GORILLA TREK & WILDLIFE SAFARI

~ UGANDA ~

JUNE 3 - 12, 2027

NOW REGISTERING!

Experience Uganda’s untamed beauty on an extraordinary 10-day safari—trek with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, encounter white rhinos at close range, and seek out the Big Five across sweeping savannas. Immersive, exhilarating, unforgettable.

REGISTER NOW

NOW REGISTERING!!

JUNE 3 - 12, 2027

$5,579 per person for double occupancy (single occupancy upgrade: $1,297). MAX GROUP SIZE IS 16

A $1,500 non-refundable deposit holds your spot. Travel insurance is required. 

Almost everything's included in your Uganda Gorilla Trek & Wildlife Safari, from all domestic transportation, boutique accommodations, excursions, and all meals as outlined in the itinerary. 

*Space is limited, as are gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits, which are limited in number and issued strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. REGISTER NOW.

 

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ITINERARY

Uganda is the primate capital of the world. Join us on an adventure into the heart of Africa and discover why Lonely Planet calls it “Africa condensed.” We’ll see white rhinos, elephants, hippos, and more, then trek into the jungle to spend time with chimpanzees one day and gorillas the next. It’s a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience unlike any other.

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and then transfer to the hotel for an overnight. Uganda, uniquely known as “the Pearl of Africa,” is a nation of stunning greenery, deep lakes, soaring mountains, and rich biodiversity.

Overnight at: Karibu Entebbe (4.8* on TripAdvisor) or similar             

Meal plan: Bed and Breakfast

After breakfast, your Ugandan adventure begins with a scenic drive northwest to Masindi and Murchison Falls National Park, where rolling acacia savannah in the north meets lush tropical forest in the south. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a guided nature walk at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a successful breeding project that reintroduced endangered white rhinos to Uganda, giving you the rare opportunity to observe them on foot in their natural habitat.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll continue to the park, visiting the top of Murchison Falls to witness the Nile surge through a narrow gorge. A game drive en route to your lodge offers your first taste of wildlife viewing before check-in, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Total drive time: 6-7 hours. 

Overnight at: Twiga Safari Lodge (4.9* on TripAdvisor) or similar

Meal plan: Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast

Today, enjoy an early morning game drive across the northern banks of the Nile in Murchison Falls National Park, where open savannah reveals giraffes, buffalo, elephants, warthogs, antelopes, and, with luck, lions and elusive leopards.

In the afternoon, cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, drifting past pods of hippos, sunbathing crocodiles, elephants along the shoreline, and a vibrant array of birdlife before witnessing the dramatic surge of water through the narrow gorge.

Overnight at: Twiga Safari Lodge (4.9* on TripAdvisor) or similar

Meal plan: Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast

After your breakfast at the Lodge, you will embark on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest Park,
which is home to some 13 species of primates, including the red colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and L'Hoest's monkeys, as well as 70 mammal species.

Optional Activity – Crater Lakes Hike:
Explore the stunning crater lakes near Fort Portal, formed by ancient volcanic activity. This rewarding hike winds through local villages and lush tea plantations to the shores of serene lakes, with the majestic Rwenzori Mountains providing a breathtaking backdrop—one of Uganda’s most peaceful and picturesque landscapes.

Drive time: 2 hours

Overnight at: Bweza Kibale Lodge (4.9* on TripAdvisor) or similar

Meal plan: Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast

After breakfast at the lodge, set out on a guided chimpanzee tracking experience through the forest trails of Kibale National Park. Watching habituated chimpanzees feed, groom, and swing through the trees is an exhilarating and unforgettable wildlife encounter. Later, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed reserve rich in birdlife, lush vegetation, and diverse wildlife—an inspiring example of tourism supporting local social and economic development.

In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural village walk in Bigodi tailored to your interests. Visit a traditional healer to learn about local herbs and medicinal plants, step inside family homes to hear stories about birth, marriage, clan traditions, and daily life, and gain insight into the history and challenges of this rural Ugandan community. Time permitting, you may also visit a local school, church, and the Bigodi trading centre—the vibrant heart of village life.

Overnight at: Bweza Kibale Lodge (4.9* on TripAdvisor) or similar

Meal plan: Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast

This morning, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a diverse reserve known for its elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos, and baboons. Enjoy a boat cruise along the 32-kilometer Kazinga Channel, famous for having one of the highest concentrations of hippos in the world. You’ll also spot crocodiles, buffalo, and other wildlife gathering at the water’s edge, along with an impressive variety of birdlife.

