Gorilla Safari Tour
Duration: 4 Nights / 5 Days
Destinations: Kampala - Kisoro - Lake Bunyoni - Kampala
Day 01 & 02: Kampala to Kisoro
After an early morning departure from Kampala we drive further west on into
the depths of Uganda and arrive at our base in Kisoro.
From our Kisoro base, depending on where the gorilla permits are available,
and where the gorillas are located, we will be viewing them in either the
Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga National Park in
the DRC or at Ruhengeri in Rwanda. Due to the nature of the gorillas and their
habits, viewing cannot be guaranteed. The gorillas themselves can tend to
move around the locality quite a distance and the trek can be quite arduous.
The cost to trek the gorillas differs from park to park and can range from
US$275 to US$375, per 1-hour viewing. There is usually a park entry fee as
well of approx US$15. There is also a cost for the local transport to take
you to & from the starting point to trek the gorillas. This cost is normally
US$10 to US$15 per person. Please note that Africa Travel Co is not in control
of the price of gorilla permits and therefore cannot be held responsible for
any increases in fees levied by the relevant authorities. National parks usually
allow clients who fail to see the gorillas, a second chance to re-trek the
next day if time and availability allows or they may refund your trekking
fee. This is purely at their discretion. Although this is the general situation,
the respective National Parks authorities will not put this in writing to
any tour operator. Again the respective park authorities say that you are
paying to trek the gorillas, not view them. Africa Travel Co is considered
to be the main tour operator within the overland industry and we have a very
high success rate of getting in and actually seeing these magnificent animals.
Please note: This is an optional excursion and visas to the DRC and Rwanda
can be obtained at the border.
The mountain gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Berengei) of whom only about 600 still
exist, is one of our closest living relatives, yet ironically, it is mankind
that poses the greatest threat to its survival. To visit these noble creatures
in there own environment is an experience you will never forget. Accompanied
by a park guide and a bush cutter, we track these gorillas through the rain
forest. The gorilla families have been habituated to tourists and their whereabouts
are monitored daily by the guides and park officials.
It may be necessary to trek for quite a while through the dense forest vegetation
(up to 5 hrs) in order to reach the family designated for your visit.
As gorillas are sensitive to human diseases, the park authorities will not
allow anyone they consider to be in poor health to visit the gorilla groups
and children under 15 years of age are not allowed to visit.
You need not feel that you are exploiting these animals - for years they
have been ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, which have been sold
as souvenir ashtrays and lampshades. In addition, large numbers have been
killed whilst trying to stop poachers stealing babies for sale to zoos, where
they have never lived long. As a result, the ever-growing number of tourists
to see them is an important factor in their survival. The gorilla fees help
to set up and finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas
from poachers and their lethal snares.
Day 03: Kisoro - Lake Bunyoni
A short drive through arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa
brings us to lake Bunyoni. Lake Bunyoni is the deepest crater lake in Africa
and is home to a large number of bird and fish species as well as otters.
Day 04: Lake Bunyoni
Today we have the whole day at leisure to enjoy the beauty of Lake Bunyoni.
There is the option to swim, visit the local villages or just sit back, relax
and enjoy the tranquil surrounds. A well deserved rest day!
Day 05: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala
After enjoying the peaceful surrounds of Lake Bunyoni we drive to Kampala
for another overnight stay, and perhaps the chance to sample the nightlife.
Your trip will end once we arrive back at our accommodation for the night.
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