Uganda Gorilla Trekking Extension

Eight travelers are permitted to trek to each family each day, but there are several families in Bwindi, allowing for several trekking groups daily.

Our vehicles are a key component of the superlative safari experience we offer. They were designed especially for adventures in Uganda, with two goals in mind: offering comfort during overland drives on sometimes-rough roads, and providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. We use Toyota Land Cruisers in several sizes. Depending on our group size, we may use a vehicle that seats seven or five passengers, plus a driver, and each traveler will always be guaranteed a window seat. Every vehicle has roof hatches that we leave open during wildlife drives for 360-degree viewing and photo opportunities, but which can be closed for comfort on longer drives. All have 4-wheel-drive and are fitted with high-quality imported tires to ensure that we can press on through rough spots. All vehicles are outfitted with a fridge 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.

• Extension price includes: Accommodations, services of local park guides, lodge staff, gorilla trackers and porter, meals from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on final day, most gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, all taxes and service fees.
  
• Internal air cost includes: All flights within the itinerary
  
• Permit fee includes: Two mountain gorilla treks

Travel to and from the start and end point of trip, travel between Entebbe and Nairobi, alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance.

Moderate to Difficult
Trekking in search of mountain gorillas is a strenuous activity. This challenging hike through the rain forest to locate the gorillas usually takes between two and five hours, but it can be as short as 15 minutes or as long as eight hours (on infrequent occasions, we’ve had a few treks take even longer than that). Travelers must be prepared for a full day outside in humid or occasionally rainy conditions, as the exact distance to locate the gorillas is impossible to determine ahead of time. The terrain is often uneven as we traverse the forest floor and usually involves a gradual ascent, but we will travel at a pace to accommodate all hikers with a designated porter to assist each traveler. Travelers are not required to participate in all activities and are welcome to forego any portion of the trip program, but in order to take full advantage of the itinerary, and in order to view the primates, guests must be able to participate in the hikes. Travelers should be aware that if they turn around due to fatigue, illness or any other reason, the remainder of the group will go on. The returning traveler will be escorted by a local guide.

Additionally, all travelers must be able to climb into and out of our raised 4x4 safari trucks. Travelers must also be able to walk to and from our safari camp accommodations. Safari accommodations and vehicles are not climate controlled and, depending on the seasonality, temperatures can range from quite cold to extremely hot, so it is critical that travelers come prepared. We recommend that travelers have an adventurous spirit, as you will often enjoy the closest animal encounters.

The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years old, as mandated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Mandatory Insurance

You can arrive in Entebbe, Uganda any time on Day 1, and you may depart Entebbe at approximately 1:30 pm or later on the final day. Please keep in mind that the required arrival time for the Ultimate Kenya & Tanzania Safari is by 5 pm.

We can best serve you if our Natural Habitat Adventures Travel Desk makes your reservations, as we are intimately familiar with the special requirements of this program and can arrange the most efficient travel. Please call us at 800-543-8917. Note that while we offer you the best possible rates available to us on airfare and additional nights' accommodations, you may find special web rates or better fares online.