Yoga Safari with Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda (2024)

9 Days, Multiple Departures

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Yoga Safari with Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda (2024)
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Location
  • Things to keep in mind
  • FAQ

Best Seller

We will be showing what makes this country so special as we hike the Murchison Falls and drive through 5 National Parks for incredible wildlife sightings. We will set out on foot to trek Gorillas and Chimpanzee, which will for sure be one of the most memorable experiences of your life - it has been mine and that is why I now go 3 times a year. This is truly a unique experience as only a few people get to spend time with these beauties. There are 18 gorilla families that have been habituated for tourism purposes, and 17 of those are tracked in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where we will be trekking these gentle giants

Yoga sessions depend on the day’s activities and travel time. Since most mornings start quite early due to all the amazing activities on offer and also the best time to view wildlife, most yoga sessions will be in the afternoon. Sessions will be a combination of pranayama, slow flows, vinyasa, and guided meditations - The practice promotes a calming and meditative state that will benefit beginners to experienced students.

Highlights

Drive through 5 National Parks for a chance to see Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe, Lion, Hyena, Leopard and much more!

Short hike along the Nile River to see the world’s most powerful waterfalls

Boat cruise at Murchison Falls offering an array of wildlife and common sightings include Crocodile & Hippo

Set out on foot to trek Gorilla and Chimpanzee. There are just over a thousand mountains gorillas left in the world, and half of them are found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Beautiful accommodations

Yoga and meditation sessions amongst these unique landscapes

About

Accommodation for 8 nights at 5 different establishments

All meals at the lodges

Still water in the car to fill up your own water bottle

Gorilla and chimpanzee Trekking permit

Safari game drives

Boat cruise

Professional guides for all excursions/activities

Yoga teacher/host

Yoga and meditation sessions out in nature

Park Fees

Airport pick-up at Entebbe International Airport

Ground transportation + fuel

Welcoming gift

International flights

Visa fees

Gratuity

Travel Insurance

Optional activities

Local/alcoholic beverages

Lunches/snacks on the road from location to location

All meals at the lodges and accommodation for 8 nights at 5 different establishments.

Comfortable lightweight clothing 

Sweater or jacket 

Comfortable walking shoes and sandals 

Sunblock 

Sunscreen 

Sunglasses 

Swimwear 

Toiletries (some will be supplied), yoga mat ( yoga mats and props are supplied in Namibia, but you will have to bring your own mat if you book a retreat in Botswana) 

Camera 

For electrical small appliances or chargers - a conversion plug to a three-pin type outlet.

Visa

Each country is different - you will find more information on each yoga listing. If you need a letter of invitation, please let us know and we will assist you.

Insurance

We provide Passenger Liability Insurance, but we recommend to take out your own travel insurance.

"This is a real gift to give yourself! Namibia with its wildlife and beautiful landscapes is simply stunning! The yoga was perfectly balanced and just what you needed to recharge and renew your batteries. It truly has been an amazing experience. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect..."

- Annette, Sweden

"Absolutely phenomenal trip and worth every penny. It was the perfect balance of yoga, wildlife, adventure, and relaxation, and I left feeling like I truly saw Namibia. It was a great group of people, and Marcel is wonderful and so welcoming and knowledgeable about the country. 100% highly recommend!"

- Lauren, USA

"The most perfect trip to all of Namibia's highlights! Marcel was the most amazing guide and made sure our trip was the best it could be every step of the way. Having the chance to do yoga every day was a nice way to carve out time to reflect on the long, exciting days we had. Definitely will be signing up for another trip with Marcel soon!!"

- Meriel, USA

“Thank you for another wonderful retreat. I love the experiences that come each day. A colleague asked why I like going to Africa, and for me its easy. I love that I can lie in bed at night and hear lions, hippos, hyena, jackals etc, that is why I love being out in the bush. I love your Namibia, and hope to return again for another visit. The tented lodge was amazing, and I would love to go back, especially when the elephants were passing through, what a life experience that would be. Victoria Falls was both soul cleansing and heart opening for me. I was so drawn into the beauty and power it brought me to tears! Thanks again and keep me on your mailing list. I would love to see more and experience more of Namibia. Blessings and many thanks”

- Jill, Australia

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About The Host

We organize specialized yoga holidays that combine wildlife encounters, conservation, vibrant cultural experiences, nature hikes, adventurous days and mindful yoga flows out in nature, a truly authentic experience. Choose one of our scheduled yoga holidays or contact us to customize a private trip according to your personal requirements. These yoga holidays are about YOU, connecting with yourself on a deeper level and having an adventure of a life time.

Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe - Arrival

On arrival, you will be met and taken to your accommodation. The drive is about 10 minutes, settle in and relax after your flight.

We will meet for a welcoming dinner, then sit around the campfire discussing what the next few days have in store for us. Tomorrow morning calls for an early start as we head to Murchison Falls National Park for amazing wildlife sightings.

Day 2: Murchison Falls - Safari time!

Hope you are ready for this amazing adventure to start as we will head to Murchison Falls National Park. The driving time to Murchison Falls is about 5 hours and what a beautiful scenic drive it is. Our lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, is in the Murchison Falls National Park overlooking the spectacular Nile River. Once entering the park, our safari starts!

Murchison Falls National Park that comprises of beautiful savannah landscapes and plenty of wildlife, is divided by River Nile into the south and northern region. The northern part is largely covered by savannah and woodland, supporting a lot more volume and variety of animals compared to the southern region which has a bigger chunk covered by forest. The game drives here are done in the northern area of the Murchison Falls and an early start offers a better chance to find elusive predators such as Lion, Hyena, Leopard and Jackal as they are still actively out hunting. Explore the game trails towards the Lake Albert Delta which is concentrated with big game including Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe and various antelope. Boat rides here at the falls also offers an array of wildlife and common sightings include Crocodile, Hippo, and Lizard. Big game such as Buffalo and Elephant can also be sighted drinking and cooling off the heat by the river banks.

Relax in comfort before meeting for our first and much needed outdoor yoga sessions.

Day 3: Murchison Falls - more safari + boat cruise

An early start (6:00) as today we will continue our safari in the Murchison Falls National Park. The early start offers a better chance to find elusive predators such as Lions, Hyenas, Leopard, and Jackal because they are still out actively hunting. Game drives last for about 4 hours, a time to take in the beautiful savannah landscape that is immersed with plenty of life and wonderful scenery.

We will be back at the lodge for an early lunch and relaxation, then set out for a 2hr boat cruise offering an array of wildlife sightings like Crocodile, Hippo, Lizard, Buffalo, Elephants and Antelopes, usually drinking and cooling off in the heat of the day by the river banks.

Find and create space on your mat as the sun sets over the Nile River. Tonight’s therapeutic moves will allow you to go inward and become familiar with your body as you link your breath and connect with nature.

Day 4: Kibale Forest + short hike

Before heading to Kibale National Park, we will stop at Murchison Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa with views of the Nile River, for a quick 40-minute hike. It is also known as the most powerful waterfalls in the world and where the longest river in the world squeezes through a 7-meter gap and then drops down 45 meters.

The Kibale Forest National Park is known as one of the best safari destinations in Africa for chimpanzee trekking. There are 13 primate species living within this park, and it is home to 70 mammal species and 375 species of birds. 351 tree species have been recorded, with some older than 200 years, reaching above 55m. Not only is Kibale NP one of Africa’s foremost research sites for chimpanzees and other primates found in the park, but also wild pigs, fish species and Kibale’s lush ecosystem. No wonder is known as one of Uganda’s most rewarding areas to explore.

After arriving at our accommodation, Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, we will relax before meeting for another much-needed yoga session surrounded by beautiful gardens, tea plantations and indigenous forest. Life here will seem like a dream as you open your eyes after a guided meditation, gazing at the beautiful panoramic vistas of Kibale National Park, ancient crater lakes, and the Rwenzori Mountains. Your body relaxed, your mind in a state of absolute peace.

Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse is located at the edge of Kibale National Park, offering accommodation in beautifully furnished self-contained cottages (Bandas) with a panoramic view of Kibale Forest National Park and the surrounding Tea plantations. Expect warm delicious meals, freshly baked bread, seasonal home grown fruits and vegetables + pancake breakfasts.

