The Great Uganda Gorilla Safari
A Rare Opportunity to Sit With Families of Endangered Mountain Gorillas
Mouse over the departure dates to see trip prices.
Departure
Return
Notes
2015
Jun 22, 2015
Jul 01, 2015
Jul 03, 2015
Jul 12, 2015
Aug 12, 2015
Aug 21, 2015
Sep 12, 2015
Sep 24, 2015
Special Photo Tour
Sep 27, 2015
Oct 09, 2015
Special Photo Tour
Nov 17, 2015
Nov 29, 2015
Special Photo Tour
2016
Jun 24, 2016
Jul 03, 2016
Jul 22, 2016
Aug 03, 2016
Special Photo Tour
Aug 13, 2016
Aug 22, 2016
Sep 12, 2016
Sep 24, 2016
Special Photo Tour
Sep 27, 2016
Oct 09, 2016
Special Photo Tour
Nov 17, 2016
Nov 29, 2016
Special Photo Tour
Custom Departures: Customized private departures can be arranged for this destination. Please call us for more information and we'd be happy to assist you.
Other Departure Options:
Some of the above departures can be booked in conjunction with The Kenya Migration Photo Safari, The Great Kenya Migration Safari, The Secluded Tanzania Safari and The Great Tanzania Migration Safari. Contact us for details.
Pricing
2015 Fees (mouse over departure dates to view specific trip prices)
$8,695 - $8,995
Gorilla Permits: $1,000 (the cost of these permits may change at anytime prior to departure)
Single Supp.: $1,195
Deposit: $1,000 (nonrefundable)
Special Photo Tours (mouse over departure dates to view specific trip prices)
$10,795 - $10,995
Gorilla & Chimp Permits: $2,800 (the cost of these permits may change at anytime prior to departure)
Single Supp.: $1,695
Deposit $1,500 (non-refundable)
2016 Fees (mouse over departure dates to view specific trip prices)
$8,995
Gorilla Permits: $1,200 (the cost of these permits may change at anytime prior to departure)
Single Supp.: $1,295
Deposit: $1,000 (nonrefundable)
Special Photo Tours (mouse over departure dates to view specific trip prices)
$10,995 - $11,395
Gorilla & Chimp Permits: $3,000 (the cost of these permits may change at anytime prior to departure)
Single Supp.: $1,795
Deposit $1,500 (non-refundable)
Dates & Pricing Notes
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and are given in US Dollars. Dates for 2017 will be similar to 2016 dates and will be allocated to guests on a first-come, first-served basis. 2017 fees may change slightly. Guests who reserve their space prior to final pricing confirmation will receive the lowest rate within the range offered.
Please click here to read our Payment & Refund Policy.
Location of Adventure
Uganda
Group Size Limit
Approximately 11 Travelers
A very important feature of this safari through primate destinations in Uganda is the limited group size, as ecotourism expeditions such as this are best experienced with small groups of travelers, for the most intimate wildlife encounters and the least impact on the natural environment.
Our Specialized 4x4 Land Rovers and Land Cruisers
Our vehicles are a key component of the superlative safari experience we offer. They were designed especially for adventures in Uganda and Rwanda, with two goals in mind: offering comfort during overland drives on sometimes-rough roads, and providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. We use Nissan Patrols, Toyota Land Cruisers and Land Rovers in several sizes. Depending on our group size, we may use a vehicle that seats seven, five, or three passengers, plus a driver, and each traveler will always be guaranteed a window seat. On photo safaris, we ensure extra space for gear and optimal photo opportunities. Every vehicle has roof hatches that we leave open during wildlife drives for 360-degree viewing and photo opportunities, but which can be closed for comfort on longer drives. All have 4-wheel-drive and are fitted with high-quality imported tires to ensure that we can press on through rough spots. Seat belts are three-point, instead of the typical lap belts found in most safari vehicles, for added safety. All vehicles are outfitted with a cooler box with drinks, as well as tea and coffee, guide books on mammals, birds and trees, umbrellas, and bean bags upon request for avid photographers. Each vehicle was designed with an environmentally friendly oil bypass filtration system that allows for an extended engine service period. This limits the amount of waste oil that must be disposed of, as Uganda and Rwanda do not yet have oil-recycling facilities.
