Uganda - Gorillas in the Mist

Uganda - Gorillas in the Mist

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Uganda - Gorillas in the Mist

14 Days Starting and ending in Entebbe, Uganda

Visiting: Entebbe, Kampala, Murchison Falls National Park Safari, Murchison Falls National Park, Fort Portal, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kazinga Channel, Ishasha, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Lake Bunyonyi, Emburara Farm Lodge, United Kingdom

Tour operator:

Just You

Tour code:

SLUG

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 11

Physical rating:

Medium, Classic Touring

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Please make us aware of any specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Safari Tours

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Animal lovers will be in their element on our Uganda Gorillas in the Mist tour, which takes you on an epic adventure through the wilds of East Africa. Discover Uganda's incredible wildlife, from getting up-close-and-personal with gorillas in the Impenetrable Forest to driving across the African savannah in search of tree-climbing lions. Add in the country's scenic highlights such as the spectacular cascading Murchison Falls and unforgettable cultural experiences, and you'll soon see why Uganda is known as the 'Pearl of Africa'.

Highlights

  • Walking safari to see southern white rhino

  • Boat ride to the spectacular Murchison Falls

  • Chimpanzee-tracking experience

  • Wildlife cruise along the Kazinga Channel

  • Four game drives in four different parks including Ishasha, to see the tree-climbing lions

  • Gorilla trek in the Impenetrable Forest

  • Stay in an eco farm lodge & participate in local farming traditions

  • Traditional African Toora lunch at Tinka's home

  • Dedicated Just You holiday director with you on the trip

  • Your own room guaranteed & no single supplement

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Uk - Entebbe
Location: Entebbe
Accommodation: Fly to Entebbe
Meals Included: No Meals

Today, you fly to Entebbe.

Day 2 : Entebbe
Location: Entebbe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Boma Guest House
Meals Included: Dinner

After arriving at Entebbe International Airport, you'll be greeted by your Local Guide and transferred to your hotel nearby. Take a little time to settle in and meet your fellow travellers over dinner before we start exploring the country tomorrow.

Day 3 : Entebbe - Murchison Falls
Location: Entebbe, Kampala, Entebbe, Murchison Falls National Park Safari
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, you'll catch your first glimpse of Uganda's wonderful wildlife with a drive through Kampala to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. We will set off on a walking safari to spot rare southern white rhino, which have recently been re-introduced to the country.
In the afternoon, we'll travel on to Murchison Falls National Park, a region that's awash with dense rainforest and rolling savannah and has the Nile River flowing majestically through it. And, of course, the dramatic, cascading Murchison Falls at its heart.

Day 4 : Murchison Falls
Location: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

See more of the region's amazing animals on a morning game drive that takes you across savannah, through Borassus palm forest and down to Lake Albert, one of Africa's Great Lakes. Along the way, we'll spot all manner of spectacular species, from the Big Five to various native birds and reptiles.
Later in the day, you'll get to experience the National Park from the water as we take a boat ride up the Nile to Murchison Falls. View the impressive cascades from below, including watching huge Nile crocodiles basking in the pools.

Day 5 : Murchison Falls – Fort Portal – Kibale National Park
Location: Murchison Falls National Park, Fort Portal, Kibale National Park, Fort Portal
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Chimpundu Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

There will be plenty of driving today as we venture to Kibale National Park, another of Uganda's magnificent wildlife regions that's known as the 'Primate Capital of the World'. On the way, we'll pass through dozens of tea plantations (don't worry, there will even be the chance to stop at one), as well as Fort Portal, an attractive town that's unique in Uganda for having an English name.

Day 6 : Chimpanzee Tracking
Location: Kibale National Park, Fort Portal
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Chimpundu Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lush rainforest covers a massive amount of Kibale National Park, making it the ideal habitat for 13 different species of primate. Today, you'll get to see some of these playful animals first-hand during a chimpanzee-tracking experience led by a knowledgeable expert.
After this unforgettable experience we'll be hosted for a Toora lunch at Tinka's homestay – a humble Ugandan who is delighted to share his culture and tradition with us. This afternoon we will have a guided walk of the Bigodi swamps before heading to the Fort Portal markets to have a taste of local living and see the fresh ingredients used by Tinka himself.

Day 7 : Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mweya Safari Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will enjoy a scenic game drive on our way through nearby Queen Elizabeth National Park. Uganda's most popular game reserve, it stretches from the crater-dotted foothills of the northern Rwenzori Mountains, along the shores of shimmering Lake Edward, to the remote Ishasha River in the south.
Embark on an adventure through the incredibly biodiverse Queen Elizabeth National Park, soaking up its volcanic craters, grassy plains, papyrus swamps, tropical forests and giant lakes. This afternoon we arrive at our lodge.​

Day 8 : Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kazinga Channel
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mweya Safari Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we have an early morning game drive. The reserve is teeming with over 100 species of mammals, including a plethora of primates. Look out for chimps, black-and-white colobus monkeys, olive baboons and red-tailed monkeys, among others.
For the afternoon we enjoy a different perspective and board a boat on the Kazinga Channel for a chance to see one of the world's largest populations of hippos. It's quite a sight!

