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The perfect combination of wildlife spotting and beach relaxation, this unique trip includes incredible gorilla and chimpanzee tracking excursions* in Uganda and an all-inclusive stay on the idyllic island of Zanzibar.

Inclusions
  • Airfare to Entebbe and return from Zanzibar
  • 11 night partially guided vacation
  • 11 night hotels in 3-star hotels
  • Intra-air flight from Entebbe to Zanzibar
  • 7 breakfasts and all-inclusive package in Zanzibar
  • Transfers in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle.
  • Game drives and park entry fees as indicated in the itinerary
  • Boat Trip in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Gorilla trekking permits
2025 Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto
Feb 18, 21 from $12819    $8329
Mar 4, 11 from $12199    $7929
Apr 15 from $16439    $10679
Solo traveler: add from $1400 more
Calgary: add from $350 more
Winnipeg: add from $450 more
Edmonton: add from $550 more
Victoria: add from $1200 more

*The minimum age requirement for the Gorilla Trekking Excursion is 15 years of age. For the Chimpanzee Trekking Excursion, the minimum age requirement is 12 years of age. Unfortunately, children under these ages are not permitted to participate in these excursions.

Dates, prices and promotion are subject to change without notice.
Other departure cities are available – please call for more details!

Not Included: Visas, travel insurance, tips, drinks, meals and any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.

Day 1: Canada – Night on board
Arrive at your departure airport ready to check-in for a flight * to Entebbe. Night on board.

* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Entebbe
Arrive in Entebbe, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. A charming town, Entebbe is situated on the shore of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, relaxing or exploring the town for a chance to experience the local culture. Overnight stay in Entebbe.

Day 3: Entebbe – Kibale Forest (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you’ll make your way to Kibale Forest Park, taking in breathtaking views of lush landscapes and tea plantations lining the road. Along the journey, you’ll pass through lively towns, getting a glimpse of the vibrant local life and immersing yourself in the rich culture of Uganda. You also have the option to take an optional cooking class* in Kibale, where you’ll learn to prepare delicious traditional dishes within a local community. Overnight stay in Kamwenge-Kabarole.

*Optional cooking class in Kibale: Enjoy the preparation of traditional dishes in a local community. You’ll have the chance to visit a nearby market to select fresh ingredients for the meal, then join a local chef in peeling, chopping, and preparing all the ingredients. You’ll also get to cook the meal on a traditional stove and monitor it until it’s ready to be served. This hands-on experience not only allows you to immerse yourself in the local culinary traditions but also gives you insight into how the community views the nutritional value and significance of these dishes. It’s a truly enriching experience!

Day 4: Kibale Forest National Park  (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will start the morning early and prepare for Chimpanzee trekking, where you will be transferred to the tracking point. Once there, you will receive an informative briefing on how to begin your search, after which a ranger will be assigned to guide you on your adventure. After a while, you’ll spot the chimpanzees, spend some time with them, and then leave the forest to return to the vehicle that will take you to the lodge. After trekking, you will head back to your accommodation for lunch. You will have the afternoon and evening free, with the option to participate in our optional activity, the Bigodi Swamp Walk*, which is rich in bird species, vegetation, and wildlife, allowing you to continue enjoying your experience. Overnight stay in Kamwenge-Kabarole.

*Optional Bigodi Swamp Walk: Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Uganda’s natural beauty. Explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a haven brimming with diverse bird species, lush vegetation, and vibrant wildlife. This experience not only immerses you in nature but also supports local tourism initiatives that promote social and economic development in the area. As a community-driven endeavor, all proceeds are reinvested to uplift the indigenous people of the region. Enjoy an interpretive tour along enchanting boardwalks, where you’ll have the opportunity to encounter various primate species and discover the unique animals that call this area home. Let the wonders of Uganda inspire you!

Day 5: Kibale Forest National Park – Bwind Impenetrable Forest National Park (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today will be an exciting day for you to continue discovering the wonders of Uganda. In the morning, you will head to Bwindi Impenetrable, where your guide will share the diverse landscapes and features of the journey. As you traverse the winding hills of this region, you will admire the majestic peaks of the three Virunga mountains and the terraces that farmers use to control soil erosion.

Before checking in at the lodge in Bwindi, you will have the option to participate in our optional activity Coffee Experience*, where you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and learn about its entire production process alongside the local community. If you choose not to join the activity, you will arrive at the lodge in the afternoon, where you can enjoy some free time to rest and relax. Overnight stay in Kisoro, Rushaga.

