Bwindi Impenetrable National Park * Lake Mburo National Park * Kampala

 

6 Days | 5 Nights

 

Day 1 - | Arrive Kampala at????  

There is nowhere like Africa on the planet for wildlife, wild lands & rich traditions that endure.

 

Welcome to enchanting Uganda - Pearl of Africa  - a landlocked country in East Africa whose diverse landscape encompasses the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains & immense Lake Victoria. Prepare to fall in love.

 

Arrive in Entebbe, the gateway to Kampala, the ancient capital city.

 

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Kampala Entebbe International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys Rep who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days

 

Arrive at the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

 

African Landscapes | Wildlife Bonanza | Cultural Experiences  

Bustling Kampala an attractive, verdant town makes a good introduction to Uganda. It is Uganda's national & commercial capital bordering Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake. A dynamic &  engaging city, with few of the hassles of other East African capitals & several worthy attractions to keep you occupied for a couple of days. Hills covered with red-tile villas and trees surround an urban centre of contemporary skyscrapers. In the downtown area, the Uganda Museum explores the country's tribal heritage through an extensive collection of artefacts. Its landscapes vary from the fertile green areas around the northern shores of Lake Victoria to the snow-capped Ruwenzori Mountains in the west & the semi-desert region in the north.

 

As the heartland of the Buganda kingdom, Kampala has a rich & colourful history, visible in several fascinating palaces & compounds from where the nation was run until the arrival of colonialism. It served as the capital city during the early years of the British protectorate, though it is the relaxed pace of life & natural attractions rather than any notable colonial relics that give the city its charm.

 

The city is famed for world class night life not found anywhere else in East Africa. From comedy evenings, music, theater, top clubs & busy streets, Kampala is the real deal for trendy nights in Africa.

 

Balance of the day is at leisure (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

 

Overnight.  D 

Day 2 - | Arrive KampalavBwindi Impenetrable National Park Drive: 463 km  

Very early in the morning, depart for the jungles of the World Heritage-listed Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, driving on a picturesque road through the Uganda Highlands - the Switzerland of Africa - with great views & vistas of  lush green area.

 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home of the rare mountain gorillas. Apart from gorillas, there are a wide variety of primates to see including the blue & red tailed monkeys. The forest itself is lush & green and there are streams running through it.

 

The forest covers an area of 330 square kilometres and is located in the far south-west of the country where Uganda, Rwanda and DRC (Congo) meet. This pocket of huge primeval forest is one of the most biologically diverse areas on earth. It has an eco-system that defines the very essence of the continent & has therefore been designated as a World Heritage site.

 

This forest in the Virunga Mountains protects about half of the world's remaining 700 mountain gorillas, as well as providing home for chimpanzees and several species of monkeys.

 

Arrive by lunch time & Check-in.

 

Post lunch, enjoy a guided Nature Walk, which will lead you to the beautiful Munyaga Waterfall within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and a chance to see primates such as the Grey Cheeked Mangabey Blue Monkeys & other species.  You can also wander around the local village.

 

Come back to the Lodge.

 

Balance of the day is at leisure.

Overnight. 
B L D
 

 

Day 3 - | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 

Early morning at 06:00 am, meet the local Ranger & drive to the Park headquarters, where you will be briefed by the Uganda Wildlife Authorities about guidelines to be “strictly” followed on the Trek.

 

Gorilla trekking is highly controlled with only 24 gorilla trekking permits available each day. Once a trekking group encounters one of the gorilla families, only one hour is granted in the presence of the great apes before the trekkers must, very reluctantly, leave the family.

 

The Trek can be strenuous & may reach altitudes of almost 2000 metres above sea level. Depending on weather conditions, some of the paths can be slippery & these paths themselves can change depending on the location of the gorillas. Hence, it is very hard to predict how long we need to walk for, but a very good level of fitness is recommended for everyone taking on this trek. All this may seem like hard work, but the end result is one you are sure to cherish forever, as to stand so close to these amazing animals is indeed an emotional experience. The tracking may take between 2 and 6 hours but obviously it is well worth the effort. . 