Day 5: Kibale Forest - Chimpanzee Trekking

This morning we will set out on foot to trek the most threatened primate species, the Chimpanzee. Other primates that you could possibly spot here are black and white Columbus monkeys, L’Hoest Monkeys, Grey checked Mangabey, Red tailed monkeys, Bush babies and Pottos. Many bird species like the Yellow Spotted Nicator, Rumped Tinker Bird, Little Greenbul, Green Breasted Pitta, the Crowned Eagle and Black Bee eater can also be seen here. Oh, and even elephants can be seen on this trail.

We will return to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation and a beautiful sunset yoga session overlooking the stunning crater lakes. Take in the silence and the peacefulness that surrounds you… another magical day in the forests of Uganda.

Day 6: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, we are heading to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The drive is quite long, but again, such a beautiful scenic road. We will check into Bakiga Lodge in the afternoon, a luxury eco lodge with amazing views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and only a few minute’s drive from the Gorilla Trekking meeting point. The lodge is also a non-profit lodge, part of the Bakiga Community Project.

After our outdoor yoga session, we will have dinner, then relax around the fire. Tomorrow morning calls for an early start as we get to trek the Mountain Gorilla.

Bwindi is the source of five major rivers and also declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. With more than 160 species of trees, this forest is known for its exceptional biodiversity. Here you will find various butterfly species, 350 species of birds and 120 mammal species, which includes the colobus monkey and chimpanzee. It is home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and this is where we will be on foot, trekking these rare and endangered beauties.

Day 7: Gorilla trekking

After an early breakfast, we will head to the park headquarters for a briefing about your gorilla trekking experience, then set off on foot for this remarkable experience of searching for the famous mountain gorillas. The activity takes anything from 2- 6 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas in the jungle. The thrill of encountering these humble and gentle giants will make any amount of time spent hiking well worth it. You can also expect to meet a few other forest species such as monkeys, forest elephant, duikers, birds and many more on this hike.

The Gorilla trekking time differs based on several factors ranging from terrain, movement of the gorilla families, strength and skill of the travelers. Group size is a maximum of 8 guests and we are allowed a maximum of 1 hour to observe and take photos of the mountain gorillas.

After the Mountain Gorilla trek, we will make our way to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most picturesque locations. This is the perfect location to end our 9-day adventure, admiring the lush green hills comprising of 29 little islands. It’s a magical place where one can sit quietly, taking in what you have experienced over the last few days. A place to admire. A place to just be. These moments are what becomes your most special memories. A place now deeply rooted into your soul.

Located on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort is a comfortable, eco-friendly lodge offering exceptional local and international food.

Day 8: Lake Bunyonyi - relaxation

It has been an adventurous 8 days, and today is ALL about relaxation. Wake up at any time, admiring the beautiful view from the comfort of your private deck overlooking Lake Bunyonyi. After a relaxed breakfast, join a mid-morning yoga session, flowing with your breath, taking in the energy of your surroundings. There are facilities in the lodge to relax and take a break from travelling and exploring, but you can also opt for birding, painting, cultural tours or lake cruises.

Day 9: Transfer to Entebbe

Today marks the end of this incredible journey. Take in the last bit of scenery before our drive back to Entebbe which will take around 8 hours, leaving soon after breakfast. If you booked your flight for this afternoon, you will be dropped off at the airport in time for your departure flight. Please book your departure flight any time from 8pm as we are only arriving back in Entebbe round 5pm. If you booked an additional night in Entebbe, you will be dropped off at your chosen accommodation.


Location
Things to keep in mind

Refund and cancellation policy

Should cancellations be made less than 90 but more than 60 days prior to the retreat date, payments will be refunded less the non-refundable deposit and minus a €150 admin/bank

processing fee. When cancellation is made less than 60 and more than 30 days prior to retreat date, 50% of the retreat cost will be refunded less the admin/bank processing fee and the non-refundable deposit. If cancellation is made less than 30 days prior to the retreat date, no payments will be refunded. However, if someone else takes your place then a refund will be made on the same basis as in the case of a cancellation made less than 60 days and more than 30 days prior to the retreat date.

