CHIMPANZEE & GORILLA TREKKING

2025

__________

USD $ 6,980 pps**

pps=per person sharing

Min 2 pax

7 DAYS

WHY YOU’D LOVE IT!

Journey through the home of almost half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, the extraordinary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Unlike the adrenaline-pumping thrill of predator pursuits on savannah safaris, the fascination of chimp trekking is more personal. Imagine seeing yourself reflected in the expressive face of an animal with which you share 98% of your DNA.

In the heart of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, trek through mist-covered slopes in pursuit of the world’s largest living primates.

Kibale National Forest is referred to as the primate’s capital of the world because of the sheer variety/density of primates and for being the best place to track chimpanzees in East Africa!

Highlights

 

OVERVIEW

Itinerary at a glance

◽️ DAY 0    | Travel

      Departure

◽️ DAY 1    | Kenya

     Nairobi arrival

◽️ DAY 2   | Uganda

     Entebbe arrival

 

◽️ DAY 3-4 | Uganda

      Kibale National Park

◽️ DAY 5-6 | Uganda

      Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

◽️ DAY 7 |   Travel

     Return / Onwards Travel

 

MAP

MAP

Visualize your journey!

DAY 0

DEPARTURE

Travel

DEPARTURE

Your adventure starts now!

Embark on an African safari and anticipate breathtaking landscapes, encountering diverse and majestic wildlife in their natural habitats, and immersing yourself in the rich cultural experiences of the continent.

* See your safari itinerary for transfer logistics

DAY 1

NAIROBI (Kenya)

Nairobi overnight

📍 Tamarind Tree Hotel

TAMARIND TREE HOTEL

  Bed & Breakfast, drinks excl.

Nairobi is Kenya’s capital city. In addition to its urban core, the city has Nairobi National Park, a large game reserve known for breeding endangered black rhinos and home to giraffes, zebras and lions. Next to it is a well-regarded elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Located in Nairobi, with easy access to Nairobi's Wilson airport. The perfect arrival spot  and arrival overnight accommodation.Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is approx 10 miles away

B&B

HOTEL

OVERNIGHT

DAY 2 

ENTEBBE (Uganda)

Entebbe overnight

📍 The Boma

THE BOMA

Guest House Overview

  Bed & Breakfast, drinks excl.

Arrival at Entebbe Airport, where you will be welcomed by a representative and transferred to the guesthouse (5–10 minutes) Welcome to the Pearl of Africa! On the shores of gorgeous Lake Victoria, Entebbe is an attractive, verdant town that served as the capital city during the early years of the British protectorate. Visit nearby natural attractions like the Botanical Gardens, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Mabamba Swamp Visit, and Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

The charming property is situated in tropical gardens on the outskirts of Entebbe, just 5 minutes from Entebbe International Airport. A tastefully restored colonial homestead consisting of comfortable bedrooms Each of them is decorated with African themes and has their own private bathroom. A diners’ bar is set in a landscaped garden with lake views. The main house includes a private dining veranda and a living room for overnight guests.

Arrive, unwind, relax, enjoy lunch or dinner, and get ready for your Gorilla adventure!

B&B

LODGE

OVERNIGHT

DAY 3-4

KIBALE FOREST

Chimpanzee Trekking

📍 Primate Lodge

KIBALE NATIONAL FOREST

Area Overview

Kibale National Park is covered with tropical rain forest containing big tall trees where the primates inhabit from, plays, feed and build their nests to sleep in.

The park is recorded to inhibits 13 famous primate species that is the interesting endangered chimpanzees, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, L’hoest’s monkeys, Uganda Red Colobus Monkeys, Central African Monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey and many more. Of all these amazing primates chimpanzees have the highest population with over 1500 chimpanzee individuals.

The endangered chimpanzees in Kibale National Park offer the most interesting and exciting chimpanzee tracking experience and chimpanzee habituation where you get a chance to see your close related cousins!

Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking day! Kibale Forest is the capital of primates which consists of the highest population of chimpanzees with over 1500 individuals and note that Uganda hosts a total number of about 5,000 chimpanzees in different natural habitants but the biggest number can be encountered in Kibale.

Day schedule:

After breakfast, transfer to the Park offices to meet your Chimpanzee tracking Guide/Ranger. Following a pre-tracking briefing, you drive to the trailhead for the start of an unforgettable adventure – hiking in the footsteps of the large habituated family of chimpanzees, over 120 strong, that has made Kibale the foremost tourism destination in Uganda.

Upon sighting the chimpanzees, you will stay with them for one unforgettable hour as they go about their daily life – growling, grooming, barking, feeding, taking care of their young; agilely climbing up trees and dropping off like thuds before disappearing like they were spirits all over and around you Afterwards, you hike back to the trailhead to re-join your Driver/guide and drive back to the lodge for a welcome shower and lunch, and story time galore.

PRIMATE LODGE

 Lodge Overview

  Full board, drinks excl.

Primate Lodge Kibale’s principal edge is it's location:  tucked deep in the forest and right next door to the starting point for Chimpanzee tracking excursion as well as the incredible Chimpanzee Habituation, really, two of the most genuinely breath-taking wildlife experiences on the planet.

All of the 9 spacious and en-suite luxury cottages, each secluded deep in the forest for maximum privacy and a natural ‘living in nature’ feel, come complete with 2x Double size Bed or 1x King Size Bed, a sitting area with two comfortable arm chairs, a reading table and an adjoining large veranda with excellent views to the forest.

Arrive at Kasese Airstrip where you will be welcomed by a representative and transferred to the lodge. Arrive, unwind, relax, enjoy lunch/ dinner and get ready for your next adventure!

 

 

FULL BOARD

LODGE

TREKKING

DAY 5-6 

BWINDI FOREST

Gorilla Trekking

📍 Mahohany Springs Lodge

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST

Area Overview

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest! is a biodiverse, mountainous area in southwest Uganda. An ancient rain forest, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest extends over a series of steep ridges in the Virunga Volcanoes mountain range. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site due to its ecological uniqueness and natural beauty, roughly half of the world’s total gorilla population live in this park.

The Mountain Gorillas are among Uganda’s top tourist attraction. While trekking these great creatures, the experience and excitement you encounter while with them is really worthwhile. Tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest can be conducted all year round.

Gorilla trekking is a unique, thrilling and fulfilling experience – it is a journey leading one to appreciate the hidden treasures of Uganda. There are over 36 gorilla groups within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest but only eleven can be visited for gorilla tracking since others are still undergoing habituation process. Visiting one or more habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is worth as each of them tells different stories which afterwards rewards visitors with unforgettable experiences of a life time. The habituated gorillas are now used to humans but they are wild. So anything unexpected can happen-follow the guides rules you will get no harm normally you do not eat or drink when you’re with the gorillas. You should keep a distance of 7m from the gorillas, although of course the gorillas themselves are unaware of this and will often get very close, in which case you should try to move away.

ACTIVITIES
Meet the gorillas eye to eye in the wild and spend a full hour watching, photographing and learning about these great apes that are only found in Uganda!

.

 

 

Activity:Gorilla Trekking

Located at the entrance of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Buhoma Lodge is positioned as one of just two lodges nestled within the national park. It serves as the ideal accommodation choice for those embarking on a much-awaited Gorilla trekking adventure.

Famous for its inviting reception and attentive service, visitors appreciate the comforting atmosphere of this lodge, inspired by the essence of Africa. Constructed from sustainable materials, the raised central lounge, bar, and dining space (where delectable multi-course meals are served) provides a welcoming haven for guests to relax, all while enjoying uninterrupted and stunning views of the forest. The crackling fireplace further enhances the ambiance, adding an air of mystique to cooler evenings.

With a tranquil and snug quality, the ten generously-sized, environmentally conscious wooden chalets offer a secluded getaway. Guests can drift off to sleep to the melodies of the forest and wake up to the lively sounds of birds and monkeys as the day begins. The private verandah is an ideal spot for morning tea or coffee, offering sweeping vistas over the untouched forest—a truly delightful way to commence the day.

