5 Days Gorillas and White Water Rafting safari, Source of the Nile

OVERVIEW

5 Days / 4 Nights

Our 5 Days Gorillas and White Water Rafting Safari combines gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda with the magnificent white water rafting experience on the River Nile in the Eastern district of Jinja, Uganda. Jinja is popularly known for being the source of the River Nile – the longest river on planet Earth. The Safari then takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where you will have a chance to trek one of the habituated families of mountain gorilla. This trip can as well start from Bwindi and end in Jinja.

ITINERARY

Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide at Entebbe Airport depending on your flight time and transfer you to Kampala for your overnight stay. Depending on the traffic situation of the day, you may pass through the city center for a brief city tour (not included in the cost and optional) before proceeding to your overnight accommodation property.

Drive time: Approximately 1 hour

Lodge: Kampala Forest Cottages or Fairway Hotel Kampala

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Morning/Transfer

After breakfast, you will drive to the Eastern town of Jinja for your magnificent Uganda adventure experience. This journey will take you through Mabira forest, a tropical rain forest in central Uganda. You will also see lush tea and sugarcane plantations plus several roadside markets

White water Rafting

Upon arrival at Kalagala Falls, you will start your white water rafting on the Nile river experiencing the thrill of navigating through rapids and enjoying the scenic views

Evening

You will embark on your vehicle and transfer to Kampala for relaxation followed by dinner and overnight

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Lodge: Kampala Forest Cottages or Fairway Hotel Kampala

Drive time: 2 hours one way
Morning/Transfer

You will depart from your hotel in Kampala and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park located in Southwestern Uganda with a stopover at the Equator crossing at Kayabwe for some informative talk, photography and some experiments and later proceed with the journey to Bwindi

Afternoon

You will have a stop in Mbarara town for Lunch. After lunch, you will then drive through the rolling Green hills marked with beautiful Banana and Tea plantations passing through towns of Ntungamo and Kabale.

Evening

You will arrive at the lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and welcomed, check-in at the lodge for relaxation dinner and overnight

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Lodge:

Basic: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge/Bakiga Lodge.

Mid range: 4 Gorillas Lodge/Gorilla Leisure Lodge

Luxury: Buhoma Lodge/Gorilla Heights Lodge/Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

Drive time: 8-9 hours
Morning/Briefing

After breakfast, with your packed lunch, you will transfer to the Park Headquarters for registration at 7: 45 am. You will then join other trackers for briefing about the Dos and the Don’ts during your Gorilla Tracking.

Trek and Observation

You will be driven to the starting point of your allocated gorilla family to start your trek into the beautiful Impenetrable Bwindi Forest. You will trek through thick creepers and undergrowth with your guides to find the Gorillas. This trek may take between 30 minutes to three quarters of the day, depending on where the Mountain Gorillas will be found. The steeply forested landscape, is incredibly dense but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. It is an extraordinary feeling being with these beautiful yet Endangered Creatures. Please noted that gorilla trekking can be strenuous and as such a certain level of fitness is required. Once you find the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend one hour to observe them and take photographs. Although this time may seem too short, the experience you get will be worth it.

Evening

You will return to the park headquarters where you will be awarded a certificate in recognition of your effort in contributing to the conservation of these endangered mountain gorillas and then drive back to the lodge for relaxation and overnight

Note: Even if you are unfit, arrangements can be made for the locals to use a ‘helicopter’ to get you to the point where the gorillas are. This cost is not included. So, you can let us know in advance then arrangements can be made.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Lodge:

Basic: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge/Bakiga Lodge.

Mid range: 4 Gorillas Lodge/Gorilla Leisure Lodge

Luxury: Buhoma Lodge/Gorilla Heights Lodge/Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Morning/Transfer

After your morning breakfast, you will receive packed lunch and embark on your vehicle for your return journey to Entebbe or Kampala

Afternoon:

You will have a stop in Kayabwe at the equator for lunch and photography and then proceed your journey to Entebbe or Kampala

Evening

You will be transfered to Entebbe International Airport for a- late departure out of Uganda or your booked hotel in Entebbe or Kampala to end the tour

Drive Time: 8-9 hours

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Gorilla permits: We encourage you to book gorilla permits in advance so that we secure your trekking spot. Gorilla permits are served on first come first serve at Uganda wildlife Authority. Please contact us so that we book them for you.

Cost of the gorilla permit: The gorilla permits in Uganda cost USD800 for Non-Foreign residents, USD700 for East African Foreign Residents, USD500 for Rest of Africa Residents and UGX300,000 for East African Citizens, cost applies for trekking in Both Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park

Gorilla trekking Regions: Bwindi has 4 gorilla trekking sectors namely Buhoma, Ruhaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija. We shall book for you accommodation in respect to the permits location.

Physical Fitness: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can be physically demanding, a certain level of fitness will be required, please ensure you are in good health and have a certain level of fitness before you leave your country.

Packing List: Please ensure you have comfortable walking/ hiking shoes that can handle the terrain in Bwindi, a rain Jacket, gloves, Camera, Binoculars,

Age Limit: The Minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years and above, please ensure all travelers are aged 15years and above.

Accommodation Options: Please choose the accommodation that suits your budget, Bwindi has all options of Budget, Midrange and Luxury.

Means of Transport: You can opt to fly or drive to Bwindi, Flights take 1-2 hours, and driving takes 8-9 hours drive to Bwindi. For budget clients, we recommend use of safari vans, then others can opt for Safari Land Cruisers. All vehicles are comfortable with enough leg room, AC and are driven by our professional driver guides.

Best time to visit: Bwindi can be visited all year round for gorilla trekking, The most prefered time is June to September, December to February because they are the drier months of the year.

Gorilla trekking Regulations: Uganda Wildlife Authority has rules and regulations to adhere while on your gorilla trek.

Chances of Seeing the Gorillas: The chances of seeing gorillas are 98% because there are trackers who follow the movement of gorillas on a daily basis, they communicate to the Park guides and you walk in the direction they are.

Choose a gorilla family: You can choose your preferred gorilla family of the day of the trek, if you prefer a close/ easy trek due to your fitness level, please request it and communicate to your guide.

Gorilla Habituation experience: Bwindi has an option of spending 4 hours with the gorillas called gorillas habituation, the is only possible when you book a gorilla permit that costs USD1500 for Non- foreign residents, USD1000 for East African Residents, and UGX750,000 for East African Citizens

Other activities: There are several activities you can do in Bwindi namely Birding, Batwa cultural experience, Nature walks, Community visits. All these can supplement your gorilla trek in Bwindi.

Trip cost estimate: The cost of the 3day gorilla tour ranges from USD1300 to USD2860 per person, based on your travel style which is Budget to Luxury. The cost Includes gorilla permit, accommodation, Meals, transport, and all services.

About Bwindi: Bwindi impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site, with half of the worlds gorilla population, it has more than 20 Habituated gorilla families in regions of Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo.

PRICING PER PERSON

1 Person	USD 3,155
2 Persons	USD 2,385
3 Persons	USD 2,180
4 Persons	USD 2,080
5 Persons	USD 2,020
6 Persons	USD 1,980

Cost Includes: Airport transfers, game drives, boat cruise, transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle, fuel for the round trip, services of an English-speaking driver guide, all park entry fees, and drinking water in the vehicle.

Cost excludes visa fees, and all expenses of personal nature such as drinks, tips, or simply anything else not included in the itinerary.