MichelleLee

Hi all!

I'm planning a week-long trip with my mother to Uganda at the end of Feb - early March. I know this is last minute planning since we want to see the gorillas!

I lived in Kibale National Park 15 years ago while habituating chimps with the Jane Goodall Institute, and now live in Nairobi. So I'm familiar with East Africa and comfortable getting around on my own to a certain degree. But I don't have time to deal with gorilla permits and all of the little details.

Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced tour operator? I haven't been able to find any in my search so far. $2,200 for 5 nights in budget places…NO. These operators totally rip people off! And yes, I know the permits are expensive, but budget hotels are not.

Has anyone just hired a private driver and booked the hotels on their own? Or maybe just had a tour operator book the gorilla trekking and done the rest on their own?

I'm planning to visit Bwindi to see the gorillas, up through QE for a safari drive and canal tour, and then back to Kibale to see my beloved chimps. Ideally 7 nights.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Michelle

ShayTay

Check with Kennedy Muthoka in Nairobi (Waymark Safaris, [email protected]... no "s" on safari.) I know he does Uganda, as well as Kenya and is quite reliable and his pricing has always been reasonable. Since you're in Nairobi, you could also give him a call: 254/722-70-27-69 or 254/733-362-140. Discuss what you want with him.

DiaryofaMuzungu

Hello Michelle
I'm very happy to recommend drivers and tour operators.
I'm a good friend of Julia Lloyd of Kibale - who I am sure you must know.
I'm happy to help you organise your gorilla permits and then put you in contact with a driver.
Did you know that Uganda gorilla permits are on special offer? The 2014 price is $600 but for March and April they are just $350, so it's a very good time to come.
You can contact me via my blog.
For adventure across Uganda, pls feel free to check out my blog Diary of a Muzungu www.muzungubloguganda.com

CaliNurse

Muzungu--the price for permits in Uganda is now standard (except for the months you mention) $600??!! When did they add that $100? Still--less than Rwanda's permits.

Michelle, in addition to the above reccos (and do read her fun and interesting blog!) check the TA Uganda forum for ideas. And once you find a budget hotel, they will be able to connect you with a reasonably priced driver, especially once they realize you know "local" pricing vs the "foreign tourist" pricing.

Are you flying into Kampala to meet your mother? There are many local-owned guesthouses in Entebbe with touring connections. I wrote to a few recently (I was in Uganda in 2012 and dream of return) . One is African Roots Guest House, but there are others.

Brownjack2

The problem is that Uganda Wildlife Authority has increased park entrance fees and other items. Uganda is becoming more expensive. Am glad i did my trip already with Insight Safari Holidays, you can contact them. Never know,it could be cheaper.

maryanneprotz

Hi michelle, have you tried check out gorilla tracking safaris....
i travelled with them in december 2014,recomended by a friend and that trip was amazing thou it was a 3days trip. try them they cud be of help to you. may be have thier website
www.gorillatrackingsafaris.com

maryanneprotz

pardon my mistake it was 2013 when i travelled...