Gorilla Trekking: Uganda
From £2,199Deposit: 10%
It's time to dive headfirst into the heart of Uganda, as you brush shoulders with wild mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Lions in their natural habitats.
Start: Entebbe, Uganda
Finish: Entebbe, Uganda
It's time to dive headfirst into the heart of Uganda, as you brush shoulders with wild mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Lions in their natural habitats.
Rich with breathtaking encounters, this trip takes you on a river cruise through stunning national parks, allows you to trek with wild Gorillas and Chimpanzees in lush forests, swim through majestic waterfalls surrounding Lake Bunyonyi and embark on an epic game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park for the chance to see the Big-Five.
This bucket-list adventure will carve out memories that will last a lifetime.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Entebbe:
Jambo! Welcome to Uganda -the pearl of Africa.
Your adventure begins at the airport where you will meet your Safari Driver Guide for a warm welcome and be transferred to your Entebbe Hotel. Here, you will also be briefed on your safari ahead and will be advised on where is best to change your money in Entebbe town.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the Hotel (alcoholic drinks not included). After dinner, you will have the chance to relax and mingle with your tribe for the first time.
Sleep well, as tomorrow is the start of our epic adventure!
Included:
- Airport Transfer
- Dinner
Accommodation:
- Lake Victoria View Guest House or similar -[ www.victoriaviewguesthouse.com](http:// www.victoriaviewguesthouse.com)
Day 2
Drive to Lake Mburo National Park + Evening Bike Riding:
Getting up nice and early (0600hrs), we will enjoy a lovely breakfast in our hotel, before checking out and driving to Lake Mburo NP. With a brief stop-over at the Equator, you will get the opportunity to stretch your legs and take some iconic photos.
Arriving in good time, we will tuck into some lunch at Eagles Nest Camp. This afternoon we will enjoy a beautiful bike ride through the Lake Mburo National Park, giving you the chance to take in the beautiful surroundings of natural flora and fauna that are rich with flocks of animals and birds.
This bike ride will give you the opportunity to see Zebras, Topi, Impalas, Warthogs, Buffaloes and much more. Fear not - there are no Lions in the Park so you won't have to look over your shoulders every 30-seconds.
In the evening, we will enjoy dinner together and catch up with our guide who will brief you on the next days events.
Included Activities:
- Transfer
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Bike Ride in the Park
Accommodation:
- Eagles Nest Camp or similar -[ www.naturelodgesuganda.com/eagles-nest/](http:// www.naturelodgesuganda.com/eagles-nest/)
Optional Activities:
- Boat Ride $40 per person
Day 3
Drive to Lake Bunyonyi + PM Quad Biking:
After another early breakfast, we will leave Lake Mburo and head for the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Bunyonyi (with a brief stop-over at Kabale Town).
After check-in, we will enjoy a lovely lunch, before embarking on our epic quad-biking experience. Engines on, we will visit the surrounding neighbourhoods and head for the high viewpoint of Lake Bunyonyi. Prepare for your mind to be blown as Lake Bunyonyi boasts 29 incredible islands; each with a mythical story behind it. The main islands include Akampene (Punishment Island), Bucuranuka Upside Down Island, Kyahugye Island, Bushara Island and Bwama (Sharp's Island).
After quad biking, you will have a few hours to yourself, so feel free to partake in one of the optional activities listed below
In the evening, we will relax and enjoy a nice supper together.
Included Activities:
- Transfer
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Quad biking
- 1hr Boat ride
Accommodation:
- Arcadia Cottages or similar - www.arcadialodges.com/lodges/lake-bunyonyi
Optional Activities:
- US$ 10 - per person Canoe ride for 1 hr on Lake Bunyonyi
- US$ 170 - per Boat (max 8pax) visit to Bunyonyi Pygmies village visit.
- US$ 50 - per Boat (max 8 pax) to be taken to away Lakeshores for Wild swimming in Lake Bunyonyi
Day 4
Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
After breakfast, the morning is yours to enjoy.
