Gorilla Trekking Safaris with added meaning, conservation and sustainability. Authentic, tailor-made gorilla safaris to Uganda and Rwanda.
We have a team of reservations experts who are available 24/7, knowledgeable, competent, fast and willing to offer guidance in addition to all the required information, while making important choices of your safari program.
We reduce stress, save your money and time while accepting payments in major world currencies. We have a number of payment options including direct wire or bank transfers, credit /Visa cards, PesaPal, pay on arrival and many other flexible payment options.
All our tours promote eco-friendly practices and support local communities. A portion of your trip goes towards supporting local conservation efforts and community development projects.
Whether you want your own, individual and personalized trip…or….you want to travel in a smaller group to create deeper connections with fellow travellers. Churchill Safaris are there for you to design the best tour for you based on your needs, time, budget.
We work with the best and most passionate local guides to help you explore Uganda´s hidden gems and to create lifetime memories.
There are many reasons to visit Uganda besides its beautiful scenery or natural landscape, streams, rivers lakes, mountains, the gorilla trekking experience in Uganda is worth all the money you’ll spend because once you sit a few meters from a four hundred pound silverback and his whole family, the world comes alive, and your view of the natural world is changed forever. Many would ask what Gorilla trekking is and the answer is simply; Gorilla trekking involves going on a guided hike through dense rainforest to spend time with a specific gorilla troop in their natural environment. Visiting thеse еnigmаtiс and beautiful creatures is a life-changing experience. Getting this experience would only cost you $800 for a gorilla tracking permit, however you can look at our diverse number of gorilla trekking safari itineraries.
I just have two words: SIMPLY SPECTACULAR. Seeing this amazing country through Churchill Tailored Safaris was one of the best decisions that our group got to make. You guys are the best.
We had a memorable time in the pearl of Africa. I told other colleagues. They are now looking through your website, for the perfect fit. Told them that the tailor-made option is simply on point!1 Thank you for the fast responses too!
I really had an experience like no other. Churchill Tailored Safaris, you guys, you’re definitely doing a great job. Thank You!!!
I literally gave Churchill Safaris less than 48 hours to arrange an 8 day itinerary for me including gorilla tracking in Uganda. Brenda’s customer service was superb, and they surely delivered! Brighton was my guide and was there waiting for me at the airport. We had a fabulous time together. Brighton made sure I was always happy with each accommodation, and ensured we were moving at a nice leisurely pace with plenty of time for stopping and taking pictures. I can’t say enough about Brighton, and what a kind, knowledgeable person he is, and a very safe driver. I was having such as great time, that I asked if I could extend my trip for 3 more days. I entrusted Brighton to come up with an itinerary that he knew I’d enjoy, and Brenda worked her magic, again choosing beautiful accommodations for me. In the end, I tracked chimpanzees, gorillas, and golden monkeys. I stayed at beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, saw the Nile source, saw lions, hippos, and elephant families at Queen Elizabeth National Park, and countless other adventures. The Ugandan people are the loveliest people I have met in Africa, and since it was low season, I practically had all the lodges to myself. It was supposed to be rainy season, but the weather was great. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Churchill Safaris!
Wow, what an amazing adventure we had in Uganda! We have travelled to other parts of Africa on many occasions, but we have never been looked after so well as on our trip to Uganda organised by Churchill Safaris. Every day was absolutely amazing, made much more special by our wonderful driver and guide, Joseph. Joseph met us at Entebbe Airport with a warm and welcoming smile. Our first night was spent in the beautiful Protea Marriot Hotel on the shore of Lake Victoria. Joseph arranged to collect us the next morning to take us to Mabamba Swamp in the hope of spotting the elusive shoebill. We were not disappointed. Wow, we couldn’t believe we were so close to a real, wild, and very rare shoebill, watching it hunt in the swamp. Our first day was one we will never forget, as was every day of our trip. The drives between our lodges were between 4-6 hours, and the beautiful scenery was so interesting to see, as were the villages. Joseph looked after us so well, and made sure we had plenty to eat and drink on our road journeys. Next stop was the Crater Lakes Region where we trekked with the chimpanzees in Kibale Rainforest. It was amazing, and again we got so close to the chimps! Joseph was the perfect guide with a wealth of information. We learned so much about Ugandan politics, the people, the history and so much more. Thank you to Churchill Safaris, and especially Joseph, for the most amazing Ugandan adventure!
