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Location
UGANDA & RWANDA

Details
10 DAYS FROM 15000 PP

Best time to go
YEAR ROUND

RWA St Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Trekking Tourist Marian Galovic

Classic Gorilla Conservation Safari

A unique opportunity to track the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Led by experienced gorilla trackers and guides, this safari will take you face to face with several habituated gorilla families, giving you the chance to observe the behaviour of these captivating creatures in their natural environment.

What to expect

Entebbe - Queen Elizabeth National Park - Ishasha

After arriving into Entebbe, you will be transferred to your flight to Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, leopard, lions, hippos, buffalo, Uganda kob, baboon, and many species of birds. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise on the Kazinga Channel, with spectacular views of the beautiful Mweya Peninsula and life in local fishing villages, as well as good opportunities for spotting wildlife. Explore Ishasha, in the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This unspoilt and 'off-the-beaten-track' destination comprises a diverse range of habitats, from deep forest to vast savannah. Set off shortly after sunrise across the acacia studded plains to encounter elephants, large herds of buffalo, leopard and the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gorilla Tracking

A three hour drive through scenic country will bring you to Bwindi Forest National Park, considered the most diverse forest in Uganda. Home to over 120 mammal species, 345 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies and 160 species of trees, Bwindi is one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa, and also contains almost half of the world's population of the endangered Mountain Gorilla. Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a real once-in-a-lifetime experience! You will be accompanied by experienced guides and trackers on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest on the mountain slopes. The mountain gorillas in Bwindi are part of a worldwide population of just 700. The gorillas you are allowed to track belong to one of three habituated family groups. For up to five years each, these groups have undergone an extremely delicate process that has gradually brought them to tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day and allowed a few privileged visitors to interact with them in the wild. Please note that gorilla tracking may be fairly strenuous, with treks ranging from 30 mins to six hours or longer.

Volcanoes Gorilla Tracking

From Bwindi, you will set off on a drive through the 'Little Switzerland of Africa' along winding mountain roads and through rural villages to reach the border of Rwanda, Kisoro. On a clear day the Virungas, a row of massive, dormant volcanoes, can be seen standing sentry along the border. Cross over the border and continue on to your next base for gorilla tracking. Today will be spent tracking the world famous mountain gorillas of Rwanda. The gorillas you will track belong to one of ten habituated family groups. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park where you will be allocated your gorilla family, before setting off on your gorilla tracking adventure. You will be accompanied by experienced guides, many of whom have been involved in the habituation process themselves, who will use their knowledge of the gorillas' habits to determine the group's whereabouts.

St Rwanda Akagera Giraffe Shutterstock Hein Myers Photography

Talk to a Gorilla Specialist Today

Why book this trip?

  • Track endangered mountain gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda.
  • East Africa game viewing including the chance to see elephants, buffalo, leopards and the tree climbing lions of Ishasha.
  • Take a boat cruise along the stunning Kazinga channel, host to a varied range of animals and birds.
  • Enjoy the scenery of Uganda and Rwanda in the company of your fellow travellers.
RWA St Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Trekking Tourist Volcanoes National Park Karenfoleyphotography

Accommodation Highlights

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Ishasha Wilderness Camp consists of 10 Meru Style tents located on the banks of the Ntungwe River and providing access to a host of game viewing including the famous tree climbing lions. Each tent has en-suite bathrooms with hot bush showers and eco-friendly toilets. Ishasha Wilderness Camp is the perfect place to stop on the way to track the gorillas of Bwindi.