Gorillas in the Mist with Chimp Safari   - Small Group                

Entebbe, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.  June 5 – 14, 2027     (9 days)

“Nothing can prepare one for the thrilling impact of encountering a full grown silverback gorilla, up to three times the size of man, yet remarkably peaceful and tolerant of human visitors. First you hear them. Then you see them. The forest opens and there they are!”

Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime 9-day journey into the heart of Africa.  High in the mountain jungles, 16 of you fortunate travelers will live the ultimate safari dream in tracking the elusive mountain gorillas in the wild.  This is a Livingstone-type of adventure in itself, but the greatest reward comes from being able to get as close to these great apes as Diane Fossey did.  Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, UNESCO World heritage Site of 200 square miles, is one of the last remaining refuges for these endangered human-like creatures.  As of this printing, there are just 668 left on Earth.  There’s nothing more humbling than being charged by a silverback or watching the playful suckling infants. Just one moment will take your breath away.  As you follow the footsteps of your professional tracker, it takes patience and stamina but the payoff is unforgettable.  

It’s a photographer’s dream here with lush mountain slopes, emerald lakes and dense rainforests.  You’ll enjoy multiple game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.  See a wide array of wildlife from leopards to zebras as well as the famous tree-climbing lions.  This region holds 126 species of mammals, 346 species of birds, 202 species of butterflies and 163 types of trees.  Along the way you will experience cultural immersion with friendly villagers and you will collect some unique handicrafts.  There are opportunities for horseback riding, boating on Lake Mburo, an orphanage visit, and colorful markets.

Our past 12 groups loved this trip, but this year we’ve added even more.  You’ll be pampered throughout with fine hotels and lodges that serve delicious local cuisines. Highlights include seeing the great apes in Kibale and the chimp trek.  

Why add another AFS group here to glorious Uganda? This is the birthplace of mountain gorilla trekking, and the country offers the best value for the price compared to Congo or Rwanda. And because many of you who couldn’t make our past trips are begging for it. This always sells out quickly. This small group always sells out quickly.  Book now to be one of the lucky 17 participants plus GTL. Please note you must be fit. Fitness details coming, along with trip tips.

The dry season in June is the perfect time to go.  Gorilla and Chimp permits are limited to only 18 tourists per day, with reservations 2 years out.  (I was lucky to secure permits 33 months in advance by wire transfer of $11,000.)  This vacation not only benefits you, but also aids the poor local economy and helps to sustain and protect these threatened animals. I’m joining for your bragging rights on an epic experience like no other.

“I’m still in shock and all to have seen these magnificent gorillas. All my AFS trips are special but my words can’t express how impactful this one was. Our Bindi encounters redefined what a true adventure is. I watch my videos over and over, pinching myself to see what I did on this vacation of a lifetime! Thank you so much, Wendy.”

Encounter primates and other wildlife on this tour through African jungles and Savannah plains as you navigate Uganda's landscapes.

Mountain gorillas only live in the wild. You won’t find them in any zoo, which means seeing them in their natural home is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Their numbers have dropped to fewer than 900, mostly because of hunting and deforestation. Today, these critically endangered animals survive in just two remote habitats on Earth.

Begin your adventure in Uganda's Kibale tropical forest, where walks into the lush forest bring you into contact with a variety of birds and primates including our delightful cousins the chimpanzees. Proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where game drives and a boat cruise deliver a variety of animals and birds in a scenic wildlife encounter. Your safari ends on a high with a visit to Bwindi's Impenetrable thick rain forests offering a wide variety of tree species -a habitat for man's closest rare primates - the mountain gorillas.  Bwindi is home to roughly 480 mountain gorillas, which is half of the world's remaining population and your chance of coming into contact with a group is approximately 99 percent. Staring into the deep brown pensive eyes of these gentle giants is a truly magical humbling experience.

A word of caution: While cheaper tours exist, they don’t offer what we do—beautiful accommodations, all-inclusive meals and drinks, laundry service so you can pack light, an internal flight to save you from long drives, and much more. Running a high-quality trip in these remote areas takes serious planning. Our past guests can vouch for the difference.

Included

·       Arrival and Departure Airport transfers in Uganda

·       Meals as highlighted on Safari Itinerary

·       Transportation in a 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with English Speaking Driver/Guide.

·       Accommodation while on safari.

·       1 Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda for each person.

·       1 Chimpanzee trekking permit in Uganda for each person

·       1 Domestic flight from Bwindi to Entebbe (Small aircraft)

·       Park Entry fees.

·       Bottled drinking water (1 Liter per client each day)

·       Emergency Evacuation cover with AMREF Flying Doctors.

Excluded

·       International Airfares to and from Uganda.

