Uganda Gorillas & Game Drive

Day 1: Entebbe

Arrive anytime and be picked up at the Entebbe International Airport. You are free to enjoy the day at your leisure.

Day 2: Bwindi/Buhoma (B,L,D)

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby at 7:00 AM for a short pre-departure briefing. You will depart Kampala at 7:30 AM and drive through magnificent countryside and tropical bamboo forest on our way to south-western Uganda (approximately 9 hours). We will make some stops along the way; at the equator and for lunch in Mbarara. We continue through stunning volcanic landscape adorned with steep sided hills covered from top to bottom in neatly terraced tea and banana plantations.

Day 3: Gorilla Trek

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi's Impenetrable Forest is a true African jungle, so named because of the dense undergrowth, vines and other vegetation which make it almost 'impenetrable'. It is both mysterious and awesome. At least 120 species of mammals make their home here in one of the richest ecosystems in Africa. Besides the 10 species of primates, elephant, bush pig, giant forest hog, many species of bats and rodents, at least 346 species of birds including rare forest birds, 14 species of snakes, 27 species of frogs and toads, 6 chameleons, 14 lizards, skinks and geckos, and at least 202 species of butterflies are resident in the Forest.

Bwindi's biggest claim to fame is the fact that it is sanctuary to approximately half of the world's population of mountain gorillas. This is the world's most endangered ape, and is found only in small portions of protected afro-montane forests in northwest Rwanda, southwest Uganda and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The mountain gorillas are divided into two populations and current figures estimate the total population to be about 600 individuals. One population (approximately 330) is found in Bwindi, and the other is in the Virunga Mountains, covering three National Parks in three countries.

Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure and permit only a maximum of 8 passengers per day (currently) to visit the gorillas. In the morning take a short drive to Park Headquarters and meet with your excellent local guides and porters, who will carry your personal items and assist you during the trek. The guides will provide a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. The group will then trek into the forest where the gorillas were the night before and track from that point. The trek can take from one to six hours and climb altitudes in excess of 7500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times muddy and slippery. It is very important to bring along plenty of water. It can rain in a few minutes notice; hence waterproof clothing is essential along with protective bags for your camera and film.

Without doubt, your first impression of the dense jungle will be its almost audible silence. Jungle creatures are very, very shy, but, as you pick your way along the trail, through the dense undergrowth, you'll realize that the jungle is alive. Thousands of living organisms are discreetly watching and waiting as you pass through their home and, from time to time, the complete tranquility will be shattered by a darting forest bird or group of chattering monkeys leaping through the stands of ancient trees, disturbing the secretive residents and setting up a chain reaction. Now, the ever-wary jungle comes to colourful and noisy life for a moment, until silence reigns again. As you walk among the shadows of the leafy canopy, this rainforest reveals the smells and sounds of Africa, just as it has been for centuries. Your guide will take you along river trails with delightful waterfalls, up steep slopes and into forest clearings in search of these gentle giants. Although the hike is physically demanding the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. Approximately 98% of the gorilla treks are successful but there is no guarantee that you will see the gorillas.

Day 4: Lake Mburo National Park (B,L,D)

Lake Mburo is the largest of five lakes which, together with the surrounding wetlands, account for 20% of the park's surface of 260 km². Covered in extensive acacia woodland, Mburo has markedly different fauna to other reserves, which makes this small park very interesting for birding all the year round (310 recorded), and one of the best places in the country to see the gigantic eland antelope, as well as zebra, topi and impala.

The five lakes within the park attract hippos, crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds, while fringing swamps hide secretive papyrus specialists such as the sitatunga antelope and red, black and yellow papyrus gonalek.

As history has it, two brothers, Kigarama and Mburo lived in a large valley. One night, Kigarama dreamt that they were in danger. When he awoke the next morning, he told his younger brother Mburo of his dream and said they should move. Mburo ignored this advice, but Kigarama wisely moved up into the hills. The valley flooded and a lake was formed, drowning Mburo. Today the lake is named after him, and the hills are called Kigarama after his brother.
The word mburo is similar to the "mboro", the Runyankole name of the cassine tree which has a powerful aphrodisiac effect. One such tree, showing signs of bark and branch removal, may be seen close to the Kigambira Loop crossroads.

Day 5: Entebbe

Depart early for the scenic return drive from Lake Mburo NP to Entebbe. Stop just after the town of Masaka at Mpambiire drum village to see the Ugandan drum craftsmen at work. Arrive back in Entebbe in the early evening, where the tour ends.