Day 9 : Game Drive In Ishasha – Bwindi National Park
Location: Ishasha, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Engagi Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue on to your fourth Ugandan National Park.
The route takes you through Ishasha to spot tree-climbing lions. Yes, you read that right – lions that climb trees. They're utterly unique to this part of the world. Later, we'll arrive at Bwindi National Park, famed for its densely packed and aptly named Impenetrable Forest. The lush, forested park provides the perfect refuge for mountain gorillas as well as elephants, chimps, antelopes and more than 23 species of bird.

Day 10 : Gorilla Tracking- Lake Bunyonyi
Location: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bird Nest Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early and prepare yourself for the highlight of your holiday – gorilla tracking. This memorable excursion is one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on the planet, and the trekking can take up to six hours, to spot the majestic giants. You'll be led by an expert ranger who'll educate you on the gorillas and the forest's unique flora and fauna.
Afterwards, we'll drive to Lake Bunyonyi that's said to be the second deepest lake in Africa. It's also known as the 'place of little birds' due to its vast population of water birds. Take some time to soak up the sight of its magical misty islands and the surrounding verdant hills.

Day 11 : Lake Bunyonyi - Emburara Eco Farm
Location: Lake Bunyonyi, Emburara Farm Lodge
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Enmburara Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a morning at leisure on Lake Bunyonyi. You can relax and make the most of your beautiful surroundings by taking to the lake on a canoe or dive in for a refreshing swim. As our memorable tour draws to and end, enjoy a stay at the lovely Emburara Eco Farm Lodge. The peaceful property is committed to wildlife conservation, as well as caring for its herd of treasured long-horned Ankole cattle. You'll arrive in time for an evening interactive farm experience and hear your hosts' story, with a large campfire, local dance and music.

Day 12 : Entebbe
Location: Entebbe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Boma Guest House
Meals Included: Breakfast

Journey back towards Kampala, crossing the equator along the way as we transfer you to Entebbe where we will spend the night.

Day 13 : Entebbe - Uk
Location: Entebbe
Accommodation: Flight back to the UK
Meals Included: Breakfast

We will transfer you to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK today.

Day 14 : Uk
Location: United Kingdom
Meals Included: No Meals

You'll arrive in the UK today.

What's Included

  • Return flights from London

  • Use of an airport lounge in the UK

  • A guaranteed twin or double room of your own

  • Accommodation

    11 nights in 3 & 4-star hotels and lodges plus 2 nights in flight

  • Meals

    30 meals: 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners including welcome dinner & drink

  • Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

  • Just You Holiday Director as your host & Specialist Local Guide

What's Not Included

Excursions Included



  • Walking safari to see southern white rhino 

  • Boat ride to the spectacular Murchison Falls

  • Chimpanzee-tracking experience

  • Wildlife cruise along the Kazinga Channel 

  • Four game drives in four different parks, including Ishasha, to see the tree-climbing lions

  • Gorilla trek in the Impenetrable Forest 

  • Stay in a luxury eco farm lodge & participate in local farming traditions 




 

Accommodation

    • Best Western Hotel Entebbe
    • Praa Safari Lodge
    • Established in 1954, Paraa Safari Lodge is in Murchison Falls National Park. Paraa Safari Lodge offers a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure.The safari décor of the lodge still reflects the bygone era of early explorers but with a modern touch. The luxurious pool overlooks the winding River Nile below, which was the setting for the classic Hollywood movie ""The African Queen"" (starring Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart). In our standard single, double and twin rooms, you will find a simple safari atmosphere with a level of comfort that will not disappoint.

      These rooms are perfectly situated to view the lodge’s swimming pool, as well as the winding River Nile beyond. ROOM FACILITIES Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Clothes Press, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Internet, Lounge Area, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Smoking Rooms Verandah PROPERTY FACILITIES
      24-hour Security, Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Business Centre, Conference Centre, Disability Services, Eco Friendly, Gym, Gym (nearby), Internet Access, Pool, Secure Parking







    • Mountain of the Moon Hotel
    • Mountains of the Moon Hotel and Resort sits on 15 acres of landscaped gardens with views of the Rwenzori Mountains from where the hotel takes its name. The hotel is located within walking distance of Fort Portal town. The pool has a swimming pool and a bar. Rooms are equpped with internet access, TV, private bathroom and a balcony




    • Mweya Safari Lodge
    • Mweya Safari Lodge is loctaed on a peninsula within the heart of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mweya Safari Lodge is surrounded by the magical Rwenzori Mountains aptly described as the ''Mountains of the Moon'' and overlooks the Kazinga Channel which links two of the Nile''s great lakes – Lake George and Lake Edward. Mweya Safari Lodge offers visitors a spectacular experience of luxury in the wilderness. All of the rooms have wonderful views of the channel.
      Standard Rooms

      In our standard single, double and twin rooms, you will find a simple safari atmosphere with a level of comfort that will not disappoint.

      The rooms are perfectly situated to view the picturesque Lakes George and Edward. One can also view the Rwenzori Mountains while sitting on the balcony watching the warthogs graze.

