Inspiration Itinerary

Gorilla Express

Uganda

In the Realm of Primates & Peaks

This compact Uganda adventure begins with your arrival in Entebbe, where you’ll be met and transferred to a comfortable hotel for a night of rest before the journey into the wild begins. The next morning, board a scenic flight west to Kihihi, watching the landscape shift from lowland plains to rugged mountains and tangled rainforest. On arrival, a four-wheel drive transfer winds through remote villages and hills to the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Your base for exploration is Buhoma Lodge, an intimate property tucked into the trees near the park gate. From here, you’ll embark on a guided trek deep into the jungle to find a habituated gorilla family. The walk itself is an adventure, with steep slopes, thick undergrowth and the ever-present thrill of tracking something truly wild. When you find them, you’ll spend one precious hour with the gorillas — a moment of awe, connection, and humility that defies description.

After your trek, enjoy a complimentary massage or take a gentle walk through the surrounding community to meet local craftspeople and conservationists. Those with a second permit can opt for a second day of gorilla trekking, or simply soak up the atmosphere of the forest. Optional activities include visits to schools, local health initiatives, or the inspiring Ride 4 a Woman project. Your journey ends with a flight back to Entebbe, but the memory of the gorillas will stay with you forever.

12 INCREDIBLE DAYS

DAY 1 | ENTEBBE | 1 NIGHT

Arrive in Entebbe, where you will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy an evening at leisure, ready to head into the jungle tomorrow.

DAY 2 | BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST | 3 NIGHTS

Today your ‘Gorilla Express’ safari begins. You will be transferred from your Entebbe hotel to the airport for your flight to Kihihi (about 90 mins), where you will met on arrival at Kihihi airstrip by a Wild Frontiers representative. Continue to Bwindi (around 90 mins), travelling through local villages and along mountain roads.

Check in to Buhoma Lodge, tucked at the edge of the forest, to enjoy a restful afternoon, before a crackling fireplace sets the tone for a cosy evening.

DAY 3 | BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST

Wake to birdsong and monkey chatter, then with expert trackers and guides leading the way, you’ll set off early to trek through thick rainforest, tackling steep terrain as you search for your assigned gorilla family.

The trek can be physically demanding, taking anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours, often in hot and high-altitude conditions, but when you do find the gorillas, you’ll have a magical hour to observe these incredible creatures at close range. Coming face to face with a mountain gorilla is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — an encounter so powerful, it’s hard to put into words

After the trek, return to Buhoma Lodge for a well-deserved complimentary massage, or take time to explore the vibrant Bwindi community nearby.

DAY 4 | BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST

Those who have pre-purchased an additional permit will head out for a second gorilla trek. If not, enjoy a relaxed day exploring the Bwindi area at your own pace. Optional activities include guided forest walks, visits to a local school, orphanage, hospital or Batwa community, time at the Ride 4 a Woman project, or browsing local craft shops.

DAY 5 | DEPARTURE

Transfer to the airstrip for your return flight from Kihihi to Entebbe International airport, where the ‘Gorilla Express Uganda’ section of your itinerary will come to a close.

Note

This itinerary is a suggestion only and can be amended in terms of length, destination and properties to be included.

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

A selection of the finest safari camps

Buhoma Lodge – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Buhoma Lodge commands uninterrupted views of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the rare mountain gorilla. Ten comfortable, rustic cottages have been sustainably built, each with its own private veranda, allowing wonderful views of the forest canopy. It is just a short distance from the meeting point for gorilla tracking, placing you perfectly for a primate safari. Read More

No. 5 Boutique Hotel

Hotel No. 5 is a luxury, boutique style hotel ‐ the first of its kind in Entebbe. Located just ten minutes from the airport, it’s a great option for anyone looking for a relaxing, fuss‐free stopover, or for those with a little more time to stay and explore the local area. Read More

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

5 Days / 4 Nights

Inclusions

Transfer from Entebbe Hotel to Entebbe airport
Flight Entebbe – Kihihi with shared transfer Kihihi airstrip to Buhoma Lodge
3 nights at Buhoma Lodge including all meals (full board) & local drinks
Shared transfer Buhoma Lodge to Kihihi airstrip for flight Kihihi – Entebbe
Comprehensive passenger & public liability insurance
Community service fee & contribution to The Future Generations Trust

*Please note: Total weight limit for domestic transfer flight from Entebbe is 15kg in soft bags. XL seats available for those with additional luggage / needing more space.

Exclusions

Gorilla trekking permits
lnternational flights & airport taxes
Visa, Travel insurance, Health requirements (including Yellow Fever inoculation)
Services, activities, drinks & meals not included above
Gratuities & personal expenses

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

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We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

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If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

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Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

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Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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