Starting in Kampala, you drive west into Uganda where you have the chance to visit an orphaned chimpanzee sanctuary before continuing on to the highlight of your overland adventure: tracking the mountain gorillas on foot in the impenetrable forests of Bwindi.
- Day 2: Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Itinerary
This day is set aside for you to explore Kampala, however another popluar option is a day trip to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary on 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 itself is situated 23km from Entebbe in Lake Victoria and is only accessible by boat. However, should the lake be too rough for this excursion there are other activities available in Kampala, such as exploring the city and bargaining at the local markets.
- Day 3: Lake Bunyoni
- Itinerary
Ringed by mountains, Lake Bunyoni is best known for its abundant birdlife, dense otter population and beautiful scenery. Here you have the chance to relax before continuing onwards to your gorilla encounter.
- Days 4-6: Gorilla Tracking
- Itinerary
The mountain gorilla is extremely endangered, exact numbers vary and it is assumed that there are only 650 left. Visiting the gorillas is a great way to support their future on earth as the money spent on permits is used for their protection.
As permits granting permission to visit the gorillas are extremely limited flexibility is required in both the tour itinerary and location. 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 the National Parks in Uganda are used, but this depends on the availability of permits and any one of the following National Parks could be used: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda), Mgahinga National Park (Uganda)), Volcano National Park (Rwanda) and Virunga National Park (DRC).
Should permits not be available to visit the mountain gorillas in either Bwindi or Mgahinga National Parks in Uganda then the tour will travel to Rwanda or DRC, and you will be notified beforehand. Visas for all nationalities are available on the DRC and Rwandan borders.
- Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Itinerary
The Rwenzori Mountains rise majestically above Lakes Edward and George. In literature and during the explorative period of Africa these 'Mountains of the Moon' stirred the imagination of many a prospective explorer.
Varied game species are to be found in this mainly wetland park including the, often elusive, giant forest hog. The 1995sq.m of exceptional bio-diversity contain over 600 species of birds and nearly 100 mammals. Game is best viewed from the water and a sunset river cruise on the Kasinga channel is recommended to fully appreciate the abundant wildlife.
Included in tour:
Meals as indicated on the itinerary
Accommodation
Registered guides
Transport per itinerary
Excluded:
All items of a personal nature
Alcohol
Snacks
Souvenirs
Tips
Optional activities
Tour rates. †
| Starting at |
Nairobi |
end in |
Nairobi |
| |
| From |
To |
PPS |
SS |
| 30 Dec 2007 |
28 Dec 2008 |
|
|
| |
| Local Payment |
USD 595 †† |
† All prices are accurate but you may find that the final rates in your quotation vary slightly due to room type, seasonality and currency conversion.
†† Please note that the local payment is over and above the tour cost and is to be paid in cash in the currency stated on your departure. Please ask your consultant for further details.
Extra tour notes.
The tour route may be altered, depending on where gorilla permits can be obtained. Please contact your consultant for more information.
Human diseases can infect the gorillas, especially colds, so if you have a cold, unfortunately you will not be allowed to visit them.
No flash photography or eating is allowed around the gorillas.
Malaria prophylaxis is required. This is a high-risk area. Take special care in populated areas.
