The Experience
Deep in Uganda’s dense Equatorial jungles are some of the last remaining families of mountain gorillas on Earth. In this truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, journey into the heart of this East African wilderness to come face-to-face with these amazing creatures in the wild. The experience doesn’t stop there. Watch chimps swing from tree to tree in one of the densest concentrations of chimps in the world. Join a researcher to track the infamous tree-climbing lions. Spot elephants, leopards and buffalo on game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and coming face-to-face with rare tree-climbing lions – a rare breed of lion only found in two places in the world – as you track them with a local conservationist.
We’ll also spend time supporting those who call Uganda home. Learn basket-weaving from women involved in a local charity project setup to empower women struggling with poverty, HIV and domestic violence. Visit a primary school getting to know the children and helping play educational games. Each night, immerse yourself in some of Uganda’s premier safari lodges.
A Truly Surreal Experience
After a morning trekking through the jungles of Bwindi National Park, our guide stops the group. “Be Quiet” he says. The nearby trees rustle and then give way to a glorious male silverback gorilla and followed by his family. Only feet away, walk alongside the gorillas as they guide you through their natural habitat. This is the experience of a lifetime.
Our Impact
Mountain gorillas are majestic creatures that can now only be found in three countries in the world – one of those being the dense jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. On this truly once-in-a-lifetime experience you will have the opportunity to spend a day trekking through the jungle and observing gorillas in their natural habitat. We’ll also use our time to make a small contribution to the protection of mountain gorillas, as well as chimps and lions along the way, as we assist teams of conservationists, researchers and veterinarians in their important work. A veterinarian will join us on the trek to collect stool samples to later test in the lab for parasites & other diseases. This will help determine the overall health of the gorilla family as well as provide a first-hand glimpse into the work being done to protect these gentle giants.
On this 10-day journey, you will also come face-to-face with rare tree-climbing lions as well as track wild chimpanzees in the Equatorial forests of Uganda. We’ll also enjoy a host of authentic cultural experiences, from visiting children at a rural community school to meet with women involved in a local charity project.
Where You’ll Stay
Throughout our Ugandan journey, we will stay in a series of luxury safari lodges located in and around the national parks. In Kibale National Park, we stay at Ndali Lodge, a collection of luxury colonial-style thatched-roof villas set on top of an extinct volcano, with views of the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Nyinambuga. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, we will stay at Mazike Valley Lodge, where you can see elephants and other wildlife roaming free from the veranda of your spacious, traditional cottage. And in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, we stay at Mahogany Springs, a complex of beautiful individual villas overlooking the park – and occasionally visited by curious gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking 101
Gorilla trekking is, by its nature, a highly physical experience. The trek itself can last anywhere from an hour to four hours each way depending on how deep the gorillas are in the jungle. This equates to walking one mile to several miles each way in dense equatorial jungle. You will have a guide and porter with you who will help you throughout the experience, but there are a few things to prepare for before you depart to ensure you have a safe and successful trip!
The gorillas themselves have been habituated, meaning they will not be aggressive or harm humans, you just have to always be aware and abide by all rules that are stated prior to the trek including keeping a safe distance. Learn more about the ins and outs of gorilla trekking and FAQs here.
Your Expert Local Guide
Discover Corps’ expert family of guides around the world are by your side throughout the journey. Please note that the actual guide may vary from date-to-date.
Abiaz Rwamwiri (& Team)
Abiaz and his team of local guides are the heart & soul of Discover Corps Uganda. With more than 10 years of wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism experience, Abiaz helps to provide a level of access that is unmatched. In addition to his work in tourism, Abiaz is also the founder of Care for Rangers, a non-profit NGO that supports forest and park rangers as they strive to eliminate poaching.
Traveler’s Journal
Alex D.
Encinitas, CA
Read More Discover Corps Reviews
Rating: 5/5 stars
Dates and Prices
Our trips are inclusive of all activities, lodging, transport and most meals to make your experience hassle-free.
$6,795 Adult
$6,295 Child
- Double Occupancy Price. Children’s pricing applies to travelers between the ages of 15-16 sharing a room with an adult.
- Mandatory Single Room Supplement = $1200. This is required if we cannot find a suitable roommate.
- Mandatory Supplement = $1200/person for gorilla permit, chimp permit, and bush flight. Learn more here.
- Children must be 15 years old to travel on this trip
- Please note: This trip has slightly different Terms & Conditions than other Discover Corps trips. Read the terms here.
What’s Included:
- 9 nights in premier level lodging
- All meals throughout the trip
- English-speaking local guides that are there to support, guide, and inform you throughout the trip
- Reliable in-country landcruiser transportation with experienced drivers
- Admissions and entrance fees to national parks, historic sites and other scheduled events throughout the trip
- Behind-the-scenes experiences with lion researchers and a gorilla veterinarian
- All gratuities for hotels, meals, baggage, and transportation
- One-way domestic flight from Bwindi to Entebbe
- $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
- 24-hour Discover Corps emergency hotline & turnkey service
What’s Not Included:
- International airfare
- All alcoholic beverages
- Uganda Visa (or e-visa)
- The mandatory supplement fee for the gorilla and chimp permits and bush flight
- Tips for the Discover Corps guide
Dates
Our intimate, small-group departures consist of like-minded travelers. Don’t see a date that works? Let us know and we’ll make it happen.
2022 Dates
August 7-16, 2022 (full)
October 2-11, 2022
2023 Dates
February 5-14, 2023
June 4-13, 2023
August 6-15, 2023
October 1-10, 2023
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Alumni & Family Discounts, Monthly Payment Plans, and More
Repeat travelers and groups are eligible for discounts. Looking for a payment plan to help manage your trip? Learn more here.
Customized Private Trips
Let us create a custom trip for your group. Learn more about custom group travel.