Mountain Gorillas of Uganda Experience - Independent

5 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
This independent trip offers a once in a lifetime opportunity – an encounter with the endangered mountain gorilla. Spending time with these fascinating and remarkably humanlike creatures is truly an experience to savour. Starting in Entebbe, discover the rich wildlife arena that is Lake Mburo National park. Then venture into the dense jungle of Bwindi Impenet...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Wake up to spectacular views of the forest canopy during a 2-night stay in chalets at buhoma lodge in bwindi impenetrable national park.
    • Come face-to-face with rare mountain gorillas on the ultimate wildlife adventure.
    • Trek through the world heritage-listed forests of uganda and spend an unforgettable hour in the presence of these majestic, gentle and contemplative creatures.
    • Straddle both hemispheres with a visit to uganda’s equator line.
    • Discover the diverse animal life, five lakes and impressive landscapes of lake mburo national park.
    • Spend an unforgettable night in a small and intimate camp in lake mburo. spacious permanent tents are raised on wooden decks with large bedrooms, en-suite facilities and verandahs overlooking the lake and valley.

What's this trip about?

    This independent trip offers a once in a lifetime opportunity – an encounter with the endangered mountain gorilla. Spending time with these fascinating and remarkably humanlike creatures is truly an experience to savour. Starting in Entebbe, discover the rich wildlife arena that is Lake Mburo National park. Then venture into the dense jungle of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where a rigorous hike yields the ultimate reward. Independent Experiences Independent travel, without the stress. Peregrine’s Independent Experiences are a range of short packages that you can add to other Experiences or as an extension to a longer tour, to craft your perfect holiday itinerary. Independent Experiences are for 1-3 travellers, depart daily and offer the back-up of Peregrine, our local offices and expert resident guides.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 4 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityEntebbe
End CityEntebbe

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Safari

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Uganda

Attractions

  • Entebbe

Activities

  • Culture

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Day 1 Entebbe - Lake Mburo
Welcome to Uganda. This Independent Experience starts at Entebbe airport where you will be met by our local representative and transferred to Lake Mburo National Park. Please make sure that you arrive in time for an 11am departure. If you are planning on staying in Enteb...
Day 2 Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
This morning you’ll enjoy an early breakfast, leave the national park and continue on to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (approximately 6 hours), your base for the next two nights. Your lodge here combines excellent local hospitality with seclusion in this enchanting wilderne...
Day 3 Gorilla Trek - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
A short morning drive takes you to the park headquarters, where you’ll be briefed on the gorilla trek by the Uganda Wildlife Authorities. The 330 square kilometre Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was declared a World Heritage site in 1994 because of its incredible biodiversity...
Day 4 Entebbe
All good things must come to an end and so must this short safari with a return to Entebbe (approximately 8 hours). This is broken up by a stop along the way to have a picnic lunch. You will arrive this evening at your hotel in Entebbe. Maybe take the option to celebrate this memorable experience with a final dinner with the group.

Day 5 Entebbe
This trip comes to an end after breakfast. You can depart at anytime today for your journey onwards. Note: A departure transfer to Entebbe Airport is included. Please ensure you have given your flight details to your booking agent approximately 15 days prior to departure.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,360
Price per day$872
Last Updated: 3/18/2020

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Peregrine Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Peregrine Adventures Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
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Other Peregrine Adventures Reviews

T

Tania

Mar 2020

Written on
Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

Good impression overall

My first trip with this agency, and I will not hesitate to recommend it to friends and family. The right mix of planned activities and free time. Good central locati...

R

Ruth

Mar 2020

Written on
Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

very reasonable

Thank you to Tucan Travel for early cancellation notification of June tours to Africa and the response, which is very reasonable. Even if matters improve by then, ar...

J

Jane

Apr 2020

Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

Expect I'm not the only one

they are 'fair weather friends' I did not receive so much as an email advising of changes in the cancellation policy, discovered when I contacted them to cancel. I n...

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Tour Operator

Peregrine Adventures

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It’s been more than 36 years since our first small group set out to discover Nepal. It’s this heritage and our reputation that keeps travellers coming back time and time again.

We appeal to the well-travelled, discerning traveller. The one who chooses value over price, and wants to immerse themselves in a place instead of just ticking landmarks off a bucket list. The type of person who would rather stay in a family run B&B built in a 16th century Venetian convent than a forgettable hotel. We’re for travellers who want inclusions along the way instead of fiddling around for loose change.

Almost 20 years ago, Peregrine led an industry revolution by solely employing locally born leaders. This innovative approach gives our travellers a deeper insight into the countries they visit. Doorways are opened and a true understanding of the place is fostered.

At Peregrine, we travel in intimate groups and take the time to get under the skin of a destination. Of course we all want to see the Taj Mahal in India. But imagine then heading to a remote Rajasthani village and learning about rural life while in the company of locals. Seeing the famous sites is a must, but it’s often the memory of wandering through a small village or sharing dinner with a local family that will leave a lasting impact.

