7 Day Gorilla Trekking and Zanzibar Safari

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Overview

When you believe you've seen everything! This 7-day Gorillas and Zanzibar safari is very unique. Mountain gorillas are the world's largest primate species, with Uganda home to half of its total population. They have 95 percent human genes and are hence considered man's closest relatives. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in the southwestern part of Uganda, at the foothills of the massive Virunga chain of mountains, is where you'll find them.

Aside from gorillas, the Batwa pygmies, one of the world's shortest people and former forest residents, will be on hand. The journey then continues to the exotic beaches of Zanzibar, which lie on the enormous Indian Ocean's shoreline. The safari begins and ends at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda and ends in Zanzibar.

Detailed trip

Day 1: Arrival and Kampala city tour

On this first day, a representative from our company will meet you at the airport on the shores of Lake Victoria, world's second biggest freshwater lake, to begin the 7-day gorillas and Zanzibar safari. The driver guide will go through the safari's itinerary and answer some of your queries.

After that, you'll go on a Kampala city tour which includes stops at the Uganda Museum to learn about the country's historical and cultural assets, as well as the independence monument and local markets. After that, make your way to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and be transferred to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a 9-11-hour journey with a lunch stop along the way. Along the way to the park, you'll pass by many beautiful landscapes, plantations, and other sights.

The foggy jungle and stunning sunset will greet you as you enter the safe haven of your family, the endangered mountain gorillas. Drive to your lodge to rest, eat dinner, and retire for the night.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa cultural experience

The day begins with a filling breakfast at the lodge. Then you'll go gorilla trekking, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The ranger guides will give you a briefing first, detailing the trekking dos and don'ts as well as designating a maximum of 8 people to each Gorilla group. Gorillas are only found on the African continent, and Uganda is home to half of the world's population. The walk is done on foot and lasts around 2-6 hours, with a bonus of up to an hour of photography and intensely watching the children play, silverbacks pose, and mothers’ milk. A gorilla is the world's largest ape and bears little similarity to humans.

After seeing the gorillas, there will be a short pause for lunch, followed by a spectacular dance, storytelling, and a village tour by the Batwa pygmies at the community. The Batwa warriors are well-known hunters and gatherers who live in the Bwindi and Mgahinga forests. You'll return to the lodge for dinner and a restful siesta after spending time with these people.

Day 4: Return to Entebbe airport and fly to Arusha – Tanzania

After breakfast, you will check out of the lodge and embark on a drive to Entebbe Airport. The drive to Entebbe offers a stunning view of the landscape, and dotted homesteads. After arriving in Arusha, you will meet our company representative, who will brief you about the trip and then transfer to the hotel for refreshment, dinner and an overnight nap.

Day 5: Fly to Zanzibar -Stone town tour

After a dawn breakfast, you'll take a city tour of Arusha, including stops at local markets, the national museum, and more. After that, you'll have lunch before departing for the Zanzibar archipelago. When you arrive, you will be greeted by our company driver guide, who will give you a briefing on Zanzibar.

You'll check into the hotel and tour the gorgeous stone tour city, which includes beautiful historic mansions, bustling cities and more. Return to your hotel for supper and an overnight stay.

Day 6: Half day dolphin tour and beach relaxation

Following an early breakfast at the lodge, you'll set off on a fantastic half-day dolphin trip, which is once-in-a-lifetime chance for Indian Ocean enthusiasts. It's an optional activity if you don't want to participate. Donning diving gear and swimming in the sea with aquatic dwellers such as dolphins and uncommon fish species will be the first part of the activity. The activity is safe and lasts about 5 hours before being guided to a refreshment and lunch stop.

Day 7: Departure

Start your day with a mouthwatering relaxing breakfast at the resort, and then check out for your flight to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport. Before waving farewell to the nation, here is an alternative for a morning activity.

End of Safari

Affiliations

UWA AUTO USAGA UTB