Gorilla Trekking - Camping or Lodge Safari

After meeting our guides, we set off on the journey toward Murchison Falls National Park. The Murchison Falls, also known as Kabaraga Falls, are located on the Great Nile (the largest river in Africa) and in Murchison National Park. The park is reputed to be one of the best in all of Uganda. After checking into our accommodation in Masindi, our guide will provide information regarding the activities for the following day. Optional activity: Ziwa Rhino Walk

Today we head to Budongo Forest, the largest mahogany forest in East Africa and home to the largest number of chimpanzees in Uganda. It is estimated that there are about 600 – 700 chimpanzees. After breakfast, we will meet our guide who will take us on a journey through the forest in search of chimpanzees. Additionally, we will take a boat ride through the park. Note: Since chimpanzee trekking is limited to 12 participants per trek, the trekking will be divided into morning and afternoon if more than 12 guests are on the trip. Therefore, it may happen that the boat ride occurs first and followed by chimpanzee trekking, or vice versa. We kindly ask for a little flexibility, as is likely the case on any African trip. Included highlights: Nile River cruise, chimpanzee trekking (half day)

This morning we depart from Masindi and drive to the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Uganda is known for the Queen Elizabeth National Park as the park's biodiversity promises unique safaris. Here, in addition to elephants, buffalos, and lions, you can also encounter the famous tree-climbing lions. Our accommodation for tonight is on a hill, where we have a fantastic view of the idyllic Lake Kikorongo.

Once again, we cross the equator and travel south into the breathtaking landscape of Lake Bunyonyi. With excitement and anticipation, we prepare for the upcoming gorilla trekking for which we will receive an introduction this evening to what lies ahead.

The mountain gorilla is critically endangered, and although the exact numbers vary, it is believed that only about 650 individuals remain. Visiting the gorillas is a great opportunity to improve the future of these fascinating animals on Earth, as the funds generated from the permits are used for their protection. An extremely important part of the future protection of the remaining gorillas lies in community development - when local communities change their attitude towards wildlife and begin to protect rather than poach them, the future of mountain gorillas is secured. Since permits for visiting the gorillas are extremely limited, we must be flexible with both the itinerary and the choice of location where we visit the gorillas. The homeland of the mountain gorillas knows no human-drawn borders, and their distribution area extends over Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Whenever possible, we use the national park in Uganda, but it depends on the availability of permits. If we do not receive permits for visiting the mountain gorillas in Uganda, we will inform all participants in advance that the tour will go to Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo. On our free day in Bunyonyi, there is the possibility to participate in some optional activities - or go hiking or explore the area by mountain bike and much more. Optional activities: Gorilla trekking, pygmy visit, Rwanda day tour

Although two days are scheduled for gorilla trekking, one will only spend one day on the trek. The other days are meant to create a sufficiently large time window for obtaining permits and to enable the entire group to go trekking if more than six people participate in this adventure through Uganda. Optional activities: Gorilla trekking, pygmy visit, Rwanda day tour

Today we leave the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi and make our way to Lake Mburo, another beautiful body of water in Uganda. Lake Mburo is located in the Ankole subregion of Uganda, near the town of Mbarara. It covers an area of about 260 square kilometers and is surrounded by gentle hills, open grassland, and patches of forest. It is a paradise for birdwatchers with over 350 bird species. The diverse ecosystems of the park, which include acacia forests, savannas, and wetlands, provide optimal habitats for numerous bird species, including the rare and odd-looking shoebill stork. At Lake Mburo, elands (the largest antelopes in Africa), impalas, buffalo, crocodiles, and hippos also make their home. There are predators such as leopards and hyenas as well, but very few lions.

After breakfast, we head back to Kampala and cross the equator one more time on the way. Our tour ends with the arrival in the Ugandan capital, Kampala.