Fly to Kihili Airstrip. Airstrip meet & greet with road transfer to camp Day at leisure, preparing for tomorrow's adventure!

 MAHOGANY SPRINGS

 Lodge Overview

  Full board, drinks excl.

Set on the banks of the pristine Munyanga River and facing the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest! A huge terrace wraps around the main building, from where guests can enjoy views of the forest and relax to the sound of the river flowing gently by. Sink into a chair in front of the fireplace in the living room with a book, or enjoy a drink from the bar before sitting down to dinner in the restaurant or out on the terrace.

Most of the produce used is grown on-site to ensure everything is as fresh as it is delicious.

FULL BOARD

LODGE

TREKKING

DAY 7

RETURN

RETURN

Morning transfer to Kihihi airstrip. Depart Kihihi to Entebbe. Fron Entebbe, depart on a commercial flight to Zanzibat, with layover in Nairobi.

What to Anticipate on a Gorilla Tracking Adventure

WHAT TO ANTICIPATE ON A GORILLA TRACKING ADVENTURE

Prepare for an early start to the day. Make sure to set your alarm for an early wake-up call, as you’ll need time to freshen up, get dressed, and have breakfast before departing from camp at 7:45 am. Opt for neutral-colored clothing and pack rain gear. It’s essential to wear long sleeves and trousers tucked into your socks to guard against ants, stinging nettles, and brush.

Upon reaching the park headquarters, you’ll join your guide(s) and tracker(s) to commence tracking. The lead tracker will search for clues like footprints, chewed bamboo, or dung to pinpoint the gorilla group’s location.

It is highly recommended to hire a personal porter (arranged and paid locally) to assist during the trek.

NOT JUST A WALK IN THE PARK

Mountain gorillas thrive in densely vegetated areas with abundant low-growing vegetation, often scaling steep slopes for their preferred food. Consequently, tracking them can be physically demanding. Expect a trek of three to four hours or longer, traversing challenging terrain like mud, slippery slopes, stinging nettles, and thick vines.

Proper footwear and attire are crucial, as is good health and physical fitness. Engaging in pre-departure exercises such as walking, stair-climbing, or cycling can help build endurance. Consult your doctor for personalized recommendations.

Trackers typically allow brief rest breaks, but they maintain a brisk pace to ensure ample time for gorilla observation within daylight hours. If you lag behind or encounter difficulty, a staff member will stay with you while the rest of the group proceeds.

SCENTING GORILLAS!

You might detect the gorillas’ scent before spotting them. As you draw nearer, the tracker may emit soft sounds to signal your approach. If your trek isn’t overly long, you may encounter gorillas during their midday rest and playtime.

During the visit, the dominant male, usually a silverback, may lounge while youngsters frolic in the surroundings. Females tend to nurse and interact with infants. While curious adolescents might approach, touching gorillas is strictly prohibited.

Keep Low and Quiet

Your group will be instructed to crouch and stay together while observing gorillas. The dominant male prefers visibility to ensure his family’s safety. Avoid direct eye contact, as gorillas interpret it as aggression. Maintain a submissive posture and observe them from a low angle.

Occasionally, a male gorilla may charge as a display, but it’s typically a bluff. Remain crouched and composed; the gorilla will likely retreat. Such displays are part of their behavior, especially with habituated groups.

Tracking groups spend up to an hour with gorillas per excursion to minimize stress. Photographs are allowed from a low position without flash, and touching gorillas is strictly prohibited.

CAN I TAKE PHOTOS OF THE GORILLAS?

Yes, photography is permitted, but it must adhere to the constraints of a gorilla visit: photos should be taken from a low, crouched position with slow and minimal movement. Avoid taking an excessive number of photos and never use a flash. Recording videos of the gorillas is allowed, but only without illumination lights.

CAN I TOUCH A GORILLA?