Cancellation by Activ Retreats

Activ Retreats reserves the right in any circumstances to cancel a retreat, in which case we will offer a full refund of all monies paid. In particular, retreats require a minimum number of at least 50% of the participants to have booked by two weeks before the start date. If this minimum number is not reached by that date, we may cancel and refund the money to you. In no case will we cancel a retreat less than 2 weeks before the scheduled departure date, except for reasons of force majeure, or failure on your part to pay the final balance

Terms and conditions

Booking/payment

A contract is only valid upon completion of the booking form, to which these Terms and Conditions are attached. Once an enquiry has been received through Activ Retreats or any other method provided for on the Website, payment details, together with the booking form, will be sent to you.

A non-refundable deposit of $536 USD is required in order to secure your place on the retreat. The booking form, once completed, must be returned to Activ Retreats and proof of payment of the deposit must be attached thereto. Upon receipt of the completed booking form together with the proof of payment of the deposit, Activ Retreats will send an invoice to you for the remaining balance. The remaining balance should be paid in full 45 days prior to the retreat date which will be indicated on the invoice. The full price of the retreat is indicated on the Website.

Placement in the retreat will be forfeited if full payment is not received on time. Should a cancellation be made 90 days or more prior to the retreat date, your deposit may be applied towards another retreat within 12 months from the initial retreat should you wish to attend another retreat. Should cancellation be made less than 90 days prior the retreat date, the provisions of the clause entitled “Refund and Cancellation Policy” relating to cancellations made 60 or less prior to the retreat date will apply. If the reservation is made less than 30 days prior to the retreat date, 100% payment is payable within two days of making the reservation to guarantee or confirm the reservation.

Costs

Costs included in the price vary for all retreats. Flights, Travel insurance and gratuity is not included.

Travel arrangements

All travel arrangements (limited to flights only) remain the responsibility of the participant, and should be made at your own cost. Activ Retreats will not be held liable for any consequences resulting from delays and cancellation from any of the companies used or any irregularities in your documentation required for travel.

Insurance and health

Travel insurance remains the responsibility of the retreat participant. Travel Insurance should cover cancellations, sickness, losses and all the usual risks. Please ensure that you advise the staff should you have any health conditions that require special attention as well as medication you are taking before your booking. Should you experience any injury or discomfort during any activity during the retreat, you must consult a member of the retreat team immediately.

Amendments by Activ Retreats

Changes to the schedule might occasionally occur. This would include a change in therapists, yoga instructors and any other arrangements. Even though changes are usually minor and participants will be advised at the earliest possible date, we reserve the right to do so at any time.

Our liability to you

(a) We accept the responsibility of ensuring that the retreats are supplied as described on the Website and that services provided at the retreat venues will be at a reasonable standard.

(b) We do not accept any liability for cancellations, delays or changes caused by war, threat of war, terrorist actions or threats, closure of airports, civil strife, industrial action, natural disaster, other Acts of God (including but not limited to animal attacks), technical problems to transport, staff cancellations, unforeseen changes in your personal circumstances or other events beyond our control.

(c) We are not liable for any injuries you may sustain during or on route to the retreat. Retreat therapies are undertaken at your own risk. Should you experience any injury or discomfort during any activity during the retreat, you must consult a member of the Retreat team immediately. As professional yoga teachers we will take all steps necessary to not push guests beyond their limits. The yoga classes we give are restorative and nothing too demanding. You also agree that we will not be held liable for any medical or psychiatric conditions which may develop during or subsequent to the retreat. Finally, we are not liable for loss of or damage to, your personal property.

Complaints

If you experience a problem during your retreat, please inform a facilitator immediately and he/she will endeavor to put things right. We however cannot guarantee the proportion of male/female guests in any group, and we will not be responsible for individual behavior.

Disclaimer

Activ Retreats will not accept any liability for theft or damage to personal belongings, personal injuries, death, illness, act of negligence or medical conditions that develop during or after the holiday, or any costs, cancellations or changes incurred as a result of fire, natural disaster, airport closure or any other events beyond our control.

Privacy policy

All information will be treated with the strictest confidence. Activ Retreats will not share your contacts and personal information with any third parties.

Please note:

Some lodges might change subject to availability, however, it will either be similar lodges or an upgrade. Itineraries will be send upon booking.

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