Uganda & Gorilla Trek Express - 6 days

Uganda & Gorilla Trek Express - 6 days

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6 Days From

$1465

$1245

Uganda & Gorilla Trek Express - 6 days

6 Days Starting and ending in Kampala, Uganda

Visiting: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Kampala

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2725/UGTE

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-75

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Trekking, Walking

From: $1465 $1245 Operator discount: -$220 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 6-day adventure with the Uganda & Gorilla Trek Express, a small group safari tour that begins and ends in the vibrant capital city of Kampala. Journey through the lush landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you'll have the chance to spot chimpanzees and over 500 bird species. The highlight of your trip will be trekking through the steamy jungles of Bwindi National Park to encounter the majestic and endangered mountain gorillas. Spend two relaxing days by the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi, surrounded by tropical jungle and rolling green hills, where you can enjoy optional activities like bird-watching and canoeing. This tour includes camping accommodations, meals, and expert guides to ensure a memorable experience in the heart of Africa.

Highlights

  • Kampala - Start and finish your Ugandan adventure in the country's dynamic and vibrant capital city

  • Queen Elizabeth National Park - See chimpanzees in the treetops and search for some of the 500 bird species and larger mammals in the park

  • Bwindi National Park - Trek to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in the remote, steamy jungles of Uganda

  • Lake Bunyonyi - Spend two days unwinding beside this picturesque lake, surrounded by tropical jungle and rolling green hills

  • Cross the Equator and pass through fertile green hills, tangled forests, and rugged mountain ranges

  • Take a boat trip to some of Lake Bunyonyi's islands, go bird-watching, or visit a local village

  • Spot wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Kampala

Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Kampala - Queen Elizabeth National Park. Departing the capital city, Kampala, we cross the Equator and pass through fertile green hills, tangled forests and rugged mountain ranges to the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Originally Named Kazinga National Park on its inception in 1952, the reserve was renamed in 1954 after a visit by the newly crowned British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.





Our first evening here is free for you to take a walk in the lush surroundings, who knows what wildlife you may spot! The reserve is home to elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, chimpanzee and much more. Encouragingly, reports from the Uganda Wildlife Authority suggest that wildlife populations in the reserve are increasing, thanks to effective protection. This is largely down to your tourism money!





Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure at Red Chili Hideaway in Kampala and the tour departs at 5am on Day 1. Please see the Trip Notes for further information.

Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation Name: camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we are heading into Queen Elizabeth National Park, admiring the mountain views and stopping whenever we see something of interest. As well as the charismatic larger animals, the reserve is home to more than 500 bird species. Reaching Kyambura Gorge we head out on foot in search of chimpanzees. The rangers will have a good idea of where they are and the trek can vary in length from less than an hour to several. Chimps tend to stay in the treetops so you may have to crane your neck for a view of our closest relatives.





Please note: Chimpanzee Trek permits are issued by the wildlife authority in groups of up to 8 people per group. Depending on our group size, we may trek on the afternoon of day 1, morning or afternoon of day 2, or morning of day 3.

Day 3-5: Lake Bunyonyi

Location: Lake Bunyonyi

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Queen Elizabeth National Park - Lake Bunyonyi. On day 3 we drive to Lake Bunyonyi, dotted with scenic islands and surrounded by lush forest and rolling hills. Over the next three days everyone in the group will enjoy their mountain gorilla trek, but we will split into smaller groups in order to avoid disturbing the gorillas. On the days when you are not trekking, you are free to take a boat trip to some of Lake Bunyonyi's islands, go bird-watching, visit a local village or hire canoes to paddle on the lake.





On the day of your trek, we will hike for anywhere between 30 minutes and 6 or 7 hours into Bwindi National Park (or occasionally Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, this will be made clear to you in advance), depending on the location of the gorillas. A decent level of fitness is required as we trek through the steamy jungle. Your guide will know the location of the nearest gorilla family.





Once we have located the gorillas, you will spend around an hour watching from a safe distance. Keep quiet, keep low to the ground and follow all the instructions of your guide - this is for your safety and for the welfare of the mountain gorillas. You are welcome to take photos, as long as there is no flash.





One of the world's most endangered creatures, mountain gorillas are heavily protected, with around 1,000 animals now living in the rainforests of central Africa. Numbers have increased remarkably due to effective protection in recent years - keep your eyes peeled for the giant silverback alpha male, and some of the adorable youngsters that represent the future of their species.





When it is time to leave the gorillas, we trek back to Lake Bunyonyi, where you can reflect on what is sure to be the highlight of your African adventure. The rest of your time here is at leisure, whilst the rest of our group completes their trek.

Day 6: Kampala

Location: Kampala

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Lake Bunyonyi - Kampala. Leaving the mountain gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi behind, we return to Kampala, skirting around the northern edge of Lake Victoria. Our tour arrangements come to an end on arrival back in the city late afternoon / early evening.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.

  • Accommodation

    5 nights camping in 2-person dome tents are included.

  • Tour Crew

    The tour is escorted by a licensed 2-person crew.

  • Transportation

    Transportation is provided in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment.

  • Sleeping Arrangements

    A sleeping mattress is provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.

  • Road Tolls and Taxes

    All road tolls and vehicle taxes are included.

  • Chimpanzee Trekking

    Queen Elizabeth National Park chimpanzee trekking with expert guides is included, subject to payment of permits.

  • Gorilla Trekking

    Bwindi National Park gorilla trekking with expert guides is included, subject to payment of permits.

What's Not Included

  • Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit

    The non-refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit costs USD $935 per person and must be paid at the time of booking in addition to the deposit.

  • International Flights and Visas

    International flights and visas are not included.

  • Airport Transfers

    Airport transfers are not included but can be booked on request.

  • Tipping

    Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.

  • Sleeping Bag

    A sleeping bag is not included; please bring your own.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities are not included, and prices are listed in the Trip Notes.

Age Policy

18 and over. Anyone over 65 to complete a Tour Suitability Form.Maximum age 75. 

Mode of Transport

Travel in a 24-seater overland truck equipped with camping and cooking gear, ensuring a comfortable journey through Uganda's diverse terrains. All road tolls and vehicle taxes are included, making for a hassle-free adventure.

Accommodation

Enjoy 5 nights of camping in 2-person dome tents, providing a close-to-nature experience amidst Uganda's stunning landscapes. A sleeping mattress is provided, but guests are required to bring their own sleeping bags for added comfort.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides 5 nights of camping in 2-person dome tents. A sleeping mattress is included, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.

  • What is the group size for chimpanzee trekking in Queen Elizabeth National Park?

    Chimpanzee trek permits are issued in groups of up to 8 people per group by the wildlife authority.

  • What should I expect during the gorilla trekking experience?

    During the gorilla trek, you will hike for 30 minutes to 6 or 7 hours into Bwindi National Park, depending on the gorillas' location. Once located, you will spend around an hour observing them from a safe distance. It is important to keep quiet, stay low to the ground, and follow the guide's instructions for safety and the welfare of the gorillas. Photography is allowed without flash.

  • Are there any additional costs for the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits?

    Yes, there is a non-refundable Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit fee of USD $935 per person, which must be paid at the time of booking in addition to the deposit.

  • What activities are available at Lake Bunyonyi when not trekking?

    When not trekking, you can take a boat trip to some of Lake Bunyonyi's islands, go bird-watching, visit a local village, or hire canoes to paddle on the lake.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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