·       Entry visa $50

·       Please bring $120 (in tens and twenties) for guides, assistants and rangers' gratuities. We recommend using the pre-pay option under the Options tab for guides, trackers, and drivers, as it’s much easier than carrying cash and handing out tips throughout your trip.  Tipping is required whether you prepay or pay daily—understand that poverty is widespread in Uganda, and your professionally licensed guides, trackers, and drivers work hard to give you an incredible experience. 

Deposit:  $1200

Land Price:  $5295 plus $700 gorilla non-refundable permit.

Not included –  Visa $50

Included

• Arrival and Departure Airport transfers in Uganda

• Meals as highlighted on Safari Itinerary

• Transportation in a 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with English Speaking Driver/Guide.

• Accommodation while on safari.

• 1 Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda for each person.

• 1 Chimpanzee trekking permit in Uganda for each person

• 1 Domestic flight from Bwindi to Entebbe (Small aircraft)

• Park Entry fees.

• Bottled drinking water (1 Liter per client each day)

• Emergency Evacuation cover with AMREF Flying Doctors.

Excluded

• International Airfares to and from Uganda.

• Entry visa $50

·     Please bring $120 (in tens and twenties) for guides, assistants and rangers' gratuities. We recommend using the pre-pay option under the Options tab for guides, trackers, and drivers, as it’s much easier than carrying cash and handing out tips throughout your trip.  Tipping is required whether you prepay or pay daily—understand that poverty is widespread in Uganda, and your professionally licensed guides, trackers, and drivers work hard to give you an incredible experience. 

Sit back and relax and enjoy your flight to Uganda.

(Flight not included.)
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by your company representative and transferred to your hotel for relaxation & overnight.

ENTEBBE

Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is the primary gateway for travelers. Entebbe serves not only as a tranquil retreat but also as a starting point for exploring Uganda's natural wonders.

Overnight: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa

The Resort is styled to replicate the lines of a classically rustic Roman Villa which might just as easily stand amid the sunflowers of the Tuscan Hills, as on the shores of Africa's largest lake.

Entanda Community Visit |To Kibale Forest

En route, visit a local community for a first-hand and personal experience and a taste of the true cultural practices, norms and beliefs of the people of Uganda. At the end of your community interaction, you will plant a tree not only as a way of giving back to the community but also as a way of conserving this beautiful ecosystem.

Activities here include: interacting with the locals as they go about their day to day activities, hands on experience of picking foods & vegetables fresh from the garden, cooking food in the traditional way, learning about the ancient courtship musical instruments, learning about honey harvesting plus tasting fresh honey, traditional wine processing, bicycle rides in the plantations, bark clothing making, a walk in the forest, local games such as netball, football, board games (omweso), educative and informative fun-filled tales and then enjoy the traditional dishes as well as a self-service buffet of fresh fruits.

You will then proceed to Kibale Forest, home to great apes! This tropical forest is renowned for having the highest number of primate species in the world, including our delightful cousins, the chimpanzees. The forest is home to at least 13 primate species, including the Red-Tailed Monkey, Olive Baboon, Black and White Colobus, and Blue Monkeys.

Birdlife is also abundant, with the beautiful Great Blue Turaco among the highlights. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a meandering herd of Forest Elephants.

You'll drive through lush green countryside as you continue to your lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Kibale Forest National Park, situated in Western Uganda, is famous for its high density of primates, breathtaking crater lakes, and thick, beautiful jungle. Thirteen primate species inhabit the beautiful tropical forest, including red-tailed monkey, L'Hoest's monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus, and black and white colobus monkeys. The area is decorated by enthralling crater lakes and numerous pristine hiking trails.

Overnight: Turaco Treetops

Turaco Treetops is surrounded by 5.2 hectares of rainforest in the Ugandan region of Nyabubare, neighboring the Kibale National Park. The lodge offers well-appointed rooms in four duplex buildings and luxury cottages within the jungle. The rooms and spacious cottages feature en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, mosquito nets, and furnished balconies. General facilities include a restaurant, lounges, a swimming pool, and Wi-Fi

Basis

Full Board- Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Bigodi Swamp Walk PM Chimpanzee Tracking

After breakfast, you head out for a nature excursion taking you through the Bigodi Community. Your walk (1- 2 hours) will take you through grassland and some beautiful scenery. It is usual to spot 3 or 4 different primate species during this walk through the highlight is catching a glimpse of the Great Blue Turaco bird!

In the afternoon at 02:00pm your Chimpanzee tracking excursion will commence. Kibale Forest boasts of the highest number of primate species in the world, including our delightful cousins- the Chimpanzees. During the excursion, your ranger will point out the other species living in the forest, including birds, flora and fauna.

Of course, the stars of the show are chimpanzees! Smaller than their gorilla cousins but no less charming, intelligent or expressive, chimp families can cover vast distances and the trek in Kibale forest to find them will be filled all sorts of enchanting encounters!

