Uganda Gorilla Extension

Explore this fascinating country and encounter the rare mountain gorilla

This safari offers an incredible adventure over five compelling days that is 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 and the quiet, regal nature and awesome dignity of the silverback, is a rare added privilege. Words cannot really describe this overwhelming experience.

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 and beauty, as is evident in the warmth and grace of its people. Time in Lake Mburo National Park delivers a feast of wildlife-related activities and viewing opportunities, as well as a glimpse into Ugandan life. Add to this dazzling lodges and you have five days of adventure and a lifetime of memories!

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Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe - Lake Mburo

Meals included: 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 6 hours) On arrival at Entebbe airport you are met by our local representatives and transferred to meet the group for a 1pm departure to Lake Mburo National Park. After entering the park we game drive to our camp arriving early evening. Extensive acacia woodland and five lakes make up Lake Mburo National Park, an area that is home to a stunning array of wildlife. It is the best place in the country to see eland (the largest species of antelope), as well as zebra, topi, impala and several types of birds that gather around acacia trees. Whilst the lakes provide a home for hippos, crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds, the swampy fringe region provide a hideaway for secretive species such as sitatunga and red, black and yellow papyrus gonalek. Placed in varied settings, some rooms are situated in a forest, some with a lake view, and some on rocky outcrops. Animals gathering in the valley provide guests with fantastic game viewing opportunities or a chance to relax and watch wildlife at water hole below the pool.

Day 2: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

(Driving time: approx 6 hours)] This morning we take an early breakfast before checking out of our hotel. Leaving the national park we continue on to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, our base for the next two nights. Our lodge combines excellent local hospitality with seclusion in this enchanting wilderness area. If time allows in the afternoon we walk takes us to a beautiful waterfall within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, before we return to camp to enjoy a sumptuous dinner.

Day 3: Gorilla Trek - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Gorilla Trek - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest A short morning drive takes us to the park headquarters, where we are briefed on our gorilla trek by the Uganda Wildlife Authorities. The 330 square kilometre Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site because of its incredible biodiversity. This small pocket of primeval 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. 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 and may reach altitudes of almost 2000 metres above sea level. Depending on weather conditions, some of the paths can be slippery and 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. We take a picnic lunch with us on our trek. At the end of the day the comforts of the lodge beckon, along with a chance to reflect on what is sure to be a truly memorable day.

Day 4: Entebbe

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch

(Driving time: approx 10 hours) All good things must come to an end and so must this short safari, as we return Entebbe. We stop along the way to takes pictures at the equator and have a picnic lunch. We arrive that evening at our hotel in Entebbe with the option for a final dinner with the group.

Day 5: Entebbe

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Our trip comes to an end after breakfast. You may depart at anytime today for your journey onwards.

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About Peregrine

Peregrine has been operating adventure holidays since 1977. Today we can help you discover all four corners of the globe, from the Polar regions, to Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and beyond. We offer high-quality, excellent-value, small-group adventures to interesting areas of the world, in harmony with the local people and the environment.

What's Included

An experienced English-speaking local leader, arrival transfer, transport, accommodation, meals, game activities, one gorilla trekking permit.

Summary of accommodation, transport & meals

Transport

• 4WD vehicle
• On foot
• Trek

Accommodation

• 1 night Safari lodge
• 2 nights Permanent tented camp
• 1 night Comfortable hotel

Meals

• 4 breakfasts
• 2 lunches
• 3 dinners

Not Included

International flights, airport departure taxes, visas, meals unless specified in the itinerary, drinks, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.

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Visas and Permits

Uganda

Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders currently require a visa for Uganda. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent. Ugandan visas may be obtained at the border or prior to departure from your home country. In some cases you will be entering twice, so please ensure it allows a double entry. A single entry visa can by purchased for US$50 for most nationalities. PLEASE NOTE: All British passports are required to have at least 1 year of validity remaining from the date of entry into Uganda.

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About this Information

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. The document was correct at time of printing, but you can check online for the most up to date version.  If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!

Last Updated

25 November 2011

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