Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original

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tourhub | Intrepid Travel | Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original | YGAU | Map

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~~$3108~~

$3022

Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original

4 Days Starting and ending in Kampala

Visiting: Kampala/Lake Mburo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kampala

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

YGAU

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

From:

$3108

$3022 Exclusive Tourhub Discount: -$85

NB: Prices correct on 07-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

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Tour Overview

Travel to Uganda and embark on a journey to meet one of the world's most endangered species - the noble mountain gorilla. Encounter Uganda's birdlife, frogs and butterflies while hiking through the thick jungle with an experienced local tracker in search of these majestic creatures. The first glimpses of mountain gorillas will be sure to capture hearts and render most speechless - a just reward for the challenging trek. This Ugandan adventure is action packed and sure to satisfy.

Highlights

Enjoy a game drive through Lake Mburo National Park
Trek through mountainous forest terrain in search of a gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Gorilla permit is included).
Meet Uganda's majestic mountain gorillas for one breath taking hour.
By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Gorilla Doctors. Donations help them care for injured mountain and Grauer's gorillas – contributing to the long-term sustainability of gorilla populations.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Kampala/Lake Mburo

Location: Kampala/Lake Mburo

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals Included: dinner

Ki kati! Welcome to Uganda. Your adventure begins at 09:00am at our joining point hotel. We then make our way to Lake Mburo National Park ( approximately 270km, 3hrs ).

The flora of Lake Mburo National Park is acacia woodland, different to most other parks in East Africa, which means its fauna is also different to other reserves. It's the best place in the country to see the gigantic eland antelope and has about 68 different species of mammals including zebras, impalas, buffalo, leopards, hyenas and jackals. There are five lakes within the park which are home to hippos, crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds, while the papyrus swamps provide cover for the sitatunga antelope and red, black and yellow papyrus gonalek. This small park is less well-known among tourists so it's much quieter than some of the more famous East African parks.
This afternoon we take a game drive through the park before settling into our accommodation in Mbarara for the night.

Included Activities:
-Lake Mburo National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

Day 2: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

This morning we rise early and make our way towards Bwindi Impenetrable forest ( approx. 3hrs ). Famous for its remarkable biodiversity, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to many endangered species including roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.

The afternoon is free to check out some of the local sights. The optional village visit takes you to Mikozi Village. Here become acquainted with the Ugandan countryside, visit the local markets, speak with a traditional Ugandan healer and enjoy a drink or two at the local bar before returning to your lodge in Rushaga.

Optional Activities:
-Rushaga - Village Visit
-Rushaga - Waterfalls visit - Free

Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Accommodation: Lodge

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Today you travel into to Bwindi Impenetrable forest to see the mountain gorillas. There's a maximum group size of 8 on each gorilla visit and only 24 gorilla trekking permits available each day. Visits are strictly controlled to minimise the possibility of disturbance or transmission of disease to the animals.

Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable and may reach altitudes of almost 2000 metres above sea level. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid, but the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours - up and down hill. We can usually get very close to the mountain gorillas, who are placid and gentle, and watching their movements is like seeing a mirror image of yourself. Once a trekking group encounters one of the gorilla families, your visit with the gorillas will last one unforgettable hour. Afterwards retire to your lodge and soak up the incredible views.

Included Activities:
-Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek

Day 4: Kampala

Location: Kampala

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Today is a long travel day as we make tracks back to Kampala stopping along the way to take pictures at the equator and enjoy a picnic lunch.

This tour ends at our finish point hotel at approximately 4pm. No accommodation is included tonight. If you would like to stay longer, we can book your post-tour accommodation at our finish point hotel if required. If you are planning to fly out tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 9pm to allow for any delays.

What's Included

Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek
Lake Mburo National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
Meals

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Accommodation

Lodge (3 nights)

Included Activities

Lake Mburo National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek

Transport

4x4 Safari Vehicle

Accommodation

If you require a Sleep Apnea Machine to sleep please ensure that it is battery operated. Lodges and Permanent Tented Camps are often powered by generators which are turned off during the night.

Important Information

1.There is a minimum age of 15 years for the gorilla trekking.
2. This trip requires an additional non-refundable deposit (AUD 1000, USD 1000, EUR 800, NZD 1250, GBP 650, CAD 1000, ZAR 8000, CHF 900) in order to secure a gorilla permit. We also require a scanned copy of your passport at time of booking. Please see 'Passport and visa' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
3. This trip starts in Kampala/Lake Mburo on Day 1 at 9am. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore Kampala/Lake Mburo. This trip finishes upon arrival in Kampala on Day 4. Please do not book any flights until after 9pm this evening.

Check out our Q&As

Is this trip right for you

Trekking to find the gorillas can be a challenging and long hike.

You will spend only one hour with the gorillas. There is an option to pre-purchase another gorilla permit to visit the gorillas for a second time on Day 3. However this will result in an altered itinerary. Lake Mburo will be replaced with an additional night in Bwindi.

Day 4 is a long travel day as you head back to Kampala.

On Short Breaks, you maintain a good level of independence and freedom, with the added bonus of having the details sorted out for you. You’ll have lots of free time and you won’t be accompanied by a Trip Leader. This means that all included activities and tours will be run by different local Intrepid partners, and these may operate independently from each other. The included activities and transfers will operate on a join-in basis, which means that you could have your Adventure all to yourself, or others may join you along the way. If you would prefer to travel in a group with a dedicated Trip Leader, just get in touch with your booking agent and they will take you through some alternatives.
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
How long has the tour company been trading?

Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Yes
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

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24-Aug-2023

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26-Oct-2022

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Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)

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15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

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This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)

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29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

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08-Mar-2024

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