About this trip
Embark on a journey through the rainforests and lush, rolling hills of Uganda in search of two of the world’s most charismatic and endangered great apes—the mountain gorilla and the eastern chimpanzee. Encounter these majestic creatures and bask in the chance to observe and photograph them at close range in their natural habitat. Marvel at some of the most iconic East African flora and fauna during hikes through spellbinding natural landscapes like rainforests and wetlands. In addition to incredible wildlife-viewing opportunities, connect with the community and learn about one of Uganda’s most important agricultural products and exports—tea.
This special trip is open to everyone, and your participation benefits the Climb for Cancer Foundation. The Foundation's travel program plays an important role in fundraising to support cancer patients and their families, while allowing explorers to check off bucket list travel experiences.
Highlights
- Journey into the dense foliage of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to track and observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Embark on night hikes in search of magnificent nocturnal creatures like pottos, bush babies, and tree hyraxes.
- Visit a local tea plantation to learn how this important export is grown, harvested, and processed.
- Trek in the rainforests of Kibale Forest National Park, home to the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in East Africa, including humans’ closest living relative, the chimpanzee.
- Look for baboons, bush pigs, civet cats, and mongooses on a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS: Combine this trip with one or both of Climb for Cancer’s other Africa trips: Tanzania (Aug. 20-29) | Zimbabwe/Victoria Falls (Aug. 28-31)
PLEASE NOTE: The Climb for Cancer Foundation is pleased to offer these three African trips, single or combined, to raise donations for oncology programs. Your generous support helps us provide comfort and hope to cancer families in need. A minimum $500/person donation is required for one or all of the trips. We are so grateful for your support, and promise to be responsible stewards of both your donation and trust. Thank you in advance for your tax deductible donation.
Meet your leader
Ron Farb
Educated at the College of William & Mary, and a former military aviator, Ron Farb has traveled to every continent and more than 50 countries. Ron has climbed the highest mountain on five of the seven continents, including Everest, Aconcagua (twice), Denali, Elbrus, and Kilimanjaro (seven times). By doing so, the Climb for Cancer Foundation, created by Ron and his wife Dianne in 2003, has raised more than $3 million to support cancer patients and their families.
About Climb for Cancer
The Climb for Cancer Foundation’s mission is to provide patient-centered support and fund the underserved needs of the cancer patients and their families, the clinical staff who treat them, and the social workers, child life specialists, and others who assist them in their cancer journey.
The small Foundation has made a tangible impact on the lives of many people fighting the disease, and has funded or created several psycho-social programs which provide support to the patient and the family. The Foundation likes to think that its gifts fill in the cracks left by organizations that make much larger gifts.
$7,095
Per person
About this price
Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.
Single room supplement $2075
What makes us different
Wildlife up-close
Service anytime
Support conservation
Low stress travel planning
Expert guides
Flight arrangements
Daily Itinerary
Print ItineraryEntebbe
Bwindi
Bwindi
Kibale
Kibale
Pricing
Print Pricing$7,095
Per person
About this price
Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.
Single room supplement $2075
What's Included
- Accommodations with private bathrooms
- Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
- Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
- Water refill station during transfers
- Donation
- Full time guide for the duration of your program
- Internal flights relevant to itinerary
- Non alcoholic beverage with meals
What's Not Included
- International airfare
- Items of personal nature
- Tips
- Travel Insurance
- Carbon Offset
Pricing Details
Gorilla trekking is a very unique and highly restricted experience. Gorilla trekking permits are purchased on a first come, first serve basis and are non-refundable and non-transferable. Similarly, accommodations are also not guaranteed until payment is made. Therefore a non-refundable deposit of $1400 is required by participants to register and reserve a space on the program. This deposit is nonrefundable unless Holbrook Travel cancels the departure due to low enrollment or any other reason. Permits and accommodations cannot be guaranteed until minimum group size is achieved. Itinerary changes and/or hotel changes could result if certain lodgings or permits are no longer available when we have achieved our minimum group size of 8 people.
Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.
Single room supplement $2075
Final payment due date: May 12, 2024
Travel Info
Print Travel InfoEntry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Uganda. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and have at least two full blank pages available for the entry/visa stamps.
A tourist visa is also required for entry. Visas are not available at the airport upon arrival; travelers must apply for a visa online at least two weeks prior to travel by completing the e-visa application form and making payment online at https://visas.immigration.go.ug. (The earliest you can apply is 3 months prior to arrival.)
To apply, you will need your passport, a recent passport-size photo, and a yellow fever certificate (see below for more information). The fee for a single-entry visa is USD $55 (subject to change), payable by Visa or MasterCard.
