Primate Safaris - Gorillas: Pricing and Itinerary ideas

The most popular ways to visit the primates of Rwanda and Uganda are either to organize a short three night add-on to your traditional big game safari in neighbouring Kenya or Tanzania or to join a set departure itinerary which will include gorilla tracking as part of a longer look at the wildlife and culture of these two fascinating countries. That's not to say we can't arrange other styles of trip - we've even done a few long weekends to visit the gorillas so let us know what you are looking for and we will try and put it together.

Private departure in either Rwanda or Uganda
These three night, four day gorilla tracking excursions make perfect extensions to any safari, but particularly those in East Africa since it’s a relatively short hop from Nairobi to either Rwanda or Uganda. You have the opportunity to track the gorillas on two consecutive days (one permit is included in the price) and can choose the dates to fit in with the rest of your safari. Once in the national park you will generally be part of a group of up to eight trackers on any particular day.

Set departure
There are a number of set departure itineraries of varying length which allow you to explore Rwanda and Uganda. These depart on set dates throughout the year and vary in length from 4 to 12 days.

Brief examples of our favourite trips are below but please ask for more detailed information or other itinerary ideas.

Uganda and Rwanda - Primate safari ideas and costs

		4 day gorilla safari in Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda A scheduled four day safari to visit gorillas in Rwanda costs from $3,168 per person sharing a twin room + an extra permit if you wish to track gorillas twice. For a private four day safari the cost per person sharing a twin room is from $3,822 + an extra permit if you wish to track gorillas twice. One gorilla tracking permit is included in both of the above options. An extra permit is $500 per person if booked before June 1st 2012 for travel in 2012 and $750 per person if booked after June 1st 2012 or for travel in 2013.

		4 day gorilla safari in Bwindi, Uganda A scheduled four day safari to visit the gorillas in Bwindi costs from $2,596 per person sharing a twin room + $500 for the extra permit. For a private four day safari the cost per person sharing a twin room is from $3,185 + $500 for extra permit. One gorilla tracking permit is included in both of these options.

		12 Day classic Rwanda and Uganda Five gorilla tracking opportunities (one permit included) and the chance to explore other highlights of these two unique countries including tree climbing lions in Ishasha, chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge and stunning bird life via game drives, nature walks and boat cruises. Cost per person sharing a twin room is from $7,592. One gorilla tracking permit is included. An extra permit in Rwanda is $500 per person if booked before June 1st 2012 for travel in 2012 and $750 per person if booked after June 1st 2012 or for travel in 2013. An extra permit in Uganda is $500.
		8 Day Gorillas in the Virungas and Bwindi Four days’ gorilla tracking (one permit included) split between the very different habitats of Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. Nature walks into the Gahinga volcanoes and golden monkeys in Mgahinga are other highlights. Cost per person sharing a twin room is from $5,406. One gorilla tracking permit is included. An extra permit is $500 per person if booked before June 1st 2012 for travel in 2012 and $750 per person if booked after June 1st 2012 or for travel in 2013. An extra tracking permit in Uganda is $500.

		16 Day Ultimate Uganda Combine five of Uganda’s key wildlife areas: Lake Mburo, stunning scenery, boat trips, walking safaris, game drives and horse riding; Kibale Forest, amazing crater lakes, fantastic birding, village walks and chimp tracking (one permit incuded); Semliki, wildlife viewing in a vast private reserve, boat trips on Lake Albert to see the elusive shoebill stork and chimp tracking; Queen Elizabeth, famous tree climbing lions; and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, gorilla tracking (two permits included). Cost per person from around $13,000 based on two people sharing.

N.B. The costs above do not include international or regional flights, associated flight transfers or extra accommodation.

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