*Optional Coffee Experience: During this authentic experience, you will visit a local homestead and their farm to explore the entire coffee journey, from nursery to planting, care, and harvesting. Discover the fascinating story of coffee, from seed to cup, with the majestic Mt. Muhabura, Mt. Gahinga, and Mt. Sabinyo as your backdrop. The volcanic soils, reliable climate, and high altitude create ideal conditions for exceptional coffee flavor and aroma. Learn about the origins of coffee and how local farmers cultivate their plantations organically, covering planting, growth, and harvesting. Afterward, you’ll be guided through the local drying process and roasting, where you can acquire traditional skills and craft your own delicious cup of Arabica coffee.

Day 6: Bwind Impenetrable Forest National Park (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you’re all set for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure. Your guide will take you from the lodge to the orientation point in the Rushaga sector, where you’ll receive a detailed briefing about the hike. You’ll enjoy a traditional dance, followed by important information from the ranger about what to expect and what to bring.

Once the briefing is complete, you’ll be assigned a gorilla family along with a ranger guide and security personnel. The trek begins as you follow the ranger, who stays in constant contact with the trackers in the forest. When the trackers let the ranger know they’re close to the gorilla family, you’ll leave your hiking sticks behind to avoid startling them and put on a mask to help protect their habitat. When you find the gorilla family, you’ll have an hour to observe them up close. After this incredible experience, you’ll head back out of the forest, where you’ll receive your gorilla trekking certificate. Finally, you’ll return to the lodge with your guide. If you prefer to continue the adventure, we recommend our optional activity, the Canoeing Experience* on Lake Mulehe. Overnight stay in Kisoro-Rushaga.

*Optional Canoeing Experience: Embark on an unforgettable canoeing adventure on the serene waters of Lake Mulehe. As you glide through the shimmering lake, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the enchanting islands dotting the landscape, each offering its own unique beauty. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of birdwatching, where you can observe a variety of stunning bird species in their natural habitat. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to meet and interact with the welcoming local communities, gaining insight into their rich culture and way of life.

Day 7: Bwind Impenetrable Forest National Park – Lake Mburo National Park (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you will embark on an exciting journey to Bwindi, heading to Lake Mburo National Park. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to stroll among the locals, immersing yourself in their culture as you observe their daily activities.

Upon arriving at Lake Mburo National Park, you will check in at the lodge, where you will be welcomed with a refreshing drink and a hot or cold towel, depending on the weather. Take this moment to relax; if your itinerary allows, you can also enjoy a delicious lunch before venturing out on an exciting afternoon safari.

Your attentive and experienced guide will assist you in spotting the park’s diverse flora and fauna, dedicating time for you to observe and photograph the wonders that nature has to offer. After the safari, you will return to the lodge, where you can unwind and reflect on a day filled with adventures and discoveries. Overnight stay in Kiruhura, Nyabushozi.

Day 8: Lake Mburo National Park (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, you’ll set off for an exciting early game drive in Lake Mburo. With your guide’s keen eye, you’ll have the opportunity to spot the morning’s wildlife, including hyenas, leopards, giraffes, various antelope species, and buffalo. After the thrill of the safari, you’ll return to the lodge to relax.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll be taken to the shores of Lake Mburo, where you can board a boat for a leisurely cruise on the water. As you drift along, keep an eye out for hippos lounging in the sun and other fascinating aquatic species that may appear along the way. Overnight stay in Kiruhura, Nyabushozi.

Day 9: Lake Mburo National Park – Entebbe – Zanzibar (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, set out on an exhilarating game drive, depending on your flight schedule. Later, you’ll leave the park and continue on to Entebbe Airpor for your flight to Tanzania. Touch down in Zanzibar and transfer to the hotel, ready to begin your laid-back All-inclusive stay on the coast.** Spend the remainder of the day exploring or relaxing at your leisure and getting settled into your surroundings. Overnight stay in Zanzibar.

** If you arrive before check-in time, you can leave your baggage at reception and enjoy the hotel facilities while you wait for your room to be ready.

Day 10: Zanzibar (All Inclusive)
All-inclusive. Make the most of a free day to enjoy the paradise beaches of Zanzibar. You can take the day to relax on the beach or make the most of your incomparable hotel facilities. We recommend visiting one of the island’s historic spice plantations to learn about how Zanzibar got its nickname of ‘Spice Island’. Overnight stay in Zanzibar.

Day 11: Zanzibar (All Inclusive)
All-inclusive. Enjoy a day at your leisure on in Zanzibar. Discover the island’s heritage as a historic trade centre in Stone Town, go snorkelling to explore the underwater world of the Indian Ocean or simply kick-back on the beach. Overnight stay in Zanzibar

Day 12: Zanzibar (All Inclusive)
All-inclusive. Spend another day in this tropical paradise at your leisure to take advantage of the hotel facilities and the surrounding beaches. If you want to venture out of the resort, try the historic Old Fort, located in Stone Town, the capital of Zanzibar. Overnight stay in Zanzibar.

