19 days East Africa. 19 days
Basically covering East Africa with a free balloon Safari, no better Safari like this if you need total exposure, adventure & thrill of East Africa. It can not get any better with this affordable Safari.
The climax of the Safari is in the last three days, Gorilla trekking in Uganda`s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Us, Hermosa tours and travel we take you for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which covers an area of 321 sq km and is among the oldest forests lasting over 25,000 years. You will be able to trek one of the 12 habituated mountain gorilla groups.
Besides the Gorillas, you will also have an opportunity to see other primates such as the red-tailed monkeys, chimpanzees, baboons, black and white colobus monkeys among others. This forest is also home to 120 mammals, 51 reptiles, 310 butterfly species, 27 species of frogs, geckos, chameleons, 163 tree species, 104 fern species, 1000 flowering plants, as well as over 350 species of birds such as the hornbills and the Turacos!
Gorilla trekking takes around 2 to 8 hours, which is worth it as those into hiking will have a great time climbing up and about the rolling hills, and going through the lush vegetation.
3: Departure back to Kampala/Entebbe
Detailed Itinerary
Day 17: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You will be picked up by our guide from the airport/your hotel in Entebbe/Kampala/Kigali after early morning breakfast at 07:00hrs. You will be briefed about the whole safari before you travel to Bwindi Impenetrable which is found in the southwestern part of Uganda. Along the way, there is a local drum and craft-making community so you will have a visit here.
Then a stopover at the Equator to take photos, also feel free to buy some crafts and souvenirs as you head to Mbarara town where you will have your lunch from. Thereafter, proceed to Bwindi whereby you will arrive in the late afternoon. Check-in at the lodge, relax in the evening and have dinner.
Day 18: Gorilla trekking- Bwindi Forest
After early morning breakfast, drive to the park headquarters where you will be briefed by the park rangers about what to do and not to do while in the park, also you will be divided in a group of 8. After continue and start off gorilla trekking these gentle giants as directed by the rangers.
This is a memorable and amazing experience watching the Mountain gorillas feed, play around, and also do their day to day activities. This activity can take 2 hours or even up to 8 hours since its dependent on the location and movement of the gorillas. Also, expect to walk long distances in muddy and steep conditions- this will require you to have a walking stick. On meeting the gorillas you will spend one hour with them as you take photos.
Later, return back to the lodge and in the evening you may choose to relax at the lodge or visit the Batwa community which will expose you to their culture based on how they live, dance, and also hearing stories concerning their culture which will leave you amazed. Have dinner and overnight.
Day 19: Departure back to Kampala- Airport
Have an early breakfast, Check-out leaving the “Switzerland of Uganda” behind and start your journey back to Kampala passing through rolling hills with terraces and also you will have a great time viewing the lush vegetation of the different areas you will go through. Have lunch in Mbarara and another stop will be at Mbambire drum makers point. After buying some of these drums, continue to Kampala arriving late afternoon. The guide will drop you off to the hotel or at the airport to catch your flight back home.
Accommodation Options; Mahogany springs/Chameleon Hill/Silverback lodge/Buhoma lodge(Luxury), Gorilla Mist Camp/Bakiga Lodge/Ichumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge(Midrange), Ruhija Gorilla friends camp/Rushaga Gorilla Camp(Budget)
END OF SAFARI
Tour inclusions
- Gorilla permits
- Accommodation(Full Board)
- Touring and Photography
- Transport in a 4WD vehicle
- Driver/Guide(English speaking and professional)
- Drinking water
More information about this 3 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari & the Park.
Bwindi is among Uganda’s most exciting national parks and a place you can’t leave out while on a Ugandan safari. It is famously known as a home to a big number of Mountain gorillas basing on the world remaining population. About 750 gorillas are remaining and half of this number has its home in Bwindi. Also, other primates such as chimpanzees are found here though rarely seen. This is the same story with other animal species like the forest elephants, antelopes among others. The park is located in Southwestern Uganda just near the escarpment of the Western rift valley
The word “Bwindi” means “darkness” and when you get the opportunity of walking through this forest you have will get to know why it called such a name. The forest is gifted with a stream of water which is a beautiful place, and also waterfalls are found as you trek through impenetrable forest. Trekking doesn’t require any skills but physical fitness is always required as there are a lot of steep mountains to climb p and about looking for these gentle giants. Above all there is nothing as adventurous and thrilling as going for gorilla trekking!
Also, tourists will have other species to see in the park apart from the gorillas such as different bird species (over 350 found in the park), tree species, butterflies, frog species among other things. The Gorilla trekking permit goes for $600 per person and if one is interested in Gorilla habituation each permit goes for $1500 per person. Tracking Gorillas in the mighty Bwindi is a dream come true for various tourists.
