Gorilla Express
A six-day safari from Entebbe, visiting the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda. Top quality local hotels and lodges are used throughout, and transport is by customised vehicle. All meals on safari are provided, bed & breakfast only in Entebbe. INCLUDED is also a half-day boat trip to Ngamba Island on Lake Victoria where orphaned chimpanzees have been relocated and viewing is excellent. This itinerary may be altered slightly depending on gorilla permits and flight bookings.
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Arrive Entebbe International Airport, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Lake Victoria Hotel, Entebbe. Bed and Breakfast only included. For those who are really energetic, by prior arrangement it is possible to go to Jinja for the day and do some whitewater rafting or even a bungi jump! Alternatively go to Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary for an overnight in our exclusive tented camp, located on the island just four large tents with ensuite facilities on teak decks overlooking the lake. Whilst on the island, you may be able to go on a chimpanzee walk (by prior arrangement only) in the forest with the young orphaned chimps. Or you may fish, or simply relax and interact with the staff on the island (care-givers) and researchers who look after the orphaned chimps.
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After breakfast, you will drive to the west of Uganda, along mountain roads to either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda gorilla sanctuary – depending on where permits are held. Overnight in en suite chalet/lodge accommodation, all meals included. It will be a fairly long day in the vehicle, passing some interesting scenery, farmland and lush green hillsides. Lunch en route.
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An early morning trek into the forest on the slopes of the volcanoes, led by experienced trackers will bring you amongst a family of Mountain Gorillas. These massive primates are extremely rare, only approximately 600 remaining. You will get within metres of the family, and be privileged to spend time amongst them. Returning to the camp for a late lunch, we have an opportunity for forest walks with the guides, or just to relax. Overnight lodge or camp. The trekking may be fairly strenuous; up to six hours or longer is not uncommon at relatively high altitude. Please refer to our information sheet. Mountain Gorillas are wild animals, as such sightings cannot be guaranteed, however the success rate is well over 90%.
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Further trekking opportunity should permits be available, or the option of a forest walk to look for birds and other primates, or just relax in this beautiful area. Later in the day drive to Kabale a small town in the highlands. Overnight hotel - White Horse Inn or tented camp, located on an island in the middle of Lake Bunyoni. Full Board.
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Return to Entebbe, stopping en route to shop for curios and at the Royal Drum makers at Mpigi if desired. Overnight at Lake Victoria Hotel B & B. An early morning trek into the forest on the slopes of the volcanoes in Rwandasâ Parc National Des Volcans, where Dian Fossey did her ground-breaking research in the 1970s and 80âs. Returning to the lodge, we have an opportunity to relax. Overnight Gorilla Nest Lodge.
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Half-day trip to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Reserve on Lake Victoria, where orphaned chimpanzees have been relocated under the management of a group of dedicated conservationists including the Jane Goodall Institute. (Depending on flights this may be done on day of arrival) Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or optional add-ons.
