Uganda, the "Pearl of Africa," is considered one of the most beautiful countries in Africa. Uganda is situated where the savanna of East Africa meets the volcanic mountains, rainforests and the waters of Lake Victoria. It is where the (White) Nile pushes its way through Murchison Falls. If time permits, spend more time in this beautiful country.

• Mountain Gorillas - Uganda is one of the only three countries in the world where you can trek to see the mountain gorillas.

• Chimpanzee Encounter – Hike into Kibale Forest and or Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park to view the chimps. The primates are tree dwellers so a viewing is more at a distance than the gorilla sightings. Each year they are getting more habituated and coming down out of the tree tops to greet visitors. 

• Big Four Safari – Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a premier "Big Four" safari featuring lions, elephants, and buffalo. Key highlights include Kazinga Channel boat trips for hippos and crocodiles, plus chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge. While it's a top birding destination,  rhinos are only found at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

• Cultural Interactions – home to over 50 ethnic groups from the Batwa pygmies near Bwindi to the Karamojong in the northeast part of the country, travelers can engage directly with the locals and learn about their music, dance and local traditions.

One of the most awe-inspiring experiences in Africa is visiting with the Mountain Gorillas. This journey centers on the gorilla trek. Travel into the lush forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to view a gorilla family at close range. Watch as the Silverbacks play with their teenagers and babies cling to their mothers. You will amaze at how very much like us they are. It is the one species that you will feel a real connection. 

Set off early in the morning to the base of your trek. Park rangers will discuss the procedures and rules in the viewing before starting off. A walk can be from one to four hours and at altitudes over 7500 feet above sea level. Once the family is located, observe them for approximately one hour. Then trek back down to base camp after one of the most fascinating days of your life! 

ACCESSIBILITY

Arrangements can be made for all those who wish to see the gorillas. Gorilla tracking is physically demanding, especially for those with disabilities, knee hip replacements or just not in perfect physical condition. If you have mobility challenges, we can pre-arrange for what is called ‘sedan chair’ that porters will carry you to the gorilla sighting. Carriers are available in Rwanda and Uganda but ‘chairs’ tend to be more comfortable in Uganda

WHICH GORILLA TREK IS FOR YOU - RWANDA or UGANDA?

Rwanda and Uganda trekking experiences can vary for each person that treks. The following is an overall consensus about the basic differences. Whichever country you choose to visit, we can assure you that your close-up visit with the gorillas will be like no other.

GORILLA FAMILIES & PERMITS

Gorilla trekking permits are highly regulated with approximately 1,050 mountain gorillas left in the wild. Of that, there are approximately 40 habituated gorilla families in Uganda and Rwanda that can be visited. Permits require booking months in advance, especially for the high demand seasons (June-August, December-February).

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking (Volcanoes National Park):

• Trekking Difficulty: Generally considered less physically demanding, with steeper slopes in places but more established, clearer paths due to the foliage in the area. Trekking is generally done at higher altitudes 7,800 feet + Rwanda offers steeper ascents, but its bamboo slopes are often easier to hike than Uganda’s dense terrain. The terrain in both areas is cleared as best possible by park rangers. 

• Permit cost: current rate of $1500 each

• Accommodations: high-end luxury properties

• Rwanda is best for: Those with limited time, prefer not to fly and prioritizing high comfort.

• Access: Beautiful drive from Kigali, only requiring 2-3 hours.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park):

• Trekking Difficulty: Terrain is denser than Rwanda with thicker forests, but as in both Uganda and Rwanda, park rangers clear paths as best as possible. Trekking is at a lower average altitude of 3,800-8,500 feet. 

• Permit cost: current rate of $800 each for foreign non-residents.

• Accommodations: More choices available than Rwanda - mid to high end. 

• Uganda best for: More variety of accommodations and a slightly better price point than Rwanda.

• Access: Travelers general fly from Entebbe to base camp unless visiting other parks in Uganda. Straight drive time is 8-10 hours. 

Consensus: 

Rwanda can seem to be more expensive than Uganda, as permits are $1500 per person, per trek, but when all is totaled, including permits, flights, and accommodations, prices are about the same. Rwanda would most likely be recommended for those with real concerns about terrain.

Uganda has more choices of accommodations, but a flight is required to reach the gorilla base camp. This ends up balancing the cost with Uganda only being a few hundred dollars lower. 

Born Free can request lower family permits in both countries. Arrangements can be made for those who may have mobility issues for carrying seats. 

Permits for Primate treks must be paid in advance and are non-refundable.

Reservations for accommodations and additional safari arrangements are not made until permits are secured. Permits are limited.

Journey Priced From:

Call for current rates.

Rates do not include primate permits which must be paid in advance and are non-refundable. 

South Africa is often described as “a world in one country,” offering a seamless blend of safaris, diverse cultural heritage, comfort, and safety that is uniquely suited for families. It is also an easy hop to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, an UNESCO Heritage site with activities including boating, community interactions, safaris, and elephant encounters. 

The main draw for families is the wildlife, there will be not only a traditional safari in Greater Kruger but a special stay at The Elephant Camp and a visit to Penguin Beach in Cape Town. In addition to the wildlife, travel on the rotating cable car up Table Mountain. Historically, take a ferry to Robben Island, the location where Mandala was imprisoned, now a museum dedicated to the times of apartheid.

On Safari - Three days are spent at a private game reserve, unfenced and bordering the Greater Kruger ecosystem. Resident guides and trackers take you out in open safari vehicles for day and night drives. Search for lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and giraffe. At night, guides search the bush for nocturnal species such as bush babies, leopards, porcupines, and aardvarks.  

Each day is very different as life unfolds in the bush. There are also educational lectures and programs for young safarists. Family units and private villas are available at many of the Born Free featured properties. 

Victoria Falls & Elephant Camp

Located a quick 10 minutes from Victoria Falls' park entrance, Elephant Camp is on a private concession with breathtaking, distant views of Victoria Falls and Batoka Gorge. Shuttles are run by the lodge, and guests can take a leisurely walk along the gorge, viewing the various vantage points of Victoria Falls.

Elephant Interactions: Highlights of the property are the waterhole in front of the lodge where elephants come to bath and drink and the elephant sanctuary for orphaned elephants. The sanctuary focuses on anti-poaching efforts as well. The herd has been rescued from either culling or illegal trade. 

Included Activities:

• Adventure & Tours: Guided tours of Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls Canopy Tour.

  Optional arrangements can be made to visit the Zambia side of the falls.

• Elephant Encounters: Interaction with resident elephants and educational talks.

• Safari & Nature: Game drives in Zambezi National Park and nature walks.

• Sunset cruises on the Zambezi Royal

• Cultural: Village Tours are intentional and immersive rather than staged. 

Optional Activities

Helicopter Flightseeing

High tea on the terrace at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

Chobe River Cruise, Botswana

Adrenaline Activities:

Zip lining, Micro lights, whitewater rafting, seasonal dip at the edge of Vic Falls in Devil’s Pool

This South Africa journey is crafted around the family’s interests, ages, and financial resources set aside for the trip.