kacollier

We are trying to find a tour outfitter (custom or group) that offers 2 days of gorilla trekking with permits in the Bwindi Forest/Uganda and 1 day of hiking to see the chimps. We don't want an additional animal safari or city tour and would like to keep the trip down to 5 - 6 days (we have limited travel time). Has anyone done a similar trip? Who have you used and what did you like most? Thanks!

jmartmd

I got a quote from Good earth who put a tour together for me with almost the exact criteria. I dont go until oct though

TreeHugger

I see that www.ecoAfrica.com has a 6 day Gorilla & Chimp trip in Uganda.

jmartmd

Also try traelust. They have several that might fit your needs.

jmartmd

sorry the v got stuck

I meant www.travelust.com

Dana_M

When I was originally researching for Uganda and/or Rwanda gorilla treks, the following names came up, with good reviews:

Amohoro Tours
Volcanoes Safari
Travelust
World Primate

I haven't spoken to any of the TAs or worked with them at all because I'm going to use someone to book Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. But, I do recall the above names as getting high marks here. You might do a search for their names and see if the original threads/posts come up.

AlwaysOnTheRoad

I would go directly to The Uganda Safari Company. They do very good trips in Uganda and they are a Uganda based company. In several places they have their own lodges.

atravelynn

Twice I used Mantana in Uganda. Guide Gabriel Ochien was an absolute dear and outstanding guide. Don't know if he is with Mantana still or not.

If you don't want any other animal safari, I assume the chimps are in Kibale. That is a long drive (maybe 7 hours if I recall right) from Entebbe or Kampala. Two nights is fine in Kibale. If you can do the habituation hike where you find the chimps waking up in the morning, follow them through the day, then watch them bed down at night, that is very worthwhile. It costs more than the regular chimp visit. Bradt Guide described it as one of the premier primate experiences on the continent and I'd agree.

You can get from Kibale to Bwindi in a day, even doing a morning activity in Kibale.

It is also possible to fly to Kibale from Entebbe/Kampala, saving a lot of driving time that first day.

You could try Great Lakes or Volcano too.

Does Good Earth use Travelust in Uganda?

drgough

I suggest contacting Travelust. We used them, albeit for a more involved itinerary, and were very pleased.

JaneB

I second Travelust. I'm working with them now for a April trek and could not be more pleased.

annergizer

4 of us traveled with travelust last december. Our guide, Meddie, was wonderful and knowledgeable. In Uganda, a planned itinerary can change in the blink of an eye so you need someone who can find a quick alternative. Meddie was able to this consistently. Travelust personalized our itinerary based on our desire to do a trek in Uganda and in Rwanda AND they were the MOST REASONABLE!!!