Uganda Gorilla and Chimp Safari

11 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
A once in a lifetime chance to experience the ultimate wildlife encounter: to get up close and personal with the endangered mountain gorilla in their natural habitat, Bwindi national park. Plus opportunities to track chimps and take game drives, this is a perfect trip for wildlife lovers. Kibale National Park - Spend a day tracking chimpanzees through the ju...
19%
$8,229
From$6,690
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trek tracking mountain gorilla in Uganda's remote highlands
    • Trek in the tropical forest reserve of Kibale, a prime location for spotting chimpanzee
    • Go on an unforgettable wildlife safari in the picturesque Queen Elizabeth National Park

What's this trip about?

    A once in a lifetime chance to experience the ultimate wildlife encounter: to get up close and personal with the endangered mountain gorilla in their natural habitat, Bwindi national park. Plus opportunities to track chimps and take game drives, this is a perfect trip for wildlife lovers. Kibale National Park - Spend a day tracking chimpanzees through the jungle; as well as the chance to spot another 13 species of primate including the Ugandan red colobus Queen Elizabeth National Park - Safari through Uganda's finest reserve in search of lion, elephant and buffalo Kazinga Channel - Take an exhilarating cruise looking out for hippo, crocodile, elephant and birdlife

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityKampala
End CityEntebbe Airport

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Uganda

Attractions

  • Entebbe
  • Kampala
  • Kibale National Park
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Kampala

Arrive in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, bordered by one of the African Great Lakes; Lake Victoria. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 5pm for the welcome meeting and after there will be the opportunity to have dinne...

Day 2 Drive to Kibale rainforest

After breakfast we will depart Kampala and head west to Fort Portal. On your way look out for black and white colobus monkeys as many of these primates are hiding in trees along the road. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon and is famou...

Day 3 Chimp Trek in Kibale followed by a Swamp Walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Today the forest opens its doors for sensational chimp tracking. Kibale Forest is reputable for having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Before we head off, we stop at Café Kibale, a community café that aims to train people fro...

Day 4 Day walk at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today you can enjoy the majestic Rwenzori Mountains in their full glory on a guided walk in the foothills of the 'Mountains of the Moon'. As well as enjoying the scenic views, we will get a glimpse into local village life and meet some of the locals and visit a water...

Day 5 Game drive Queen Elizabeth National Park; Kazinga Channel river cruise.

The day begins early when we start with a morning game drive and head to the mating ground of the Ugandan kobs. We search for lion, elephant, buffalo and other animals in their natural habitat before returning for lunch. In the afternoon we take a boat cruise along t...

Day 6 Short game drive in the Ishasha sector; transfer to Bwindi National Park

After breakfast we head towards the south, passing the southern sector of the National Park (if road conditions allow). This part is called Ishasha and is famous for the tree climbing lions. After a short game drive in this area we continue to Bwindi. While driving th...

Day 7 Gorilla trek

Today you'll experience what some people define a life changing event: a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi! Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. But it will definitely be ...

Day 8 Nature walk and time at leisure in Bwindi

Today you have the option of joining a guided nature/village walk to explore the surroundings of Bwindi. Due to availability issues, we often will have to split the group in 2 for the gorilla trek. Those who didn't take part on the gorilla trek on day 7 will be going on trek today.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 Drive to Lake Mburo, night safari in search of leopard

After breakfast we leave the forest of Bwindi behind and head to Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest game park in Uganda. Although small, Mburo is home to 68 different species of mammal including leopard, hyena and buffalo. This area is one of the only places in Ug...

Day 10 Morning walking safari, afternoon optional boat safari on Lake Mburo

Lake Mburo is the only national park in Uganda where you can experience a safari on foot due to the absence of lion and elephant. After breakfast we walk out on to the plains with our guide from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. We spend around two hours exploring the Af...

Day 11 Drive to Entebbe where the tour ends

Departing Lake Mburo at 7.30am this morning we'll drive for around six hours along the way, back to Entebbe. We'll arrive into Entebbe around 1.30pm and depending on your flight time your leader will take you directly to the airport or to a chosen guesthouse where we ...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,690
Price per day$608
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
10 Aug 2024
20 Aug 2024
$6,690
$770
6 spots left
14 Sep 2024
24 Sep 2024
$6,690
$770
9 spots left
12 Oct 2024
22 Oct 2024
$6,690
$770
11 spots left
16 Nov 2024
26 Nov 2024
$6,690
$770
11 spots left
18 Jan 2025
28 Jan 2025
$6,960
$810
12 spots left
31 Jan 2025
10 Feb 2025
$6,960
$810
12 spots left
22 Feb 2025
04 Mar 2025
$6,960
$810
10 spots left
08 Mar 2025
18 Mar 2025
$6,960
$810
12 spots left
05 Jul 2025
15 Jul 2025
$6,960
$810
10 spots left
19 Jul 2025
29 Jul 2025
$6,960
$810
12 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,513
Great
2,167
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
J

Janet

Aug 2023

Written on

Uganda Gorilla and Chimp Safari

GORILLAS of course plus all the other animals. The Ugandan people.

E

Edwina

Aug 2023

Written on

Uganda Gorilla and Chimp Safari

All of the experiences were amazing, but would have to say ...

G

Gregory

Aug 2023

Written on

Uganda Gorilla and Chimp Safari

The organisation was excellent and the experiences were beyond all expectat...

T

Trusted Customer

Aug 2023

Written on

Uganda Gorilla and Chimp Safari

I went on this trip to see the Gorillas and that experience was wonderful. Plenty of food, so you won't starve, the fish in particular very good. Water was supplied ...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Boat, Minibus,

Transportation & flights

Boat, Minibus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Local Guide(s), Ranger(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
UK nationalities need a visa to enter Uganda and are required to have a visa before the trip. Visas will not be issued on arrival. Visa can be applied for at the Ugandan High Commission in London or online. You can find full details of how to apply on the website of the Ugandan High Commission in London. You should give yourself sufficient time to apply for a visa and make sure when applying that the start date and validity covers the period you wish to travel. You can also apply for an East African Tourist Visa. This is valid for 90 days and allows multiple entry into Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. You can apply for this visa on the 'e-visa' website. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. Please note you are required to have 6 months remaining validity on your passport and a yellow fever certificate to enter Uganda. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. As of 14 November 2022, all travellers are required to complete a mandatory Digital Health Declaration form and generate a QR code within 24 hours of travel to or from Uganda. This is applicable for all points of entry/departure, where you may be required to show proof that you have completed the form to health officials, airlines or border staff.
Health & Safety
We recommend protection against malaria, measles, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, polio and yellow fever. You must travel with your Yellow Fever vaccination card. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 10
  • Dinner : 9
  • Lunch : 7
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-UG

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