My wife & I booked our gorilla trekking and accommodation through Churchill Safaris on the recommendation of a friend. And now I would like to pass on that same recommendation to others.
Our arrangements were done over several months (by choice) and Churchill was consistent & obliging during all that time, with quick & accurate responses to all our questions. They provided us with flexible options for our travels to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda, to see the gorillas over two days (a different group on each day) and they organised our accommodation for a week at Buhoma Community Haven Lodge.
Once we had decided on the best options that would tie in with our other travel times and locations we were presented with a confirmed itinerary which, I’m pleased to say, worked out a treat.
Accolades are also due to Isaac, our tour guide & host for the week. He was an excellent driver with a very amiable personality and he was extremely knowledgeable with regard to Uganda in general and its wildlife.
Many thanks to everyone at Churchill Safaris. Individual & company input made our holiday spectacular.
Cheers.
Some places you can for sure go and enjoy as an independent traveler OR you can get a travel agency and guide and get 500% better experience. We were so lucky that our research let us to the Churchill Safari. The communication before the trip was smooth and all we were promised was delivered. And much more. We’ve been traveling on the budget level and were treated like princesses (we were 4 friends and went as a group). Great accommodations, each little different, plenty of delicious food. All the safaris were simply amazing and nature was very generous to show us many animals we came to see. The chimp tracking was fun and the gorilla tracking was mindblowing. There is nothing our guide Chris would not solve for us and he was not only very knowledgeable, flexible and kind, but he also paid attention to details and was pure fun. My first trip to Africa most likely couldn’t go any better.
Churchill Safaris, and Brenda in particular, gave fantastic customer service. We were trying to visit Uganda on a very tight budget and for a limited amount of time, and Brenda was very responsive to our needs and did her very best to accommodate our needs with a brilliant itinerary. I would highly recommend Churchill Safaris to anyone considering a trip to Uganda.
We have just finished an 8 day tour around western Uganda with Churchill’s. We booked through Exoticca and had not heard of Churchill’s before but from start to finish the tour exceeded expectations. Our fantastic guide Joseph Okia was waiting for us as we stepped off the plane and took us to a land cruiser which would be our vehicle for the rest of the trip. We were only accompanied by 2 other people which made the tour seem personalised. In terms of itinerary it was very well organised and provided a great variety of activities. Highlights were chimpanzee and gorilla trekking and a boat ride where we saw elephants playing in the water, hippos and crocodiles but we did so much more. From community walks to safari game drives seeing lions, hyenas and giraffes the trip really had it all.
There is no doubt the trip was all the better for having Joseph as our guide. He was very well connected which helped ensure we got the best from each day including the inside track on where to see the best animals. Every day he was doing what he could to ensure we had the best time and that we were able to see what we wanted. He was also flexible to our needs and if we had free time was more than happy to organise things for us such as taking us to the botanical gardens in Entebbe, calling the centre up first to ensure there would be a guide waiting for us when we arrive. During the trip he was very knowledgeable and kept the entire tour very entertaining. We would have no hesitation using Churchill’s again and would recommend asking for Joseph!
Just to introduce ourselves, we were the other two travellers with MartinH889 and yes we did share some wonderful experiences. We could not complain about our guide, Joseph, who managed to drive us through intense mud and up and down the “interesting” roads being the only driver from our side who made it to the tree-climbing lions. . At the end of our trip our fellow travellers were flying out several hours ahead of ourselves but Joseph stayed with us managing our stay to the end. The arrangements were faultless and we had an exciting time getting up close and personal with chimps, maybe a bit too close at one point, and gorillas. The other parts of the trip were equally interesting, the boat trip on the Kazinga Channel and the search for tree-climbing lions (successful) were particular highlights. The hotels and guest houses were all a little isolated with no option but to eat there. The food and drink were reasonably priced, except for one, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge. On arrival we asked for a menu and price list but were told they didn’t have any. Prior to departure we asked for an itemised bill and were told it would be available in the morning. It wasn’t and we were only given a total which turned out to be twice what the others charged. Disappointing. Although we are fit pensioners we found it hard with 130 steps down to our room and the same back. Only they and the last stay at Rwakobo Rock Lodge accepted cards so carry cash. Thank you, Churchill, for organising such a special trip and special thanks to Joseph who met all our needs and more.