The Birds in Bwindi
About 350 bird species are found here but only 23 species are Albertine rift endemic species and also about 14 other species are not recorded in other parks and Uganda as a whole. Different birds that can be found here include; Collared Apalis, the Handsome Francolin, African Broadbill, Cinnamon Chested Bee Eater, and the Western Green Tinkerbird.
The Climate & Weather for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
The Parks altitude varies as it ranges from 1,190m-2,607m above sea level. Though, about 60% of the park is at an altitude of over 2000m above sea level. The total annual rainfall received ranges between 1,400mm and 1,900mm. Note that more rain is received in the months; March and April.
Gorilla trekking (tracking) in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is always the most amazing and interesting part while on Ugandan safari. And because of that Sir Winston Churchhill was never wrong to call Uganda ‘the pearl of Africa’. Also, the country is stable politically of which gorillas can be tracked in any area of the park.
Read some of our Hermosa Reviews
OVERVIEW
- Peak Season $8,700 Per Person Sharing.
- High Season $8,500 Per Person Sharing.
- Low Season $8,200 Per Person Sharing.
Note: Price of safari varies depending on the standard of accommodation. Accommodation can be upgraded or downgraded to suit your needs and budget
ITINERARY
- Nairobi – Samburu
Depart Nairobi in the morning and drive through central Kenya and north across the equator to Samburu National Reserve arriving Samburu Serena Lodge/Shaba Sarova Lodge in time for lunch. An afternoon game drive is in place. Samburu National Game Reserve is situated on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in Northern Kenya. This means that there is plenty of water, trees, and shade to attract wildlife like; The big five the surrounding savannah plains. he Uaso Nyiro River’s magnificent displays are the long and huge Crocodiles, which exceed six meters (20 feet) from snout to tail (Amazing sight there) Dinner and overnight at the Samburu Sopa Lodge/Sarova Shaba Lodge. Approx Transit time: 5½ hrs.
- Explore Samburu
Full day in Samburu, a beautiful and game abundant park, home to rarely found species such as the Beisa Oryx, Grevy’s Zebra, Blue-necked Somali Ostrich, and Reticulated Giraffe. Morning and afternoon ‘Spice’ game drives, with a visit to a local Samburu village. Other optional activities include camel riding, guided nature, and bird walks. Overnight at Samburu Sopa Lodge/Sarova Shaba Lodge.
- Samburu - Mountain Lodge
Depart Samburu after breakfast and drive to the lower slopes of Mt. Kenya/Aberdare Ranges arriving at Serena Mountain Lodge/Ark Lodge/Treetops Hotel (tree hotel) in time for lunch. Relax in the afternoon as you watch a game from the balconies of the lodge, with an optional guided nature walk. Overnight floodlit game viewing. Dinner and overnight at the tree hotel. Approx Transit time: 3 hrs.
- Mountain Lodge - Lake Nakuru
Depart after breakfast and drive to the floor of The Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park making a brief stop at Nyahururu Thomson Falls. Arrive at Lake Nakuru Lodge in time for lunch. An afternoon wander game drive in the Park is planned for today. Lake Nakuru is famous for the presence of up to two million Flamingos, seasonally feeding on the abundant algae. Besides the flamingos that the lake is famous for, there are approx 400 other species of birds visiting the lake. In addition, many species of game can be found in the Park including the introduced Rothschild’s Giraffe, Black and White Rhino, Waterbuck, Reedbuck, Lion, Buffalo, Leopard, Baboon and many species of plains game. Dinner and overnight at the Lake Nakuru Lodge. Meal plan: {B, L, D} Approx Transit time: 3 Hours
- Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara National Reserve
Depart Lake Nakuru after breakfast in the morning and drive further along the floor of the Rift Valley to Masai Mara Game Reserve, arriving at Mara Sopa Lodge or Mara Simba Lodge in time for lunch. Afternoons wonder game drive. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Meal plan: Approx Transit time: 6 hrs
The famous Masai Mara Game Reserve is our destination today. Known for its density of animals including the Big Five and 453 species of birds, it is one of the most visited reserves in Africa. This National Reserve’s plains are predominantly open savannah, interspersed with patches of acacia woodland, and along the Mara River, riparian forest.
Whilst game viewing is excellent in the Mara all year round, the most popular time to visit is in late July into August where over one million Wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of Zebra migrate from the Serengeti. The dramatic river crossings are a gruesome spectacle of survival of the fittest.
- Masai Mara National Reserve
Two full days in Masai Mara, Kenya’s most popular game sanctuary where you will have the best opportunity of spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant). Morning and afternoon game drives with an optional visit to a local Masai village. All meals and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge or Mara Simba Lodge.
Optional activities:
-Balloon ride: US$ 500 per person
-Visit a Maasai village: US$ 20 per person
- Masai Mara National Reserve.
