14 Days Western Lowland and Mountain Gorilla Safari

14 Days Western Lowland and Mountain Gorilla Safari

Western lowland gorillas and Mountain gorillas are the two most dominant gorilla species left in the Africa, Uganda and Republic of Congo have become top destinations with very high protection, conservation and monitoring strategies in both Bwindi impenetrable national park and Odzala Kokoua national park, our two weeks safari will take you to two of the world’s best destinations.

Safari highlights

• Western lowland gorilla trekking
• Nature walks
• Mountain gorilla trekking
• Game drives and boat cruise
• Chimpanzee trekking

Detailed safari itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Brazzaville the Capital of Republic of Congo

Upon your arrival into Maya Maya international airport in Brazzaville, you are met and transferred to your hotel for the night. Here, you have the chance to relax after your flight and before the adventures of the next day.

Day 2: Domestic flight from Brazzaville to Odzala Kokoua national park

After morning breakfast you will be received by our guide and transferred to Maya Maya Airport for your domestic flight to Odzala Kokoua national park, on arrival you will meet by our team and transfer by road to Ngaga camp where you will spend the next three nights in this area gorilla trekking and doing nature walks.

Day 3: First gorilla trek and forest walk

Wake at dawn to begin your day with a light breakfast before setting off at 6am for your first gorilla trek. Meet your guide and expert tracker who will accompany you for the day. Depending on the location of the gorillas, treks can vary in length from just two hours to a full day. Once you locate the gorillas enjoy the moment and quietly capture these incredible creatures on camera. Head back to Ngaga camp for lunch. In the afternoon take a guided walk to discover the forest life and birdlife ending at the river for sun downers. Finish your evening with drinks around the fire and another three-course meal.

Day 4: Final gorilla trek and nocturnal walk

Today, wake early again for another gorilla trek. Where possible the team will try to locate a different family group of gorillas, however, even if you see the same group again the experience will be mesmerising. Take time to step away from the camera to truly take in the moment. In the afternoon you will have chance to experience another forest walk with an expert guide you will keep an eye out for unique birds and primates. Forest walk extends into the evening to seek out nocturnal forest life. Back at camp, enjoy drinks and dinner with your fellow travellers and discuss the events of the day.

Day 5: Transfer to Mboko camp

After morning breakfast you will transfer to Mboko area of lush meadow-like savannah forest buffalo, forest elephant and spotted hyena are frequently seen. As well as spotting wildlife either on foot, boat or vehicle enjoys the smaller details, such as seasonal flowers and butterflies and colobus monkeys and grey parrot in the tree canopies. Near the edge of the park there is the chance to visit the nearby villages and interact with the local people. Boat & kayaking safaris are available along the Lekoli River. Look out for unique species during your trip such as forest elephants, buffalo, sitatunga and a range of primates. Head back to camp for dinner.

Day 6: Domestic flight from Mboko camp – Brazzaville

This morning enjoy an early morning breakfast at the camp before check out. You will be driven back to the airstrip for your flight back to Brazzaville. Upon arrival in Brazzaville you will be met and transferred to your lodge for overnight

Day 7: Flight from Brazzaville in Republic of Congo to Entebbe in Uganda

Depending on your flight schedule you will be transferred to Maya Maya airport for your flight to Entebbe, upon arrival in Entebbe you will be received by a safari representative from wilderness explorers Africa and transfer to your lodge for overnight.

• Lunch: not applicable
• Overnight: no.5 boutique hotel
• Activity: safari briefing

Day 8: flight from Entebbe to Bwindi impenetrable national park

After early morning breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Kihihi airstrip, upon arrival you will be received by your guide and transfer to Bwindi impenetrable national park for relaxation and overnight, afternoon activities like forest walks, birding walks or visiting the gorilla doctors can be arranged upon arrival at the lodge.

• Lunch: at the lodge
• Overnight: Bwindi lodge
• Activity: bird walk or forest walk

Day 9: gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park

After your early morning breakfast, your guide will drive you to Buhoma park headquarters for briefing and joining others for briefing before heading into the forest for your gorilla trek. This trek can last for between 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on the location of mountain gorilla family on that particular day. Once you find the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them while observing their behaviour, taking photographs before you return to the park headquarters.

• Lunch: packed lunch
• Overnight: Bwindi lodge
• Activity: gorilla trekking

Day 10: Drive to Ishasha sector queen Elizabeth national park

After morning breakfast you will drive to Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth national park where you will spend a night in Ishasha wilderness camp which is located by river Ntungwe in Queen Elizabeth national park where you do a game drive in search of tree climbing lions and also do sun downer on the famous river Ntungwe ridge.

• Lunch: packed lunch
• Overnight: Ishasha wilderness camp
• Activity: sun downer game drive

Day 11: drive to Kibale forest national park

After morning game drive and bush breakfast you will drive to fort portal where you will spend a night in Kyaninga lodge which is located by the Crater Lake via Queen Elizabeth national park where you do a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel.

• Lunch: packed lunch
• Overnight: Kyaninga lodge
• Activity: boat cruise on Kazinga channel

Day 12: chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest

After breakfast, you will drive to Kibale forest where you attend a briefing by the rangers before heading in to the forest to search for the chimpanzees after chimpanzee trekking you will drive back to Kyaninga for lunch and relaxation.

• Lunch: at the lodge
• Overnight: Kyaninga lodge
• Activity: chimpanzee trekking

Day 13: Day at leisure

Today you will take the day at leisure but optional activities around the lodge can be arranged by the lodge and paid for privately.

Day 14: Drive back from fort portal to Entebbe

After lazily morning depending on your schedule you will drive back to Entebbe for your out bound flight.

• Lunch: packed lunch
• Overnight: day room option
• Activity: not planned

Trip includes

• Lowland and mountain gorilla permits
• Accommodation
• Chimpanzee permits
• Park entrance
• Guide, vehicle and Fuel
• All gam drives and nature walks included on your final itinerary
• Enroute meals
• Domestic flights

Trip excludes

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Republic of Congo and Uganda tourist Visas
• Tips for Guides and hotels
• porters for both expeditions
• Tips for the expedition leader

When to book this expedition

We recommend booking at least 1 year in advance and our customer protection insurance will protected your booking.

Best time to trek gorillas in Republic of Congo and Uganda

The best time to book this expedition is from June to August when both countries are experiencing dry spells perfect for gorilla trekking experience.