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FI 05 – Uganda, Gorilla Trekking
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Introduction
 Few animals have sparked the imagination of man as much as the Mountain Gorilla, the largest of the living primates. Most gorillas live in inaccessible regions in various dense forests in tropical Africa, and one subspecies, the mountain gorill Few animals have sparked the imagination of man as much as the gorilla, the largest of the living primates. Most gorillas live in inaccessible regions in various dense forests in tropical Africa, and one subspecies, the mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei), was not even known to science until 1902.
One population of mountain gorillas inhabits the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. A census in 2002 recorded between 310-315 individuals here. Although strong and powerful, gorillas are generally gentle and shy. They live in groups of 2-40 individuals, averaging about 11. Groups are led by a dominant male, the silverback, named for the silvery gray hairs that grow when the male matures. The silverback serves as the chief leader and protector of the group, to whom all group members defer. He decides when and where to forage, rest and sleep, arbitrates disputes among his family members and protects them from rival silverbacks or human predators.
Humans and Gorillas are 98% identical
Safari Venues
- Entebbe
- Lake Victoria
- Ngamba Island
- Mbabara
- Equator
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Time of Year
Accommodation
| Day 1 |
Meet and Greet
Andre van Vuuren, Director of Explore Africa Adventures and registered/qualified safari guide, will either meet you at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (South Africa) or at the Entabbe Airport in Uganda if you are on a direct flight from Europe. We will spend the night at the Imperial Beach Resort in Entebbe. |
| Day 2 |
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
After breakfast we leave by traditional motorized boat for the Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Ngamba Island (traveling time 90 min). You will view the afternoon feeding (2.30 pm) of the Chimpanzees from the visitors platform, hear an informative talk by sanctuary staff and enjoy lunch, kayaking, swimming on the equator, viewing a neighboring fishing village, fantastic bird-watching and other wildlife encounters, or just sunbathe and relax. We will stay over in an East Africa style tented camp on the Island with each of the tents overlooking the lake and accommodating two persons (twin proper beds), en suite bathroom facilities and solar lighting. All meals are prepared and provided by friendly camp staff in either the relaxed covered dining area or open area besides the lake when conditions allow. Meals are substantial with several courses for dinner and local specialties such as Nile Perch and other fish served whenever possible. Hot beverages are available at all times on a self serve basis. Cold drinks, water, sodas and beers are available on a cash sale basis. |
| Day 3 |
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
You will view the morning (11.00 am) feeding of the Chimpanzees and have the rest of the day at leisure for a repetition of the previous day. At 16h00 we leave for Entebbe by speedboat (traveling time 60 min) where we will overnight at the Imperial Beach Resort. |
| Day 4 |
Mbabara
Our driver in a 4x4 minibus will pick us up at the Resort after breakfast from where we will leave for Kampala. We will drive through the city and stop at Shoprite Checkers where we can stock up with drinks and snacks for the route. We then drive through the country side of this “Green Heart of Africa” via Masaka and Lyantonde to Mbabara where we will spend the night in the Agip Motel. |
| Day 5 |
Equator and Queen Elizabeth National Park
We drive further north to visit Lake Edward and Lake George (linked by the Kasinga channel) where we will cross the equator. Spend the night at Ishasha Wilderness Camp in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This exclusive tented camp has recently opened and offers quality accommodation in this unpoilt remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park famous for its tree climbing lions that can sometimes be spotted resting in the branches of the large fig trees in the area. Combined with excellent game viewing opportunities for buffalo, elephants, kob, topi and other species of antelope, the camp provides the ideal location, for a midway break between gorilla viewing in Bwindi and a visit to the equator in the Mweya area of QENP.
Currently catering for up to twelve guests in large twin bedded, East African meru styled tents situated in the wooded area besides the Ntungwe river. Each tent has its own private en suite bathroom and dressing area providing hot water “bush” showers and an eco friendly toilet.
A central dining area, also under canvas, provides a comfortable environment for meals and an outdoor lounge area besides the river, and evening “fireplace” venue for guests completes the unique bush experience offered at this camp. |
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
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Gorilla Trekking
Spend the next three nights at Lake Kitandara at the entrance gate of the Bwindi Impenetrable Park or at Buhoma Homestead within the boundary of the forest. (Depending on availability)
That will give us two days to track down the Mountain Gorillas. |
| Day 9 |
Mbabara
We drive on a very scenic route through rain forest back to Mbabara where we will spend the night again in the Agip Motel. |
| Day 10 |
Entebbe
Back to Entebbe. We overnight again at the Imperial Beach Resort. |
| Day 11 |
End of our Pearl of Africa Adventure
Fly out of Entebbe to O.R.Tambo International in South Africa. |
Costs
| RSA Rand |
R24 074 per person |
| US $ |
$ 3 348 per person |
| € |
€ 2 519 per person |
All of the above are based on per person sharing.
NOTE: As your package is mainly costed in foreign currency, all prices are subject to exchange rate fluctuations and are subject to change without prior notice. The exchange rate on the date of final payment will be used as the basis of the cost of your tour package.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is required in order to confirm a booking. The balance is due a minimum of 14 days prior to departure.
Enquiries & Bookings
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