Gorilla Treks & Lake Retreats - 6 - $4,653
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
Relaxing on the veranda as the day began to dim, I took in my surroundings for what felt like the first time since arriving here. A small group of people emerged from the bush, tired but noticeably buzzing with happiness as they walked with heads craned towards one another’s cameras, recounting the success they had no doubt had with their gorilla trek.
Itinerary
Day 1: Entebbe
Fly into Entebbe international airport. Upon landing, clearing Immigration and collecting your luggage, leave the airport to meet your driver who will be waiting for you outside. Short transfer to the Karibu Guesthouse where you will spend the night.
Overnight: Karibu Guesthouse
Day 2: Lake Mutanda
After a good night's sleep and breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airstrip for the scheduled light aircraft flight to Kisoro, the entry to southern Bwindi. The flight takes about 1.5 hours. Met upon landing by a driver from the lodge for the road transfer of about one hour to the beautifully located Lake Mutanda Resort where you will spend the next two nights. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring your new surroundings.
Overnight: Mutanda Lake Resort
Day 3: Lake Mutanda
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred 1.5 hours by road to Mgahinga National Park (the other side of the volcanoes to Rwanda!). There we have included a challenging and exciting guided trek to either the summit of Mt. Gahinga or Sabyinyo. Both of these take about 7 hours and provide a wonderfully distinct experience to a gorilla trek. When the trek is finished, you will be met again by the lodge driver for the transfer back to the lodge.
Overnight: Mutanda Lake Resort
Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The legs will be a bit still today, so enjoy a leisurely morning before being transferred 1.5 hours (depending on the condition of the road) up to Nkuringo, one of the entry points to the south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Settle into a two night stay.
Overnight: Nkuringo Lodge
Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The Big Day arrives! Enjoy a good breakfast to give you energy for the day ahead. A short transfer will take you to Park HQ where you will be allocated to your gorilla family, receive a briefing on the ecology of the animals and meet your guides and porters (you can hire a porter for $15). The the trek begins. Expect to be walking for on average 3 hours in steep terrain before making contact with the gorillas. Then you have up to one hour to observe these amazing animals from a distance of 6 metres. When the magical hour is up, return through the forest to HQ and your lodge.
Overnight: Nkuringo Lodge
Day 6: Entebbe
Transfer 1.5 hours by road to Kisoro for the morning flight back to Entebbe, landing about 12:30. Collect your luggage and leave the airport to meet your driver for the short transfer to the Karibu Guesthouse where we have included a day room so you can relax until being transferred back to the airport for your international flight home.
Prices and Inclusions
- Prices are based on a solo traveller.
- All Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) permits are included at the documented UWA rate and are not subject to a mark up.
Includes
- Accommodation as listed in a single room.
- Bed & Breakfast at Karibu; all meals included elsewhere.
- Gorilla trek permit; other activities as listed.
- All governments fees and taxes.
- Scheduled internal flights.
- Airport transfers.
Excludes
- International flights.
- Ugandan tourist visas ($50 pp).
- Trek porters costs.
- Personal spending money.
- Tips & gratuities.
- Travel insurance.