Gorillas in the Rift: An Adventure in Uganda

May 18-28, 2026

Join fellow Alumni in this once-in-a-lifetime trip to see the last remaining apes in Uganda, affectionately called the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill. Just over 1,000 mountain gorillas still make their home in the primeval forests of central Africa. This trip enables you to intimately experience these animals and other primates in their natural habitat, while learning first-hand about the history and cultural heritage of this fascinating country.

Tour Highlights:

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Uganda, a land of unparalleled natural beauty and cultural richness.

• Sail into the Sunset: Enjoy a serene sunset cruise on Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake, spanning the borders of three countries.
• Encounter Majestic Primates: Come face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and trek to observe chimpanzees in Kibale National Park. Learn about Uganda’s pioneering efforts in great ape and primate conservation.
• Explore Uganda’s Wildlife: Discover the incredible biodiversity of Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, home to a variety of animal and bird species, including the renowned tree-climbing lions.
• Immerse in Local Culture: Experience the vibrant music, dance, and traditions of Uganda, connecting with its warm and welcoming people.

  
  Age Limit: As per park regulations, guests must be at least 15 years of age to participate in chimpanzee and gorilla treks and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

  Activity Level: Trekking for chimpanzees and gorillas can be physically demanding. Trails often involve muddy, uneven paths and moderate climbs depending on the gorilla nest location. Guests should assess their stamina and be comfortable navigating these conditions. While park rangers and porters are available for support, participants should be able to walk independently with minimal assistance. We recommend consulting your doctor to evaluate your physical readiness for this adventure.

Program Itinerary
[B- Breakfast   L- Lunch  D- Dinner]

May 17, 2026 – U.S/ Entebbe, Uganda
Depart the U.S. for Entebbe (flights not included) 
*This is a recommended departure date. Should you wish to arrive early, please contact Immersion Journeys. The cost for the early arrival hotel is $320 per night inclusive of breakfast and taxes.

May 18, 2026 – Arrival Entebbe
Upon arrival in Entebbe, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel to relax and recover from your journey. In the evening, meet your fellow travelers at a cocktail reception to kick off this unforgettable adventure.
Overnight: Protea Hotel (no meals today)

May 19, 2026 – Entebbe/ Lake Victoria Sunset Cruise
Morning at leisure to rest after your long flight. 
Later in the afternoon, enjoy a cruise on Lake Victoria – Africa’s largest lake by area In terms of volume, Lake Victoria is the world’s ninth largest continental lake. Enjoy welcome cocktails and hors oeuvres with your fellow travelers. 
This activity will depend on the weather. In case of inclement weather, the cocktails will be hosted at the hotel.
Protea Hotel (Breakfast, Cocktail Reception)

May 20, 2026- Entebbe /Murchison Falls National Park
Head northwest to Murchison Falls National Park, with a stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a vital effort to reintroduce rhinos to Uganda. Arrive at your lodge along the riverbank on the park’s northeastern edge. Murchison Falls is home to the mighty Nile River, which squeezes through a narrow gorge to create the thunderous falls and boasts a rich array of wildlife, including the Big Five.
Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge (B, L, D)

May 21, 2026 – Murchison Falls National Park
Embark on an early morning game drive through the Delta Circuit, where you may encounter elusive leopards, Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kobs, and defassa waterbuck, along with giraffes, oribi, and buffalo.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari along the Victoria Nile to the base of the falls, just meters from the “Devil’s Cauldron.” For the adventurous, a guided hike to the top of the falls offers breathtaking views of the Nile’s raw power, as it cascades through a seven-meter cleft, plunging 45 meters to create a spectacular rainbow.
Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge (B, L, D)

May 22, 2026 – Murchison Falls / Kibale Forest National Park
Drive through lush countryside, traditional villages, and the dramatic Mountains of the Moon en route to Kibale Forest National Park. Known for its diverse ecosystems, Kibale is home to 70 mammal species, 375 bird species, and 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees. 
Overnight: Chimpundu Lodge (B, L, D)

May 23, 2026 – Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park 
Start your day early with a guided trek to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the park’s primates, flora, and fauna, making this an enriching and memorable experience.
Overnight: Chimpundu Lodge (B, L, D)

May 24, 2026, Kibale / Queen Elizabeth National Park. 
Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, tracing the mystical Rwenzori Mountain Range. Upon arrival, spot waterbucks, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and a variety of antelope species. Time and interest permitting, visit the Katwe Explosion Craters, the park’s highest point at 1,350 meters above sea level. Walk down to the salt lakes to meet the locals who earn a living from salt mining. You will get to learn about the salt formation process from the saline waters during the hot season. The creative and hardworking miners will share their experiences of mining and local salt processing. 
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge (B, L, D).