Absolutely not. Gorillas are naturally curious, particularly the younger ones, who may approach or try to touch human visitors. It’s essential not to reciprocate this behavior. Guides may intervene to discourage such interactions, as they could provoke a response from the dominant male. Under no circumstances should you attempt to approach or touch a mountain gorilla.

IS THE TREK DURATION AND DIFFICULTY PREDICTABLE?

Tracking conditions vary based on the gorillas’ location, making it impossible to forecast the specific difficulty of any trek in advance. It’s conceivable that you might locate the gorillas swiftly and return in time for lunch, or the trek could extend for three to four hours or longer each way, concluding near sundown.

WHAT IF THE TREK BECOMES TOO CHALLENGING?

If you find the forest trek too demanding, inform your guide. Depending on your stopping point, you may either return immediately to the trail’s base with a tracking staff member or remain in place until the group returns.

CAN I ARRANGE A PRIVATE GORILLA VIEWING?

No, all gorilla tracking occurs in small groups of four to eight people per gorilla family. Visits are restricted to one hour per family per day to minimize stress on the gorillas, regardless of the group size. Given the limited time available, private visits cannot be arranged.

WHAT IF I'M UNWELL ON THE DAY OF THE EXCURSION?

If you have a cold, respiratory infection, or diarrhea, you won’t be able to visit the gorillas, as these illnesses can be transmitted to them. Notify your guide, and your gorilla tracking permit fee  might be refunded. If you proceed with the trek while unwell and are detected by the guide, you’ll be escorted back immediately, and the permit fee won’t be refunded.

DOES APS GUARANTEE QUALITY TIME WITH THE GORILLAS?

No one can guarantee uninterrupted gorilla encounters. Although trackers are skilled at locating signs of gorillas, success isn’t guaranteed. Additionally, consistent clear viewing at close range may be challenging due to dense vegetation where gorillas roam.

Please Note: Afrca Photo Safaris are not  involved in the management or operation of Uganda’s national parks and reserves, including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where gorilla tracking occurs. These areas are solely under the jurisdiction of local authorities.

◽️ Preparing for your trip

PREPARING FOR YOUR

SAFARI

Pre-Travel Information

PASSPORTS

Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date of your arrangements and have a minimum of three blank visa pages excluding endorsement pages.

Travellng with minors - in addition to having a valid passport and valid visa (if applicable), children under the age of 18, traveling through Botswana’s borders, must be in possession of a certified copy of their unabridged birth certificate (one that shows the particulars of a minor and those of both parents).

A child under the age of 18 traveling to Botswana and/or South Africa with just one parent must carry an affidavit signed by the other parent consenting to such travel. Failure to produce the necessary documentation may result in travelers being turned away at port of entry.

Insider Tips

Zimbabwe and Mozambique visas each use up a full passport page. If you are visiting both countries we recommend a minimum of four blank pages.

Post Covid passport renewals are taking much longer than in the past so don’t leave applying for a new passport until the last moment as there iust a chance you won’t receive it in time to travel.

Keeping your passport safe is key as there is nothing worse than having to spend precious holiday time replacing it. Make at least two copies of the ID page of your passport, visa (if obtained in advance of travel), Covid-19 vaccine passport, travel itinerary, travel insurance, credit cards and any other travel documentation. One copy can be an image scan and the other a hard copy which you can give to a family member, business associate or close friend for safekeeping

 

HEALTH

When it comes to health risks and medical precautions, Machaba Blue is only able to offer limited advice as outlined below.

Those with underlying chronic conditions should ideally seek medical advice prior to planning their journey.

Prior to traveling to Africa, we highly recommend you visit a medical professional such as your GP or local travel clinic for advice on what health precautions need to be taken. This visit should take place at least 4-8 weeks prior to departure as it will determine the need for any vaccinations and/or antimalarial medication as well as identifying any other medical precautions.

Currently no mandatory vaccinations are required when entering Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. Please check if this is still the case when visiting your GP or travel clinic.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by visitors coming from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if they have been in transit for more than 12 hours at an airport in a country here yellow fever occurs.