This will be a full day in the wild with a packed lunch, you will unearth Masai Mara
- Masai Mara – Nairobi
Depart Masai Mara in the morning and drive back to Nairobi arriving approximately 1300hrs. Lunch on own/afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Nairobi Safari Club. Optional dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant. Approx Transit time: 6 hrs
- Nairobi - Amboseli National Park
Depart Nairobi in the morning for Amboseli National Park arriving Amboseli Serena Lodge/ Oltukai Lodge in time for lunch. The Park is famous for its big game and great scenic beauty whose entire landscape is dominated by Mt Kilimanjaro. An afternoon ‘Spice’ game drive is planned for today. Dinner and overnight at the Amboseli Sopa LodgeApproximate Transit time: 4 hrs
- Amboseli Discovery.
Early morning pre-breakfast ‘Spice’ game drive at 6.30 am when you have the best chance to see Mt. Kilimanjaro. Return to the lodge for late breakfast. The rest of the morning is at leisure. A visit to a Masai Village is planned for this day. An afternoon ‘Spice’ game drive will follow then return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Overnight at Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
- Amboseli - Lake Manyara (Tanzania)
Early morning breakfast at the lodge, checkout and proceed to the border between Kenya and Tanzania, where you will meet up with our Tanzania counterparts, change driver/guide and vehicle and proceed to Arusha for lunch. After lunch, continue on to Lake Manyara National Park for dinner and overnight at Lake Manyara Hotel or Kirurumu Tented Camp. Approximate Transit time: 5 hours to Arusha and an hour to Manyara.
- Lake Manyara – Serengeti
Morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park dotted with exotic trees such as the Giant fig, Baobab and Mahogany and is famous for tree climbing Lions. Depart after lunch for Serengeti Serena Lodge.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge Approx transit time: 4 hrs
- Exploring Serengeti
Full day in Serengeti on morning and afternoon incredible game drives in the rolling grasslands studded with wildlife for as far as the eye can see the Park. Meals and overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge.
- Serengeti - Ngoro ngoro creator
A morning incredible game drive in Serengeti, breakfast then depart after lunch for Ngorongoro Crater via Olduvai Gorge for a brief visit of the museum. Overnight at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge/ Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. Approx transit time: 3 hrs
- Ngorongoro creator
After breakfast, descend into the Crater floor with picnic lunch boxes for a comprehensive incredible game drive. Return to Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge for dinner and overnight.
- Ngorongoro - Arusha - Nairobi – Kampala
Depart after breakfast and drive to Arusha for an early lunch at Impala Hotel, then board an afternoon AirKenya flight back to Nairobi (1400hrs – 1445hrs). Connect with a Kenya Airways flight to Entebbe where you will be met and assisted. Transfer to Africana Hotel for dinner and overnight on half board.
- Kampala Bwindi Impertenable
An early morning start from Kampala takes you southwest and across the Equator. You drive through Savannah grasslands seeing banana plantations and herds of Ankole cattle with their incredibly long curving horns. You then ascend into the Kigezi highlands, known as the “Switzerland of Africa”, with terraced farming and mountain scenery. Drive through to the gorilla sanctuary. Overnight at the Camp/Lodge.
- Bwindi Impenetrable
An early rise being the best time to enjoy the beauty and freshness of the forest, home of the mountain gorillas. After a short briefing by the guides, proceed through dense bush to trek for these endangered animals. Other primates living in the forest include the black-and-white Columbus monkey, red tail monkey, and chimpanzee. Return to your Lodge/Camp, dinner and overnight
- Bwindi - Nairobi, Kenya
After breakfast, drive back to Kampala with en-route lunch at Lake View Hotel in Mbarara. Transfer to Entebbe Airport for your Kenya Airways flight back to Nairobi. Connect with departure flight back home at night
COST
$8200 Per Person
We cater for the below:-
- Round trip transportation (Pick up and drop off to/ from your Nairobi Hotel.
- Game viewing in custom made Mini- Safari cruiser/overland truck.
- High altitude game viewing at the tree lodge.
- Multi-lingual Professional Safari Guide/Driver..
- Guaranteed departures for two or more passengers booking this safari.
- 3 meals a day while on safari
- Bottle water while on safari.
- All Game Park fees.
- A visit to an authentical Samburu Village or a Masai Village.
- Gorilla tracking permit for a single tracking
- Local flights as indicated on the itinerary
- International airfares.
- Personal expenses such as telephone calls, email, laundry, beverages or meals not indicated in the itinerary, Porterage and wait staff gratuity.
- Optional activities
- Bush walks,
- Night game drives and extensions.
- Christmas, New Year and Easter Supplements.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Vaccinations, personal taxes (including departure and border taxes)