      Additional Features:

      Electronic Safes
      Telephone
      All rooms have Balcony doors
      Fans
      En-suite bathroom
      "








    • Engagi Lodge
    • Bird Nest Resort
    • The Birdnest @ Bunyonyi Resort is located in South-West Uganda. The borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and even Tanzania are nearby.

      The guestrooms feature a TV and free Wi-Fi. While staying here, guests can relax in the swimming pool, a pool table available for entertainment and room service offered for all meals. The restaurant & bar serves a wide range of meals prepared with fresh quality ingredients.




    • Enmburara Lodge

    • This luxury farm lodge is a great way to end this magificent tour. It derives its name from a local tall gras called Emburara which covers the local area and is the best fodder for the treasured Ankole Cattle. Rooms are ensuite and have free wifi and a fridge. There is a pool and fitness centre at the hotel.





Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes, overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No

  • What is the maximum group size?

    11

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Yes, Return flights from London

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    No and your own room is guaranteed!

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    All the people in your group will be solo travellers and will share your sense of adventure and passion for travel. There’s usually a good mix of ages too, so you’ll meet a variety of solo travellers who have more, or in some cases less, life experience. We find the overall mix of people really adds to the whole experience and there are certainly plenty of l

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    A few years ago we set up Just You Cares, a programme that gives back to some of the places we love. We have always believed in taking care of the communities we visit, and have taken the time to really get to know the local people and understand the challenges they face. Some of our holidays give our Customers the chance to see how the money from their trips has been spent.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Just You, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If we can accommodate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - just make sure you have your booking number to hand.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes, and all of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.

  • Will I eat alone?

    We find there’s always a social element to dining, so you’ll never eat alone, unless you want to! Every holiday includes a welcome get-together, all breakfasts and many other meals. When a meal is not included we find travellers meet and dine together.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    No, given the nature of our holidays, it is not possible to join the tour once it has departed.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.

  • Am I guaranteed a room of my own?

    Of course, you’ll always have a twin or double room all to yourself. It’s great to have that space to relax and reflect at the end of the day. In some hotels you can also pay a little extra to upgrade for more space or a lovely sea view.

  • What is the typical age range on a Just You holiday?

    Typically, our customers are solo travellers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but it’s quite possible you could meet 20-year-olds or 70-year-olds (or anyone in between)... After all, age is just a number!

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. The 'Safe Travels' stamp provides you, with assurance and peace of mind that we have implemented enhanced health and hygiene prprotocols on all holidays.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Once you book, you will receive a confirmation invoice within 7 days, prior to departure, we will send you further information to help prepare for your trip.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Just You is exclusively for solo travellers, every tour includes a twin or double room of your own, with no single supplement.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Lynwen Barkham  

Uganda - Gorillas in the Mist

Just You is ideal for people travelling alone. You

Just You is ideal for people travelling alone. You may be single but you have always got company if you'd like some. Absolute gem of an experience. So glad I finally got to do it. Just what I needed after such an awful year.

Gillian Munro  

Uganda - Gorillas in the Mist

As my first JY trip It could not have been better.

As my first JY trip It could not have been better. So many ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences shared with other travellers with whom we had a mutual bond. I’m already thinking about my next trip becuase of the ease of communication and helpfulness of staff prior to departure. Professionalism of all staff I came in to contact with throughout my JY experience. Quality of hotels and amazing experiences.

Sharon Toop  

Uganda - Gorillas in the Mist

Possibly my holiday of a lifetime - so far, at lea

Possibly my holiday of a lifetime - so far, at least! Uganda is a stunningly beautiful country with such friendly, helpful people. The variety and volume of wildlife we saw were amazing - my first-ever leopard in the wild was a dream come true for me, not to mention seeing rhinos at such close quarters and the chimpanzee and mountain gorilla tracking! I hurt my knee the day before the gorilla tracking and didn’t think I’d make it, but thanks to the support I received from my fellow travellers and the brilliant porters - I did it!! Then there were the elephants, hippos, buffalos, lions, warthogs, antelope, monkeys, … not to mention the variety of birdlife. Would love to go back before I get even more decrepit! Unfortunately most of my friends wouldn’t be interested in this type of holiday (not interested in wildlife, or too adventurous for them!!), but would certainly recommend JY if I had friends that were!

Anne Barett  

Uganda - Gorillas in the Mist

Once in a lifetime experience. Very well organised

Once in a lifetime experience. Very well organised for people travelling solo

Vera Dumbleton  

Uganda - Gorillas in the Mist

Still seems like a dream. Seeing so much wildlife

Still seems like a dream. Seeing so much wildlife in their natural habitat. Loved it.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Just You requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of just you charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Book with Confidence

    When you book your holiday with Just You, you can have complete peace of mind. Your money is 100% protected through our Independent Trust Fund, any money you pay to us is held by them & governed by 3rd?party trustees. It is also a condition of our ATOL license and is regularly monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority. We don’t receive any money until after you’ve come back from your holiday – so your money is 100% protected no matter what. If you have any questions you can speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable holiday advisors.

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