Start your tour this morning to Fort Portal and explore the area area around the base of the Rwenzori Mountains with an (optional) visit to the world-famous Ruwenzori Mountain Sculpture Foundation. Later, drive to Kibale Forest National Park, in Western Uganda, an incredibly diverse forest that is home to over 13 species of primates including chimpanzee, red colobus monkey, the rare L’Hoest monkey, blue monkey, grey mangabey, black faced vervet monkeys, baboons, pottos and bushbabies. Cleverly constructed board walks lead you through Papyrus that towers above your head in Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. With over 130 bird species, multi coloured butterflies, eight different types of primates and the rare, semi-aquatic Sitatunga (antelope) will impress you.

Overnight: Kibale Forest

Today, depart for mystical Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and your next great adventure. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site and one of the richest biological and botanical regions in the world. The forest covers an area of 331 km² at the south-western edge of the western Rift Valley. Bwindi’s most-revered species are the approximately 350 wild Mountain Gorillas that make up just over half of the world population of these gentle apes. After a few hours in the vehicle, you may enjoy an afternoon walk around the village of Buhoma (your home for two nights) and a chance to visit one of the handicraft shops or to meet the Batwa, the ancient forest-dwelling tribe. 

Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

You get up early in the morning for your Gorilla Tracking for a good breakfast in preparation for the day’s physical activity. You report for registration at the Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger station by 8 AM. After a briefing by the rangers, your gorilla trek starts. The trek usually takes between three and six hours so a reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a strong pair of walking boots or shoes. The rangers guide you through the village gardens and into the jungle-like forest. They escort you through the sometimes thick bush, occasionally hacking the dense undergrowth with a machete as you search to locate the gorillas. The mountain gorillas are under 24 hour monitoring for their own safety, so you’re almost guaranteed to see them. The rangers monitor each gorilla family by keeping in close radio contact. In part due to gorilla tourism, the population of gorillas is slowly increasing but the species remains critically endangered. Gorillas and humans share almost identical genetic material and their health must not be compromised by coming into contact with human diseases (via our food, for example). To reduce transmission of disease from humans to gorillas, you are also advised to keep a distance of 7 metres from the gorillas. Once you have located the gorilla family, you will be asked to leave all your belongings to one side, and approach the gentle giants, just with your camera. The guides interpret the animals’ behaviour and advise on what you are watching. Females and their young, young males and even a dominant Silverback may be seen: feeding, playing, interacting with each other, or just sleeping! You never forget your encounter with the gorillas. They are quite curious to see you! You are allowed exactly one hour with the gorillas before returning to base.

Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, start your journey back towards Entebbe International Airport, stopping for lunch and a fun photo opportunity at the Equator. After a farewell dinner, your Around Africa Safaris guide will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your outbound flight.