 

We are likely to get within metres of the family we are tracking and you will be able to observe these magnificent primates. Each gorilla safari encounter is different & has its own rewards, but you are likely to enjoy the close view of adults feeding, grooming and resting as the youngsters frolic and swing from vines in a delightfully playful display

 

Please note that gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases & you should advise the Ranger if you are suffering from a cold or anything similar. It would be irresponsible to risk the health of even one of the last 700 remaining mountain gorillas that are still living in their natural habitat.

 

Enjoy a picnic lunch during the Trek.

 

Return to the lodge by early afternoon to either unwind & celebrate your unforgettable gorilla experience or perhaps take up an optional activity.

Overnight.  
B L D 

 

Day 4 - | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 

Full day is at leisure for independent activities. 

 

You have the opportunity to go for an optional gorilla trekking again (additional Permits must be bought in advance) or a forest walk to look for birds and other primates. Alternatively, you are free to relax or meet some of the local community - including the people running the local Orphanage. There are also some curio shops, which you can check out for souvenirs.

 

Overnight.   B L D 

 

Day 5 - | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest v Lake Mburo National Park Drive: 263 km   

Morning is free. We suggest an optional boat trip on Lake Mutanda or a visit to the Batwa community in Nyakabande.

 

Later, depart for Lake Mburo National Park on the drier Ankole area, driving through an area known as 'Little Switzerland' with fine-looking scenery & terraced farming.

 

Lake Mburo National Park is a compact gem, located conveniently close to the highway that connects Kampala to the parks of western Uganda. It is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks & underlain by ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks which date back more than 500 million years. It is home to 350 bird species as well as zebra, impala, eland, buffalo, oribi, Defassa waterbuck, leopard, hippo, hyena, topi & reedbuck. For birders, this is one of the best place to find African Fin foot, Papyrus, Bush Shrike, etc.

 

Once covered by open savanna, Lake Mburo National Park now contains much woodland as there are no elephants to tame the vegetation. In the western part of the park, the savanna is interspersed with rocky ridges & forested gorges while patches of papyrus swamp & narrow bands of lush riparian woodland line many lakes that lie within the park’s borders.

 

Immediately on entering the park, continue on a game drive and encounter zebras, buffalo, elands and impalas along with a great variety of birds.

 

Arrive at the Lodge & Check-in. Our lodge has been built to provide stunning views over three of Mburo's five lakes, but is also a great place to enjoy the incredible African sunsets.

 

Balance of the day is at leisure.

Overnight.  
B L D 

 

 

Day 6 - | Lake Mburo National Park v Kampala Drive: 235 km  

                  Depart Kampala at ??? 

 

After a very early breakfast, proceed for an optional game drive. A Ranger Guide takes you on foot to the bush. Lake Mburo National Park is a very special place; every part of it is alive with variety, interest & colour. It contains an extensive wetland.

 

Return to the Camp to Check-out & depart for Entebbe.

 

Depart for Kamapla, enroute stopping over at the Uganda Equator, where you will see a line drawn in the middle of the street. Visit the craft stalls & take pictures of the Equator monuments on either side of the road on your way back to Kampala

 

And with a monument on both sides that state "Uganda Equator". It is an absolutely amazing feeling to stand on both sides of the world. "The equator (sometimes referred to colloquially as "the Line") is the intersection of the Earth's surface with the plane perpendicular to the Earth's axis of rotation and containing the Earth's center of mass." Simply said it is the imaginary line that divides the earth in half. With the north on one side & south on the other.  You can stand on both sides of the Equator there is also the opportunity to see an experiment of how water drains straight down at the Equator. But the water will drain clockwise on the northern hemisphere and counter clockwise on the southern hemisphere.

 

All good things must come to an end and so must this Journey to the roots.

 

The experience comes to an end & you will be transferred to the hotel if you are staying longer or to the Airport to continue on your onward journey.   B

 

 

***        End of Services      ***







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the-journeys

Pearl of Africa -   prepare to be charmed....

