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There is a growing outbreak of Ebola in the areas of Uganda that we visit for this Safari. It is a new strain of Ebola known as the Sudan strain for which there is no approved vaccine. The Ugandan government has declared a three-week lockdown in two districts of Uganda as the country battles an Ebola outbreak.
Currently, the UK Governments FCDO office advise against all but essential travel which means insurance will be very difficult if not impossible and of course the risks of travel are high. We have therefor reluctantly taken the decision cancel the trip scheduled for June 2023. Other companies may be offering trips but with this level of risk and the FCDO advice plus insurance issues we felt it very unwise.
Safari Details
This very special trip offers a unique opportunity for a very small group of people to go escorted gorilla and chimp trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable forest of Uganda. We do 2 gorilla and 2 chimp treks plus a number of other very special and unique excursions including a chance to photograph the rare shoe billed stork.
No other wildlife encounter in Africa matches the astounding experience of spending time face-to-face with wild gorillas. Gorillas are a species are on the brink of extinction and treks are a highly restricted activity. Encountering our distant cousins in mist-draped forests of Bwindi’s impenetrable forest is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Our professional guide and trackers will lead us into the forest’s secret paths, looking for a habituated gorilla family. Once found, we will approach the gorillas quietly and settle down to observe them from between 7 and 10m away. You’ll spend an hour with the gorillas, watching the adults forage and groom each other while the babies tumble and play. All the time you’ll be under the watchful gaze of the great silverback patriarch. Whilst calmly eating his soft brown eyes are constantly watching you and his family. Witnessing and photographing gorillas is a truly profound experience and one of the reasons that gorilla trekking is such a life changing encounter
We will undertake two gorilla treks and then leave to travel further north for the chimps. On the way we will pass through Queen Elizabeth National Park and cross the equator. We will spend the night half way in a comfortable lodge and have a wonderful opportunity to explore the Kazinga channel by boat to get some unique and amazing photos of water birds and lake side wildlife. Pied kingfishers, African skimmers abound here – you can photograph them in flocks!
We will travel on again staying in a small beautiful lodge nestled between two volcano lakes before setting off to trek chimps.
On our way back to Entebbe we will explore the local marshes by boat looking for the amazing shoebill stork which whilst rare can often be found in this area.
With over 50 years’ experience of East Africa and photographing its wildlife I have designed this trip specifically for the enthusiastic wildlife photographers interested in learning more about their camera and at the same time capturing some memorable images.
Each combined trip will be limited to a maximum of 4 people and is often less. We’ll be staying at small and extremely comfortable classic camp safari lodges in the Serengeti and bespoke gorilla lodges in Uganda. The intimate and relaxed atmosphere of both camps gives you the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience in this prime wildlife area.
The trip will be limited to no more than 4 guests and the full details including pricing is in the following details itinerary.
In putting this trip together I have worked closely with the UK based and experts in the region, Safari Consultants. Choosing the right company to arrange your African safari is vitally important and the complexity and remoteness of Africa means you need a company who have detailed knowledge and first-hand experience of Africa. Safari Consultants are just such a company having specialised in safaris to East and Southern Africa since 1983. Their holidays are fully bonded for your financial protection under the CAA ATOL scheme or through the AITO Trust.
Cost for 2023
Due to the current volatility in the US Dollar and UK Pound exchange rates we have taken the decision to price the holiday in US Dollars and to the airfare separately in UK pounds.
Monies you pay as a deposit will be converted on the day of transfer at that day’s exchange rate. If you require this rate can then be “pegged” as the rate to be used when the balance is paid thus ensuring you know the total price of your holiday in sterling in advance. Alternatively you can take a risk on the exchange rates prevailing at the time your balance is due.
COSTS 2023 – IN US DOLLARS
African element US$9,400
Plus Gorilla and Chimp peeking permits at $700 and $200 respectively – two of each required of course.
Plus international economy flights from £1,100
(unlike some other providers we provide prices including all air fares from London Heathrow, local internal transfers, full board accommodation, laundry, park fees, guiding fees etc. See detailed itinerary for more information).
