Gorilla Encounter 8 day safari

Gorilla Encounter

Day 1 – Kampala
Camp L,D

An Airport transfer from Entebbe to your accommodation is the beginning of the adventure. Uganda is hailed as ‘Africa’s friendliest country’ and on arrival it will soon become obvious how true this is. Kampala is the capital of Uganda and since 1986 the constantly improving economy and relative political stability have enhanced the attractiveness of Uganda as a tourism destination.

Day 2 – Kampala Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Camp B

Although officially this day is set aside for everyone to explore Kampala most people use this day to take an optional day trip to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary of Ngamba Island. This non-profit eco-friendly project was set up in 1998 to care for the orphaned chimpanzees that are the sad result of the illegal bush-meat trade. Ngamba Island is situated 23 km from Entebbe (near Kampala) on Lake Victoria and is only accessible by boat. The Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) manages the project and as only one third of their operating costs are covered by visitors fees, all interested parties are encouraged to join ‘Friends of the Sanctuary’ if they choose to. Should the weather be unfavourable and the lake too rough for this excursion there are many other activities available in Kampala. Optional Activities: Ngamba Chimpanzee Excursion, Kampala Markets

Day 3 – Kampala and Lake Bunyoni
Camp B,L,D

Lake Bunyoni is a small but attractive lake with steep sides and abundant birdlife. Ringed by mountains, Lake Bunyoni is best known for its dense otter population and beautiful scenery. On this tour we make use of this beautiful spot to relax and spend the night before the final drive to the Gorilla’s.

Day 4/5/6 – Gorillas
Camp B,L,D

The Mountain Gorilla is extremely endangered and while exact numbers vary it is widely assumed that there are only 650 left. Visiting the Gorilla’s is a great way to support their future on earth as the money spent on permits is used for their protection. An extremely important part of the future conservation of the remaining Gorilla’s rests in the community development work – as local communities change their attitudes towards wildlife and start to protect rather than poach the future of the Mountain Gorilla’s is assured.

As permits granting permission to visit the gorillas are extremely limited we require flexibility in both the tour itinerary and where we actually visit them. The home of the Mountain Gorillas is completely at odds with man-made borders and so their range encompasses Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Whenever possible we choose to make use of the National Parks in Uganda, but this depends on the availability of the permits.

Three days are provided in order to ensure that the whole group has the opportunity to meet the Gorillas. Only one day will actually be spent trekking.

Day 7 – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Camp B,L,D

Many game species are to be found in this mainly wetland park including the (elsewhere elusive) giant forest hog, and the legendary tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Sector. The 1995 square kilometers of exceptional bio-diversity contain over 600 species of birds and nearly 100 mammals. Game is best viewed from the water and we recommend a sunset river cruise on the Kasinga channel. Optional Activities: Kasinga Channel Sunset Cruise

Day 8 – Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kampala
Tour ends. Own arrangements, B,L

This afternoon we return to Kampala and you will be transferred to Entebbe for your flight.

NB: The itinerary is flexible and can be changed without notice in order to accommodate the best possible viewing of the Gorillas. The Permit price to visit the Gorillas can also change without notice.

Tours & Safaris