Uganda Gorilla Trek - Optional Kenya 2023 Trip Extension
Gorilla image from Natural World Heritage Sites and was taken by Peter Howard.
March 2023
This is an optional trip extension for guests joining our Kenya 2023 expedition. Travellers would change out their safari attire in preparation for trekking in some of the most spectacular forested area of the Rift Valley. The itinerary below provides an outline for each day of this incredible adventure.
Itinerary
March 4: Nairobi, Eka Hotel
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After saying goodbye to those guests not joining this leg of the journey, stay overnight at the Eka Hotel in Nairobi.
March 5: Nairobi to Entebbe and Bwindi, Mahogany Springs Lodge
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Fly from Nairobi, Kenya to Entebbe, Uganda on Air Kenya express (flight included in the price) at 8:45am.
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On arrival at Entebbe International Airport around 11:30am, we will be met and assisted by a representative to clear customs/immigration before continuing with Aerolink Uganda on aconnecting flight to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
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We will land at the Kihihi airstrip, where our guide will join us for the Uganda safari chapter of this trip.
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We will stay for two nights at the Mahogany Springs Lodge in Bwindi amongst the unique and ultimate panoramic view of the scenic volcanoes of the great Virunga Mountains while enjoying privacy and serenity blended with optimal comfort in a spectacular setting.
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With some of the most luxurious accommodation and unrivalled service levels in East Africa, the feeling that you will experience when staying here is beyond compare.
March 6: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mahogany Springs Lodge
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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a sanctuary for colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and many birds such as hornbills and turacos. It is most notable for the 400+ Bwindi gorillas, half of the world's population of the critically endangered mountain gorillas. It is accessible only on foot and is a UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization-designated World Heritage Site.
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Today after an energizing breakfast, you will have a once in a lifetime experience of gorilla trekking, you will report to the ranger station before 8 am registration and briefing by one of the rangers; the guides will then lead you through the undergrowth, parting thick creepers, to track the gorillas. The trek can take anywhere from 3 to 7 hours – a reasonable degree of fitness is required as well as a sturdy pair of walking boots. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas.
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Later in the evening you will visit the first people of the Forest – the Batwa: these are the pygmies and were the first inhabitants of years, they were hunter-gatherers and lived in the forests of Southwest Uganda and beyond. They left a small ecological footprint on the forest and lived in harmony with nature.
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There are alternatives available with a private guide to tour the local area rather than trekking to see the Gorillas (in this case the price of the trip would be reduced by $700 - the price of the park fee).
March 7: Lake Mburo National Park, Rwakobo Lodge
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After breakfast, we will go on a 4 hour drive to Lake Mburo National Park where every part of the park is alive with variety, interest and colour. The attractive 158 square miles acacia-dotted savannah of Olea and Boscia is home to 68 mammal species. The Park contains an extensive area of wetland and harbours several species of mammals not found anywhere else in Uganda, including zebra and impala. The 315 bird species include the rare Shoebill Stork and African Finfoot. We shall take a boat cruise in the afternoon on the lake, and later enjoy the evening game drive.
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The main lake of the park is Lake Mburo. Here we can see many hippos wallowing in the water and the large crocodiles lurking on the shores. Birds include cormorant, fish eagle, pelican, heron and many more. Upon arrival we will be taken for a game drive before returning for lunch.
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Later on in the day we will have an opportunity to ride on the back of a horse or go on bicycle safari.
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Rwakobo Lodge is a peaceful and secluded retreat where we can breathe in the essence of wild Uganda. The comfortable and spacious cottages are dotted around the hill, all very private and offering great sunset views. The main dining area overlooks an expanse of rock that adjoins the park. Set in the pristine Ankole Ranch lands surrounding Lake Mburo National Park; whether you want to sit back, sip on an ice-cold drink in a hammock or head out into Lake Mburo National Park for a day of exciting exploration, there is something for everyone here.
March 8: Entebbe
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Early in the morning we will have a game drive in the park before being transferred (5 hours) across the equator to Entebbe.
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We will check into the Airport guest house for a day room at leisure and later in the evening transfer to the airport to catch our flight back home (or elsewhere should your adventures continue).
Cost: $4090 USD price per person
Includes:
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Departure airport transfers
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Domestics flight from Entebbe to Bwindi
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2 nights of accommodation at Mahogany Springs Lodge
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Meals as outlined in the itinerary
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Day room use at Airport Guest House in Entebbe
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Services of a qualified English Speaking Driver Guide
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Transport in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser
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Gorilla permit (US$ 700 value)
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The overal price is reduced by $700 per person for those not joining the Gorilla trek.
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Excludes:
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International Flights in/out of Entebbe (it is recommended to bundle these with other international flights)
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Uganda tourist Visa and PCR tests (to be determined before the time of travel)
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Travel/medical insurance
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Tips & personal expenses such as telephone calls…etc.
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Excursions not detailed in above program
This expedition will be coordinated in conjunction with Socially Responsible Safaris (SRS). All SRS safaris are sold and administered through Northstar Travel (TICO # 2569684), a registered Ontario company, licensed to sell travel packages through the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO). All payments are deposited in Client Trust Accounts and may only be used once the trip has begun, or to make a deposit to an operator on behalf of the client.
Northstar Travel and Associates (TICO # 2569684)
Suite 201 – 678 Belmont Avenue West
Kitchener, Ontario
N2M 1N6
Phone: (519) 573-7111 or (519) 886-9111