Basis

Full Board Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Embark on the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, the second-largest national park in Uganda, located at the base of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains and adjacent to Lakes Edward and George. The park is covered by vast savannah plains, offering exceptional game viewing. You'Il encounter elephants that trumpet as you approach, leopards lazily laying in the sun, and a variety of antelope. Lions, buffaloes, hippos, and many other fascinating animals also call this park home. 

Later in the afternoon, drive to the park for an evening game drive to search for game, enjoy the horizon and the amazing landscapes as the sun sets. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's second-oldest national park, established in 1952. Located in the southwestern part of the country, it features diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, and forests. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and over 600 bird species. It offers exciting activities

Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge https://mweyalodge.com/

Mweya Safari Lodge is ideally located on a peninsula within the heart of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, surrounded by the Rwenzori Mountains in Kenya. Accommodation options include rooms, cottages and safari tents on raised platforms with private bathrooms, furnished patios, coffee stations, and fans. Facilities' and services include a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a spa.

Basis

Full Board Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Enjoy a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park with chances of viewing the sunrise. While in the park, keep eyes peeled for wildlife like Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, Waterbucks, Leopards, Uganda Kob, Warthogs, among others. 

Later in the afternoon, head out for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel- a natural channel which connects Lake Edward to Lake George. View Buffaloes, Elephants, Waterbucks, Crocodiles and the highest concentration of Hippos plus a variety of colorful species of Water birds like Crested Eagles, Pelicans and Cormorants = an Amazing diverse collection of the African animal Kingdom which comes to the waterhole to drink or bathe. This will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your tour.

Basis

Full Board- Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

To Bwindi Forest

Transfer to Bwindi Forest. You will proceed through the breath taking; ever green mountain countryside = to the magnificent swathe of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, surrounded by great views of landscape.

Check into your lodge for relaxation, as you get ready for your big day tomorrow.

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa's oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities - the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges. The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage

A site for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance, aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, 350 species of birds, and a variety of brightly colored butterflies to identify.

Overnight: Gorilla Leisure Lodge. https://gorillaleisurelodge.com

Gorilla Leisure Lodge is a luxury safari lodge located in Rushaga, the gorilla trekking sector of the misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The safari lodge features comfortably furnished guest rooms equipped with modern conveniences such as fans, Wi-Fi access, telephones, in-room safes, and private bathrooms. During their stay, guests can enjoy food at the on-site restaurant.*

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Today is the big day... Prepare yourself for an encounter with Bwindi's gentle giants: the rare Mountain Gorilla. For most people, this is the absolute highlight of their tour in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is also home to 120 mammals, 350 species of birds including 23 Albertine Rift endemics, and at least 200 butterfly species.

You will be required to wake up early in the morning, then be led to the visitor's reception center for a briefing about the park. You are allocated guides before heading into the forest in search of Mountain Gorillas.

The Gorillas you will trek to belong to one of the habituated family groups who can tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day. Your trek will be an exciting journey along forested slopes, entwined vines, bushes and bamboo before you eventually reach the Gorillas' habitat.

En route, your guide will point out signs of previous Gorilla activity, including dung, nests and chewed bamboo shoots.  The time taken to track the Gorillas can be as little as 2 hours, or more. Once the Gorillas have been located, your group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. Coming face-to-face with a Mountain Gorilla is a truly humbling and emotional experience. This is a fantastic and privileged opportunity to get up close and personal with Uganda's very own 'Gorillas in the Mist'.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

You'll fly back to Entebbe town (your starting point) and relax as you relive your safari highlights.

Later, embark on a sunset cruise on Lake Victoria accompanied by drinks & snacks on board. Treat yourself to a sunset cruise on the largest freshwater lake in Africa. View the sunset over the horizon and watch the fishermen cast their nets as you enjoy the snacks and drinks provided on board. This is a perfect way to end your day excursion in Entebbe.

Overnight: Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe, Entebbe

Best Western Premier Garden Hotel is located in Entebbe. All rooms are comfortably designed with TVs, safes, minibars, air conditioning, and tea/coffee-making facilities. Guests can indulge in delicious meals from the on-site restaurant.. This is a perfect location for everyone to get to the airport for your flights home.

Full Board- Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe sits just a few minutes from Entebbe International Airport, making it a convenient stop for travelers. The hotel is known for its modern rooms, each offering comfortable beds, sleek bathrooms, and all the amenities you’d expect from an upscale stay. Guests can unwind in the lush gardens or grab a meal at the on-site restaurant, which serves both local and international dishes. There’s a well-equipped fitness center, plus meeting facilities for business travelers. Staff are friendly and attentive, going out of their way to make guests feel at home. Whether you’re in Entebbe for business or leisure, this hotel mixes convenience with a touch of luxury.

Day Itinerary: Fly to Entebbe/ Departure

After breakfast, depart to the airport for onward flights home.