Uganda Private Journey

Altitudes for the gorilla tracking portions of the trip range from approximately 3,900 feet to approximately 7,500 feet. You will be hiking through dense, thorny bush covering up to four miles or more in distance. You may be hiking in all types of weather; rain can occur in these mountains at a moment's notice. The climate is hot and humid. We will often hike uphill to follow the clans, but will take breaks along the way. The hike to see the chimpanzees takes an average of 2.5 hours, though it can last up to 4 hours when chimps are on the move in search of food. We will hike on marked trails for at least part of the trek. However, as with the mountain gorillas, we will follow the chimps' movements, prompting us to sometimes go off-trail based on their wanderings. Altitudes during this portion of the trip range from  approximately 3,900 feet to approximately 4,600 feet. Conditions can be boggy and since we are in a tropical rainforest, it can rain at any time.

Gorilla tracking is a strenuous activity and it is important to be in good physical condition. The shape you're in will be an important factor in your enjoyment of and ability to partake in these hikes. Make an effort to get in good physical condition with hiking, biking, running, or other kinds of exercise beyond your normal routine. Start getting in shape months before your departure. A brisk 30-45 minute walk every other day over moderately steep terrain can do wonders for your conditioning.

The climate in Uganda is considered “modified tropical”— similar to the equatorial climate of other East African countries like Kenya and Tanzania, but slightly modified by its altitude, which ranges from 3,500 to 4,500 feet. Daytime temperatures are usually in the 70s and 80s, and humidity is fairly high. You can expect to experience some rain during the course of the trip. Like Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda has two annual rainy seasons, one between March and May and one between October and November.

June, July and August
During these months, the country is refreshingly green and the weather is coolest, especially in the higher altitudes, with a high of 70°-80° and a low of 40°. Riding in the safari vehicle can be chilly some mornings, but the temperature usually warms up by 10:00 am.

September, October and November
These are delightful times to visit Uganda and can be compared to springtime in the US. The jacaranda and other trees are bursting into blossom and the days are warmer. The high temperatures are 75°-85°F, with a low of 65°F. Scattered rains occur in November and early December. These “short rains” just freshen the country and lay the dust, although they can sometimes be heavy.

December to March
These are Uganda's “summer” months. The temperature range is from 80° to 90° during the day (coastal areas are hotter and can range from 80° to 100°). The evenings range from 50°F to 60°F.

April and May
The rainy season (the “long rains”) occur during these months.

You will have a private guide and driver in a 4WD safari vehicle. We use five- or seven-passenger Nissan safari vehicles (never minibuses!), and all vehicles have roof hatches for easy wildlife viewing and photography. A cooler of drinks and refreshments is carried aboard. And our 4WD vehicles can go virtually anywhere, an important feature when we're tracking game. Please note there are some long driving days over rough roads and dusty dirt tracks.