Malaria is present throughout southern Africa and in certain areas of South Africa.

Insider Tips

  • Take out comprehensive travel insurance to safeguard against the unexpected. Should you fall ill or have an accident when staying in a remote area you may have to be evacuated by air to a private medical facility which is a costly exercise.
  • Carry the name and contact details of your doctor together with information pertaining to any medical condition and its treatment.
  • If you take prescription medication ensure you carry sufficient to last the duration of your trip, plus a little extra in case of flight delays.
  • Prescription medication should be kept in its original container which should be clearly labelled.
  • More unusual drugs and ones that contain sedatives should be carried with a medical attestation signed by a physician certifying the traveler requires the medication for a specific medical condition.
  • Ask you medical practitioner to recommend items for a basic first aid kit
  • In the event your checked bag is lost or delayed we recommend you carry prescription medication including anti-malaria tablets, spare contact lens and essential toiletries in your hand luggage.
  • If you travel with a CPAP machine, please advise us well in advance so we can check your chosen safari lodges/camps are able to run a generator throughout the night. Alternatively, you may choose to carry a portable battery pack that can be re-charged daily.
  • Please advise us of any special dietary requests in advance of travel.
VISAS
Visa requirements differ from country to country and, on occasion, are subject to change with no warning.
 
The team at Machaba Blue will always do what we can to provide accurate and helpful information pertaining to visas, however we cannot be held responsible if a traveller is refused entry to any country due to not complying with its visa requirements. For peace of mind, we recommend you check visa regulations with the embassy, high commission, or consulate of the countries you are travelling to.
 
ZIMBABWE
Foreign nationals visiting Zimbabwe fall within one of three visa categories: -
  • Category A – countries whose nationals do not require a visa
  • Category B – countries whose nationals are granted a visa on arrival at their port of entry on payment of a visa fee of US$30 single entry / US$45 – double entry.
  • Exceptions are Britain / UK / Ireland - US$55 single entry, US$70 – double entry, Canadian – US$75 single entry, China – US$60 single entry
  • Category C – countries whose nationals are required to apply for and obtain a visa prior to travel
 
ZAMBIA
Foreign nationals visiting Zambia fall within one of three visa categories: -
  • Nationals who do not require a visa to enter Zambia
  • Nationals who are granted a visa on arrival
  • Nationals who are required to apply for a visa prior to arrival in Zambia
 
  • Visa type
  • Single Entry US$25.00 - allows a traveller to enter Zambia only once during the validity of the visa.
  • Double Entry US$40.00 - allows a traveller to enter Zambia twice during the validity of the visa.
  • Day Tripper US$10.00 - applies to visitors who are staying in Zambia for less than 24 hours. Only issued at the Victoria Falls and Kazungula borders and the visitor must enter and exit through the same port
  • Transit Visa US$25.00
 
KAZA UNIVISA
Is a special visa that allows unlimited cross-border visits between Zimbabwe and Zambia as well as a single entry into Botswana for a day trip through the Kazungula borders. Costs US$50.00, is valid for up to 30 days and is available to national of 65 countries. A KAZA UniVisa can currently only be obtained at the following ports of entry: -
 
ZIMBABWE
Harare International Airport
Victoria Falls International Airport
Victoria Falls border with Zambia
Kazungula border with Botswana
ZAMBIA
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport - Lusaka
Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport - Livingstone
Victoria Falls border with Zimbabwe
Kazungula border with Botswana
 
BOTSWANA
Visitors to Botswana fall into two categories – Non-Visa Category and Visa-Category.
 
Non-Visa Category applies to citizens of Commonwealth countries, except for those from Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Foreign nationals whose countries have signed a Visa Abolition Agreement with Botswana are also not required to apply for a visa prior to travel. Non-Visa Category visitors receive a 30-day entrance stamp upon arrival, no fee is payable
 
Visa-Category visitors must apply for a visa prior to arrival in Botswana. For a list of the 96 countries that require a visa prior to arriving in Botswana refer to https://evisa.gov.bw/
 
MOZAMBIQUE
Except for a handful of SADC countries all visitors to Mozambique require a visa. Although visas can and are often issued on arrival, we recommend obtaining a visa prior to travel.
 