Later, head out on a game drive before continuing to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Total drive time: 2.5 hours

Overnight: Aardvark Safari Lodge (4.9* on TripAdvisor) (or similar
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast

After breakfast, journey into the scenic western highlands toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, your base for gorilla trekking in the heart of the rainforest. True to its name, Bwindi’s dense, ancient forest is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Beyond its renowned gorilla experiences, the park also shelters chimpanzees, several monkey species, forest elephants, small antelope, and an exceptional variety of birdlife—including 23 of Uganda’s 24 Albertine Rift endemics, such as the African green broadbill and Shelley’s crimsonwing.

Drive time: Approximately 4 hours

Overnight: Gorilla Leisure Lodge ( 5.0* on TripAdvisor) or similar
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast

This morning, enter the lush rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. The activity begins at 8:00 a.m., when a small group of no more than eight guests follows experienced ranger guides in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family assigned by permit. Bwindi is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas—about 420 individuals—but the time required to locate them can vary. Once found, you will spend one magical hour observing their behavior and taking photographs. Be sure to carry your packed lunch and sufficient water; local porters are available to assist if needed.

Later in the day, visit a Batwa (Pygmy) community to learn about their traditional forest-based way of life. The Batwa once lived alongside the gorillas in the forest, and this cultural visit offers meaningful insight into their history and heritage. 

Dinner and overnight at the lodge includes a specially-arranged, exclusive presentation by Uganda’s Gorilla Doctors, where you’ll learn firsthand about the veterinary care, conservation efforts, and daily challenges involved in protecting these endangered mountain gorillas.

Overnight: Gorilla Leisure Lodge ( 5.0* on TripAdvisor) or similar
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast 

Your adventure continues with a stay at Lake Mburo National Park. Covering 371 sq km, this park is an extension of the Tanzanian plains and features wildlife distinct from other Ugandan parks, including Eland antelope, zebras, topi, impala, and Acacia-dotted landscapes. The park’s five lakes attract hippos, crocodiles, and a rich variety of water birds, while the surrounding swamps shelter black and yellow papyrus gonalek. Enjoy a game drive before returning to your lodge for an overnight stay.

Drive time: Approximately 4 hours

Optional Activities: Horseback safari or cycling safari.

Overnight at: Kigarama Wilderness Lodge (4.9* on TripAdvisor) or similar

Meal plan: Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a walking safari in the park, experiencing its wildlife and landscapes up close. We will stop at the Equator, where you will be able to stand in both hemispheres simultaneously, arriving in Entebbe just in time to catch your outbound flight to your next destination. 

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

End of tour

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Here's a sneak peak at what you can expect.

(This footage was shot with my iPhone)

 

CLAIM YOUR SPACE

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"I feel so filled up after that trip. It truly was a trip of a lifetime."

Cassidy Ulvestad

"I love traveling with you because of the vibe your tribe has.
It's all heart and joyful energy!"

Susan Klosinski

"Thank you for organizing and introducing me to so many wonderful, like-minded people."

Carol Jardine

"Thanks for another wonderful adventure!"

Jan Cloutier

"I'm so happy you enjoy organizing these trips. Because I love going on them with you!"

Susan Chase

"Where are we going next? "

Laura Croson

"I totally enjoyed traveling with everyone. I am so looking forward to the next adventure. I already started my vacation fund for the next trip, wherever that my be."

Pat Garrard

"The trip was amazing and I am grateful to have been a part of it."

B. Dundee

"Another AMAZING yoga retreat! You really are spectacular at organizing trips and making it so fun for everyone!"

Jan Clouter

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Mid-range, boutique (3 & 4*) accommodations

  • All excursions and meals (per itinerary)

  •  All ground transportation in a comfortable safari vehicle with a pop-up for easy viewing of wildlife

  •  Gorilla trekking fees of USD $800

  •  Chimpanzee trekking fees of USD $250

  •  Rhino tracking fees of USD $60

  •  Visit to FIVE national parks, including Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Lake Mburo National Park

  • Visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary 

  •  Bigodi nature walk and cultural experience

  • Batwa (pygmies) cultural experience

  • Visit to the Nile River and the top of Murchison Falls 

  •  Walking safari in Lake Mburo

  • Exclusive boat trips in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park

  • Visit to the equator

  • Full-time service of an English-speaking guide/driver

  • Park entry fees and game drives

  • Airport transfers

  • Drinking water while on safari (however, it is advisable to bring your own refillable water bottle and refill each night at our accommodations)

  • International airfare and other travel costs to get to and from Uganda
  • Visas and vaccinations costs
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any expenses of a personal nature
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary inclusions
 

The cost of this all-inclusive, once-in-a-lifetime, immersive experience is $5,579 per person at double occupancy.

