Mountain Gorilla Safari

Tracking mountain gorillas on foot through the equatorial forests of Uganda ranks as one of the world’s most thrilling wildlife experiences. We hike into the mountain forests of primeval Bwindi, a World Heritage Site and home to half of the world’s 700 remaining mountain gorillas. Once we find a clan of these near-mythical creatures, the rigors of the hike are quickly forgotten as we become absorbed in quiet observation of their interactions. Before gorilla tracking, our classic safari explores the Great Rift Valley dreamscape of Queen Elizabeth National Park, right on the edge of the towering Ruwenzori Mountains. In this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, we hike, birdwatch, and safari by 4WD across lake-dotted savannas in search of lion, leopard, elephant, and Uganda’s special antelope, the kob.

Days 1-3
Kibale Forest National Park / Wild Chimpanzees

We cross Rift Valley landscapes amid shimmering lakes and tea plantations to our beautiful cottages at Ndali Lodge, set at a cool 5,000 feet. Our walks in Kibale are an exciting chance to see foraging bands of wild-living chimpanzees. The park is also home to vervets, colobus, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and red-tailed monkeys.

Days 4-6
Great Rift Valley / Classic Gameviewing Safari

Queen Elizabeth National Park, jewel of the western Great Rift Valley, has stunning and diverse ecosystems. With the dramatic backdrop of the Ruwenzori Mountains, we safari in lowland rainforest, open bush country, and by boat.

Days 7-10
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park / Gorilla Tracking

One of the most biologically diverse places on earth, Bwindi protects a remnant of a once-vast primeval forest. There are 113 species of mammals in the park, 200 species of butterflies, and over 360 species of birds. Among the 11 primate species that reside here are magnificent mountain gorillas, about half of the world’s population of this highly endangered mammal. We set out on foot with special rangers, hiking through steep, rough terrain for two to six hours each day at altitudes of 3,800 to 8,500 feet. Once among the gorillas, we sit quietly to observe their behavior. Gorilla Forest Camp, a lovely tented camp—and the only one located right in the park—provides us with the ultimate base for exploration.

Days 11-12
Entebbe

Game drive en route to Entebbe, depart on Day 12, or join our Masai Mara Extension.

Masai Mara Extension
Days 12-15

The famed Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya offers one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth. Discover this legendary savanna on exciting game drives from a delightful Masai Mara camp.

Please call us or download the Full Trip Brochure for more information about our extensions