The issuing of visas on arrival is intended for visitors travelling from countries where there is no Mozambican diplomatic mission to issue a visa prior to travel. Immigration officials at Vilanculos International Airport, which is a popular tourist destination, are usually very helpful and don’t have a problem issuing visas on arrival but this may not necessarily the case at less popular or very busy ports of entry such as Nampula or Maputo airports
 
Visa issue on arrival involves filling in a visa application as well as an arrivals form, having a photo and fingerprints taken and paying US$50.00 per person in small bills. USD/ZAR/Euro are accepted. Credit cards are not accepted.
 
SOUTH AFRICA
Please contact the South African Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to check if you require a visa to travel to South Africa. If you are not a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you must apply for a visa before entering South Africa. Should you require a visa but not be in possession of one you will be denied boarding your aircraft.
 
Insider Tips
  • On arrival please ensure you request the correct visa for your needs
  • Always check your visa has been issued for the correct number of days
  • Zimbabwe, KAZA UniVisa and Mozambique visas each use a full passport visa page
  • Carry the exact amount of cash to pay for your visa as credit card machines may be offline and change is not always available
GRATUITIES
In Africa tipping is customary but not obligatory and should only be undertaken if you are satisfied with the level of service you have received. Tipping is a much-appreciated gesture that goes a long way to making many lives easier. Whatever amount you believe to be appropriate will be appreciated by not just the staff you have interacted with daily but by those who work hard behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly.
 
When staying in a safari camp/lodge tip just once at the end of your stay. Guides and trackers (and should you wish mokoro polers) are tipped separately. Envelopes are provided so you can personally hand each recipient their tip when saying goodbye. Housekeeping, front of house and back of house staff share the proceeds of the communal tipping box which is distributed equally.
 
The following guidelines are purely suggestions as there is no set rule when it comes to how much to tip.
 
BOTSWANA, ZIMBABWE AND ZAMBIA
US$10-20.00 per guest per day for a safari guide when game viewing in a shared vehicle
US$20-30.00 per guest per day for a safari guide when game viewing in a private vehicle
US$ 5-10.00 per guest per day for trackers and mokoro polers
US$10-15.00 per guest per day for general staff
 
MOZAMBIQUE
US$10-20.00 per day for a host/butler
US$10-20 per activity
US$20-30.00 per day for general staff
 
SOUTH AFRICA – Safaris
In South Africa tips are normally given in South African Rand
ZAR100-200.00 per guest per day for rangers when game viewing in a shared vehicle
ZAR200-400.00 per guest in a private vehicle
ZAR1000.00 per guest when staying in a luxury lodge
ZAR 50-100.00 per guest per day for a tracker (may be more at a luxury lodge)
ZAR100-200.00 per guest per day for general staff
 
SOUTH AFRICA – City stays
ZAR25.00 per guest for an airport to city hotel transfer and double for longer out of town transfers
ZAR20-25.00 per bag hotel porterage
ZAR100.00 per guest for a half day sightseeing tour
ZAR200.00 per guest for a full day sightseeing tour
ZAR250-500.00 per guest for a half day sightseeing tour with a specialist guide
ZAR500-1000.00 per guest for a full day sightseeing tour with a specialist guide
ZAR100.00 per guest per day for general staff
10% is the minimum tip on meal accounts in restaurants and hotels, with 15-20% the accepted norm for attentive service, especially in Cape Town and the winelands
PACKING LIST
 
