Compare Last Discovered Continent by Poseidon Expeditions vs Gorillas of Uganda by Swain Destinations

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina.

Despite its small size, the city of Ushuaia is the world’s southernmost city, the capital of Tierra del Fuego and the main starting point for voyages to Antarctica.

Admire the surrounded views of Beagle Channel and the Andes Mountains. If you arrived early, you may want to visit Tierra del Fuego National Park, the southernmost on the planet. Stroll along the main street of Avenue San Martin, and pause at one of the many cafes, shops or restaurants.

Day 2: Ushuaia, embarkation.

This afternoon, embark the Sea Spirit and set sail down the picturesque Beagle Channel as the sun sets and dinner is served.

The Сaptain and our Expedition Team will welcome you and raise a toast to success of our expedition.

Day 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage.

The Drake Passage spans 600 miles from the top of South America to the South Shetland Islands. The Sea Spirit’s stabilizer fins will help to make the crossing comfortable.

Lectures and presentations by our friendly team of Antarctic experts prepare us for what lies ahead. At the Antarctic Convergence, watch for sea mammals, albatrosses and petrels in these krill-rich waters. If the Drake has behaved, we will approach the sub-Antarctic South Shetlands during the afternoon of Day 4.

Day 5-6: South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.

The Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands provide exceptional opportunities to discover the unique wildlife and awesome landscapes. Depending on weather and ice conditions, the captain and expedition team will direct the Sea Spirit to a variety of secluded bays and harbors to optimize Zodiac landings and wildlife viewing. While we have a plan, flexibility is the key to successful expedition cruising. With the help of our expedition team, look for the four penguins, six seal and several whale species on your Antarctic checklist. We’ll also find a time for our most adventurous travelers to take a polar plunge, perhaps in Neko Harbor or the relatively warm waters of volcanic Deception Island.

Day 7-10: Antarctic Continent.

As we head south along the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ill understand why the imposing, snow-covered Lemaire Channel is called “Kodak Alley.” We’ll also try to visit a research station during the voyage, although the work schedules of the scientists may not always permit this. At the Ukrainian base of Academician Vernadskiy, you might want to sample the throat-burning gorilka, or Ukrainian pepper vodka, distilled on location. A Zodiac cruise of Paradise Bay, with its many glaciers, offers an experience like no other on the globe. Cruise by massive icebergs, with cracks and crevices reflecting an amazing spectrum of blue colors. Conditions permitting, we’ll set foot on the actual Antarctic Continent at Hope Bay or perhaps another site.

Day 11-12: Drake Passage.

As the Sea Spirit heads back to Ushuaia, there are some final opportunities to ask questions of our Antarctic experts, to share photos and experiences with newfound friends, and to enjoy our festive farewell dinner. Wave goodbye to the birds and whales, until you meet again on your next voyage to the White Continent!

Day 13: Ushuaia, disembarkation.

Disembark following breakfast, and transfer to the airport or the city centre.

Day 1 : Entebbe

Today you will begin your Swain Destinations customized itinerary. Please note, international air has not been included in this package price.

Day 2 : Entebbe

Today you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your accommodation for overnight. Uganda is saturated in color; the outstanding natural beauty of its people and its landscapes have always stirred inspiration in travelers and residents. Ecologically, Uganda is where the East African Savannah meets the West African jungle. Where else but in this impossibly lush country can one observe lions prowling the open plains in the morning and track chimpanzees through the rainforest undergrowth the same afternoon, then the next day navigate tropical channels teeming with hippo and crocs before setting off into the misty mountains to stare deep into the eyes of a mountain gorilla?

Day 3 : Bwindi impenetrable forest

Transfer from your accommodation to the airport for your charter flight to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Upon arrival into Bwindi, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation for overnight. In the jungles of this forest lives half the world's population of highly endangered Mountain Gorillas. This pocket of huge primeval forest in the Virunga Mountain range is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth and has therefore been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forest floor is damp and laden with leaf mold, matted vegetation and fallen vines. Clamber up and down the slippery slopes in search of a glimpse of the elusive gorillas.

Day 4 : Bwindi impenetrable forest

You depart this morning for a trek into the depths of Bwindi National Park. You will be led by experienced trackers who will bring you amongst a family of mountain gorillas. The incredible primates are extremely rare; with only 700 remaining in the wild very few people in the world are lucky enough to see them in their natural habitat.

Day 5 : Bwindi impenetrable forest

The day begins with an early breakfast and after breakfast head out for another day of tracking these peaceful giants.

Day 6 : Entebbe

This morning you will fly back to Entebbe where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation for the night.

Day 7 : Entebbe

Today you will depart Uganda. You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Entebbe Airport to connect with your departure back to the USA. Call today and complete this itinerary with Swain Destinations’ exclusive international airfares.