9-Day Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Yoga Safari
24 June - 2 July
Join Chris from Uganda Adventure Safaris and myself for this incredible adventure. Chris will be showing us what makes his home country so special as we take a short hike to Murchison Falls and drive through 5 National Parks for incredible wildlife sightings.
We will set out on foot to trek Gorilla and Chimpanzee, which will for sure be one of the most memorable experiences of your life - it has been mine and that is why I now go 3 times a year. This is truly a unique experience as only a few people get to spend time with these beauties. There are 18 gorilla families that have been habituated for tourism purposes, and 17 of those are tracked in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where we will be trekking these gentle giants.
HIGHLIGHTS
Drive through 5 National Parks for a chance to see Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe, Lion, Hyena, Leopard and much more!
Short hike along the Nile River to see the world’s most powerful waterfalls
Boat cruise at Murchison Falls offering an array of wildlife and common sightings include Crocodile & Hippo
Set out on foot to trek Gorilla and Chimpanzee. There are just over a thousand mountains gorillas left in the world, and half of them are found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Beautiful accommodations
Yoga and meditation sessions amongst these unique landscapes
Here’s a sneak peak of our yoga sessions in Uganda
Your Yoga Experience
Yoga sessions depends on the day’s activities and travel time. Since most mornings start quite early due to all the amazing activities on offer and also the best time to view wildlife, most yoga sessions will be in the afternoon. Sessions are a combination of pranayama, yin, slow flows, dynamic vinyasa flows, hatha and guided meditations - The sounds of the surrounding forests promises a calming and meditative state that will benefit beginners to experienced students. - more about your teacher
WHAT THEY SAY…
“This experience was one of the best I have ever had! My friend and I were looking for a yoga experience in Africa and found Namaste Yoga Safari. When we read about the Gorilla Trekking I knew we found our trip. I had no idea the amazing adventure we were about to experience!!! Not only did we spend time with the gorillas in the breathtaking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, but we also experienced Chimp trekking, safari, of course yoga and so much more. Along the way, we saw beautiful landscapes, ate local foods and Marcel and Chris were the perfect mix of professional and fun! We laughed a ton and I learned so much about Uganda. I highly recommend this trip if you are looking for a good balance of adventure and relaxation paired with amazing guides. I can't wait to travel with Namaste Yoga Safari again!” - Analeisse, USA - MORE REVIEWS
Itinerary & Lodging
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Upon your arrival at Entebbe Airport, you'll be greeted and transported to your sanctuary. Find solace and unwind as you settle into your accommodation, allowing the tranquility to wash over you after your journey.
Our haven is Karibu, a retreat nestled a mere 10 minutes from Entebbe International Airport. Once a Presidential Residence, this boutique hotel, has flourished into a cherished escape for both leisure seekers and travelers. Embracing a commitment to personalized service, Karibu caters to a select number of guests, ensuring an intimate and rejuvenating experience.
Indulge yourself in culinary delights inspired by the French/Mediterranean concept, featuring contemporary favorites like Karibu Burgers and Poke Bowl Salads, alongside a selection of traditional Ugandan dishes for those eager to savor local fare.
As part of your wellness package, luxuriate in a revitalizing full-body massage—a perfect remedy for post-flight relaxation. Perhaps even join one of the activities on offer: Sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria, Shoebill experience, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary founded by Jane Goodall, Botanical gardens or a Boda Boda Tour (bike tour) to Kampala, Uganda’s Capital.
Our journey unfolds with a warm welcome during a rejuvenating yoga session, setting the stage for an evening of connection over a nourishing dinner. Together, we'll explore the enticing itinerary for the upcoming days.
Brace yourself for an early morning awakening, as tomorrow beckons us to Murchison Falls National Park for an enchanting rendezvous with wildlife. Get ready to embrace the serenity and adventure that lie ahead on this transformative adventure
Accommodation: Karibu Entebbe
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Hope you are ready for this amazing adventure to start as we will head to Murchison Falls National Park. The driving time to Murchison Falls is about 5 hours and what a beautiful scenic drive it is. Our lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, is in the Murchison Falls National Park overlooking the spectacular Nile River. Once entering the park, our safari starts!