Suggested packing list
2 pairs of shorts
2 pairs of safari trousers (those that zip off at the knees are very handy)
2 short sleeve shirts
2 long sleeved shirts with collar to protect the back of your neck
3 T-shirts
Fleece and jumper/sweater
Light weight warm jacket
Light rain jacket
1 pair of sandals/flip-flops
1 pair of comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
Undergarments
Socks
Swimming costume
Sun hat or cotton scarf
Beanie/warm hat, scarf/pashmina, gloves (winter)
Sunglasses
Contact lenses and/or prescription glasses (take a spare if you have one)
High factor sunblock and lip balm
Personal toiletries and wet wipes (body wash, shampoo and conditioner is usually provided)
Basic medical kit with aspirin, band-aid, Imodium, eye drops, antihistamine cream, headache tablets and motion sickness pills if needed.
Flashlight (most camps provide a torch)
Camera, spare camera batteries, dust proof case, cleaning equipment, and memory cards
Universal worldwide travel adapter
Binoculars in the range 8x40 or 10x40 are most useful
 
 
Insider Tips
  • In the event your checked bag is lost or delayed we recommend you carry prescription medication including anti-malaria tablets, spare contact lenses, essential toiletries, and a change of underwear in your hand luggage.
  • If you take prescription medication ensure you carry sufficient to last your whole trip, plus a little extra in case of delays. Prescription medications should be in their original containers with the doctor’s prescription printed on the container.
  • Leave expensive and sentimental pieces of jewellery at home and never carry jewellery in your checked baggage.
BAGGAGE
To comply with limited weight restrictions of between 12-20kgs/26-44lbs including hand baggage and camera equipment on light aircraft inter-camp flights means you need to pack smart.
 
Limiting what you take on safari is not as difficult as it sounds as nearly all safari camps and lodges offer a daily laundry service (weather dependent). Clothing should be light weight cotton fabric, casual and comfortable. Dressing in layers is the most practical way to adjust to changing temperatures, especially in winter when early morning and late afternoon game drives can be frosty and cold.
 
 
Please refer to AIRLINE BAGGAGE RESTRICTIONS document for airline spesific information
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Comprehensive travel insurance to safeguard against the unexpected, such as a medical emergency, is a necessity when traveling to Africa. This is especially important when visiting off the beaten track areas on safari and for this reason most safari lodges/camps make travel insurance a condition of booking.
 
It is the responsibility of each traveller to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance at the time of confirming their booking. Cover should include cancellation and curtailment, medical emergencies, evacuation and repatriation expenses, disability and death, lost luggage, and personal effects. Certain activities are classified as high-risk or dangerous and may require extra cover to be taken out, please ensure you consult with your insurance company to ensure you are adequately covered. It is important to check if there is a travel age limit and should you be suffering from a pre-existing condition please check if there is a cap on medical emergency cover.
 
Certain banks and credit cards include or offer travel insurance as part of their service. Please always check exactly what is offered in the way of cover and if it is adequate for your needs. Although more expensive it may well be better to purchase a standalone policy that provides comprehensive cover.
 
By ensuring you are covered for the unexpected, travel insurance will provide you with peace of mind allowing you to relax and enjoy your holiday.
 
Insiders Tip
  • Don’t tempt fate by travelling with expensive jewelery, only bring what you need. If its irreplaceable or has sentimental value, then leave it at home. Never carry jewelery in your checked baggage.
  • In the unfortunate event your checked baggage is lost or delay we recommend you carry prescription medication, including anti-malaria tablets, essential toiletries, and a change of underwear in your hand luggage.
  • Misplacing or losing original travel documents is frustrating and time consuming as it takes time to have them replaced. Always carry a copy of the ID page of your passport, travel itinerary, travel insurance and Covid passport with you. The best method is to scan these documents and store them electronically. Packing a copy separately from the original documents and leave a copy with a family member or trusted contact are other options.
SAFETY GUIDELINES
It is sensible to take basic precautions whilst traveling anywhere in the world. Below are recommendations that we feel hold for travel in general and which we thus suggest are followed if traveling to Africa.
 
