Gorillas, Chimpanzees and More in Uganda
Results of a census released in June 2018 suggest the world’s population of mountain gorillas is on the rise. Over 1,000 of these gentile giants are now thought to live in the mountains of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. More than half of these gorillas can be found in the lush mountains of southwest Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Trekking to spend time with them is a wildlife experience like no other, and Uganda is the perfect destination to embark on this remarkable African adventure.
Two new gorilla families have just been successfully habituated in Uganda, bringing the total number of families in the country’s trekking program to 17. Gorilla families can be visited once daily for one hour, with no more than eight participants in each group (outside of the guiding team). Starting at US$3240 / CA$3990. Goway’s 6-day Gorilla Express package is perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their short time in Africa. In addition to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, travelers will visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to Uganda’s tree climbing lions, hippos, and more. The package includes arrival meet and greet, airport transfers, domestic flights, 5 nights of accommodation, park fees, one gorilla trekking permit per person, meals, and a community visit.
Gorillas are not the only primates awaiting travellers in Uganda. In Kibale National Park, more than 1,400 chimpanzees roam the forest, alongside a robust population of birds, butterflies, and 13 other primate species including the L’Hoest’s Monkey, Blue Monkey, Bushbaby, and East Africa’s largest population of the threatened Red Colbus Monkey. Chimpanzee trekking is vastly different to gorilla trekking as the chimp families are larger, louder, and can cover a lot of land in a short amount of time. Trekking groups may even encounter several families during their time in the forest. One hour is allotted with the chimps once they have been located. Starting at US$5839 / CA$7591 per person, Goway’s 10-day Essential Uganda itinerary allows travelers to explore Bwindi, Kibale, and Queen Elizabeth Park. The package includes arrival meet and greet, roundtrip airport transfers, domestic flights, 9 nights of accommodation, park fees, one gorilla trekking permit per person, meals, two chimp trekking permits per person, and a qualified driver guide.
To see even more of Uganda, travelers can consider a 4-day safari extension in Murchison Falls National Park. Uganda’s largest park, Murchison is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which is forced through a narrow gorge before plunging 130 feet over a remnant rift wall to create the dramatic falls. The Nile is the lifeblood of the park, sustaining large numbers of hippopotamus and crocodile and providing the basis for its signature activities which include game drives across the grasslands, cruises along the wildlife-rich river banks, and hiking to the top of the falls. Murchison is home to 450 bird species and 76 mammal species including elephant, giraffe, leopard, lion, buffalo, and more. Starting at US$2143 / CA$2784 per person, Goway’s 4-day Murchison Falls National Park itinerary includes arrival meet and greet, private transportation throughout the safari, 3 nights of accommodation, meals, game drives and park entry fees, and two scheduled boat cruises.
For assistance customizing the perfect Uganda adventure package, please contact one of our Africa experts.
