Classic Uganda Gorilla Safari

You’ll be met on arrival at Entebbe and then transferred to your hotel.

Leave the city and shores of Lake Victoria behind as you head far out into the countryside today with Kibale Forest as your destination (about a five hour drive). You’ll pass through small towns and villages along the way in this fertile agricultural region. Keep your eyes out for some of Uganda’s prolific bird species. If time allows, tour the on-site dairy or go for a community walk around the crater lake rim.

Today is all about trekking for chimpanzees in the Kibale National Park. These highly social (and political) animals are our closest living relatives and there’s something special about being able to get face-to-face with them. This afternoon you’ll explore the Bigodi Wetlands with a local guide. This sanctuary was created by a community group to conserve the 138 species of birds and eight species of primates while still utilizing the natural resources here in the community.

Depart Kibale for Queen Elizabeth National Park (four hour drive). On the way, you’ll stop by Tinka’s house for a locally prepared, organic lunch. John Tinka is a local community leader who will explain each of the elements of the traditional dishes prepared by his wife. This may just be your favorite meal of the trip (it was for us)! Continue on to QENP, home to a stunning array of wildlife like buffalo, hippo, leopard, and elephant.

Head out this morning into the National Park in search of lions, leopards, warthogs, and even kob and topi. This afternoon you’ll take a private boat down the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This channel is home to one of the densest populations of Nile crocodiles and hippos in the world. This is a bird lover’s paradise with bee-eaters, kingfishers, herons, storks, eagles, skimmers, pelicans, cormorants, crakes, and jacanas. There seems to be something interesting no matter where you look.

This morning you have the choice to either hike the Chambura Gorge in search of wild chimpanzees or head back into Queen Elizabeth Park in the company of lion researchers. Being accompanied by the researchers means that you can drive off-road while they track select, radio-collared members of the pride they are researching. This afternoon head deeper into the park to an area known for its tree-climbing lions.

There is time for a final game drive in Ishasha this morning before heading south toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This protected area is home to some of the few remaining mountain gorillas, some of whom have been habituated to human visitors. The forests and hills around Bwindi are also home to a multitude of other primate and bird species as well. Head to Bwindi Lodge, where you’ll enjoy dinner to the sound of birdcalls and wild noises from the forest.

Your next two days are focused on heading deep into the forest to meet wild mountain gorilla families. Your day begins with a morning briefing at the National Park headquarters to learn how to respectfully and safely observe the gorillas. Touching the animals is strictly forbidden to protect the animals from diseases. Guests may be required to wear masks or other protective equipment. Once your trackers have located the gorilla family for your group, you’ll begin your trek. Be prepared for up to six hours of uphill hiking, often off the trail and up to nearly 7,400 feet in elevation. The terrain can be muddy, slippery, and steep, so be prepared (it can also rain at any time)! Although this is a tough hike, the forest is home to plenty of birds and primates to keep you distracted, and the views out over the countryside are magnificent.

Spending time with the gorillas is one of the most profound wildlife encounters that you can have and most guests come away changed by the experience. Be sure to have your camera at the ready to shoot video and stills in low light conditions as it’s often dimly lit in the forest.

You’ll bid the jungles of Uganda farewell as you head to the Kihihi airport. A short flight to Entebbe allows enough time for you to connect to your departing international flight.