  • It is advisable to secure your luggage with a suitable lock when flying both locally (within South Africa), regionally (to neighboring countries), and internationally. As an additional precaution, we suggest that check-in baggage is protected and secured with a Luggage Glove.
  • Please do not check in any valuables or chronic medication as these should be kept in your carry-on luggage.
  • Never leave luggage unattended.
  • Always drive with your doors locked and your windows closed, with handbags/backpacks/parcels, and valuables stored out of sight in the boot/trunk of the car.
  • Keep mobile phones, wallets, and cameras well hidden, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
  • Never leave your luggage unattended (e.g. do not leave handbags under tables, on the backs of chairs, or restroom hooks).
  • Please report any stolen property and/or any incident involving your safety and security to the establishment where you are staying.
  • Separate your cash and credit cards and do not carry all your cash with you.
  • Avoid counting cash in the open.
  • Be vigilant whenever approaching an automated bank teller machine (ATM). If you feel unsafe, rather return at another time or use an alternate machine.
  • Please store any valuables, travel documents (passports/airline tickets/vaccination cards), and additional cash in your camp/lodge/hotel room safe or the property's main safe. Keep your room locked at all times and hand in room keys or cards whenever you leave your hotel.
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED

INCLUDED

  • Experience of a lifetime
  • 24/7  support before & during your safari
  • Accommodation*
  • Road transfers*
  • Tours & Activities*
  • Meals & Drinks*
  • Tour Guide (where applicable)
  • Airport & airstrip transfers*
  • Park fees, levies & taxes (unless otherwise indicated)
  • Inter-Africa commercial & light aircraft flights*

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* As indicated on your detailed safari itinerary

EXCLUDED

  • International airfare
  • Personal gifts & purchases
  • Incidental charges
  • Travel insurance
  • Conservation fees*
  • Visa fees
  • Balloon safari* (if applicable)
  • Laundry*
  • Tips

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* Unless otherwise indicated on your itinerary

TRAVEL INFO

  • Health & Vaccines, Visas & Passports, Connectivity, Power adaptors, Travel insurance, Credit Cards, Tipping guide,Packing list and more

GORILLA TREK PACKING LIST SUGGESTION

Kindly note that the packing list below is just a mere guideline as you may have your own preferences

  • 1-2 long sleeved shirts
  • 3 short sleeved t-shirts
  • 2 –3 pairs of light weight slacks/trousers – that can dry quickly (if wearing on treks)
  • 1 pair of shorts
  • 1 sweater or sweatshirt
  • A waterproof and windproof jacket
  • 1 skirt ( for women)
  • Gloves – gardening or similar (for gorilla trekking)
  • Strong waterproof walking boots – pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking
  • (heavy soled rain boots also work well)
  • Pair of sports sandals like Tevas
  • Hat-wide brim or with a visor for sun protection
  • Sleepwear
  • Underwear
  • Lightweight wool socks
  • Swimsuit (and a plastic bag)

 Miscellaneous

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses with neck strap
  • Insect repellent with DEET
  • Small day pack
  • Flashlight
  • Binoculars
  • Extra batteries
  • Camera and extra lenses
  • Film particularly fast film for the gorillas.
  • Personal toiletries
  • Prescription medicines and possibly prescription itself

First Aid Kit including rehydration sachets, anti-diarrhea medicine, aspirin, cold medication, antiseptic cream, band-aids, motion sickness pills, lip balm, eye drops and personal medication.

KENYA VISAS

  • Note that your need to apply for a MULTIPLE ENTRY visa for  Kenya
  • Local host details to be used for Tanzania & Kenya  applications

TANZANIA VISAS

  • Note that your need to apply for a MULTIPLE ENTRY visa for  Kenya
  • Local host details to be used for Tanzania & Kenya  applications

UGANDA VISAS

  • Note that your need to apply for a SINGLE visa for Ugand
  • Local host details to be used for Uganda  applications

    PASSPORTS

    • Email or Whatsapp a clear color copy of your passport
    • Expiration date valid at least 6 months past return dates
    • Please check the number of blank Visa pages required by each country

    CONTRACT

    • Download the Safari Contract
    • Take a picture with your phone of the first & last page and email back
    • Include APPENDIX C / Indemnity for each person going on the safari

    GUEST INFORMATION

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