If you don't want a lie-in, either head back down to the lake and enjoy a number of optional activities - like canoeing and wild swimming - or visit the Batwa (Pygmies) locals and learn more about their way of life and their charming cultural dance performances and poems.
After lunch at the accommodation, we will leave the Lake for the Mountains.
In the afternoon, we will enjoy the cultural Buhoma Village walk, where we will meet the locals in their daily lives and learn how they benefit and co-exist with the wild animals of the Bwindi Forests.
Dinner will be serviced in Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
Included Activities:
- Transfer
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Buhoma village Walk
- Interactions with the Locals
Accommodation:
- Buhoma Community Rest Camp -https://www.bwindiimpenetrablenationalpark.com
Optional Activities:
- Canoe Ride -$10 Per person
- Swimming - Free
- Batwa Village visit –$20
Day 5
Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
This is the moment you have all been waiting for!!
After a hearty breakfast, the adventure begins. A quick transfer will see us at the gates of the Bwindi park and we will set off for Gorilla tracking.
Hiking through stunning forests, we will learn about other environmental attractions and vegetation before eventually arriving at the Gorilla family. From here, we will spend over an hour watching and interacting with these amazing animals. Undoubtedly, this is an experience you will never forget.
After an hour, we will trek back to the starting point and be transferred back to our hotel for dinner where we will reminisce about the wonders of today!
In the evening, you are free to visit the town or just sit back and relax at the lodge.
Included Activities:
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Gorilla Tracking
Accommodation:
- Buhoma Community Rest Camp https://www.bwindiimpenetrablenationalpark.com
Day 6
Queen Elizabeth National Park + Game Drive (The Big 5):
After breakfast, we will leave Bwindi for Kibale National Park.
On our way to Kibale, we will stop off at Queen Elizabeth National Park for a once in a lifetime Game Drive -where we can see animals such as zebras, Topi, impalas, warthogs, buffaloes and of course... LIONS!!
You will also be offered an optional boat ride along the Kazinga Channel (group decision), before jumping back into our private bus and heading to Kibale Forest Camp where we will soak up the surrounding tranquillity and enjoy a lovely meal!
Included Activities:
- Transfer
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drive
Accommodation:
- Kibale Forest Camp - https://naturelodgesuganda.com/kibale-forest-camp/
Optional Activities:
- Boat Ride - $30 per person
Day 7
Optional Chimpanzee Trekking + Bigodi Sanctuary Walk:
Today the power is in your hands.
Either spend the morning trekking with wild chimpanzees or experience full cultural immersion by joining us on a local village walk for the chance to experience how the locals really live - experiencing daily chores, farming, brick making, wood chopping and much more.
OPTIONAL Chimpanzees tracking (£200): The Chimpanzees are more closely related to humans than to any other living creature and are tremendous fun to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees. This incredibly diverse forest is also home to over 13 species of primates including red Colobus monkey, the rare L’Hoest, blue monkey, grey mangabey, pottos, black-faced vervet monkeys, baboons and also bush babies. A network of lush forest trails provides much to delight botanists and butterfly lovers, while birders are in for a treat - with 335 species recorded including the endemic Prigogine’s ground thrush. What's more, this park also houses the elusive forest elephant, so today is a real treat.
In the afternoon, we will reconnect and enjoy a guided walk through the Bigodi wetlands sanctuary; a community-developed conservation program. The proceeds from tourism at this site go directly to community members and pay for daycare, supporting sustainable agriculture and other income-generating programs. The sanctuary is home to a huge variety of bird and animal species - like the Shining Blue Kingfisher, Blue Throated Roller and other rare species like Narina Trogon, Pied Hornbill, Yellow Spotted, Hairy Breasted and Yellow-Billed Barbets. Terrestrial mammals include buffalo, giant forest hog and a half dozen antelope species.
The evening will be yours to relax - so enjoy a nice meal and put your feet up!!
