Overview
Embark on a captivating 14-day Gorilla Tracking and Habituation Experience in Uganda, delving into its diverse landscapes and wildlife, centered around unforgettable gorilla tracking and habituation experiences. Begin in Entebbe, traverse to the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale National Park, and immerse yourself in local culture through village visits and community interactions. This blends adventure with conservation, offering a deep dive into Uganda’s natural and cultural heritage.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel, such as the Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe or similar. Settle in and relax after your journey. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant. Overnight in Entebbe.
- Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe
- Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Entebbe
After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day exploring Entebbe. Visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or relax at the shores of Lake Victoria. In the evening, attend a briefing session about your upcoming adventure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Entebbe.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a journey of approximately 8-9 hours covering about 460 km. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge, such as Mahogany Springs Lodge or similar, nestled in the lush forest surroundings. Spend the afternoon at leisure or explore nearby areas. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bwindi.
- Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Driving Plan: Approximately 8-9 hours
Day 4: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi
Wake up early for breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla tracking. Trek through dense vegetation with experienced guides to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bwindi.
- Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Second Gorilla Tracking Experience
Today, enjoy another thrilling gorilla tracking experience in Bwindi. Each trek offers a unique opportunity to observe different gorilla families. Return to the lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bwindi.
- Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Gorilla Habituation Experience
Prepare for the rare Gorilla Habituation Experience, spending extended hours with researchers and habituators as they study and accustom gorillas to human presence. This immersive experience provides insights into gorilla behavior and conservation efforts. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight in Bwindi.
- Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Second Day of Gorilla Habituation
Continue your Gorilla Habituation Experience today, observing gorillas in their natural habitat and learning about ongoing research efforts. After a full day with the gorillas, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight in Bwindi.
- Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Depart Bwindi after breakfast for Queen Elizabeth National Park, a scenic drive of approximately 3-4 hours covering about 160 km. Check into your lodge, such as Mweya Safari Lodge or similar, offering panoramic views of the park. Enjoy lunch and embark on an afternoon game drive through the savannah, encountering elephants, lions, and other wildlife. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Queen Elizabeth NP.
- Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Driving Plan: Approximately 3-4 hours
Day 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast, set out for a morning game drive to catch sight of predators and their prey in the park. Return to the lodge for lunch before embarking on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a haven for hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Queen Elizabeth NP.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Queen Elizabeth NP to Kibale National Park
Drive to Kibale National Park after breakfast, a journey of approximately 3-4 hours covering about 140 km. Check into your lodge, such as Primate Lodge Kibale or similar, located near the park entrance. Enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon exploring Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birdwatching and community walks. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Kibale.
- Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Driving Plan: Approximately 3-4 hours
Day 11: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale
Early morning, venture into the forest for chimpanzee tracking, encountering these playful primates in their natural habitat. After tracking, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit a local community for cultural interactions and insights into their daily lives. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Kibale.
- Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Exploration of Kibale
Today, explore more of Kibale National Park with optional activities such as a second chimpanzee tracking experience or a forest walk. Alternatively, relax at the lodge and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Kibale.
- Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale or similar
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Kibale to Entebbe
Depart Kibale after breakfast for Entebbe, a drive of approximately 5-6 hours covering about 320 km. Stop for lunch en route and arrive in Entebbe by late afternoon. Check into your hotel, such as Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe or similar. Enjoy a farewell dinner, reminiscing about your wildlife adventures in Uganda. Overnight in Entebbe.
- Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Driving Plan: Approximately 5-6 hours
Day 14: Departure
After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or relaxation. Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your memorable journey through Uganda.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- Gorilla Tracking & Habituation Permits(One per person, non-resident)
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water(On all days)
Exclusions
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
