The 8-day scheduled departures MAY be run into Rwanda or Bwindi for gorilla tracking and is dependant on permit availability at the time of confirming your booking. A limited number of permits are purchased in advance for some departures. If trekking in Rwanda the itinerary sequence may vary slightly, a full itinerary will be supplied upon confirmation. Please note that from April 2008, departure dates are provisional and will be confirmed once permits are in place.

Please note: Prices are subject to change due to any unforeseen circumstance beyond our control.

ITINERARY:

Day 1 (BB) - Arrive Entebbe Airport where you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to the Lake Victoria Hotel, Entebbe. Here you will have a short briefing. You will be transferred (time to arrange locally) by a representative from Wild Frontiers to the Entebbe Pier for your half day trip to Ngamba Island.Depart from Entebbe Pier on the mainland, after a short briefing and travel by boat approximately 45 minutes by speedboat or 1 hours by motorised traditional boat), to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Reserve on Lake Victoria, where orphaned chimpanzees have been relocated under the management of a group of dedicated conservationists including the Jane Goodall Institute. Lunch on the island is optional - to be paid directly to the island staff, and cool drinks, tea and coffee are also available on the island. Please take along some cash for curios etc - all of which helps toward the upkeep of the island and its chimpanzees.

Day 2 (BLD) - Today we will head in a northerly direction to the Queen Elizabeth National park, from Entebbe approx 7 hours drive.

Day 3 (BLD) - Today we will drive to the southern part of the Queen Elizabeth National Park to the Ishasha sector to be welcomed at our newly established luxury tented camp nestled under trees alongside a river. Overnight at Ishasha Wilderness Camp with all meals included.Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Day 4 (BLD) - After breakfast, drive to the south-west of Uganda, along mountain roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this takes approximately 2-3 hours. Buhoma HomesteadOne of the original lodges at Bwindi, this intimate lodge has been upgraded and offers comfortable accommodation. It is very conveniently situated opposite the park entrance with tremendous views over the forest canopy. Currently there are six individual cottages with their own private verandah and en suite bathroom facilities with running water and flushing toilets, with new units being completed (February 2007). Lighting is by solar in all the rooms. Meals are taken in a central dining area where a fireplace provides warmth in the cool evenings. The manager ensures excellent service levels to all clients.

Day 5 (BLD) - After breakfast you will be escorted to the National Parks headquarters to meet your guides for the day for your gorilla tracking experience.An early morning trek into the forest on the slopes of the volcanoes, led by experienced trackers will bring you amongst a family of Mountain Gorillas. These massive primates are extremely rare, only approximately 650-700 remaining. You will get within metres of the family, and be privileged to spend time amongst them. Time permitting return to the camp for a late lunch, we have an opportunity for forest walks with the guides, or just to relax. Overnight Buhoma Homestead, as above, all meals included.The trekking may be fairly strenuous; up to six hours or longer is not uncommon - at relatively high altitude. Please refer to our information sheet. Mountain Gorillas are wild animals, as such sightings cannot be guaranteed, however the success rate is well over 90%.

Day 6 (BLD) - Second Gorilla trekking experience, with pre-purchased permits - or for those not trekking enjoy a forest walk or some time in the local village.Optional forest walk in the afternoon to look for birds and other primates, or just relax in this beautiful area. There are also some curio shops, and the option of meeting some of the local community - including the people running the local orphanage.Overnight Buhoma Homestead with all meals included.

Day 7 (BLD) - After breakfast you will drive to Lake Mburo National Park. This journey takes you through the mountainous areas of southern Uganda, often referred to as the Little Switzerland of Africa. Arrive around lunchtime at Lake Mburo, and overnight at Mantana Tented Camp with all meals included

Day 8 (BL) - Return to Entebbe, via the equator, stopping en route to shop for curios and at the Royal Drum makers at Mpigi if desired. Please note that the safari returns to Entebbe late afternoon (generally around 4pm) so Do not book a flight out prior to 20h00, to allow time for any delays and also check in.Ideally, spend another night in Uganda, in Entebbe, or possibly explore Kampala or spend a night on Ngamba Island to take advantage of either the Chimpanzee Caregiver programme, or the forest walk. For the adventurous, Jinja is beckoning - the adventure centre of Uganda - offering grade 5 whitewater rafting, and quad biking or bungee jumping!For those interested in Chimpanzees, we have a short 'extension' to the above itinerary Before the trip - whereby you would spend two nights at Kibale Forest with chimp tracking, and then one night on Ngamba Island. This is available as a scheduled departure, minimum two persons. A full itinerary is available on request, enquire for more details.