4-Nights A&K Sanctuary Gorilla Trekking in Uganda - Ready-to-Book Private Journeys from $4,395

1 Arrive Entebbe, Uganda

Entebbe is your gateway to Uganda’s considerable treasures, a laid-back waterside town with palm-fringed promenades lapped by Lake Victoria. Settle into your hotel with your evening free to relax and anticipate your explorations of this East African nation graced with deep lakes, soaring mountains and rich biodiversity.

This morning, fly to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A mist-topped tangle of treetops, strangling roots and coiling ferns, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the richest, oldest and most diverse rainforests in the region. Among its 120 species of mammals are over 500 mountain gorillas — half the world's wild population — some habituated to allow visitors to observe them. Gorilla Forest Lodge, located near the westernmost edge of the national park, is unrivalled as a base from which to set off in search of these magnificent creatures. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outside in; veranda-like decks provide a compelling sense of not merely looking at the forest but existing within it.

Fuel up with an early breakfast before joining your gorilla guide, who leads you into the forest to find the forest’s most famous residents. The trekking may be strenuous — six hours or longer is not unheard of – but the reward is worth it: the chance to observe wild mountain gorillas from just yards away, with no bars or barriers. Spend an hour in the company of these magnificent creatures as they forage, play or simply lounge amid the greenery, their affinity to humans apparent in every interaction and glance. Return to the lodge and relax or, if time allows, go on a forest or community walk with your guides.

On a day of free time set aside for you to relax or partake in activities available from your lodge, you may opt to join a tour of nearby Bwindi communities that have launched health, enterprise and education initiatives together with A&K Philanthropy. Experience firsthand the strong relationships we have forged with local residents, such as at the Bwindi Women’s Bicycle Enterprise and Beadmaking Workshop; on a visit to the Bwindi Community Hospital and Nursing School (built with the assistance of AKP support); and with members of the Batwa community – the indigenous inhabitants of the region and traditional guardians of the forest.

Fly to Entebbe, where a dayroom awaits until you take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.