We promise to share our knowledge and expertise with you, and ensure you will come home with stories you will tell for years to come.

Why we love this operator
Since their founding in 1977 by trekkers exploring Nepal, they’ve maintained a strong connection to local culture and the “traveler spirit”.
What they’re known for
Immersive experiences that prioritize value, authenticity and adventure over luxury touches for older travelers.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Safari lodge (2 nights),Comfortable hotel (1 night),Permanent Tented Camp ( 1night),

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle
Guides
INDEPENDENT EXPERIENCE This is an ‘independent’ trip. You will have a local Peregrine guide for each activity (but not while on transport between each Experience if you booked several). As the name suggests, this is not a group trip, so it is just you (and your travelling companions if you booked with a friend). You will have 24/7 support from your guide and our local office.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Visa requirements
PASSPORT As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. UGANDA: Arriving by Land (visa on arrival): If arriving into Uganda by land it is best to either obtain a visa on arrival and pay in cash, or, obtain the East Africa visa on arrival at Nairobi airport. This is due to the Ugandan land borders not having the appropriate facilities to process the E-Visa which can result in very long delays. The cost only arrival is USD$50 cash only. (Please note, Uganda only accepts USD bills dated 2006 or newer and in excellent condition). E-Visa if Arriving by Air: The E-Visa can be obtained at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. You will be required to upload a clear copy of your current passport, Yellow Fever vaccination certificate and a passport photo. You can choose to pay for your E-visa on arrival or online. If paying on arrival, on completion of the online application you will receive a barcoded email notification that you can print take with with you to Uganda. If you choose to pay on arrival you must present the barcoded email at the entry point. The cost is USD$50 cash only. (Please note, Uganda only accepts USD bills dated 2006 or newer and in excellent condition). EAST AFRICA TOURIST VISA The East Africa Tourist Visa allows for travel between Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda with the same multiple entry visa. The East Africa Tourist Visa is a multiple entry visa and is valid for 90 days. The visa costs USD100 and is the best option for passengers travelling to all 3 of the countries. For those arriving in into Kenya first, the only option to gain this visa, is on arrival at the Nairobi airport. At the airport you will need to complete the regular Kenya visa form and clarify you want to pay the extra USD$50 for the East African visa. Please ensure they provide you with all 3 visas. This can only be paid in USD, EUR or GBP cash. * This is the best option for travellers wanting to do a day excursion to Kisoro, Uganda into Rwanda * If beginning your trip in Rwanda, you can apply through the Rwanda Online Visa Application System. Under "Type of Visa" select "East Africa Tourist Visa." If you're visiting Kenya and Uganda only, and arriving into Kenya via Nairobi Airport and crossing into Uganda by land, we recommend an E-visa for Kenya, and a visa on arrival for Uganda (paid in cash), as these are the most efficient options. See below for further details.
Health & Safety
It is recommended that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information prior to your departure. Peregrine strongly recommends the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Please leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Most of our hotels will have a safety deposit box, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. A specialist guide will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While the guides will endeavour to assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and Peregrine makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your specialist guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING CONDITIONS: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Be aware that traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. SWIMMING POOLS: You may stay at hotels with unfenced pools and no life guard on duty. UNFENCED SITES: On some trips where you will be staying within a national park, please note that at times you may be staying in unfenced sites. While this is a fantastic experience, there are a few safety rules that must be adhered to. While staying in national parks it's important that you listen to any advice given by your leader/guide and the park rangers regarding responsible and safe behaviour. BALCONIES: Some hotel balconies don't meet UK standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in the western world or from your home country and not all the transport which we use provides seat belts. FIRE PRECAUTIONS Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. BALCONIES Some hotel balconies don't meet western standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! SEAT BELTS Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PICK POCKETING & PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking at night and encourage you to walk in groups and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. WATER SAFETY Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water. TRAVEL ADVICE & TRAVEL INSURANCE We recommend that you check your government's advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. BILHARZIA Bilharzia is a parasitical disease which is usually spread by swimming in contaminated water. It can be assumed that the infection is present, to a greater or lesser extent, in almost all water sources, but most especially in shallow reedy waters in the vicinity of villages. Although the adult parasites do not themselves cause a great deal of harm, after about 4-6 weeks they start to lay eggs, which triggers an intense but usually ineffective immune response, the symptoms of which can include fever, cough, abdominal pain, and an itchy skin complaint known as safari itch. After a while the symptoms settle down and the patient is left with a sense of feeling tired all the time.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Finish point Laico Lake Victoria Hotel Entebbe Entebbe UGANDA Phone: 256 414 351 600
Trip ID
peregrine-PFUGX

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