Africa 2022: Safari + Mountain Gorilla Trekking (Co-ed)

      Uganda Africa

      GE
      Green Edventures Ecotours & Expeditions
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      171 reviews
      Apr 14 - 25, 2022
      Group size: 6 - 16
      Africa 2022: Safari + Mountain Gorilla Trekking (Co-ed)
      Uganda Africa

      Green Edventures Ecotours & Expeditions
      • Email address verified
      • Facebook verified
      171 reviews

      Apr 14 - 25, 2022
      Group size: 6 - 16

      About this trip

      Grab your safari hat, binoculars and don’t forget your camera because your friends are not going to believe your stories on this African Safari in Uganda!


      Straight out of the pages of a National Geographic Magazine, Uganda offers intrepid travelers a chance to live like an explorer. This epic journey is a combination of observational game drives through wildlife parks, and on-the-ground up-close encounters with some of the world’s most endangered animals like rhinos and, Chimpanzees, and  Mountain Gorillas.


      The adventure begins in Entebbe and follows a game circuit north, west, and returns south to Entebbe. We will explore wooded savannas, grasslands, tributaries of the Nile River, and mountain tropical cloud forest. Lodges are 4-star with delicious food and comfortable accommodations.


      More off-the-beaten than more popular East Africa countries, Uganda is known for its friendly people, and high concentrations of animals in smaller game reserves. You will see the iconic animals of Africa, but the primates are the highlight of this safari! The grand finale is a ranger-led small group trek into the home of highly endangered wild Mountain Gorillas & Chimpanzees.


      This active educational travel adventure is for any healthy adult from beginner to seasoned traveler. All skill levels welcome. No experience necessary. Anyone age 18+ welcome.

      Trip Highlights:

      • Walk with the last rhinos in Uganda in their natural habitat.
      • Experience spectacular game drives in Uganda’s National Parks full of amazing mammals, reptiles, and birds!
      • Go Big! Photograph the largest mammals: elephants, giraffes, cape buffalo, and hippos in the wild.
      • Get close to our closest genetic animal relative, on a chimpanzee tracking expedition in the Kimbale National Forest.
      • Stay at lodges in beautiful locations near national parks and in the country-side.
      • See tree-climbing lions of Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth Nation Park.
      • Life-changing up close encounters with endangered mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.


      A note about physical fitness

      No experience is necessary. For trekking, participants should be healthy, know their limits, and be able to walk 4-6 miles on rolling and uneven terrain which could be steep and slippery depending on the conditions. Hiking trails for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking vary from easy, medium, and strenuous. Trails assignments are based on the participants’ abilities, but subject to park rangers’ authority and number of trekkers that day.  During gorilla trekking, each participant has a porter who will carry his/her day pack, and always there to lend a helping hand. If you have concerns about hiking, please contact us. to discuss.   


      Please read our supplemental information packet before signing up. 


      https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aBOceSwIi-aLhs1LBRHcIQxiv6NKjj34Vnw_hcCzsTc/edit


      Questions:

      Contact 

      Tara Short

      1-888-622-4911

      tara@greenedventures.com 

      Travel Documents

      US travelers will need proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination and a Passport Valid for 6 months of travel. 


      For the most up to day information please the US State Department Website

      https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Uganda.html


      Regarding State Department Advisories:

      Green Edventures monitors the advisories in the destinations we travel. The only time we will reconsider travel is if the State Department lists a destination at level 4. When signing up, please review the current travel advisories before submitting your deposit. Uganda is typically at a level 3. 


       

      Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination (Yellow Card)

      https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/uganda 


      Tourist Visa

      Purchase online three months before travel for $50 USD (as of 4/2021)


      Lodging

        

      We stay at a variety of eco-lodges on the edge of the parks and protected areas. Each lodge is modest, clean, and the staff are friendly. Accommodations are surrounded by beautiful scenery and sometimes animals come through the property. All will have hot water, and solar electricity or generators for power. From luxury accommodations to economical properties, they are at the mercy of a 3rd world infrastructure and the fates. Your packing list will include a headlamp and wet wipes for the possible chance that you could be without running water or electricity for a night. During a visit in 2018, there was one night where there wasn’t hot water or electricity in our  cabins. We did have cold bottled water, a delicious meal, and hippos talking to each other while grazing in the yard that night. It was worth the trade off.

      Here is a list of scheduled locations. These are subject to change and can be substituted for similar accommodations. 

      Where Do We Stay?



      Terms Conditions & Cancellation Policy

       A pre-view of the Ts & Cs.


