Package Includes
- Accommodation in the mentioned lodges
- An experienced English speaking Safari Guide
- Transportation in 4*4 safari Vehicle.
- Flight charges from Entebbe to Kihihi and back.
- Transportation to and fro the areas indicated.
- Fuel and meals as indicated on respective days.
- Game drive fees and all activities indicated in the itinerary.
- All Entrance Fees and relevant government Tax.
- 1 Gorilla trekking permit per person in Bwindi impenetrable national park.
- Mineral Water on the entire Safari.
- Administration fees.
Package Excludes
- Meals and beverages, other than specified.
- International, regional and local Airfares.
- Airport taxes.
- Passport and visa fees and service charges for obtaining visas.
- Excess baggage charges levied by airlines.
- Gratuities to driver/guides and other conveyance attendants.
- Laundry and other items of a personal nature such drinks, telephone calls ETC
- Personal and baggage insurance.
- Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the listing above.
Notes on Gorilla tracking
- Gorilla trekking is a strenuous activity and one should be physically fit to enjoy this tour.
- Minimum gorilla tracking age is 15 years.
- Minimum chimpanzee tracking age is 12 years
- Anyone with signs of communicable diseases will NOT be allowed to track.
- While possession of a gorilla permit is a guarantee of trekking and sighting the gorillas, the quality of the gorilla trekking cannot be guaranteed.
- Maximum time allowed with the gorillas will NOT exceed ONE hour.
We strongly recommend the following
- Rain poncho (lightweight)
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Waterproof trousers
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Leather gardening -type gloves
- Insect repellent and any necessary medications must be brought by you either from your home town or Kampala.
- Still Cameras and Camcorders are allowed, but bring batteries and film from your home town or Kampala.
Bwindi area is located at 1160 – 2607 meters above sea level and is chilly early morning and evening. While trekking, it can rain unexpectedly, hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including zip lock bags for cameras and film. You will also need boots that can cope with some mud
Kindly note that to book Gorilla permits is subject to availability and payment. For cases of lack of availability in a requested Gorilla group, we shall suggest an alternative and communicate any changes in the program.
SPECIAL NOTE
- We may have to reroute the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability.
- Prices may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you for park fees and government taxes.
PASSENGER INFORMATION
- Passengers should bring soft sided bags on safaris as our vehicles have limited luggage space.
- All the passengers must have Identification Card/Passport with them for any internal flights.
- Baggage on internal flights is strictly limited to 15kgs per person (including hand luggage). Any excess baggage will be charged by the airline at check-in.
- Passengers arriving in UGANDA will be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.
DAY 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe airport and you will be welcomed by your safari guide. Depending on your time of arrival, you may have an optional city tour of Entebbe town. Entebbe was the colonialists’ administrative center and has many buildings that date over half a century ago. The name Entebbe means “the chair” in Luganda, which is the local language of the area. You may also choose to visit Entebbe botanical gardens or Uganda Wildlife Education centre
Accommodation
Lake Heights Hotel
Meal plan: B,
DAY 2: FLY TO KIHIHI, DRIVE TO BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Early in the morning you will be transferred to Entebbe airport for your scheduled flight to Kihihi airstrip On arrival, you shall be received by your safari guide. You will drive through the beautiful Ugandan countryside to the ancient rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. On the way to the mountainous south-western region of Uganda, you will drive through terraced hillsides dotted with traditional settlements. Expect to arrive at our picturesque accommodation on the edge of the forest before lunch. Bwindi impenetrable national park is a magnificent green swathe of dense rainforest and is one of the most biologically diverse areas on earth. It is a habitat for nearly 350 birds’ species, 120 mammals and other insect species. The park is home to the endangered mountain Gorillas.
Accommodation
Haven Lodge
Meal plan: B, L, D
DAY 3: FIRST GORILLA TREKKING IN BWINDI
Begin your gorilla trek in the early morning, and set off into the tangled and mist-shrouded forests with guides and trackers who are very experienced at locating the gorillas by finding the nest the family had used the previous night. The search for these majestic animals goes through thick untamed rainforest, where you’ll be scrambling over mossy rocks and through deep undergrowth and it can be arduous at times, but the encounter is worth the effort. Watching gorillas in their natural habitat is a memory that will last a lifetime. The experienced ranger guides will willingly share with you a lot of information about history and lifestyle of the Gorillas. After spending an hour with the gorillas we head back to the lodge and relax.
Accommodation
Haven Lodge
Meal plan: B, L, D
DAY 4: SECOND GORILLA TREKKING(optional) OR OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN BWINDI
Today you may have another fascinating encounter with the gentle giants in their home. You will be assigned a different Gorilla family from the previous one and start the trek after briefing. The second Gorilla trekking presents a new experience in terms of location, route and Gorilla individuals to be encountered. Once again, an experienced and highly knowledgeable guide who will give you information about the Gorilla group to be encountered will lead you.
Alternatively, you may choose to do some of the following activities.
- Discover the traditions of the Batwa Pygmies, and learn about the native tribal inhabitants of the forest. The indigenous people of Bwindi Forest, though no longer resident in the forest, still practice many of their traditional hunter-gatherer skills.
- Take a guided walk in the rainforest, home to several endemic bird species, clouds of butterflies and rare plant life. This walk offers excellent photographic opportunities and the knowledgeable guide will provide a great insight into this globally important habitat.
- Take a walk through the local village, and learn about community life and Bwindi Community Hospital that started as a health clinic under a tree and now provides vital medical and educational services to over 6,000 people.
- Also take a tour of the local tea processing operation at the lodge which enables guests to see the various different methods for tea growing.
Accommodation
Haven Lodge
Meal plan: B, L, D
DAY 5: FLIGHT TO ENTEBBE AND DEPARTURE
You will relax at the lodge in the morning and enjoy the serene environment. After lunch you will be transferred to Kihihi airstrip for your scheduled departure flight back to Entebbe airport where you will connect to your international departure flight.
Accommodation: x
Meal plan: B, L,
***End of Services***
