Gorilla Getaway
The key objective on this African adventure break is simply to observe mountain gorillas in the wild. Whilst tracking these incredible creatures, we'll play a part in helping to preserve their very existence through the payment of gorilla tracking fees. A face to face encounter with gorillas is without doubt one of the greatest wildlife experiences!
Recent statistics have confirmed that the total population of mountain gorillas that survive in the world today has actually increased by about 10% over the past few years, and now stands at around 660 to 700. This remarkable turnaround has in part been achieved through the sustained efforts of both conservationists and travellers alike. The revenues generated by tourism are vital to the future funding of gorilla research, education of local villagers, anti-poaching patrols, provision of park rangers and necessary equipment.
From Entebbe we drive south, crossing the Equator on our journey to the Impenetrable Forest. The dense terrain provides an ideal habitat for around half of all mountain gorillas living today. From our tented camp at Bwindi, we set out accompanied by an expert tracker to search on foot for these rare and magnificent primates, which can be observed from quite close quarters. Although wild-living they are also gentle mannered vegetarians and are very tolerant unless provoked. Finding them in the dense undergrowth can be quite a challenge, but sightings are usually possible if you are patient.
|
|
|
|
|
Details |
| |
Price Includes |
(SA-6237-P) |
| |
 |
Flights ( London -Entebbe - London) |
|
Accomodation ( Camping) |
|
3 breakfasts |
|
4 Lunches |
|
3 Dinners |
|
| |
Price Excludes |
|
| |
Local Payment is 360 USD ( Payable to your Tour Leader on arrival ) |
|
| |
Suitability / Level |
Easy |
| |
Max Group Size |
12 |
| |
|
| |
Itinerary
& Highlights |
| |
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS - Among the highlights featured on this tour,we particularly mention:
BWINDI N. PARK
Two days on foot in equatorial rainforest: guided nature trails, waterfalls and mountain gorillas.
UGANDAN PEOPLE
Some of the friendliest and most hospitable of Africa’s people.
UGANDAN SCENERY
Drive across one of the world’s most beautiful countries, including crossing the Equator.
ITINERARY
DAY 1. WEDNESDAY. ARRIVE KAMPALA, DRIVE TO BWINDI NATIONAL PARK
After arriving in Kampala, we have a full day's drive southwest to Bwindi, passing through Masaka and Mbarara and crossing the equator en route. Uganda is primarily an agricultural nation and grows all the food it needs for its population. It also grows some important cash crops such as coffee, tea, bananas, cotton, pineapples and tobacco. Mbarara is at the heart of a major agricultural region of Uganda and its abundance of lush plantations provide great scenic interest to our drive.
We reach the small village of Buhoma, just outside the boundary of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and settle in to our permanent tented camp. At night we'll experience the magic of the African jungle and hope to hear the distinctive cry of the nocturnal bush baby.
DAYS 2 & 3. GORILLA TRACKING IN BWINDI
During the next two days our group will split into two smaller groups, as the gorilla tracking is limited to a daily maximum group size of six people for each habituated gorilla family habituated families that are regularly visited and thus more at ease with the presence of humans. On one of our days here we fully expect to see gorillas in the wild, although wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. Our group will be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who is skilled in all aspects of the gorillas.
Gorillas live in small troops with several females and their young led by a single dominant male. Unfortunately, mountain gorillas as opposed to lowland gorillas are one of the world's most endangered species. The revenue generated from tourism (entrance and gorilla tracking fees) in protected parks such as Bwindi, offer them their only chance of survival. Distinct from their cousins who live in the open spaces and lowland forests of West Africa, mountain gorillas are found at an altitude of between 1520m and 3650m.
Gentle giants and vegetarians, they are normally peaceful unless provoked. Finding them in the dense mountain undergrowth is not easy and may involve steep climbs through thick untracked vegetation. Our groups have been rewarded with the thrill of close encounters! During our other day here, there is the opportunity to follow one of five nature trails from Buhoma, which vary in duration from 1 to 8 hours, through one of the richest reserves in East Africa in terms of plant and monkey species. A popular trail with our previous groups leads to the 33m high Munyaga River waterfall that is approximately 3hrs walking in length.
DAY 4. SATURDAY. DRIVE TO KAMPALA; TOUR ENDS
With an early start today, it may be possible to make the early part of our journey back to Kampala via a different route, taking us through part of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here, if we are lucky, we may have the chance of spotting game such as elephant, lion, buffalo and even leopard during our drive.
Continuing north east through Uganda's varied landscapes, we shall see tea plantations, manicured terraces and intensely cultivated fields. We will also see typical villages comprising of mud adobe huts with thatched roofs which contrast with the lush green vegetation and banana plantations surrounding them. Crossing the Equator again, we arrive back in Kampala in the evening, where the tour ends. |
| |
|
Accommodation
& Centre Details |
| |
3 Nights Camping, accommodation is in walk-in safari tents with beds, bedding and private shower/toilet facilities provided
2 Nights Overnight Flight |
| |
|
|
| |
Holidays
Extras |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Included