Murchison Falls National Park that comprises of beautiful savannah landscapes and plenty of wildlife, is divided by River Nile into the south and northern region. The northern part is largely covered by savannah and woodland, supporting a lot more volume and variety of animals compared to the southern region which has a bigger chunk covered by forest. The game drives here are done in the northern area of the Murchison Falls and an early start offers a better chance to find elusive predators such as Lion, Hyena, Leopard and Jackal as they are still actively out hunting. Explore the game trails towards the Lake Albert Delta which is concentrated with big game including Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe and various antelope. Boat rides here at the falls also offers an array of wildlife and common sightings include Crocodile, Hippo, and Lizard. Big game such as Buffalo and Elephant can also be sighted drinking and cooling off the heat by the river banks.
Relax in comfort before meeting for our first and much needed outdoor yoga sessions.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
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An early start (6:00) as today we will continue our safari in the Murchison Falls National Park. The early start offers a better chance to find elusive predators such as Lions, Hyenas, Leopard, and Jackal because they are still out actively hunting. Game drives last for about 4 hours, a time to take in the beautiful savannah landscape that is immersed with plenty of life and wonderful scenery.
We will be back at the lodge for an early lunch and relaxation, then set out for a 2hr boat cruise offering an array of wildlife sightings like Crocodile, Hippo, Lizard, Buffalo, Elephants and Antelopes, usually drinking and cooling off in the heat of the day by the river banks.
Find and create space on your mat as the sun sets over the Nile River. Tonight’s therapeutic moves will allow you to go inward and become familiar with your body as you link your breath and connect with nature.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
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Before heading to Kibale National Park, we will stop at Murchison Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa with views of the Nile River, for a quick 40-minute hike. It is also known as the most powerful waterfalls in the world and where the longest river in the world squeezes through a 7-meter gap and then drops down 45 meters.
The Kibale Forest National Park is known as one of the best safari destinations in Africa for chimpanzee trekking. There are 13 primate species living within this park, and it is home to 70 mammal species and 375 species of birds. 351 tree species have been recorded, with some older than 200 years, reaching above 55m. Not only is Kibale NP one of Africa’s foremost research sites for chimpanzees and other primates found in the park, but also wild pigs, fish species and Kibale’s lush ecosystem. No wonder is known as one of Uganda’s most rewarding areas to explore.
After arriving at our accommodation, Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, we will relax before meeting for another much-needed yoga session surrounded by beautiful gardens, tea plantations and indigenous forest. Life here will seem like a dream as you open your eyes after a guided meditation, gazing at the beautiful panoramic vistas of Kibale National Park, ancient crater lakes, and the Rwenzori Mountains. Your body relaxed, your mind in a state of absolute peace.
Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse is located at the edge of Kibale National Park, offering accommodation in beautifully furnished self-contained cottages (Bandas) with a panoramic view of Kibale Forest National Park and the surrounding Tea plantations. Expect warm delicious meals, freshly baked bread, seasonal home grown fruits and vegetables + pancake breakfasts.
Accommodation: Chimpanzee forest guesthouse /Turaco Treetops
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This morning we will set out on foot to trek the most threatened primate species, the Chimpanzee. Other primates that you could possibly spot here are black and white Columbus monkeys, L’Hoest Monkeys, Grey checked Mangabey, Red tailed monkeys, Bush babies and Pottos. Many bird species like the Yellow Spotted Nicator, Rumped Tinker Bird, Little Greenbul, Green Breasted Pitta, the Crowned Eagle and Black Bee eater can also be seen here. Oh, and even elephants can be seen on this trail.
We will return to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation and a beautiful sunset yoga session overlooking the stunning crater lakes. Take in the silence and the peacefulness that surrounds you… another magical day in the forests of Uganda.
