Premier Safaris known for providing some of the most intimate Safari experiences on earth has joined forces with Ugandan conservationist Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka to ensure not only an informative Gorilla tracking experience, but also to provide a unique insight into gorillas, their health as well as other conservation aspects that impact on their survival. This unique new way of approaching Gorilla Safaris is only available to Premier Safari’s tour operators.
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest lies on Uganda’s southern border. Its home to more than half the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas, and it’s where Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka goes to work. She’s been studying diseases in the gorillas for 15 years and is known as the Dian Fossey of Uganda.
Tracking gorillas is a small fraction of Gladys’ work. Next to Bwindi forest, CTPH reaches out to the local people, convincing them that healthy gorillas bring a better way of life to them. Instead of hunting gorillas and clearing the forest, keeping gorillas safe generates more income from tourism.
PREMIER SAFARIS 4 Day - FLY TO THE GORILLAS & RESEARCH (Intimate Gorilla Experience).
We also offer an extended programme - PREMIER SAFARIS – 6 Day WILDLIFE AND GORILLAS (QUEEN ELIZABETH & BWINDI).
The cost is for Full board, inclusive of domestic flights, accommodation as well as specialist guides. It excludes international flights and any days not reflected in the itinerary below.
Day 1. Entebbe - Bwindi
Meet at the airport, assist through customs and board your domestic flight to Kihihi airstrip. You will be met and start an hours journey to the Lodge, driving through villages with stops at places of interest is amazing! Lunch at Silverback lodge.
In the evening, have a village walk with a visit of the local schools hospitals and craft shops. Meals and accommodation included
Day 2. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
There is an early morning entry into the gorilla sanctuary - depending on permit availability at the time of booking confirmation. The rainforest is spectacular, heavily vegetated and dense landscape crisscrossed by numerous animal trails, allowing access for trekkers. This park is best known for the fascinating gorillas, where the time taken and terrain varies according to the movements of these fantastic apes. The thrill of spending time with and observing these gentle giants is a rare and moving adventure that will leave you with long lasting memories of a truly unique experience. The gorillas are shy and peaceful animals and it is an unforgettable experience to watch and photograph them as they interact with each other. Meals and accommodation included. Your representative from CTPH will meet you at the gorilla family and lead you to their nests to collect samples for the next day’s research.
Day 3. Community Programme (http://www.ctph.org/)
Experience a day in the life of a Gorilla field researcher. Analyze the Gorilla dung collected from the nests of the previous days track to establish the health of the family. The dung analysis is a big part of the work done by the researchers to establish gorilla health of the family. Visit the frontline communities that directly come in contact with the gorilla families, the gorillas not only eat what is in their gardens but also come into contact with human diseases that can be transported to the families. The only long-term and sustainable method to improve the gorillas’ health is by improving the health of the people living around the park, and not just the people, but their livestock as well.
Day 4: Fly to Entebbe – Connect to international flight.
After an early breakfast (depending on your flight schedule), start for Kihihi airstrip. Depending on the weather, you may have the best views of the Volcanoes, villages and Lakes as you take off, proceed to the airport and connect to your onward international flight.
Mid-Range accommodation at Silverback lodge with flights will cost around $ 4300 per person sharing inclusive of domestic flight and Gorilla permits, as well as guiding by one of the CTPH research team. We can arrange extended visitations with the research gorilla families on request.
For specialist guiding by Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka an additional fee of $1000 per day will apply, for groups up to 6 people.