Included Activities:
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Bigodi Sanctuary Walk
Accommodation:
- Kibale Forest Camp - https://naturelodgesuganda.com/kibale-forest-camp/
Optional Activities:
- Chimp Trekking - $200 per person
- Village Walk – 20 Per person
PLEASE NOTE: THE CHIMPANZEE TREK MUST BE SELECTED AT TIME OF BOOKING TO SECURE A PLACE. ALL OTHER OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES CAN BE BOOKED ON THE DAY!
Day 8
Drive Back to Entebbe Via Mubende Route:
After breakfast, we will check out with packed lunches for a drive back to Entebbe with an en-route stop to Kabaka.
On arrival in Kampala City, you will stop at the Kabaka’s Palace (time at site: 1hr:30mins). Kabaka’s Palace is the official residence of the King of Buganda. It was customary for a new king to choose a hill where he would build a new palace. Each new palace will become the new capital of the Kingdom and the King is free to rename the place as he so wishes.
Here you will learn the history of each king and the palaces in which they live in, before being transferred back to Entebbe for our final night.
Included Activities:
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Kabaka’s Palace Visit
Accommodation:
- Lake Victoria View Guest House or similar - www.victoriaviewguesthouse.com
Day 9
Departure:
Sadly, it's the end of your adventure.
After breakfast at your hotel, we will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport.
Accommodation
Included
- All Transfers (Safari 4 x 4 cruiser throughout)
- 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunchtime, 8 Dinners
- Private English Speaking Guide
- Gorilla Trekking
- Game Drive
- Quad Biking & Bike Rides
- Wild Swimming
- Village walks
- Bigodi Sanctuary Walk
- Airport Transfers
Excluded
- Flights
- Any visas required
- Services not mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips for leaders, guide and driver
- Expenditure of personal nature
- Travel Insurance
- Optional activities - Chimp trekking, Village walks, boat cruises, etc...
Essential Information
Essentials:
Deposits for this trip are non-refundable due to the fact that GoKo will need to secure your trekking permits in advance. However, our new flexible booking policy means you can now change your travel date for FREE up to 45-days prior to departure.
Additionally: The Chimpanzee Trek must be selected at time of booking if you wish to include this in your trip (again this is due to the purchasing of your permits).
All other optional activities can be booked on the day,
Visas:
Visas for Uganda for most nationalities must be obtained through an Electronic Visa application online in advance, and a payment of $50 USD cash will have to be made upon arrival to the border.
LIST OF COUNTRIES WHOSE NATIONALS DO NOT REQUIRE TO PAY FOR A VISA TO ENTER UGANDA:
Angola, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Burundi, Comoros, Cyprus, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Italy (Diplomatic Passport holders only), Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Swaziland, Tanzania, Vanuatu, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Nationals of these countries are issued gratis (free of charge) visas upon their arrival.
If you’re a UK, US or EU citizen you do need a visa to visit Uganda for up to 90 days. If you are travelling from outside these countries, we recommend all others to check with their local embassy or online (as you can apply from the comfort of your laptop)
There’s also an option to get an e-visa for Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda combined if you’re visiting more countries than one. The easiest way to apply for this on Uganda’s High Commission website.
Please note regulations may change due to COVID-19, so please keep up to date with news or email us at info@gokotravels.com with your concerns.
Vaccinations:
Please be advised that a valid yellow fever vaccination card is mandatory for entry into Uganda.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate in any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your Tour leader/ local representative, who will take note of your insurance details and emergency contact number. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability of luggage, cancellation, curtailment and loss and personal effects, alongside covid-19 cover.
If you would like to obtain cover for your trip please feel free to contact specialist Insurance Brokers, Campbell Irvine Direct for a quote. GoKo Travels is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd who are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority .
Covid-19:
Please click here to learn more about what we do to keep you safe while on a GoKo run tour.
For more up to date information regarding the current travel restrictions within Morocco, please click here
Additionally, you can email: info@gokotravels.com and a GoKo Travel Manager will get back to you as soon possible with all the relevant information.
