Uganda Gorilla Safari Tour

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Embark on thrilling treks through Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and see rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
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Observe magnificent wildlife, including lions, elephants, and hippos, on exciting game drives and gain insight into conservation efforts
            [Description] => Observe magnificent wildlife, including lions, elephants, and hippos, on exciting game drives and gain insight into conservation efforts
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Immerse yourself in the culture, engage with local communities, and learn about their unique lifestyles
            [Description] => Immerse yourself in the culture, engage with local communities, and learn about their unique lifestyles
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            [Description] => lions
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            [Description] => misty mountains
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            [Description] => visitor and gorilla
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            [Description] => chimp family
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            [Description] => lodge
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            [Description] => silverback
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            [Description] => gorilla gaze
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            [Description] => giraffe
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            [Description] => baby gorilla
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            [Description] => camp
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            [Description] => looking at gorilla
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            [Description] => gorilla family
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            [Description] => elephants
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            [Description] => chimp portrait
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Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Robert S.

Robert was born and raised in Western Uganda and earned a university diploma in Wildlife Conservation. For the last 14 years, he's been guiding in Uganda and growing his expertise in birding and mammals. His favorite activity on safari is, of course, birding as it "creates more opportunities to spot other wildlife since a lot of patience is given to birds' lives." Robert's favorite bird is the African fish eagle. He is a member of the Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA) and has taken courses in tourism principles at Katwe/Queen Elizabeth National Park, vehicle mechanics, first aid, general guiding, photography and birding.When Robert is not on safari, you'll find him swimming, playing soccer and relaxing with a good book. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that he's gifted at language and speaks eight different languages: English, Kiswahili, Luganda, French, Rutooro, Runyankole, Rukiga and Lukonzo!

Male A.

Male (pronounced Ma-lay) grew up in the small village of Mukono where he studied until taking a job as a library attendant at the Ministry of Information. After a 20-year career working in diplomatic offices, he followed his dream and love of Uganda and its wildlife, earning certificates in safari guiding and birding safaris. Starting off as a driver, he has been a safari guide since 1998. His knowledge of Uganda, his warmth and ability to deal with all situations no matter how rough they get, makes him a must-have on a safari. He exudes confidence while on safari and has seemingly gotten to know everyone in Uganda!

Francis K.

Born and raised in Entebbe on the picturesque shores of Lake Victoria, Francis pursued a career in tourism, earning a diploma in Tourism, Tours & Travel. He has been working as driver and guide throughout Uganda since 2007 and continues to improve his skills with courses in guiding, tourism and hotel management. Francis enjoys people, whether Ugandans or travelers he shares his great sense of humor and ever-present smile as well as his deep passion for Uganda and its animals and wilderness. His favorite animal is the elephant for its peaceful and careful interaction with other animals.

