Uganda - Gorilla Encounter
Extreme Adventures Difficulty Rating System
4 - SEVERE
These programs take place in the most inhospitable places on earth and entail prolonged strenuous activity. Superior physical and mental condition is required to participate.
3 - DEMANDING
These programs take place in remote environments or require prolonged activity such as rafting, horseback riding and hiking. Participants should be in good physical condition and able to "rough it" for long periods.
2 - MODERATE
These programs take place in environments with potentially extreme temperatures, and may include light physical activity.
1 - MILD
These programs make no physical demands on the participant.

Environment & Conditions

  • difficulty 4 [ 3 - demanding ] 2 1
  • Temperatures of 60-77° F
  • Altitudes above 3,500 feet
  • Good physical condition required
  • Hiking, camping
  • Latitude 0° 01' N
  • Longitude 32° 27' E

Travel Facts

Country Name
Uganda
Capital
Kampala
Coordinates
1 00 N, 32 00 E
Area
  • Total: 236,040 sq km
  • Land: 199,710 sq km
  • Water: 36,330 sq km
Elevation Extremes
  • Low: Lake Albert 621 m
  • High: Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley 5,110 m
Population
30,900,000
Demonym
Ugandan
Climate
Month High Low Rain
Jan 87 61 2.3
Feb 88 64 2.7
Mar 88 66 5.0
Apr 86 67 7.3
May 83 67 5.3
Jun 84 64 2.8
Jul 82 64 3.4
Aug 85 64 3.5
Sep 86 65 3.9
Oct 86 67 4.7
Nov 87 67 5.6
Dec 86 64 3.7
Time Zone
EAT (UTC+3)
Currency
Ugandan shilling (UGX)
Voltage
220 V
Calling Code
+256

The speed of the silverback's mock charge left me little time to assume my submissive pose. But it was all an act, just his way of saying, "Keep your distance."

Expedition Log: Day 3

Mist hangs thick in the air as we take our positions at the rim of the clearing. Pulling aside a hanging fern, we see a gorilla family, darkly silhouetted against the dense foliage. A 450-pound silverback gorilla returns our gaze, unaffected, and continues to chomp on the stalk of a banana tree. We are frozen, the hours of effort it has taken to arrive here instantly forgotten.

Expedition Timeline

Day 1
Entebbe

Arrive and meet your guide for your expedition briefing.

Day 2
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Fly to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and settle into the Gorilla Forest Camp, your accommodation for the next three days. Explore the park's rainforest habitat, walking the Munyaga Falls or Mazabajuro Loop trails or joining an expert-led birding excursion.

Days 3 - 4
Tracking the Mountain Gorillas

Only 700 mountain gorillas survive worldwide. With your permits, you are allowed to track on foot either of two family groups, habituated to tolerate human presence for brief periods each day. Tracking with an experienced guide may take anywhere from half an hour to nine hours. Once you have located the gorillas, you are allowed one hour with them. In two days, you will see the gorillas twice, more than enough opportunity to savor the bond that exists between ape and human.

Day 5
Entebbe

Fly to Entebbe for overnight. Then depart for home.

Departure Dates & Pricing

Price Per Person
  • 2009:TBA
  • 2008:US $4,445
Single Supplement
  • 2009:TBA
  • 2008:US $1,175
Regional Air
  • 2009:TBA
  • 2008:US $1,885
Gorilla Permit Fee
  • 2009:TBA
  • 2008:US $1,000

Available when purchased with Unchartered Frontiers, River & Horse Trails

Alternate Departure Dates can be arranged. Prices are subject to change.

Price Per Person
  • 2008:US $4,445
  • 2009:TBA
Single Supplement
  • 2008:US $1,175
  • 2009:TBA
Regional Air
  • 2008:US $1,885
  • 2009:TBA
Gorilla Permit Fee
  • 2008:US $1,000
  • 2009:TBA