Gorilla Trek With Great Lakes Safaris
by Dan Zimmerman
I too wanted a custom gorilla trek and was able to get very good service from Great Lakes Safaris of Uganda. My contact person was Ms. Mukasa Jaynefer.
Ms. Jaynefer was very patient with many emails back & forth to customize and finalize the trip. I secured two gorilla permits for the Nkuringo group on consecutive days.
The trekking was not long but very strenuous - be in shape!
I did 2 treks because "they" say sometimes you don't get a great viewing if the group is going to be shy that day so I wasn't going to miss out after going 1/2 way around the world.
We stayed two nights in the historic Travelers Rest Hotel in Kisoro. This hotel was a good value with great ambiance.
The third night we stay at Mount Gahinga Lodge. This is a newer property run by Volcanoes Safaris. This lodge did NOT have running water or flush toilets and was expensive at $270 per person per night. It was nice with food and beverages included but I thought just a bit pricey.
The 10 hour drive from Kampala was rough! There is an air strip near Kisoro and our driver/ guide, Noah, told us they do fly clients there that have limited time. I have no idea what the additional cost would be but it might be worth it to save the 10 hour drive.
Dan's Safari Details: Safari company used: Great Lakes Safaris (make an enquiry) Parks visited: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda Date of safari: August |
10 Days Best of Uganda
by Nichola
(Spain)
My best highlight for the safari was seeing these gorillas in Bwindi
I want to thank my guide Moses and Jessica my handler for her excellent communication and the entire Elite Safaris Uganda Ltd staff! You guys did me great!
Safari Operator Performance
Elite Safaris Uganda Ltd was perfect!I had an extremely exciting trip; knowledgeable guide, comfortable safari vehicle (4x4) and timely responses from the office staff especially Jessica who was my safari handler.
Accommodation
I stayed at Sambiya river lodge, GFC, Acadia, Cassia lodge and they were all good.Wildlife
I managed to see all the big five but cannot underestimate the overwhelming joy I felt upon setting my eyes on the gorillas in Bwindi.Tips and Advice
Ensure that your gorilla & Chimpanzee permits are secured early enough and have scanned copies sent to you!!Nichola's Safari Details: Rating: 7-8/10 Safari company used: Elite Safaris Uganda Ltd (make an enquiry) Parks visited: Murchison falls, Kibale forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Lake Mburo, Kampala city tour - Uganda Date of safari: 12 May for 10 days |