Included
Charter flight from Bwindi to Entebbe, accommodations, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, meals from dinner Day 1 to lunch final day, purified water, soft drinks, services of NHA Expedition Leader, local guides, lodge staff, gorilla trackers, and one porter on gorilla treks, permits for two chimpanzee treks, most gratuities, all entrance fees and taxes.
Not Included
Travel to and from start and end point of trip, permit fees for two gorilla treks (to be added to your invoice and subject to change through day of departure), alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees, optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, souvenirs, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes, optional travel insurance, and required medical evacuation insurance.
Physical Requirements
Moderate to Difficult
Trekking in search of mountain gorillas is a strenuous activity. This challenging hike through the rain forest usually takes between two and five hours, but it can be as short as 15 minutes or as long as eight hours (on infrequent occasions, we’ve had a few treks take even longer than that). Travelers must be prepared for a full day outdoors in humid or occasionally rainy conditions, as the exact distance to locate the gorillas is impossible to determine ahead of time. The terrain is often uneven as we traverse the forest floor and usually involves a gradual ascent, but we will travel at a pace to accommodate all hikers with a designated porter to assist each traveler. Travelers are not required to participate in all activities and are welcome to forego any portion of the program, but in order to take full advantage of the itinerary, and in order to view the primates, guests must be able to participate in the hikes. Travelers should be aware that if they turn around due to fatigue, illness or any other reason, the remainder of the group, including the Expedition Leader, will go on. The returning traveler will be escorted by a local guide. Additionally, this trip involves long hours sitting in a vehicle during transfers and sometimes bouncing around on rough roads during wildlife drives. While we don't consider such conditions strenuous, they can post a physical demand on the body. All travelers must be able to climb into and out of the raised 4x4 trucks that serve as our safari vehicles. They must also be able to walk to and from our safari camp accommodations. We recommend that travelers have an adventurous spirit, as they will often enjoy the closest animal encounters.
Important Information About This Trip
Perhaps the two biggest benefits of choosing NHA for your primate safari are our professional Expedition Leaders and our well-engineered and thoughtful itinerary - both provide for an extraordinary journey through the highlights of Uganda without backtracking. Our leader understands our guests’ needs and makes special arrangements to capitalize on impromptu opportunities along the way. This trip is designed for those seeking exposure to all the diversity of Uganda’s ecosystems. Each aspect reveals more of Uganda: from the chimps of Kibale, to the lush crater highlands, to the wildlife-rich savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, to the impenetrable forest habitat of the mountain gorillas of Bwindi. NHA has been visiting gorillas in Africa since 1989, and this itinerary includes two treks. We ask our guests to understand that the accommodations in this region are not, collectively, of the standard that may be found in other, more established safari countries. Some lodgings are extremely luxurious while others are plain but clean and comfortable.
Mandatory Insurance
Since the areas we travel to on this trip are remote and wild (that's why we go there!), we require medical evacuation insurance for our guests' safety. If you decline the medical evacuation insurance coverage offered by Natural Habitat, we request that you send us documentation of the independent coverage you have selected. We will add the cost of a medical evacuation policy to your tour invoice until you provide our office with proof of coverage including your insurance company's name, contact number and your individual policy number. Thank you for understanding that our policy exists exclusively in the interest of our guests' safety.
Getting There & Getting Home
We ask that you arrive Entebbe, Uganda in time for a 7 pm welcome dinner on Day 1. For those who would like to arrive in Entebbe in time to visit the botanical gardens (plan to arrive Entebbe by 1pm), please inform your Adventure Specialist if you would like to participate in a guided group excursion to the gardens at 3pm on the afternoon of Day 1. We encourage travelers to arrive a day or more early to rest from their plane trip. You are free to depart Entebbe after 4 pm on the final day. We can best serve you if our Natural Habitat Adventures Travel Desk makes your reservations, as our staff is intimately familiar with the special requirements of these programs and can arrange the most efficient and cost-effective travel. Please call us at 1-800-543-8917. Note that while we offer you the best possible rates available to us on airfare and additional nights' accommodations, you may find special web rates or better fares online.
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