May 25, 2026- Predator Research Excursion/ Queen Elizabeth National Park. 
Set out at dawn with a local predator research team for an exclusive lion-tracking experience. Learn to use telemetry to find the different lion prides who roam the savanna. During the drive, the guides and researchers will discuss lion family dynamics, human-animal conflict, veterinary issues, and conservation efforts all while capturing incredible photos of Uganda’s iconic wildlife.
In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the largest concentrations of hippos in Africa. The channel offers exceptional opportunities for bird watching, game viewing, and photography, with over 600 bird species recorded.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge (B, L, D)

May 26, 2026 – Queen Elizabeth National Park / Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Travel to the famed Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that shelters nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, explore the Buhoma village to connect with local communities and learn about their traditions and local customs.
Overnight: Mahogany Springs Lodge(B, L, D) 

May 27, 2026 – Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 
Early morning start for your gorilla trek. The rainforest is a spectacular, heavily vegetated, and dense landscape crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access for trekkers. This park is best known for its fascinating gorillas. The thrill of spending time with them and observing these gentle giants is a rare and moving adventure that will leave you with long-lasting memories of a truly unique experience. The gorillas are shy and peaceful animals and it is an unforgettable experience to watch them as they interact with each other.
Overnight: Mahogany Springs Lodge (B, L, D)

May 28, 2026  Fly to Entebbe / Depart for home or Extension.
Fly back to Entebbe, arriving in the late morning. For those with late flights, day rooms will be available until 6:00 PM. Alternatively, extend your journey with an optional safari in Kenya’s Maasai Mara or additional gorilla trekking in Rwanda (View details in ‘Optional Post-Trip‘ tab).

Before September 15, 2025:

$12,899 per person (double occupancy)/ $1,999 single room supplement (extremely limited and available on a first come basis)

After September 15, 2025:

$13,649 per person (double occupancy)/ $1,999 single room supplement (extremely limited and available on a first-come basis)

INCLUDES:

• All airport meet and greet + transfers.
• All accommodations and meals as indicated above.
• Sunset cruise on Lake Victoria.
• 1 soft drink per guest during lunches and 2 glasses of house wine, local beer, or soft drink per guest during dinners.
• Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permit (one trek per activity type).
• All national park fees, conservation levy, and taxes.
• All safari game drives in 4×4 vehicles with professional English-speaking guides.
• Exclusive access and predator tracking with a local research team.
• Boat cruise at Murchison Falls and Kazinga Channel.
• Bush flight from Bwindi to Entebbe + day room on departure day until 6:00 pm.

EXCLUDES:

Tips and gratuities to guides, rangers, hotel/ lodge luggage porters, hotel staff, boat crew during cruises, international airfare into/ out of Entebbe (unless traveling on the Kenya extension), visas and passport fees, vaccinations (unless medically waived, proof yellow fever vaccination is required to enter Uganda and when traveling between the East African zone countries), pre-arrival COVD testing (if not fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated guests must show proof), laundry, beverages other than those mentioned in the inclusions, telephone, fax and internet, travel insurance* including air evacuation to your home country/ state/ city. 

*Guests should have enough coverage for additional in-country COVID testing and any necessary hospitalization/ treatment/ isolation/ transport.

Optional Extensions 

3-night Kenya Sojourn 
May 28-31, 2026

This extension is a wonderful complement to your primate experience in Uganda. The Masai Mara ecosystem is teeming with wildlife across the savanna plains. 

Cost: 

$4,199 per person (double occupancy)/ 

The above includes flights to/from Masai Mara, 3 nights at a luxury lodge/ camp (full board basis) all domestic flights, airport meet/ greet, accommodations and meal plan as mentioned above, all conservancy and park fees, safari game viewing with professional Guide.

Does not include: Kenya visas, gratuities, extra services, extra meals, beverages, or yellow fever vaccination (proof required for those traveling from Uganda).

2-night Gorilla Trek in Rwanda 
May 28-30, 2026

Continue your gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. 

Cost: 

$4,999 per person (double occupancy)/ 

The above includes transport from Uganda to Rwanda, 1x gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, 2 nights at a luxury lodge/ camp (full board basis), gorilla permit and park fees, a self-guided tour of the Dian Fossey Center in Virunga, a visit to the Genocide Museum in Kigali, 

Does not include: Rwanda visas, gratuities, extra services, extra meals, beverages, or yellow fever vaccination (proof required for those traveling between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda).

Other customized pre/post-trip extensions are available. Please contact Immersion Journeys at info@immersionjourneys.com.

TOUR RESERVATION FORM – Gorillas in the Rift

To reserve a space, please complete and return this form with your non-refundable deposit of $1,650 per person ($2,450 including Kenya Extension or Rwanda Extension). We will not process your deposit until you are assigned a place on the tour. Please contact 917-686-2620 (info@immersionjourneys.com) if you have any questions about the registration process.