Travel Deep - Uganda's Gorilla Safari
Uganda - the Pearl of Africa - shines with stunning greenery, deep lakes, soaring mountains and perhaps the greatest natural treasure of all - half the world's last remaining mountain gorilla population. On Marco Polo's gorilla safari, travel deep and directly into the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest to view these incredible, endangered creatures at closer range than you ever thought possible.
Explore Uganda and discover its wild treasures, from the banks of the Nile to the deepest reaches of the rainforest > Cruise up the Nile River to the misty base of Murchison Falls, spotting wildlife on the banks as you float past > Trek the lush, tropical trails of Kibale National Park in search of chimpanzees > Set out on game drives in the wilds of Queen Elizabeth National Park keeping watch for tree-climbing lions > and finally, encounter endangered mountain gorillas under the bio-diverse canopy of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Uganda Gorilla Safari
This safari delivers you directly into gorilla country, lodging in Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp - the only camp located within the Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From this luxurious home base, set off on daily gorilla treks to track down these magnificent mammals at their most natural, a rare sight experienced by only the most fortunate. An even luckier few might see them within the Gorilla Forest Camp itself - there are no barriers - redefining any close encounter you have ever had with wildlife. Beyond the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, cruise up the Nile River to the misty base of Murchison Falls; visit Kibale Forest National Park known for having the highest primate density of any other region on earth; and in Queen Elizabeth National Park, spot plains game, including the rare Uganda kob, Cape buffalo and tree-climbing lions.
Travel small-group or with your private party, departing when you choose and with expert local guides leading the way. As an option, complement any East African safari with a 5-Day Private Journey to Uganda's mountainous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and trek through the bush to experience the thrill of a lifetime: an encounter with wild gorillas in their natural habitat.
Marco Polo Small-Group Itinerary:
DAY 1: arrive Entebbe, Uganda
Arrive in Entebbe and transfer to your hotel on the shores of Africa’s largest lake.
Laico Lake Victoria Hotel
DAY 2: Murchison Falls National Park | The Nile's Jewel
Depart Entebbe and fly to Murchison Falls National Park, one of the most scenic spots along the Nile and the location of the classic Humphrey Bogart film, The African Queen. After settling into your thatched cottage on the banks of the Victoria Nile River, join your guide for a visit to Murchison Falls, where invigorating spray - the collective force of the majestic Nile - pours down on a narrow ravine.
Baker's Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: Murchison Falls National Park | Nile Safari
Today, a game drive takes you along the northern banks of the mighty Nile in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park. You may see giraffes, buffalo, elephants, warthogs, leopards, lions and antelope. This afternoon, embark on a boat cruise up the Nile River to the base of the falls. Watch for hippos, crocodiles, elephants and the many bird species that inhabit the river’s papyrus-lined banks.
Baker's Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: Kibale National Park | Bunyaruguru Crater Walk
After breakfast, board a flight to Kibale and transfer to the dramatic Kyaninga Lodge, nestled on the edge of an extinct volcanic crater lake at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains - where the great Rift Valley meets the mighty Congo Basin. Later, you may take an optional nature walk along the top of the Bunyaruguru Crater.
Kyaninga Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Kibale National Park | Forest of Chimpanzees
Kibale Forest is home to 11 species of primates, including chimpanzees and mangabeys, as well as 300 species of birds and a vast array of butterflies. Rise early this morning for the short drive to the start of your chimpanzee trek. Deep in the evergreen rainforest of Kibale, you will come face to face with man's closest living relative. Kibale forest is the best place in the world to see chimpanzees in the wild. The forest has been frequently used by documentary film-makers, including the great Attenborough. Barks of baboons occasionally pierce the forest silence as you make your way along the trail. This afternoon, you may go on a guided primate walk in the Bigodi Forest swamp.
Kyaninga Lodge - Meals: Breakfastb, Lunch, Dinner
DAYS 6 and DAY 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park | Nature Anew
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to elephants, lions, hippos, buffalo and baboons. Participate in game drives this afternoon and the next day. While exploring, watch above for tree-climbing lions, a sight rarely to be seen anywhere else in Africa. You may also see some of Uganda’s largest elephant herds.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park | Misty Mountains
Set out for a morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. Make your way out of the Rift Valley through the Kigezi Highlands and on to the mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later today, visit Uganda Nursing School Bwindi, a philanthropy-supported project enhancing health care in this remote region.
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9 and DAY 10: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park | Gorilla Encounters
Spend two days tracking endangered mountain gorillas - which share 97.7% of our DNA - spending up to an hour among them each day. See mothers keeping infants close as they knucklewalk on three limbs. Toddlers scamper around and get reined in by an attentive father, whose job is to protect his family. When you look into the eyes of a mountain gorilla, there is no mistaking the bond that exists between primate and man - and no escaping the poignant reminder that these creatures lie on the brink of extinction.
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11: depart Entebbe
Fly to Entebbe and return to Lake Victoria Serena Resort & Spa, where a dayroom awaits until your international flight home.
Laico Lake Victoria Hotel (dayroom)
Meals: Breakfast
Small Group Journeys
August, September, October
Program Note: This journey entails active elements such as hiking through isolated jungle regions.
Program also available as a Private Journey.
in association with
Marco Polo Journeys - Abercrombie & Kent
For Details and Pricing: 800-757-6422