Day 13: Zanzibar – Night on board (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.* It’s time to bring an end to your adventures through Africa. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the Canada. Night on board.

* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

 

 

Optional Tours

Day 3: Cooking class
Price: from $60 per person
Enjoy traditional cooking in a local community by selecting fresh ingredients from a nearby market. Join a local chef to prepare and cook on a traditional stove, gaining insight into local culinary traditions and the significance of the dishes.
What’s included: Transfer, local chef teacher and 1 litre of water.

Day 4: Bigodi Swamp Walk
Price: from $60 per person
Explore Uganda’s Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, rich in diverse wildlife and bird species. This community-driven experience supports local initiatives to uplift indigenous people. Enjoy a tour along boardwalks, encountering primates and unique animals.
What’s included: Transfers, guide and entrance.

Day 5: Coffee Experience
Price: from $60 per person
Explore the coffee journey at a local homestead, from planting to harvesting, with Mt. Muhabura, Mt. Gahinga, and Mt. Sabinyo as your backdrop. Learn about organic cultivation and try your hand at drying and roasting to craft your cup of Arabica coffee.
What’s included: Transfers, expert coffee farmer, entrance and 1 litre of water

Day 6: Canoeing on the Mulehe Lake
Price: from $60 per person
Enjoy a canoeing adventure on the tranquil waters of Lake Mulehe, exploring islands and birdwatching in their natural habitat. Meet local communities and immerse yourself in their rich culture.
What’s included: Transfers, guide and 1 litre of wate

 

Entry requirements
  • Uganda: 
    • Passport with a minimum of six months validity.
    • A visa is required to enter the country. This must be requested online before travel via the following link: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
    • Please consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylaxis.
  • Tanzania:
    • Passport valid for six months and a return ticket required. Starting September 1, 2024, Air Tanzania passengers need mandatory inbound travel insurance. From October 1, 2024,
    • Zanzibar visitors A visa is required. Issued on arrival in the country. Price approximately $50. Maximum 3 months stay. Visas are paid in cash only, with USD banknotes issued after 2006.must have travel insurance from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation
    • Please consult your doctor regarding the vaccination against yellow fever and malaria prophylaxis. Travellers over 60 years must consult their doctor as the Yellow Fever vaccine can have serious side effects.
Important Notes
  • Documentation of the internal flights will either be available in the “My bookings” section in your “Customer Area” 7 days before your trip or delivered to you on arrival at your destination. It is essential to fill in the passport information correctly for each passenger.
  • All-Inclusive in Zanzibar includes: Breakfast 7:00 a.m – 10:00 a.m., lunch 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., dinner 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., late brunch at the beach bar from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., afternoon snacks at the beach area from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. followed by snacks at the lobby bar from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and then from 10:00 p.m. until midnight. Beverages: soft drinks and local alcoholic cocktails. All-inclusive also includes the use of the tennis court, gym, sauna, steam and Kids club
  • The minimum age requirement for the Gorilla Trekking Excursion is 15 years of age. For the Chimpanzee Trekking Excursion, the minimum age requirement is 12 years of age. Unfortunately, children under these ages are not permitted to participate in these excursions.
  • While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

 

 

 

Terms & Conditions

All rates are per person, based on double occupancy in Canadian dollars (unless otherwise stated) New bookings only. Space and price may be limited and subject to availability at the time of booking.  Errors or omissions may occur on the above information with no guarantee of being honoured. Terms and conditions apply. Tax is not included in the above base fare. Above tax amount includes non-refundable $30 per adult Booking Management Fee. $50 per adult cancellation fee. Not included in the above rates: Xpresspost fee, recommended medical, cancellation or baggage insurance. Child rate is applicable when travelling with 2 paying adults sharing 1 hotel room, using the existing bedding. Price Match Policy: Travel Best Bets makes every effort to remain competitive by offering our ‘Match or Beat Any Price’ offer however due to certain restrictions  there will be some product we cannot match or beat. Please note the star ratings found on www.travelbestbets.com are determined by Travel Best Bets based on a number of factors and may not match the star rating found in the Tour Operator’s brochure. Please view our star ratings by clicking here. Due to an increasing volume of disputed bookings, we will only accept payment for air only travel to India, the Philippines and the continent of Africa through the following means: book and pay cash in person or by direct deposit into our business account – once the transaction is verified and a copy of the receipt emailed or faxed to our office, we will confirm the booking. Please contact us for details on how to book using this method. Please contact [email protected] for photo credit information. BPCPA #3287