Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 6-day Gorillas & Volcanoes Safari in Uganda, where you'll experience the thrill of witnessing endangered gorillas in their natural habitat. This adventure takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the stunning vistas of the Virunga volcanoes. Enjoy a comfortable stay at the historic Travellers Rest Hotel in Kisoro, a favorite of the legendary Dian Fossey. Your journey includes a thrilling gorilla tracking adventure, a chance to climb volcanic mountains, and the unique experience of standing at the Equator. Travel in style with a 4WD vehicle featuring an open roof, ensuring you capture every moment. With English-speaking guides, park entrance fees, and a gorilla permit included, this safari promises an enriching and seamless exploration of Uganda's natural wonders. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Kampala - Kisoro, Uganda
Location: Entebbe
Accommodation Name: hotel
Touch down in Entebbe. Upon arrival, a designated driver/guide will be there to welcome guests, ensuring a smooth transfer to the selected accommodations for a comfortable overnight stay. The guide will provide a thorough briefing about the upcoming tour and specify the pick-up time for the following day.
Day 2 : Kisoro, Uganda
Location: Kisoro
Accommodation Name: Travellers Rest Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A prompt departure at 7:00 AM starts the journey from the guesthouse, heading southwest through the heart of Uganda. Upon reaching Kabale, a lunch break provides a moment for relaxation before continuing the journey. As the final stretch beckons, the landscape dramatically opens up, revealing the majestic view of the Virunga volcanoes amidst the expansive planes of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Arriving in Kisoro leads to a stay at the historic Travellers Rest Hotel, a cozy establishment celebrated for its connection to the conservation of mountain gorillas. Built in 1955 by Walter Baumgartel, this hotel has a storied past as a hub for those passionate about gorillas, including frequent visits from the iconic 'Gorilla-woman,' Dian Fossey, who fondly referred to it as her "second home." Renovated in 1999, the hotel maintains its colonial charm, offering self-contained rooms for a delightful retreat just outside Kisoro.
Day 3 : Kisoro, Uganda
Location: Kisoro, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Accommodation Name: Travellers Rest Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This day is dedicated to Gorilla tracking. From Travellers Rest in Kisoro, it's approximately a one-hour drive or 20-minute trek by car to the Nkuringo group or the Rushaga area, which is home to the Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, and Bweza groups located in southern Bwindi, or a 40-minute drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Upon arrival, a briefing is scheduled for 7:45 AM, with tracking commencing at 8:30 AM. Once the gorillas are located, visitors are allowed to spend up to one hour in their presence. All visitors should return to the starting point by 7:00 PM. The walking duration varies between 3 to 9 hours, depending on the gorilla's location, making physical fitness advisable due to the demanding nature of the hike.
Day 4 : Kisoro - Kampala, Uganda
Location: Kisoro, Equator, Kampala
Accommodation Name: Travellers Rest Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before ending your journey and returning to Kampala, make a stop at the Equator and stand in two hemispheres.
Day 5: Kisoro - Entebbe, Uganda
Location: Kisoro, Mbarara, Masaka, Entebbe
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer back to Entebbe via KampalaAfter breakfast, the last part of the journey will bring us back to Kampala, driving through one of the most scenic routes in western Uganda passing through an extensive bamboo forest, as well as the "Kanaba gap", where a clear view of the volcanoes in Uganda can be seen, as we drive down through the beautiful views of Lake Bunyonyi being the deepest Lake in Uganda. It’s not surprising that the road is the favorite for both tourists and Locals. We will stop in Mbarara for lunch, and after Masaka town we will stop at the Equator for a Tea/Coffee break and buying souvenirs. We will then bring you back to your hotel in Entebbe for overnight.Driving time: ± 9 hours
Day 6: Entebbe, Uganda
Location: Entebbe, Kampala
Transfer back to Entebbe
What's Included
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Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights in comfortable accommodation, with 2 nights in Entebbe and 3 nights in Kisoro at the historic Travellers Rest Hotel.
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Transport
Travel in a car with an open roof and 4WD, with pick-up and drop-off services included for a seamless journey through Uganda.
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Meals
5 breakfasts included.
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Activities
Embark on a Gorilla tracking adventure inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
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Guides
English-speaking driver/guide is provided.
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Extras
Park entrance fees, bottled water, and Gorilla Permit (USD $700 per person) are included.
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Transfers
All transfers as per itinerary are included.
What's Not Included
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Drinks
Drinks are not included.
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Porters
Porters are not included.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses are not covered.
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Tips for the guides
Tips for the guides are not included.
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Optional activities in Kisoro
Optional activities in Kisoro are not included.
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Payments: Airport departure tax
Airport departure tax is not included.
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Meals (Lunch and Dinner)
Lunch and dinner are not included, approximately USD $25 each per person per day.
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COVID-19 PCR Test
COVID-19 PCR Test costs $65 per person.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a car with an open roof and 4WD, with pick-up and drop-off services included for a seamless journey through Uganda.
Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights in comfortable accommodation, with 2 nights in Entebbe and 3 nights in Kisoro at the historic Travellers Rest Hotel, known for its cozy atmosphere and colonial charm.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the main activity on the third day of the tour?
The main activity on the third day is Gorilla tracking. Participants will travel to either the Nkuringo group or the Rushaga area in southern Bwindi, or to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where they will have the opportunity to spend up to one hour with the gorillas once they are located. ...more ...less
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What type of vehicle is used for transport during the tour?
The tour uses a car with an open roof and 4WD for transport, which includes pick-up and drop-off services.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 5 breakfasts. Lunch and dinner are not included and are estimated to cost approximately USD $25 each per person per day.
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What is the significance of the Travellers Rest Hotel in Kisoro?
The Travellers Rest Hotel in Kisoro is historically significant as it was built in 1955 by Walter Baumgartel and has been a hub for those passionate about gorillas. It was frequently visited by Dian Fossey, who referred to it as her 'second home.'
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What is the duration of the Gorilla tracking activity?
The Gorilla tracking activity can last between 3 to 9 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Physical fitness is advisable due to the demanding nature of the hike.
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What optional activities are available on the last day of the tour?
On the last day, optional activities include a Kampala City tour, a visit to Ngamba Island for the orphaned chimps, a tour of the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, a visit to the Botanical Gardens, and a Mabamba swamp tour.
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Is there an age limit?
No! Most of our bamba travellers fall between the ages of 18 - 35, but everyone is young at heart and welcome to come experience the world with us! If you are between the ages of 18 and 118, we invite you to travel with bamba and have the time of your life! Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Most of our trips cater to the adventurous independent traveller. In fact, many of our travellers arrive on their own and quickly find that they easily meet like-minded people along the way at their hostels, on transportation, or during activities.
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Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip, especially when travelling in developing countries. Bamba does not include travel insurance of any type.Your current medical insurance may cover part of your trip, so it is important for you to become familiar with your current coverage. We recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, lost or stolen items and unforeseen cancellations. If you plan to participate in activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, sand-buggy rides, etc please make sure they are included in your policy.
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Free Date Changes
Bamba Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Bamba Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bamba travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Bamba Travel requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bamba travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Gorillas & Volcanoes Safari 6D/5N
6 Days Starting and ending in Entebbe, Uganda
Visiting: Entebbe, Kisoro, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Equator, Kampala, Mbarara, Masaka ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
27393
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-90
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Bamba Travel with any specific dietary requirements