Gorilla Safari

What is included: 

Inclusions
  • Transfers to / from Hotel / Airport and by private A/c vehicle
  • Services of an English speaking Journeys Rep for assistance on Arrival / Departure Transfers
  • Accommodation for a total of 5 nights in the selected Hotels / Lodges / Camps
  • Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch & D=Dinner)
  • Porterage at Airport / Lodge
  • Services of English speaking local Ranger / Naturalist for all Game Viewings / Excursions as per Itinerary*
  • Entrance Fees at the Game Parks 
  • 1 Gorilla Permit
  • All Government Taxes & Service Fees, wherever applicable
  • 24 / 7 Emergency Contact
  • Bottled Water during Transfers
  • Farewell Gift 
Excludes
  • International Airfare
  • Visa Fee for Uganda (Canadian & US nationals must obtain the Visa prior to departure)
  • Airport Tax payable on final departure, if any
  • Camera / Video Fees, wherever applicable, at the Monuments
  • Items of personal nature i.e. Room Service, Laundry, Telephone Calls, Internet, Fax, Beverages, Medical or Evacuation Expenses, Insurance, Gratuities & Tips
  • Any Meals not specifically listed in the itinerary
  • Any optional Programs / Services
  • Any items not specified under Inclusions 


*Seat in Coach. Guaranteed departures with minimum 2 guests. There may be other participants & group size may vary.  Participants may come from all over the world & most of them will be English speaking. Private Tour with English speaking Ranger Guide & vehicle can be arranged with a supplement cost.

 

** It is extremely rare that Programs need to be changed but it can occur. We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the Itinerary if required, for example, occasionally the tour sequence & duration of time spent in each place / city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control or due to heavy traffic conditions or bad weather. The Price will not be affected.

 

Conditions related to specific Tours will be advised in due course.

 

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the-journeys
Pearl of Africa
-    prepare to be charmed...

Gorilla Safari

Where you will stay:

 

Gorilla Safari

City

Nights

Superior *** 

First Class ****

Deluxe*****

Kampala

1

Shangri La

Cassia Lodge

Sheraton Kampala

Bwindi

3

Buhoma Rest Camp

Buhoma Lodge

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Lake Mburo

1

Mantana Camp

Arcadia Cottages

Mihingo Lodge

 

 

5

 

 

 


  



The Journeys has carefully selected each hotel / lodge / camp based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal or higher standard due to non-availability of the selected hotels.

 

The hotels / lodges / camps here might not conform to the international categorisation. We have envisaged the best possible options available for each overnight.

 

Check-in time is usually 2:00 pm or later. Check-out time is 12:00 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. We will ask at the front desk on your behalf, if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. 




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the-journeys
Pearl of Africa
-    prepare to be charmed...

Gorilla Safari

And last but not least:

 

Departures:

Arrival in Kampala on Any day (minimum 2 guests)

 

Validity:

→ December 2021  

 

Prices:

We offer several accommodation choices for this Journey. The price varies by selected accommodations. The itinerary remains unchanged.

 

Exchange rates fluctuate on a daily basis. Please contact us for current pricing and we will respond within 24 hours.

 

Gorilla Safari

Price Per Person  - US$

Superior *** 

First Class ****

Deluxe*****

Occupancy - Double

On request

On request

On request

Single

On request

On request

On request

Triple

On request

On request

On request

 

Gorilla Permit

Included

Included

Included

 

Airfare - International

Please  request

Please  request

Please  request

 

Miscellenous

If required

If required

If required

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some important notes

  • Flights are subject to constant modifications / delays and cancellations.  In such cases, we will do all possible to find the best available alternative / solution but will not accept any liability, whatsoever.
  • Our rates only include those items which are specified in the Itinerary / Inclusions.
  • The cost has been calculated on the existing tariffs / conditions and in case of any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to revise the tour price accordingly.
  • Our quotations are calculated on base category of accommodation at each property and are subject to modification, if the same hotel / category of room not available at the time of reservation. In that case, we will confirm a superior category of room at a comparable or better hotel and supplement charges, if any, shall be advised accordingly. Final Itinerary will illustrate updated information and / or it would be furnished at the time of confirmation.
  • All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability at the time of booking. The from price reflects the lowest available price at time of publication, which is valid for a specific start date or dates and also based on availability at the time of booking.
  • Room availability is getting saturated due to heavy demands from the tourism industry, international Fairs and Congresses. Due to these constant sold- out situations the hotels are applying the cancellation rules more stringently. Once the reservation is guaranteed, the booking will be subject to full cancellation charges as per our Terms & Conditions (details will be advised at the time of deposit). We strongly recommend obtaining Insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen scenarios.
  • Additional services including Optionals, if any, can be paid directly by the clients to our local offices

 

 

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