Tour Desription

This trip starts in Kampala, Uganda and travels south through Uganda into the DRC finishing back in Kampala.

Trekking in the Virungu Mountains in the Parc de Volcans in the Democratic Republic of Congo in search of the mountain gorilla is one of the most memorable experiences that will stay with you forever. Once found you can sit meters away from these magnificent endangered creatures. A visit to see the gorillas will help to ensure their continued survival in their natural habitat.

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.

ITINERARY

Please note that this trip departs Kampala on a ThursDay, very early morning. Should you wish to spend extra time there an earlier arrival should be planned and additional accommodation can be booked through us.

Departure Point: Red Chilli Hideaway, Plot 82, Sunderlnd Ave, Mbuva, Kampala
Departure Time: 05h00

We suggest that you arrive in Kampala the Day before your trip departs and book pre night accommodation for yourself, as we depart around 05h00 on Day 1. You crew will be at the departure point the night before departure to meet you.

Days 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. (B, L, D)

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. Please note that we are 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. We are 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 to 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.