Wishlist
Uganda - Primates & Predators
Uganda, the "Pearl of Africa," is considered one of the most beautiful countries in Africa. Uganda is situated where the savanna of East Africa meets the volcanic mountains, rainforests and the waters of Lake Victoria. It is where the (White) Nile pushes its way through Murchison Falls. If time permits, spend more time in this beautiful country.
One of the most awe-inspiring experiences in Africa is visiting with the Mountain Gorillas. This journey centers on the gorilla trek. Travel into the lush forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to view a gorilla family at close range. Watch as the Silverbacks play with their teenagers and babies cling to their mothers. You will amaze at how very much like us they are. It is the one species that you will feel a real connection. A trek can be from one to four hours and at altitudes over 7500 feet above sea level. Once the family is located, observe them for approximately one hour. Then trek back down to base camp after one of the most fascinating days of your life!
Uganda is more than just gorillas - time permitting, visit more of the country.
- Chimpanzee Encounter – Kibale Forest and Kyambura Gorge are home to chimps. The primates are tree dwellers and extremely playful. Sightings are more of a distance than gorillas.
- Big Four Safari – Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a premier "Big Four" safari featuring lion, elephant, leopard, and buffalo. Key highlights include Kazinga Channel boat trips for hippos and crocodiles, plus chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge.
- Cultural Interactions – home to over 50 ethnic groups from the Batwa pygmies near Bwindi to the Karamojong in the northeast part of the country, travelers can engage directly with the locals and learn about their music, dance and local traditions.
ACCESSIBILITY
Arrangements can be made for all those who wish to see the gorillas. Gorilla tracking is physically demanding, especially for those with physical challenges. Seeing the gorillas is still possible. We can pre-arrange for what is called a "sedan chair" that porters will carry you into the gorilla sighting. Carriers are available in Rwanda and Uganda, but the chairs tend to be more comfortable in Uganda.
GORILLA FAMILIES & PERMITS
Gorilla trekking permits are highly regulated with approximately 1,050 mountain gorillas left in the wild. Of that, there are approximately 40 habituated gorilla families in Uganda and Rwanda that can be visited. Permits require booking months in advance, especially for the high demand seasons (June-August, December-February).
Gorilla Trekking - Rwanda or Uganda? - Insider's Guide
RWANDA GORILLA TREKKING (VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK):
- Trekking Difficulty: Generally considered less physically demanding, with steeper slopes in places but more established, clearer paths due to the foliage in the area. Rwanda's bamboo slopes are often easier to hike than Uganda’s dense terrain. Trekking is generally done at higher altitudes (7,800 ft +). The terrain in both areas is cleared as best possible by park rangers.
- Permit cost: current rate of $1,500 each.
- Accommodations: high-end luxury properties
- Rwanda best for those with limited time, prefer not to fly and prioritizing high comfort.
- Access: Beautiful drive from Kigali, only requiring 2-3 hours.
UGANDA GORILLA TREKING (BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK):
- Trekking Difficulty: Terrain is denser than Rwanda with thicker forests, but as in both Uganda and Rwanda, park rangers clear paths as best as possible. Trekking is at a lower average altitude of 3,800-8,500 feet.
- Permit cost: current rate of $800 each for foreign non-residents.
- Accommodations: More choices available than Rwanda - mid to high end.
- Uganda best for those looking for more of selection in accommodations. Also, for those wanting a more immersive, deep-jungle experience and would like to visit with chimps in their natural habitat. Add a possible stop at Queen Elizabeth National Park for encounters with predators and elephants.
- Access: Travelers general fly from Entebbe to base camp unless visiting other parks in Uganda. Straight drive time is 8-10 hours.
Consensus:
Uganda is best for those who may want to visit other safari areas. With permits less and required flights - cost can come up about the same as Rwanda. Trekking and families are just about the same. Rwanda would most likely be recommended for those with real concerns about the heavy brush terrain.
Highlights
- Choice of Accommodations
- Private Guide and Safari Vehicle
- Small Group on Mountain Gorilla Trek
- Personal Porters
- Trek through the rain forest to view the chimps
- Best country to see over 20 different primate species
- Queen Elizabeth National Park - Lion, Leopard, Elephant, and Water buffalo
- Game drives in the shadows of the Rwenzori Mountains
- Catch a glimpse of the Ishasha's Tree Climbing Lions
- Cultural village visit
- Internal flight included as stated in itinerary.
Journey Rates & Details
Rates displayed represent starting prices for the categories shown. Under the Born Free flexible “Choice of Accommodations” option, prices are estimated and can be dynamically scaled up or down to align with your specific requirements.
| 2027 Travel | Gold | ||||||||
| Late June-October | $10,800 |
| Gorilla Trek Permit | $800 per person per trek | ||||||||
| Golden Monkey Permit | $200 per person per trek | ||||||||
| Chimps Trek Permit | $100 per person per trek |
