One of Africa's greatest wildlife experiences, a safari trekking rare chimpanzee and mountain gorillas in the misty mountains of Central Africa, where the last few surviving mountain gorillas may be seen. Time to admire the lush Kigezi Highlands of southwest Uganda - the Switzerland of Africa - dotted with patches of tangled rainforest, picturesque lakes, friendly villages and rural landscapes.
This tour includes Gorilla and Chimp Trekking. This is paid at the time of booking - please see supplements for pricing.
Day 1. Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park Highlights. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda.
We are on the road early today travelling through the lush rolling hills of the Ugandan countryside. Passing through farmland we may see herds of the Ugandan Ankole cattle as we make our way to our camp a short distance from the Queen Elizabeth National Park.Day 2. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Chimpanzee Trek Highlights. Chimpanzee Trek, Kyambura Gorge, Uganda.
Entering the park itself this morning, our drive takes us through the park to the Kyambura Gorge and we may be lucky enough to spot some game along the way.Day 3. Queen Elizabeth National Park to Lake Bunyonyi Highlights. Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda.
Travelling through the picturesque hills and lakes of the region we can easily see why the country is called the 'Switzerland of Africa'.Day 4. Lake Bunyonyi, Gorilla Trek Highlights. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Mountain gorillas.
Departing on our trek into the jungled slopes of the nearby mountains we head off in search for the endangered mountain gorilla.Day 5. Lake Bunyonyi
Today is a free day at leisure to explore the area, possibly discover the islands on a boat or enjoy some of the activities that are on offer.Day 6. Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala Highlights. Equator.
Our short adventure comes to an end today as we travel back through to Kampala.In Kampala’s leafy suburbs away from the hubbub of the city centre, this backpackers and campsite is set in secure rambling gardens where vervet monkeys can be spotted in the trees. Within walking distance to local shops and markets, and taxis can be arranged to take you into central Kampala. Rooms – dorms, doubles and singles with shared bathrooms, limited en suite rooms available, camping (in own tent or tents can be hired), and some cottages suitable for groups or families. Facilities – restaurant and bar, lounge with satellite TV, internet, kitchen, plunge pool. Transfers are available from the Airport by pre-arrangement
* Suggested pre and post tour accommodation can be booked together with your tour. Please enquire at the time of booking.
In Kampala’s leafy suburbs away from the hubbub of the city centre, this backpackers and campsite is set in secure rambling gardens where vervet monkeys can be spotted in the trees. Within walking distance to local shops and markets, and taxis can be arranged to take you into central Kampala. Rooms – dorms, doubles and singles with shared bathrooms, limited en suite rooms available, camping (in own tent or tents can be hired), and some cottages suitable for groups or families. Facilities – restaurant and bar, lounge with satellite TV, internet, kitchen, plunge pool. Transfers are available from the Airport by pre-arrangement
* Suggested pre and post tour accommodation can be booked together with your tour. Please enquire at the time of booking.
Additional Info
PRE TOUR ACCOMMODATION:
This tour departs Kampala early on day 1; we strongly recommend therefore that you plan to arrive at least the day before departure to overcome any jet-lag and to acclimatise to Africa. We would be happy to book pre-tour accommodation for you – please call or email us (or speak to your agent) with your arrival details and accommodation requirements. However please book early to avoid disappointment and the risk of having to find more expensive (or less convenient) lodgings.
If time allows, we also suggest planning a night or two extra (after your tour) to make the most of this part of Africa. Your Tour Leader can help with post tour accommodation if required and there are a variety of activities and excursions in the Kampala area that you can arrange locally. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can pre book your accommodation at the time of booking your tour.
ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS:
These are optional activities that are booked during your holiday and paid directly to the provider while on tour. These options offer a variety of experiences and allow you the freedom to decide what activities you would like to do.
GORILLA AND CHIMPANZEE TREKS & PERMITS:
The Uganda Wildlife Authority imposes strict regulations regarding the gorilla trekking permits. One of these is that permits must be booked and paid in advance. In order for us to do this we must collect your permit fee, in addition to your normal deposit, at the time of booking. Like your deposit, the permit fee is not refundable if you cancel your tour. The Gorilla and Chimpanzee permit currently (January) costs between US$780.00 - US$800.00 per person. Please ask your agent or Acacia for the equivalent amount in your own currency. On rare occasions, subject to permit availability, we may purchase trekking permits to view the gorillas in neighbouring Rwanda. Please take the above itinerary as a guideline only. This applies to day 4-5 of this tour.
ACCOMMODATION:
We use 2-person dome tents with fly sheets, sewn-in ground sheets, zip-up insect screens and foam mattresses. We mainly use campsites, which usually have reasonable wash and shower facilities, electricity points and sometimes even a small shop, bar or swimming pool.
TRANSPORT:
24-seater, self contained, custom-built safari vehicle with onboard tables, plug sockets, freezer, water tank, library, safety features and 70-litre individual lockers.
GAME PARK VISITS:
In order to maximise the quality of game driving and to comply with local authority rulings, some of our National Park visits and game viewing is carried out using services provided by local African ground handlers. As well as enhancing our experience using local guides and smaller vehicles it also allows us to contribute at a ‘grassroots’ level to local economies from which local people benefit.
TOUR STYLE:
This is a participation tour and your help will be needed in assisting with the various day to day duties, such as shopping, cooking and keeping the Acacia vehicle tidy (usually on a rota basis). But don’t worry it’s not all hard work and it’s a great way to meet the local people and get to know your fellow travellers. Your contribution benefits the success of the tour - most people find the greater their involvement, the greater their enjoyment of the whole trip. Our accommodated tour option travels together with the camping counterpart.
Meals
5 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Accommodation
5 nights camping