Location of Adventure
Uganda

Group Size Limit
Approximately 11 Travelers
A very important feature of this safari through primate destinations in Uganda is the limited group size as ecotourism expeditions are best experienced with smaller sized groups of travelers.

Our Specialized 4 X 4 Safari Vehicles
The safari vehicles we use on this trip add greatly to our overall experience. They were specially-designed for adventures in Uganda and Rwanda, with two goals in mind: providing comfort during overland drives on sometimes rough roads, and allowing for excellent game-viewing opportunities for each passenger. We use Nissan Patrols, Land Cruisers, and Land Rovers in a number of different sizes. Depending on our group size, we may use a vehicle that seats seven, five, or three passengers, plus a driver, and each traveler will always be assured of a window seat. Every vehicle has roof hatches that we leave open during game drives for 360-degree viewing and photo opportunities, but that can be closed for comfort during longer drives. All are four-wheel-drive and are fitted with high-quality, imported tires, to ensure that we can press on through rough spots. Seat belts are three-point, instead of the typical lap belts found in most safari vehicles, for added safety. All are outfitted with a cooler box with drinks, as well as tea and coffee, guide books on mammals, birds and trees, umbrellas, and bean bags upon request for avid photographers. Each vehicle was designed with an environmentally-friendly oil bypass filtration system that allows for an extended engine service period. This limits the amount of waste oil that must be disposed of, as Uganda and Rwanda do not yet have oil recycling facilities.

Included
Charter flight from Bwindi to Entebbe, accommodations, meals from dinner Day 1 to lunch final day, bottled water, services of NHA Expedition Leader, local guides, lodge staff, gorilla trackers, and one porter on gorilla treks, some gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, two gorilla trekking permits and two chimp trekking permits, entrance fees, all taxes.

Not Included
Travel to and from start and end point of trip, alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees, optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, souvenirs, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes, optional travel insurance, and required medical evacuation insurance.

Physical Requirements
Moderate to Difficult
The strenuous (sometimes very strenuous) trek to the gorillas usually takes between two and three hours, but can take as short as fifteen minutes and as long as four to eight hours (we’ve had one trek take even longer than that). We travel at a pace to accommodate all hikers. Travelers are not required to participate in all activities and are welcome to forego any portion of the program. Travelers should be aware that if they turn around due to fatigue, illness or any other reason the remainder of the group, including the Expedition Leader, will go on. The returning traveler will be escorted by a local guide.

Important Information
Perhaps the two biggest benefits of choosing NHA for your primate safari are our professional Expedition Leaders and our well-engineered and thoughtful itinerary - both provide for an extraordinary journey through the highlights of Uganda without backtracking. Our leader understands our guests’ needs and makes special arrangements to capitalize on impromptu opportunities along the way. This trip is designed for those seeking exposure to all the diversity of Uganda’s ecosystems. Each aspect reveals more of Uganda: from the chimps of Kibale, to the lush crater highlands, to the wildlife-rich savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, to the impenetrable forest habitat of the mountain gorillas of Bwindi. NHA has been visiting gorillas in Africa since 1989, and this itinerary includes two treks. We ask our guests to understand that the accommodations in this region are not, collectively, of the standard that may be found in other, more established safari countries. Some lodgings are extremely luxurious while others are plain but clean and comfortable.

Getting There & Getting Home
Arrive in Entebbe by 11:30am on Day 1 if you would like to visit the famous Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Otherwise, we ask that you arrive in time for a 7pm welcome dinner. We encourage travelers to arrive a day or more early to rest from their plane trip. You are free to depart Entebbe after 3pm on the final day. We can best serve you if Natural Habitat Adventures’ Travel Desk makes these reservations for you as they are intimately familiar with the special requirements of these programs and can arrange the most efficient and cost-effective travel. Please call us at 1-800-543-8917.