      Terms & Conditions:

      http://bit.ly/GE-Terms-Conditions


      Cancellation Policy:

       bit.ly/GE-Cancellation 


      What’s included

      • Local Guide(s)
        English speaking
      • Group Transfer
        Round trip from Entebbe International Airport to the guesthouse in Kampala
      • Lodging
        11 nights lodging in wilderness lodges and hotels
      • Meals
        All meals from dinner night 1 to lunch day 12 include bottled water during game drives.
      • Ground transportation
        No more than 6 pax to a vehicle. Each pax has their own window seat in Land Cruisers with pop-top for 360 degree viewing.
      • 1 gorilla permit
        1 hour viewing permit
      • 1 chimpanzee permit
        Viewing permit
      • Lake Victoria Day Trip
        Shoebill & Birding Safari
      • Victoria Nile Boat Trip
        Safari, optional hike, waterfall viewing
      • Lake Mburo Day Trip
        Wildlife viewing
      • Game Drives
        Murchison Falls NP, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo
      • Tour Leader
        Green Edventures host throughout the program.

      What’s not included

      • Airfare
        To Entebbe, Uganda
      • Tourist Visa
        $50
      • Gratuities
        $400 minimum per person.
      • Personal spending money
        $100-300
      • Travel insurance
        Highly suggested
      • Travel & incidentals
        Special travel & incidentals
      • Bottle Beverages
        At hotels including water, sodas and alcohol

      Available Packages

      Double Occupancy (w/ a Travel Companion)

      Select this option if you are traveling with another participant on this trip who will be your roommate. 

      $5,895
      Deposit: $650
      Double Occupancy (Solo Traveler)

      Solo travelers who want a same sex roommate to share the cost of lodging. 

      $5,895
      Deposit: $650
      Solo Traveler Single Supplement

      Your own room. Only select this option if you want a guaranteed single room. Otherwise we will try to find you a roommate. 

      $6,615
      Deposit: $650

      Available options



      Itinerary

      Day 1
      Welcome to Uganda!

      Arrival at Entebbe International Airport where you will be greeted by our guide or representative and then transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Papyrus Guest House. 


      Travel Plan:

      Airport Code EBB

      Arrive anytime before 10:30PM. Pre-trip lodging can be arranged for those who would like to come in earlier.


      Your Organizer


      GE
      Green Edventures Ecotours & Expeditions
      171 reviews
      Fun, active, and educational nature-based group eco-adventures for people to connect with wild places and animals in extraordinary environments. Specializing in women's adventure travel groups, and teacher-led student groups. Inquire about custom and co-ed trips.

      Reviews

      CM
      I had a wonderful time, trip of a life time for me! While I was the youngest guest, I felt so welcomed by all the women and the team! I am a little biased as my cousin (Kristen) assisted in leading the trip but Chabelo and Michelle were great! I enjoyed getting to know them and learn from them! Overall, a trip I would 100% do again!
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      The Baja trip was amazing in every aspect! The guides impressed me with their dept of knowledge, attention to detail, and kindness. Snorkeling with sea lions and whale sharks is an experience I will never forget. My co-adventurers were enthusiastic and I made some life longfriends. I will sign up for this trip again!
      By Lori P for Baja 2024 (A): Women's Snorkeling Adventure + Gray Whales Tour on Mar 12, 2024
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      This trip was packed with activities that were fun, exciting and educational. The active parts of this trip were phenomenal. Snorkeling with complete instruction started in shallow water and progressed towards deeper and more challenging environments. Tara, Michelle and Chabelo made sure that everyone felt comfortable and ready for the more challenging snorkel adventures. It progressed at each individual's pace without rushing. As a newer, less experienced snorkeler I appreciated the attention and non rushed approach. We progressed from beach snorkeling, to off the boat around rocks and coral reefs to swimming with sea lions and whale sharks! There were also land excursions which I loved, especially through the desert learning about all the different cacti and the importance of the mangrove. The local support team were so great. Kind, compassionate and extremely involved in their love of their home. We camped on the beach in tents with cots which was very comfortable. Food was fantastic, locally sourced and cooked with love by a resident. Tara made this trip special for each person. Checking in, making sure we were doing ok, making us laugh with all of her stories. She is humble and down to earth and loves this area with all of its wonders. She had an amazing rapport with the local staff, obviously feels they are part of her family. She wants everyone to succeed. I had problems on one snorkel and after recovering, she guided me to a successful and unforgettable experience, never with reluctance or pity, but with strength and support. Thank you Tara! I would add that the planning is wonderful and all parts of the trip were communicated clearly. Questions answered and expectations were always communicated. Love this company and I look forward to my next trip with Green Edventures.
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      References

      I went on an amazing trip with Tara to Baja, Mexico in 2020. This was a dream trip for me being a wildlife lover. It was incredible to be able to swim with whale sharks and sea lions and get up close with gray whales. Camping on the beach was amazing. We had a great group of women and everyone vibed well and all of the tour guides including Tara, Alex and Chabello were so fun, friendly and helpful every step of the way. The food was great at the campsite and at the restaurants we got to try. When our trip plans initially got derailed waiting on a negative Covid test and we had to get a different flight, Tara did everything in her power to accommodate us and make sure we got to enjoy every part of the trip, including setting us up with another whale shark swimming tour after we had missed the initial one with the group, and she spent time waiting for us to finish before leaving for the airport. I definitely recommend Green Edventures, especially the Baja Mexico trip!
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