8-Nights Gorillas of Uganda Overland Safari & Participation Camping - Classic

8 nights from: $2,974

Gorillas of Uganda Overland Safari & Participation Camping
Set off on a 9-day wildlife-spotting overland adventure through Uganda. Track endangered mountain gorillas with experienced guides deep in the rainforests of their natural habitat, and view chimps in Kalinzu Forest. Travel comfortably in one of our Landos (overland adventure vehicles) for an unforgettable and affordable way to see the highlights of this country, while wilderness camping to keep you right in the middle of the action.

Highlights
Track mountain gorillas with experiences guides in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Set off into the Kalinzu Forest Reserve in search of chimpanzees in their natural habitat, Choose to raft the White Nile River for an adrenaline filled experience in Jinja, Camp under the many stars of the vast African sky

Accomodation
Camping in East Africa is truly an adventure. You will be able to get off the beaten track to get a first-hand experience of the beautiful wilderness and nature. We stay at designated campsites inside of and nearby the national parks. These campsites generally are very basic, and we carry tents to pitch at the public campsites. The campsites in East Africa are generally good, but basic. Luxury here will mean electricity for charging, warm showers, flush toilets, shelter for eating. Rustic camps have no electricity, simple or no bathing facilities, and squatting long-drop latrines. Expect to see both extremes, though most fall somewhere within that spectrum. All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied, including camp mattresses, which are warm and comfortable. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. They are good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person safari canvas tents. Please note that most adults will not be able to fully stand up inside the tents, though most travellers find these more than adequate, as they have a base area of approximately 4 square meters. These tents are regularly treated with a waterproofing agent, but under certain rainy conditions, the tent fabric may become saturated to the point where seepage or leakage may occur. All tents have built-in mesh insect netting on the windows and doors. We travel with our own portable camp chairs with a comfortable back-rest, and we utilize our own cooking equipment to provide the group good quality camp meals. In camping within the national parks and conservation areas, some camp sites are enclosed for keeping the resident wildlife out. Other camps are open to the natural environment – care must be taken, especially at night, when a torch/flashlight is recommended when walking around the camp area. Despite the challenge that a few days "roughing it" may pose to some, the experience of being that close to nature, camping under the African stars, and seeing incredible wildlife at your tent door-step is not just gratifying but ultimately an experience of a lifetime. Please be note that where we use multi-share accommodations, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic/Standard Travel Style.

Group Leader
On this journey, you will be accompanied on your trip by 2 crew members - a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and a driver. The Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will be the group manager and leader. He/she organizes the trip, and will be there to assist you when needed. He/she will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. All of our CEOs in southern and East Africa are experienced group leaders, with a broad knowledge base of the region’s history, cultures, and wildlife. Your leader will be from either southern or East Africa depending on which part of the tour you are on. All of our overland adventure vehicle (OAV) drivers are experienced in the routes travelled, and highly skilled in dealing with different terrains. All of our cooks will organize and lead the meal preparation, and have experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups. During the gorilla trek, we use an experienced and certified local mountain guide, expert gorilla trackers, and armed guards to accompany us for our safety. We also use local guides for some included activities where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting. Please note that the transfer on Day 9 from Jinja to Kampala is unaccompanied by a CEO.

Group Size Notes
Max 22, avg 20.

Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners

What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: AidChild Cafe & Gallery, Kayabwe
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Jinja.
Guided mountain gorilla trek with permits. Entrance and chimpanzee tracking in Kalinzu Forest Reserve. Tea plantation visit. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Uganda's second-largest city, Jinja is situated where the White Nile leaves Lake Victoria on its 3,470-mi/5,590-km journey to the Mediterranean. There is a small plaque that commemorates the spot where the explorer John Speke claimed he had found the source of the Nile in 1862. Free Jinja Travel
Vacation Package Quote

Jinja Travel Agents

Although the river can be interesting, don't expect much: It's now the site of Owen Falls Dam and is no longer in its natural state. Sunset cruises to the Source are popular.

On the riverbanks, there are some lively campsites and bars, and it is the center for Uganda's burgeoning white-water rafting industry and various other adrenaline-inducing activities. We don't expect Idi Amin would have ever imagined that you could bungee jump over the Nile in Uganda—but you can today. Kayaking is also offered, as is quad biking, horseback riding and ziplining in the villages along the banks of the Nile.

The city, 50 mi/80 km east of Kampala, is an expat haven, and visitors will find juice bars, coffee shops, yacht clubs and community events.