Travel With Confidence:
Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the safety and wellbeing of all of our travellers, leaders, suppliers and staff remains our top priority. Not only have we updated our booking policies so you can flexibly amend booking arrangements before departure and get the most out of your holidays while away, we have also introduced new measures and safety guidelines so you can travel with GoKo Travels safely and securely.
What does this new booking policy mean for me?:
Fully Flexible bookings for peace of mind - We understand that sometimes plans change. That’s why GoKo Travels have updated our booking policies, so you now have full flexibility to change your travel plans if needed.
Our flexible booking policy includes:
(a) Free date changes up to 45days prior to departure - with no interest or added fees
(b) Full refund giving if you have to cancel the trip due to any COVID-19 related issues or international restrictions.
(c) You can now lock in your trip with a small refundable deposit and then pay the rest in instalments whenever you like, with no interest or fees.
Booking Terms:
Please note: This trip must receive a minimum of three reservations forty-five days prior to the departure date. In the unlikely event that we do not receive three or more bookings for each departure, you will have two options:
-
You will be able to change dates at no additional cost to you (flexibility up to 3 years
-
Full refund will be given.
Photo Gallery
Book with Confidence
-
Full Flexibility
Free date changes and cancellations up to 45-days before departure on the majority of our holidays
-
Your Money is Safe
Full financial Protection on all of our bookings so you can travel with piece of mind.
-
COVID-19 Commitment
Full refund given if you have to cancel the trip due to any COVID-19 related issues or international restrictions.
-
Travelling Safely
When you travel with us you can be confident that all of our holidays meet COVID-19 safety regulations.
Giving Back
As part of our commitment to preserving planet earth, we donate 3% of our profits to GoKo Travel's registered non-for-profit, "The GoKo Earth Preservation".
The GoKo Earth Preservation has been set up to protect and preserve the natural habitats of our planet and to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of threatened environments and endangered species around the globe. This is achieved through rewilding, reforestation and marine conservation projects, alongside local community support.
Securing A Rainforest Reserve
Support the purchase of our very own GoKo Rainforest reserve - preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species in the world's most important habitat.
Assisting Marine Conservation
With your help, we can buy boats to support marine conservation; securing the future for our fragile oceans and the wonderful beings that inhabit them.
Creating New National Parks
By helping with the creation of new parks, we can support local economies, empower native communities and put healthy landscapes into permanent protection.
Looking to Carbon Offset?
Although all of our GoKo holidays promise to warm your hearts, we don’t want it to contribute to warming the planet.
Upon request, we can help you go Carbon Neutral. Thanks for our contacts, we can support a 3-step carbon offset scheme to calculate and neutralise your holiday footprint, allowing you to travel conscious free. This covers every step of the journey where you travel with us, from international flights to hotel heating, transport, food and more.
If requested, the GoKo Carbon Offsetting scheme does not focus on just planting trees, but rather the purchasing, persevering and protecting standing forests from deforestation and degradation - helping revive forests back to full health and avoiding the release of stored carbon. This also enables the regeneration of degraded habitats, which gradually re-absorb atmospheric CO2.
Inspirational Travel
Navigating 2024: The Top 10 Travel Trends for Luxury Wanderlust
As an expert in luxury travel, I've always seen travel as more than just the destinations—it's about immersive experiences, personal stories, and the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. As 2024 unfolds, the luxury travel landscape is evolving rapidly, with...
Top Tips For Maximising Your Luxury Travel Experiences During A Cost of Living Crisis 2023
Luxury travel is an experience that many people dream of, but few get to fully enjoy. From exclusive accommodations and fine dining, to unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes, luxury travel offers the chance to escape the everyday and indulge in...
The 10 Best Luxury Eco-Hotels For 2023
With each new year that passes, the natural environments in which we travel too are becoming more scarce and fragile. It follows that, in recent years, we have begun to see travellers become more aware of their environmental impact, and...