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Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival in Entebbe, meet a MT Sobek representative outside the customs and immigration area at the airport, for your transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.
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                    [Headline] => Explore Kibale Forest
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This morning board a 4X4 vehicle and drive into Uganda\'s lush countryside, a country that Winston Churchill once described as \"the pearl of Africa.\" Pass through gorgeous scenery featuring farmsteads loaded with bananas and other tropical trees, scenic wetlands, and patches of bush and forest. Continue on to the hill country below the Rwenzori mountains, through beautiful tea plantations and parts of the tropical Kibale forest, where you may spot some monkeys.
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                    [Headline] => Organic Farm Walk & Crater Lake Explorations
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Start the day with a stroll around beautiful Ndali Estate, a mixed tropical farm located on the fertile volcanic fields of Western Uganda. Learn how the farm processes and exports coffee, chocolate, and vanilla along with several other crops. This afternoon, choose from a leisurely crater rim walk, swimming, kayaking, or try stand-up paddle boarding. On clear days it\'s possible to see the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, the tallest African mountain range, from the crater rim. After your serene afternoon, tuck in to a sumptuous dinner in your cozy lodge.
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                    [Headline] => Track Chimps in Kibale National Park
                    [ActivityOverview] => 8-hours chimp habituation
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                    [ItinBlock] => You will depart early this morning with a packed breakfast and spend most of the day in the forest and up to 4 hours observing the chimps! Follow experienced ranger-guides and a tracker, listening out for the chimps\' pant-hooting calls on your way to their nesting site. An early start means the opportunity to see them waking up, stretching, and descending from the tree tops. As the day goes on, you\'ll quietly witness their routines, see them eat, and watch the group\'s social interactions. Late in the afternoon, you will say farewell (and goodnight) to the chimps and head back to park headquarters.
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                    [Headline] => Bigodi Community Walk & Wildlife River Cruise
                    [ActivityOverview] => AM 3 hour village walk; PM 2 hour river cruise
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This morning, meander through Bigodi village and enjoy a chance to meet some residents. See how baskets are woven from local materials, learn how coffee is grown, or get the inside scoop on the banana beer brewing process! This is an opportunity to empower this community and support improvements like access to medical care and educational resources. End your village experience with a traditional Ugandan lunch before driving to Queen Elizabeth National Park along the eastern length of the Rwenzori Mountains, with views of their glaciated peaks, and into the Great African Rift valley. Set out on a 2-hour launch trip on the Kazinga Channel to view the prolific bird life and wildlife as well as small fishing villages. The channel is home to one of the largest concentration of hippo in the world - reported to be about 30,000. Around sundown arrive at your lodge, perched on the Great Rift escarpment, for dinner and relaxation.
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                    [Headline] => Track Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
                    [ActivityOverview] => AM lion tracking drive; PM safari game drive
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Rise early and join a researcher to learn about the important work of the Uganda Carnivore Program (UCP) and their dedication to the research and conservation of Uganda\'s large carnivores including lions, leopards, and hyenas. They will educate you about the carnivores and how they use radio telemetry to track collared wildlife. Tracking with the UCP gives you access to off-road locations throughout Queen Elizabeth National Park, otherwise off limits to travelers. This afternoon you will be back on the roads, exploring the park in hopes of additional wildlife sightings.
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                    [Headline] => Safari in Ishasha & Empower Ugandan Women
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Head out to explore the Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park, enroute to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Keep an eye out for the many antelope species, including the graceful kob and colorful topi, as well as other game in the area such as elephant, and buffalo. If lucky, you may even spot the elusive tree-climbing lions. After settling into your mountain lodge, visit Ride 4 a Woman, a community center which supports local women from 11 nearby villages to empower them to better their lives and those of their families. While onsite, take part in one of the sessions where you can learn to pedal sew; weave baskets; dance, sing, and drum; or cook a local dish. Activities vary and will be determined at the day and time of your visit.
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                    [Headline] => Forest Gorilla Trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
                    [ActivityOverview] => AM-PM 1-7 hours gorilla trekking: PM community connection
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After breakfast, report to the ranger station for a talk on the etiquette of gorilla tracking, then hike with a guide and tracker through misty rainforest to encounter these wild creatures. Trekking can take anywhere from 2 to 7 hours, on rough and at times muddy terrain. You\'ll forget any fatigue once you lay your eyes on your first mountain gorilla - the experience of seeing these gentle giants at close range and in the wild is among the most extraordinary nature can provide. Following your gorilla trek, rest at the lodge or time permitting choose to return to Ride 4 a Woman to spend time with the women and try your hand at another skill.
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                    [Headline] => Encounter Mountain Gorillas
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Rise early for another full day of gorilla tracking. Hike through the bush, pushing your way through the undergrowth and parting thick creepers. You will have one hour with these gentle giants of the African forest after first encountering them. Bwindi is renowned for its mountain gorilla population, an estimated 280-320 individuals living in 15 groups. Looking deep into their expressive brown eyes is an unparalleled experience. Look out for other wildlife as you trek through the forest, including yellow-backed duikers and a variety of birds.
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                    [Headline] => Fly to Entebbe and Bid Farewell to Uganda
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This morning after an early breakfast, bid farewell to the bush and transfer to the airport for a flight back to Entebbe, scheduled to depart Kihihi airstrip at 9:45 am, arriving at Entebbe at approximately 11:25 am. Enjoy access to a dayroom at Protea Hotel (available until 6:00 pm) before your transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 1.5-hour private transfer, 1.5 hour flight
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    [ActivityHighlight] => The hikes to see the mountain gorillas can last anywhere from 2 to 7 hours over moderately steep, thickly forested, uneven terrain, and sometimes off-trail. The high elevations (between 6,000 and 9,000 feet) and the hot humid climate may make these treks even more challenging. There are also some long driving days and morning/afternoon game drives in 4WD vehicles over rough roads and dusty dirt tracks. 
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Accommodations

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Lodges with modern comforts and great access to Uganda's raw wilderness, plus a boutique hotel to bookend the trip.

Mahogany Springs-Uganda

Comfortable Hotel

Set on the Munyanga River and facing the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mahogany Springs is the perfect base for gorilla tracking expeditions. The suites showcase private terraces with panoramic views and en-suite bathrooms with open terracotta showers. The main building features a terrace with marvelous vistas, a living room with a fireplace and a library, and a restaurant and bar.

Protea Hotel Entebbe

Comfortable Hotel

This modern 73-room hotel is ideally located on the glistening shores of Lake Victoria and conveniently just minutes from the airport. Protea Hotel Entebbe has a trendy restaurant that offers an exciting and truly inviting a la carte menu seven days of the week. With elegant furnishings and a warm, inviting feel, the hotel's decor and rooms create a luxurious atmosphere. The outside terrace, with its own special ambience and superb lake views, is the perfect place to take it all in.

Ndali Lodge

Luxury Safari Lodge

Ndali Lodge is located near Kibale Forest National Park, offering guests stunning views of the Rwenzori mountains and a vast crater lake. The comfortable cottages come equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuite bathrooms with hot water, duvet bedding, and mosquito nets. The lodge's sauna is a great place for guests to relax after chimpanzee treks. Enjoy a perfect view of the sun setting from your cottage and candlelit meals in the welcoming main dining area. Opportunities to explore the stunning natural surroundings abound! Stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking is a bonus.

Twin Lakes Lodge

Luxury Safari Lodge

Located just outside Queen Elizabeth National Park, Twin Lakes Lodge offers a comfortable relaxing ambiance. Guests can enjoy time in one of the nine spacious cottages, each featuring simple contemporary decor, en-suite bathrooms and shady private verandas with views of the Great Rift Valley and crater lakes. Shared public spaces include an on-site restaurant serving international and local cuisine, a cozy lounge, and swimming pool.

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