Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original

Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original

tourhub | Intrepid Travel | Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original | YGAU
tourhub | Intrepid Travel | Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original | YGAU tourhub | Intrepid Travel | Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original | YGAU

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 tourhub | Intrepid Travel | Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original | YGAU

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 tourhub | Intrepid Travel | Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original | YGAU

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 tourhub | Intrepid Travel | Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original | YGAU tourhub | Intrepid Travel | Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original | YGAU tourhub | Intrepid Travel | Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original | YGAU | Map
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4 Days From

$3385

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Take a Short Break Adventure to Uganda and embark on a journey to meet one of the world's most endangered species – the noble mountain gorilla. Encounter Uganda's birdlife, frogs and butterflies while hiking through the thick jungle with an experienced local tracker in search of these amazing creatures. The first glimpses of mountain gorillas will be sure to capture your heart – a just reward for a challenging trek. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Trek through mountainous forest terrain in search of a gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Gorilla permit is included) and spend an unforgettable hour watching them play!

  • Enjoy a game drive through Lake Mburo National Park and look out for antelope, zebras, impalas, buffalo, leopards, hyenas and jackals.

  • Take an optional excursion to Mikozi Village and explore the Ugandan countryside, visit the local markets, speak with a traditional Ugandan healer and have a drink or at the local bar.

  • Have the option to purchase a second gorilla permit, doubling your experience of watching the great male silverback in the wild!

  • Visit Kampala and stop at the nearby equator for an iconic photo.

Itinerary

tourhub | Intrepid Travel | Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original | YGAU | Route Map

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Day 1: Kampala/Lake Mburo

Location: Lake Mburo National Park

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Lodge

Meals Included: Dinner

Ki kati! Welcome to Uganda. Your adventure begins at 09:00am at our joining point hotel. We then make our way to Lake Mburo National Park ( approximately 270km, 3hrs ).

The flora of Lake Mburo National Park is acacia woodland, different to most other parks in East Africa, which means its fauna is also different to other reserves. It's the best place in the country to see the gigantic eland antelope and has about 68 different species of mammals including zebras, impalas, buffalo, leopards, hyenas and jackals. There are five lakes within the park which are home to hippos, crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds, while the papyrus swamps provide cover for the sitatunga antelope and red, black and yellow papyrus gonalek. This small park is less well-known among tourists so it's much quieter than some of the more famous East African parks.
This afternoon we take a game drive through the park before settling into our accommodation in Mbarara for the night.

Included Activities:
-Lake Mburo National Park - 4x4 Game Drive ...more ...less

Day 2: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Location: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we rise early and make our way towards Bwindi Impenetrable forest ( approx. 3hrs ). Famous for its remarkable biodiversity, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to many endangered species including roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.

The afternoon is free to check out some of the local sights. The optional village visit takes you to Mikozi Village. Here become acquainted with the Ugandan countryside, visit the local markets, speak with a traditional Ugandan healer and enjoy a drink or two at the local bar before returning to your lodge in Rushaga.


Optional Activities:
-Rushaga - Village Visit
-Rushaga - Waterfalls visit - Free

Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you travel into to Bwindi Impenetrable forest to see the mountain gorillas. There's a maximum group size of 8 on each gorilla visit and only 24 gorilla trekking permits available each day. Visits are strictly controlled to minimise the possibility of disturbance or transmission of disease to the animals.

Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable and may reach altitudes of almost 2000 metres above sea level. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid, but the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours - up and down hill. We can usually get very close to the mountain gorillas, who are placid and gentle, and watching their movements is like seeing a mirror image of yourself. Once a trekking group encounters one of the gorilla families, your visit with the gorillas will last one unforgettable hour. Afterwards retire to your lodge and soak up the incredible views.

Included Activities:
-Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek

Day 4: Kampala

Location: Kampala

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is a long travel day as we make tracks back to Kampala stopping along the way to take pictures at the equator and enjoy a picnic lunch.

This tour ends at our finish point hotel at approximately 4pm. No accommodation is included tonight. If you would like to stay longer, we can book your post-tour accommodation at our finish point hotel if required. If you are planning to fly out tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 9pm to allow for any delays.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Lodge (3 nights)

  • Meals
    3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

  • Lake Mburo National Park - 4x4 Game Drive

    Enjoy a game drive through Lake Mburo National Park in a 4x4 Safari Vehicle.

  • Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek

    Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with a mountain gorilla permit included.

  • Support for Gorilla Doctors

    By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support Gorilla Doctors, helping care for injured mountain and Grauer's gorillas.

What's Not Included

  • Post-tour Accommodation

    No accommodation is included on the final night in Kampala.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as the village visit in Rushaga and the waterfalls visit are not included.