Please be aware that the online system will ask you to input your requested duration of stay. Be aware the count begins not from your date of entry, but from the date of visa approval. For this reason, we recommend applying for a 3-month visa, the maximum allowed, as this gives you 90 days from the date of visa approval to enter the country. (Please verify that this timeframe corresponds with your travel plans. If you do not enter the country within the specified number of days, you will forfeit your visa and any fees paid and must apply again.)
Once payment is made, the system will process your application and send you a barcoded email. Print out this email and bring it with you to Uganda. Upon arrival you should present the barcoded email to the immigration officer, who will scan the barcode, take your fingerprints and photo, and place a visa in your passport.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Ugandan Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
Proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for all travelers (age 1 year or older) entering Uganda. Please note: Yellow fever vaccine availability is currently limited in the US. To receive the vaccine, you may need to travel some distance and schedule your appointment well in advance. You will need to show your yellow fever certificate to apply for your visa, and your visa application must be submitted at least two weeks before departure; for this reason, we strongly recommend making arrangements for your yellow fever vaccine well in advance of your departure.
Though not required, the CDC recommends hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid vaccines for most unvaccinated travelers visiting Uganda. The CDC also recommends the polio vaccine for unvaccinated travelers, or a single lifetime booster dose of Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) for adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series as children.
Additional vaccines may be recommended for some travelers. Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
MALARIA
The CDC warns that travelers to Uganda may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of mosquito bites. To protect against mosquito bites, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later).If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.
OTHER VECTOR-BORNE ILLNESSES
Other vector-borne illnesses are known to occur in Uganda, including dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika virus, African tick-bite fever, and others. Travelers should protect themselves against insect and tick bites using the measures described above.
After spending time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.
As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
WILDLIFE
Follow all instructions from your guides regarding wildlife. Animals may become aggressive to protect themselves, their young or their mates, or to guard a food supply. Do not make sudden movements either toward or away from them, as this may be interpreted as threatening or territorial. Avoid stray dogs, as they may carry rabies. In the unlikely event of being bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal, clean the wound and control bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
Respiratory Illness Protocols
Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.
Resources
Print ResourcesSuggested Packing List
Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.
You may find many of the items below in our Gear Store.
CLOTHING
Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at additional cost. If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.
Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended. Casual, safari-style clothing is suitable for most activities. Uganda's rainy season is September to November and March to May.
Bring clothes in neutral or muted colors such as green, khaki, brown, or gray. We recommend that you avoid wearing bright colors or white as they can easily be spotted by animals. In addition, blue is particularly attractive to certain insects and should be avoided. It is illegal for civilians to wear army-style camouflage clothing in Uganda.
- A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and mosquito protection
- Shorts or skirts (knee-length or longer)
- Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection
- Undergarments
- Sleepwear
- Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt (or heavier weight if visiting high-elevation areas)
- Bathing suit(s)
- Socks – Bring extra pairs
- Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended for gorilla forest hikes. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals for around your hotel room.
- Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
- Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat with ties
- Bandana, scarf, or Buff-style headwear
- Leather, gardening-type gloves (for gorilla treks)
Personal Toiletries
Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.
- Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances.
- Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
- Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap. Most—but not all—hotel rooms provide a hair dryer, but you may wish to bring one from home.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Razor
- Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
- Feminine hygiene products
- Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Aloe vera gel
- A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed
In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.
Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.
Miscellaneous
Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.
- Passport, visa, and photocopies of all travel documentation
- Yellow fever certificate
- Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
- Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
- Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
- Sunglasses with strap
- Small day pack for hikes and excursions
- Flashlight and/or head lamp
- Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
- A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
- Binoculars with lens cleaner
- Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
- Reusable water bottle
- Non-perishable snacks
- Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
- Reusable zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
- Notepad or travel journal and pen
- Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
- Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip
- A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
- Travel-size umbrella – Some people find this unwieldy to carry, while others find it offers better protection than a rain jacket alone.
- Money belt
- Chargers for electronics
- Converter and adapter
Plastic bags
Due to Uganda's ban on plastic bags, travelers are not permitted to bring plastic bags into the country. This includes garbage bags and grocery/shopping bags. Zip-top style bags specifically used to carry toiletries per TSA’s liquids rule are still permitted on the assumption that they will be reused on the return flight. Items purchased at the airport before boarding the aircraft should be removed from plastic bags. Please double-check your carry-on luggage before disembarking in Uganda; any plastic bags should be left on the plane to avoid delays and possibly fines.
LUGGAGE WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
Pack lightly. Charter flights have a baggage weight limit of a maximum of 30 lbs. If your bags are heavier, it is likely you will be required to pay an excess luggage fee. For this reason, soft bags are preferable to hard suitcases.
Questions
Contact Ron Farb at 352-333-9663 or Lisa Palmese-Graubard at 800-451-7111 x339 | lisa@holbrooktravel.com
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