Gorilla Express - Adventure Trip

Itineraries

This tour starts in Uganda, you can meet us on Friday morning in Entebbe or Friday evening in Kampala. However on Saturday we depart 7am and journey west past the towns of Masaka and Mbarara, passing Lake Mburo. Along the road side we will see large herds of the famous Long Horned Ugandan cattle some with horns 2 metres in width. The countryside is green and lush.
This day we will arrive at Kabale and take a short detour to camp on the shores of Lake Bunyoni (one of Africa’s deepest Lakes). At Lake Bunyoni Overland Camp the atmosphere is peaceful and tranquil with lawned areas sweeping down to the lakeside, on which you can pitch your tent. The edges of the lake have prolific bird wildlife

In the morning of Day 2 Lake Bunyoni is dead calm and you can hire a dug out canoe to take a morning cruise. Later that afternoon those opting for the Gorilla Trek transfer to the town of Kisoro. The journey is very scenic. We arrive at the town of Kisoro in Western Uganda and it is here that we base ourselves for trekking to view the Mountain Gorillas. Transport and permits will be organised for the next day to trek in either Rwanda, Uganda or DRC, depending on budget. For those not trekking then short walks around some local lakes can be arranged with local guides. The evening we stay at a local hotel and dine in the local restaurant.

Without doubt for some the main highlight of this tour is to trek in search of the Mountain Gorillas, however it is entirely optional. Trekking in the dense rain forest to view these creatures in their natural environment has to be one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on the planet. Day 8 of our tour is allocated for the Gorilla trek. Our prefered National Park for Gorilla trekking is that of Parc National de Volcanos in Rwanda. However Djomba is the most popular with our clients. The permits are cheaper and the Gorilla groups much larger, a better visit is had at Djomba in the DRC.The day of the trek starts early as we are transported to the park gates in small pick-ups, once the de-brief is over we find ourselves accompanied by 2 guides, 2 trackers, 2 slashers (to clear the vegetation) and several armed security guards. Each party is made up of 8 trekkers and the park rules are that you can only spend 1 hour in close contact with the Gorillas, however it usually takes several hours to pick up the trail of the previous nights nest before we find ourselves sat within a few feet of these creatures.

This day we will return across Uganda to Kampala for an evening camped once more at the Blue Mango backpackers. The day is long but the route very scenic the day is broken with stops en route for tea stops and lunch stops. Plenty of time to review our Gorilla trek photos.

Those opting to white water raft the Nile are transfered from Kampala this morning to the source of the Nile. The overland truck follows later that afternoon to a camp on the banks of the River Nile, Africa’s largest river. Some say a visit to Uganda would not be complete without experiencing this mighty river and the best way to do this is by rafting its source. This is optional but well within everyone’s capability and is a thrill seeking day out. However for those not rafting there are opportunities to do guided village walks, giving introductions to hut building, Matoko! making and Banana Wine brewing. ...

This day is now a designated voluntary day, whereby you can help in local community projects, activities include, teaching class, joinery, painiting and building work. Clients agree this is one of the hidden highlights of this tour and most rewarding. Its your chance to give a little to Africa.

This day is a free day for rest and relaxation by the pool. Or instead take the opportunity to do another community day or guided village walk along the river, giving introductions to hut building, Matoko! making and Banana Wine brewing. The choice is yours

This day is the designated transfer day back to Entebbe for your onward flight.