  • Gorilla Trekking Age Requirement

    There is a minimum age of 15 years for the gorilla trekking.

  • Non-refundable Deposit for Gorilla Permit

    An additional non-refundable deposit is required to secure a gorilla permit.

Included Activities

  • Lake Mburo National Park - 4x4 Game Drive
  • Bwindi National Park - Mountain Gorilla Permit & Trek

Transport

  • 4x4 Safari Vehicle

Accommodation

  • If you require a Sleep Apnea Machine to sleep please ensure that it is battery operated. Lodges and Permanent Tented Camps are often powered by generators which are turned off during the night.

Important Information

  • 1.There is a minimum age of 15 years for the gorilla trekking.
  • 2. This trip requires an additional non-refundable deposit (AUD 1000, USD 1000, EUR 800, NZD 1250, GBP 650, CAD 1000, ZAR 8000, CHF 900) in order to secure a gorilla permit. We also require a scanned copy of your passport at time of booking. Please see 'Passport and visa' section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
  • 3. This trip starts in Kampala/Lake Mburo on Day 1 at 9am. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore Kampala/Lake Mburo. This trip finishes upon arrival in Kampala on Day 4. Please do not book any flights until 9pm this evening.

Mode of Transport

Travel through Uganda in a 4x4 Safari Vehicle, providing a comfortable and adventurous journey through the national parks and forests.

Accommodation

Lodges and Permanent Tented Camps are often powered by generators which are turned off during the night, so ensure any necessary equipment is battery operated.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    Trekking to find the gorillas can be a challenging and long hike.

    You will spend only one hour with the gorillas. There is an option to pre-purchase another gorilla permit to visit the gorillas for a second time on Day 2. However this will result in an altered itinerary. Lake Mburo will be replaced with an additional night in Bwindi.

    Day 4 is a long travel day as you head back to Kampala.

    On Short Breaks, you maintain a good level of independence and freedom, with the added bonus of having the details sorted out for you. You’ll have lots of free time and you won’t be accompanied by a Trip Leader. This means that all included activities and tours will be run by different local Intrepid partners, and these may operate independently from each other. The included activities and transfers will operate on a join-in basis, which means that you could have your Adventure all to yourself, or others may join you along the way. If you would prefer to travel in a group with a dedicated Trip Leader, just get in touch with your booking agent and they will take you through some alternatives.     ...more ...less

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍 ...more ...less

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon! ...more ...less

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic. ...more ...less

john whelan (Google Reviewer)  

We booked the 10 day...

28-Feb-2025

We booked the 10 day Group Explorer package with them for Vietnam and Wow !!! . It was fantastic. We were initially a bit anxious, but that all settled after day one. There is a fair bit of travelling and moving involved, but we'll woth it as you get to see and experience loads .Our Guide Huy was brilliant and looked after us really well from local knowledge to restaurants and tour information and activities . It's worth doing folks with intrepid . Well done, keep up that standard of service. ...more ...less

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong ...more ...less

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X ...more ...less

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure! ...more ...less

Declan Curry (Google Reviewer)  

I have recently completed the...

07-Feb-2025

I have recently completed the Premium India In Depth tour. A most wonderful introduction to this amazing continent. From the Taj Mahal to Tigers 🐅 in the wild , dining whe the locals eat and a couple of meals with families was a great way to embrace the people and their culture. Magnificent architecture,be it Forts or Shrines. The most informative and inspiring of guides was great to have with us. Mumbai to Delhi and 6 more cities plus A Safari included. Best trip to experience India 🇮🇳. Prepare to have all your senses assaulted . Go for it. ...more ...less

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best. ...more ...less

D' ARTICULATE (Google Reviewer)  

They offer some great deals...

11-Jan-2025

They offer some great deals and group travel itineraries without the flights but will include them if needed by the traveller ; leaving one to choose a more personal holiday stance or exploration & time schedule too. Neat!

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Friday - Monday

Mar 21, 2025 - Mar 24, 2025
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Saturday - Tuesday

Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025
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Mar 23, 2025 - Mar 26, 2025
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Monday - Thursday

Mar 24, 2025 - Mar 27, 2025
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Mar 28, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025
$3385 (USD)

Saturday - Tuesday

Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025
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Sunday - Wednesday

Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 02, 2025
$3385 (USD)

Monday - Thursday

Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 03, 2025
$3385 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original

4 Days Starting and ending in Kampala, Uganda

Visiting: Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kampala ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

YGAU

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Safari Tours, Small Group

Interests:

Eco Conscious, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Walking

From: $3385 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 13-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

Not what you're looking for?

People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Wildlife tours in Uganda Wildlife tours Tours in Uganda Safari tours Walking tours Eco Conscious tours Small Group tours Adventure tours

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