Accommodation: Chimpanzee forest guesthouse / Turaco Treetops
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After breakfast, we are heading to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The drive is quite long, but again, such a beautiful scenic road. We will check into Bakiga Lodge in the afternoon, a luxury eco lodge with amazing views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and only a few minute’s drive from the Gorilla Trekking meeting point. The lodge is also a non-profit lodge, part of the Bakiga Community Project.
After our outdoor yoga session, we will have dinner, then relax around the fire. Tomorrow morning calls for an early start as we get to trek the Mountain Gorilla.
Bwindi is the source of five major rivers and also declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. With more than 160 species of trees, this forest is known for its exceptional biodiversity. Here you will find various butterfly species, 350 species of birds and 120 mammal species, which includes the colobus monkey and chimpanzee. It is home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and this is where we will be on foot, trekking these rare and endangered beauties.
Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge
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After an early breakfast, we will head to the park headquarters for a briefing about your gorilla trekking experience, then set off on foot for this remarkable experience of searching for the famous mountain gorillas. The activity takes anything from 2- 6 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas in the jungle. The thrill of encountering these humble and gentle giants will make any amount of time spent hiking well worth it. You can also expect to meet a few other forest species such as monkeys, forest elephant, duikers, birds and many more on this hike.
The Gorilla trekking time differs based on several factors ranging from terrain, movement of the gorilla families, strength and skill of the travelers. Group size is a maximum of 8 guests and we are allowed a maximum of 1 hour to observe and take photos of the mountain gorillas.
After the Mountain Gorilla trek, we will head back to Bakiga for a day of relaxation, yoga and reflection
Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge
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After our morning yoga session we will head to Lake Mboro for some more wildlife encounters. We have a guided walking safari booked here, but you can opt for a cycling tour or a night drive.
Discover the allure of Rwakobo Rock, an exclusive retreat beckoning you to indulge in the serenity and seclusion of wild Uganda. Embrace this unique opportunity for a rejuvenating escape.
Whether you crave the leisurely delight of lounging in a hammock with an ice-cold drink or seek the thrill of venturing into Lake Mburo National Park for an exhilarating afternoon, this destination offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement to suit your desires.
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock
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Today marks the end of this incredible journey. Take in the last bit of scenery before our drive back to Entebbe which will take around 4 hours, leaving soon after breakfast. If you booked your flight for this afternoon, you will be dropped off at the airport in time for your departure flight. Please book your departure flight any time from 8pm as we are only arriving back in Entebbe round 5pm. If you booked an additional night in Entebbe, you will be dropped off at your chosen accommodation.
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Accommodation might change according to availability, it will however be of similar standard.
The driving time between each location can take anything from 7-9 hours. Even though it sounds long, the scenery is just mind blowing and the energy in the car is electric from all the excitement of what is to come…!
Dates & Rates
24 June - 2 July - ONLY 1 SPOT LEFT!
Shared Rooms: USD 6,690 p/p (2 guests max per room)
Private Rooms: USD 6,950 p/p
For the best possible group experience, the group size will be a max of 8 which includes your local guide, Chris and your yoga teacher.
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• Accommodation for 8 nights at different lodges
• All meals at the lodges
• Refillable water in the car to fill up your own water bottle
• Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking permit
• Safari game drives
• Boat cruise
• Guided walking safari at Lake Mburo
• Professional guides for all excursions/activities
• Yoga and meditation sessions out in nature
• Park Fees
• Airport pick-up at Entebbe International Airport on the starting day of the trip
• Ground transportation + fuel
• Welcoming gift
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• International flights
• Visa fees
• Gratuity
• Travel Insurance
• Optional activities
• Local/alcoholic beverages
• Airport drop off if staying another night
A 20% deposit per person is required to secure your spot. Offering payment plans. Detailed itinerary will be sent upon enquiry.
PLEASE NOTE: We need to buy Gorilla Trekking permits long in advance as the Ugandan Wildlife Authority only supplies a certain amount per day for the protection of the Gorillas - it would be advised to book your spot long in advance.