Gorillas in the Rift – An Adventure in Uganda

May 18-27, 2027

We invite you to join fellow alumni on an unforgettable journey to Uganda – the “Pearl of Africa,” as Winston Churchill so fondly described it. This once-in-a-lifetime program takes you deep into the heart of Africa’s last remaining strongholds of primates, where just over 1,000 mountain gorillas still roam the misty forests. Along the way, you’ll experience breathtaking wildlife encounters, vibrant culture, and some of the most spectacular landscapes on the continent.

Your adventure begins in Entebbe, a charming lakeside town on the shores of Lake Victoria and gateway to Uganda’s interior. From here, travel north to Murchison Falls National Park , where the mighty Victoria Nile squeezes through an eight-meter gorge in a thunderous cascade. This park is teeming with wildlife, and bird lovers will find it a paradise.

Next, explore Kibale Forest, home to 13 species of primates, including our closest cousins, the chimpanzees. The experience of listening for their calls and watching them swing through the canopy is both exhilarating and humbling.

The journey continues past the legendary Rwenzori Mountains—the fabled “Mountains of the Moon”—to Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and rich diversity of wildlife.

Finally, the highlight of your adventure: trekking through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The thrill of encountering these gentle giants in their natural habitat is an experience few will ever forget.

For those who wish to extend their adventure, an optional post-program extension is available for additional gorilla trekking in Rwanda or a safari adventure in Kenya´s Masai Mara.

Tour Highlights:

• Explore Entebbe, a lakeside town on the shores of Lake Victoria and gateway to Uganda.
• Visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and see conservation efforts to reintroduce rhinos into the wild.
• Enjoy game drives and a boat cruise on the Nile at Murchison Falls National Park, where the river plunges through a narrow gorge.
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, home to 13 primate species.
• Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park and boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a region rich in wildlife, especially known for its famous tree-climbing lions.
• Trek through the, Bwindi Impenetrable Forestfor a once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla encounter.
  

B- Breakfast,  L- Lunch,  D- Dinner.

May 17, 2027     

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 $385 per room per night inclusive of breakfast, taxes, airport arrival services and private transfer to the hotel.

May 18, 2027

Arrive in Entebbe. Met on arrival and transferred to the hotel. 

For guests whose flights arrive before 5:00 P.M. gather this evening for welcome cocktails and trip briefing.

Overnight: Lake Victoria Serena Hotel (B, Welcome Cocktails)

May 19, 2027

Drive northwest to Murchison Falls National Park, stopping at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (~3 hours from Entebeb), the only place in Uganda where rhinos can be seen in the wild. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park – home to the Big 5 and where the Nile River surges through a narrow gorge to form the thunderous falls.

Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge (B,L,D)

May 20, 2027

Begin your day with an early morning game drive, where you have the opportunity to spot the elusive leopard, Uganda kobs, giraffes, buffalo, oribi and more.

In the afternoon, enjoy a sunset boat cruise on the Nile to the base of Falls, just meters from the roaring ‘Devils Cauldron.’ Return to your lodge for the rest of the evening at your leisure. 

Overnight: Paraa Safari Lodge (B,L,D)

May 21, 2027

Begin the day by hiking to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile crashes through a seven-meter cleft, sending mist and rainbows skyward. Then, continue your journey south through rolling countryside and the fabled “Mountains of the Moon” towards Kibale Forest, home to 70 mammal species, 375 bird species, and 13 primates. Arrive at your lodge and enjoy some downtime.

Overnight: Ndali Lodge (B,L,D)

May 22, 2027

Set out early for an unforgettable chimpanzee trek where you´ll have the chance to observe these chimps in their natural habitat, and learn about primates, plants, and ecosystems from your expert guide. Following your chimpanzee trek, enjoy an afternoon at leisure and the amenities at your lodge.

Overnight: Ndali Lodge (B,L,D)

May 23, 2027

Continue south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its sweeping savannas and diverse wildlife, arriving at your lodge in time for lunch. Depart on an afternoon game drive after some relaxation.

Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge (B,L,D).

May 24, 2027

Depart at dawn in search of lions. Your guides on this exclusive adventure are members of a local predator research team that has been doing carnivore research for years. Learn to use telemetry to find the different lion prides who roam the savanna. There is no better way to find and photograph lions and other big game in Uganda. During the drive, the guides and researchers will discuss human-animal conflict in communities around the park, veterinary issues within the park, and lion family dynamics as part of a very in-depth game drive.

Enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This provides the best opportunity for up-close animal viewing and photography with lots of hippos and numerous Nile crocodiles including the park’s rich bird life totaling to 600 recorded species.

Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge (B,L,D).

May 25, 2027

Depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sanctuary for nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to rest and prepare for your trek the following day.

Overnight: Mahogany Springs Lodge (B,L,D)

May 26, 2027

Set off early for your unforgettable gorilla trek. The rainforest here is lush and dense, crisscrossed by animal trails that lead you deep into the heart of Bwindi. This park is world-renowned for its mountain gorillas, and the chance to spend time observing these gentle giants is both rare and profoundly moving. Watching them interact—peaceful, shy, and remarkably human-like—is an experience that stays with you for a lifetime.

In the evening, visit a local craft village, an initiative that empowers women facing challenges such as poverty, HIV, and domestic violence. Your visit provides meaningful support to their work. 

Overnight: Mahogany Springs Lodge (B,L,D)

May 27, 2027

Fly to Entebbe airport arriving in the late morning. Day rooms have been arranged for those with late afternoon or evening flights. For those who are up for additional adventure, continue to  Rwanda or Kenya (see details below).

Day Room: The Boma Hotel (day rooms available until 6:00 pm)

Ground Costs:

$13,299 per person (double occupancy)

$1,999 single supplement

LAND ARRANGEMENT COST INCLUDES:

Includes:

• All airport arrival meet and greet + transfers.
• All accommodations and meals as indicated above.
• 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, 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 6:00pm.
• Gratuities for ancillary site-based support staff such as  boat crews for Murchison Falls  and Kazinga Channel; UWA rangers, trekking porters, scouts during Ziwa, chimp and gorilla excursions; QENP predator research specialty guides; lodge porters during group check in/ out; hotel/ lodge staff communal tip box (your main guides who are with you throughout your trip are not included and can be tipped directly).

Exclusions:

• Tips and gratuities to main safari guides who will be traveling with you.
• 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)
• Laundry, beverages other than those mentioned in the inclusions, telephone, fax and internet,
• Trip insurance including medical coverage and medical evacuation.

Activity Level (Varies from moderate to hard depending on the location of the gorillas):
Chimpanzee and gorilla trekking is often strenuous and requires walking on muddy and uneven paths and requires climbing short but sometimes moderately challenging terrain depending on the location of the gorilla nest. It is important to know and understand your level of stamina, and be comfortable in your abilities for such an activity. While park rangers and porters are available for assistance and support, guests are expected to be able to walk on their own with minimal assistance.  Some drives between parks may be long due to road conditions, general traffic and/ or distances. Please consult with your doctor to evaluate your physical condition.

4-night Kenya Sojourn

May 27-31, 2027

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

Cost:

$4,799 (per person, double occupancy)/$820 single supplement (extremely limited)
Optional add-on: Hot air balloon safari in the Mara: $595/ person (incl. 1 hour flight, bush breakfast, transfers)

Above includes flights to Nairobi, roundtrip bush flight to the Masai Mara, 1 night in Nairobi on bed/ breakfast basis, 3 nights at luxury lodge/ camp (full board basis) airport and airstrip meet and greet, all conservancy and park fees, safari game viewing with professional Guide.

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

2-night Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

May 27-29, 2027

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

Cost:

$5,499 (per person, double occupancy)/$945 single supplement (extremely limited)

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

Does not include: Rwanda visas, gratuities, extra services, extra meals, beverages, 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 – Villanova Univ Gorillas in the Rift 2027

To reserve a space, please complete and return this form. 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.