Trip Overview
Embark on an exotic adventure into the African jungle of Uganda, home to some of the world’s most unique biodiversity. Expert wildlife trackers and primatologists lead you within an intimate distance of awe-inspiring mountain gorillas, pods of hippos, intelligent chimpanzees, abundant birdlife, and Uganda’s own tree-climbing lion!
After arriving and resting for the night in Entebbe, travel to the gorilla and chimpanzee habitat in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Get to know your travel companions while discovering local artwork, trying out a range of optional activities, and enjoying a lively welcome dinner with your new friends.
The next three mornings are dedicated to your search for tree-climbing lions and chimpanzees, the closest living relatives of humans! While tramping through the Kyambura Gorge and lush Kalinzu Forest, lion researchers and your guides teach you how to spot the elusive swishing tail or floppy big paw high up in the acacia trees. You will also encounter an array of different and unique wildlife: stealthy leopards (or signs of leopards), bizarre and curious birds, antelope, wild pigs, other primates, and more.
Continue your wildlife observations as you cruise along the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the greatest concentrations of hippos in Africa. Witness herds of elephants, buffalo, spellbinding aquatic birds, and even the sprightly warthog as they are drawn to the channel to drink.
Get a chance to meet some of Uganda’s working women at a tea plantation who plant, pick, roast, and pack their own tea and coffee – all by hand.
The rest of your trip is dedicated to experiencing an intimate encounter with the imposing mountain gorilla living in its natural habitat. Relocate to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, an expansive primordial forest and home to one of the last strongholds of the endangered mountain gorilla. You may be lucky and spot them already in the verdant bush around the Bwindi Lodge.
Go on extensive hikes deep into the forest with your guide and gorilla expert to find the awe-inspiring apes. Once you find them you are allowed one hour per trek to quietly observe these majestic and intelligent animals. The one-hour limit ensures the gorilla’s health and safety and allows them to have a wild existence. When you return from your trek, you’ll meet and be inspired by the local businesswomen who started a business to rent and repair bicycles which have evolved into a diversified enterprise that includes things such as weaving, sewing, and running backpacker’s accommodations.
Enjoy the final evening that brings everyone together to share special stories and lasting impressions of this remarkable part of the world. Say goodbye to your newfound friends and toast to the emerald beauty of the primeval jungle where you have experienced some of Africa’s most precious creatures living wild and free and that it may stay safe and healthy for generations to come.
Main Attractions
- Observe endangered Mountain Gorillas in their home in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Learn how to track animals from experienced wildlife guides and primatologists
- Enjoy a wildlife cruise in Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Stay in comfortable African lodges located deep in the heart of wildlife habitats
What You'll See and Do
- 4x4
- Anthropology
- Birding
- Cultural Exploration
- Gorilla Tracking
- National Parks
- Natural History
- Photography
- Sightseeing
- Walking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Women-To-Women Exchanges