This is a late review for a number of reasons but nevertheless we took a tour that was arranged via a UK travel company with these guys in March 2020. I can only give praise to the fantastic driver and guide we had to transport us around for 10 days.
He was enthusiastic, attentive, caring friendly and informative from beginning to end.
If he set the standard for this company in terms of service and other driver/guides live up to it then you can’t go wrong using this company.
9 Day Uganda Safari with Guerrilla and Chimp Trekking
I booked a 9 day safari with Churchill. I went to Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi.
The trip exceeded my expectations! I saw a lot more animals and learned a lot more information from my guide than I expected. My guide, Isaac, was very knowledgeable not only about wildlife but Uganda’s history, geography, economy, and culture. I never felt bored since I was constantly learning something on the drives. Isaac is also very good at finding animals. He would spot animals from very far away. Even if we were leaving or entering a destination, he would stop for me to take pictures and talk about the sights. In addition to animals, Isaac would stop to discuss various cultural or natural scenarios. For example, he stopped where there was a brick oven to discuss how bricks are made.
Ether set everything up for me with short notice. I was happy to have accommodations the night of arrival and transportation from the airport. Everyday of the trip, I would chat with my guide about the program the next day so I always knew what to expect. I enjoyed all of the accommodations too. Each one had nice rooms that fit the environment.
Finally, I was nervous to go on this trip solo but I never felt unsafe!
Beratung, Organisation und Durchführung perfekt! Dank an das Churchill-Team!
Wir haben während der Corona-Pandemie eine Safari Reise nach Uganda gemacht und können nur sagen, dass das problemlos geht. Corona spielt in Afrika witterungsbefingt nicht die Rolle, wie in Europa. Die Vorbereitung,die Beratung im Vorfeld und die Durchführung durch Churchill war perfekt. Hervorragende Unterkünfte, eine überaus kompetente Begleitung durch unseren Guide haben uns ein unvergessliches Erlebnis geschaffen. Diesmal nicht mit Gorillas, wie 2021, sondern vor allem durch die grandiose Landschaft und die Tier- und vor allem Löwenbegegnungen in Murchison Falls.
We are proudly featured on Petit Fute Magazine
Please check out our business profile and services on: Churchill Safaris/Petit Fute Magazine 2022 Edition
Trekking: Refers to going on a long arduous journey, typically on foot in search for anything that will eventually satisfy your soul. The connection between gorilla and trekking is typically visible since one sets off from their places of comfort onto an expedition into the wild and tropics in search for gorillas and interact with nature through the walk in the jungle.
Gorilla trekking is an activity where tourists / people go searching for gorillas in the wild(not actual dictionary definition). Gorilla trekking is currently available in three African countries of Uganda, Rwanda and DRC. The process of gorilla trekking involves hiking or trekking in search for the rare mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking into Uganda’s biodiverse and mountainous Bwindi impenetrable forest is such a memorable and breathtaking adventure you ought to partake. The setting of the forest is arguably mystical. Unlike any other experience in Africa, the atmosphere of the trek through the jungle is mist and unreal. With each step your anticipation builds and the reward of seeing the last remaining mountain gorilla is spectacular.
A gorilla habituation experience is the process where wild mountain gorillas get used to the presence of humans. In Uganda, gorilla habituation is only done in the southern area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in the Rushaga region. The four hour mountain gorilla experience is the newly introduced product by Uganda wildlife authority, a body in charge of Uganda’s 10 world class national and 12 wild life reserves on top of more sanctuaries. This was due to requests from more tourists who feel want to have more time with the wild animals like Mountain gorillas of bwindi national park, golden monkeys in Mgahinga gorilla national park, chimpanzees in kibale national park ,Lions, elephants and Hippos in Queen Elizabeth national park. This is part of experiential tourism where one spends more time with a family of mountain gorillas amidst rangers and trackers, this four hour allows you to capture more different memories in terms of gorilla behaviors,interactions,bonding,grooming,playing,feeding,matinmg,breast feeding and resting which they hardly exercise on a daily one hour visit.
Gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly so its always advised to book your gorilla permit in advance. At Churchill Safaris we advise that you book your safaris on time 3-4 months in advance to avoid short notice disappointments. Gorilla permits tend to run out during high seasons of June, July , August, September, December, January and February each year. Please contact us about the availability of gorilla permits on info@churchillsafaris.com
When looking at the price of a gorilla tour in Uganda and Rwanda. You need to consider three main components, that is gorilla permit , accommodation and transport to and from the park. A budget of gorilla trekking normally ranges from USD 490 to USD 520 per person sharing excluding permits. A gorilla permit price in Uganda currently costs USD 700, in Rwanda it is USD 1500 and then gorilla habituation experience permits cost USD 1500. A budget for accommodation ranges from USD 50 to USD 500 and more for luxury lodges per person sharing.
Only a minimum of 8 people are allowed to trek or visit a given gorilla family in Bwindi, Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park. Bwindi has about 14 habituated gorilla families allowing only 8 people per day per hour. Gorilla types: the mountain gorilla, one of the world’s most endangered species with estimations indicating that there are about 300 mature individuals left in the world. Eastern lowland gorillas, this is the biggest of all primates mostly inhabiting mountain and lowland tropical forests. Western lowland gorillas, the smallest subspecies but the body of both genders is robust and powerful. Cross river gorilla, the most threatened of all subspecies by habitat loss. Western gorilla, smaller than eastern gorillas but with same physical appearance. Eastern gorilla, largest primate in the world. One of the most amazing creatures in sub Saharan Africa are the mountain gorillas, found mostly in the high altitude areas of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, in reference to a gorilla census carried out in 2011, there are believed to be over 880 mountain gorillas in existence primarily located in Bwindi impenetrable forest throughout the Virunga volcanoes bordering Uganda, Rwanda and democratic republic of Congo.
Every client wants to get the best out of the fee paid for gorilla safaris in either Rwanda or Uganda and the first question that arises is when is the best time for gorilla trekking While mountain gorilla in Uganda and Rwanda can be trekked throughout the whole year, drier months of June, July, August and early September then December up to February are the most preferred.
Bwindi is located in south western Uganda and is divided into four regions. Buhoma region in the North, Ruhija region in the East, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the South, each region has habituated gorilla families for gorilla tracking. The Impenetrable Forest Reserve was gazetted in 1942, upgraded to the BwindiI Impenetrable National Park in 1992 and recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1994.in the local Rukiga language, Bwindi actually means ‘Impenetrable.’ This double warning is apt, for Bwindi is all but impenetrable; 327km2 of tangled vegetation draped over a deeply fissured landscape of steep, slippery valleys and high, draughty ridges. But if the terrain is far from easy to negotiate, it is well worth the effort. Atrek through this, one of Africa’s most ancient rainforests, in search of the endangered Mountain Gorillas, ranks among the world’s premier wildlife encounters Bwindi can be cold especially in the morning and at night, the annual average temperature range is 70C-200C with the coldest period being June and July. Warm clothing is required plus wet weather gear since Bwindi receives up to 2390mm of rain/year. This is concentrated during two wet seasons, short rains in March-May and heavy rains in September-November. Instead of short tropical deluges, rain in Bwindi often falls as long hours of soft drizzle.
A gorilla permit allows you one hour with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga or Volcanoes National Park. Included in the cost are park entry fees for the respective parks, services of National Park guides/ranges who will escort you to the forest.
The age limit for gorilla tracking (Uganda and Rwanda) and golden monkey trekking (Uganda) is 15years. The authorities are very strict on this, so kindly make sure all clients and children are 15 or older in order to avoid any sad incidents like guest(s) kids being refused to track!… The age limit for trekking chimpanzees in Uganda is 12yrs old and children 10yrs and older are allowed to trek golden monkeys in Rwanda as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