(The single occupancy upgrade is an additional $1,297).

*A $1,500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits, which are limited in number and issued strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.

WHAT IT TAKES TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT:

1. Click on the REGISTER NOW button and complete the registration form.

2. Pay the $1,500 non-refundable deposit.

3. A second installment of $1,500 is due September 30, 2026.

The final payment is due March 3, 2027.

Please note that credit card payments incur a 4% processing fee, which is not included in the quoted cost. For your convenience, we also accept Zelle with no additional fee.

All monies received are non-refundable. Travel insurance is required. 

SPACE IS LIMITED TO 16, OR UNTIL TREKKING PERMITS ARE SOLD OUT.

  • Nature-lovers
  • Animal-lovers
  • Photographers
  • Experience-addicts
  • Adventure-lovers
  • Anyone who has or has not traveled with me before.

The accommodations have been thoughtfully selected with comfort in mind. While they are not positioned as five-star luxury properties, each lodge offers an intimate, boutique atmosphere that reflects the unique charm of Uganda. All of our accommodations are exceptionally well reviewed, holding ratings of 4.8 or higher on TripAdvisor and 4.5 or higher on Google.

If you prefer a more luxurious five-star experience, I would be happy to arrange that for you. Please note that this option would be tailored privately rather than in a group setting—unless you are traveling with your own group, in which case I would be delighted to assist with those arrangements as well.

Visitors to Uganda must obtain an e-Visa online before travel, carry a passport valid for at least six months with one blank page, and show a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Tourist visas covering Uganda can be applied for via Immigration.go.ug. Have your e-Visa printout ready upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, and be prepared to show proof of accommodation, itinerary, and sufficient funds. Visa fees are $50 for tourists; overstaying incurs a penalty of about $30 per day. Apply at least two weeks before travel to avoid delays.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is remarkably safe and carefully managed, making it an accessible and rewarding experience for travelers. Guided by highly trained, knowledgeable rangers and trackers, each hike follows strict park regulations designed to protect both guests and the gorillas. Health and safety briefings are provided before every trek, and groups are kept small to ensure close supervision and minimal impact on the animals. From well-maintained trails to prompt support from park staff, your adventure is supported every step of the way so you can focus on the awe-inspiring experience of seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat with confidence and peace of mind.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is absolutely achievable — even for travelers in their 60s and 70s. In places like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, guides tailor the trek to your ability, and porters are there to lend a hand when needed. Many older adventurers complete the experience every year — and say it’s one of the most unforgettable moments of their lives.

All permits must be purchased in advance and are non-refundable. Therefore, the deposit and all funds received are non-refundable. Travel Insurance is required.

Our tour operator for this journey is Katella Uganda Safaris, a highly regarded, women-owned local company rated 4.9 on both TripAdvisor and Google. I personally traveled with them in June 2024 on my first visit to Uganda and had a wonderful experience.

In Uganda, working with a trusted local operator truly elevates the trip. Experiences like gorilla and chimpanzee trekking require advance permits and careful coordination, and travel often involves remote areas with variable road conditions. Katella manages all logistics — from securing permits and providing professional driver-guides and reliable 4x4 vehicles to making real-time adjustments when needed — ensuring a seamless, safe, and enriching adventure.

Beyond the practical details, their local expertise adds depth, insight, and meaningful cultural connection. In Uganda, a strong on-the-ground partner doesn’t just organize the trip — they make it smoother, more immersive, and far more rewarding.

 
    
 
 

Given the full itinerary with early morning treks and game drives, yoga sessions cannot be guaranteed, but every effort will be made to include them whenever possible.

That's what I'm here for! Email me at [email protected], or call me at 407-383-4196. Unless I'm traveling, I'll get back to you within 24 hours.

"A truly once-in-a-lifetime encounter—a moment that takes your breath away and gives you back your spirit"

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