102: Fly-in Gorilla Tracking break

Ref: 102, 4 days

102: Fly-in Gorilla Tracking break

$3375 per person

A thrilling fly-in gorilla tracking adventure; track Uganda’s iconic mountain gorillas in magical Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and discover the fascinating tribal culture of the Batwa.

This exciting fly-in gorilla tracking safari packs a lot into a short break. You’ll track and spend time with Uganda’s mountain gorillas. Experience tribal culture with the Batwa or ‘forest-keeper’ pygmies. There’ll also be the chance to interact with the locals on a community walk through the villages. And you will enjoy 2 amazing domestic flights where the altitudes are low enough to appreciate the stunning countryside and game-filled national parks below.

 

Highlights

  • Track and then spend an hour with a gorilla family
  • Interact with local people on a village walk
  • Enjoy domestic flights with fabulous views
  • Experience a unique African tribal culture with the Batwa forest-keepers

 

 

Overview

Day 1: Fly to Kihihi airstrip and drive to Bwindi. Enjoy a breath-taking scenery on a local walk
Day 2: A lifetime experience with thrilling the mountain gorillas
Day 3: Walk the trails of the Batwa forest Pygmies
Day 4: Fly to Entebbe. Visit Crafts market. Departure

 

 

When is the best time of year to visit Uganda?

Although Ugandan seasons have become less predictable in recent years, peak tourist seasons usually coincide with dry seasons. When choosing your dates consider:

  • Uganda is an all-year round destination with a pleasant climate and temperatures averaging in the mid 20s0C. The huge variety in altitude means temperatures vary around the country (but this also means increased biodiversity)
  • Flight prices often increase in European/American holiday seasons
  • There are fewer tourists in low seasons so you can have the place to yourselves!
  • Many hotels offer all-year prices so the price of your visit may not change much between seasons
  • Most major roads going from the capital, Kampala, up-country are tarmac. Conditions on murram roads may worsen, to varying degrees, in rainy season
  • Rainy season can be good for birding as there is more food (bugs) available
  • If you are targeting certain birds, ask our advice on breeding and migration seasons
  • Should you plan to climb the Rwenzori mountains, dry seasons are best
  • Hiking may be better in rainy seasons when it is cooler

 

Please note

Permits are required to track gorillas. The minimum ages is 15 years.  Gorilla permits are limited to eight people per gorilla family. Permits are also required to track chimps and the minimum age is 12 years.

Please read the information about primate tracking on our primates web page and remember to look at our suggested packing list.

 

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Our gallery

Gorilla Bwindi forest Uganda
Experience tribal culture with the Batwa (‘forest-keeper’ pygmies)
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Engagi Lodge in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Shopping for locally made craft pieces in Uganda
Domestic flight in Uganda
1
Day 1: 10:15 Flight to Kihihi Airstrip
Our guide will collect you in Kampala or Entebbe and take you for your 10:15 flight to Kihihi. Upon landing, you will be met by a member of the lodge staff who will drive you to your lodge about 2 hours away, where you can relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest. Later, take a guided 2-3-hour village walk and learn about the plants and birds.
Note: if you want us to arrange accommodation for you the night before, our representative will meet you on arrival at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe. Hotel staff will take you to the airport for your morning flight to Kihihi.
Accommodation:  Engagi Lodge – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Meals: B, L, D
2
Day 2: Gorilla tracking
08:00 After a short briefing at the park headquarters with your small group, your ranger will lead you through the tropical rain-forest in search of your gorilla family. Once you find them, you will join them for a magical hour, observing their behaviour in their natural habitat. On your return, relax at the lodge.
Accommodation:  Engagi Lodge – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Meals: B, L, D
3
Day 3: Walk the trails of the Batwa in this cultural experience
Around 08:30 you’ll start a fascinating experience with the Batwa and gain a rare insight into their culture. This pygmy tribe of former ‘forest keepers’ lost their home when the national park was created. See how they lived in the forest and participate in activities such as using a bow and arrow or preparing food. This activity lasts around 5 hours and supports the Batwa to adapt to a new way of life
Accommodation:  Engagi Lodge – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Meals B, L, D  
4
Day 4: Fly to Entebbe. Visit craft market. Flight home
Making an early start, the lodge guide will drive you to Kihihi airstrip on a journey through beautiful countryside and wave back to the friendly locals tending their fields. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of western Uganda from a different vantage point as you fly back to Entebbe, where our representative will take you for lunch. Later, visit the craft market for souvenirs. Your tour ends as we drop you in Entebbe/Kampala or back at the airport.
Meals: B, L    
Please note: all timings and routings are approximate and subject to change at short notice. We can provide additional accommodation at the beginning and end of your holiday, depending on your requirements.

Guide price: from US$ 3,375 per person

Based on 2 adults sharing a double room in mid-range accommodation and travelling in a safari Land Cruiser (all our safaris and tours can be adapted to high-end, mid-range or budget versions)

 

The price for every safari depends on the number of people travelling, their ages, the time of year, whether or not international flights are included, the type of transport and accommodation used and the activities undertaken.

 

We calculate according to the specific dates of your booking because after we publish our itineraries some things may change. For example, hotels may increase their prices, exchange rates fluctuate, the government may introduce new taxes or some discounts may become available. Unfortunately, we also have to pass on surcharges imposed on us by, for example, airlines when fuel prices or airport taxes are unexpectedly increased.

 

We would be happy to prepare a quotation, based on your requirements. We normally include most costs in the price so all you need to bring with you is ‘pocket money’ for items like drinks, tips and personal shopping e.g. souvenirs.

Price includes

2 domestic flights each

1 gorilla tracking permit each

A double room in mid-range, non-air-conditioned accommodation with a full board meal plan

Private safari vehicle with driver and fuel for this itinerary

All entrance and other fees for the activities included in the itinerary

Mineral water in transit

All government taxes

Price does not include

International flights

Visas

Travel insurance

Personal expenses: alcohol, laundry services and souvenirs

Tips (normally 5–10% and around $10 per day for your guide).