What you can expect to see:

• The endangered Mountain Gorillas — the last of their kind. It’s exciting, intimidating, thrilling and familiar all at the same time. (No trip can guarantee a sighting but we work with locals to find them and then we trek exactly there.)

• The Impenetrable forest is known for its incredible biodiversity, including more than 120 species of mammals, more than 350 species of birds, and more than 200 species of butterflies.

• The Batwa people believe that they are the guardians of the forest and its wildlife, and that they have a spiritual connection to the plants and animals that inhabit the forest. Legend says their people were created by the forest's spirits.

• Chimpanzees

Why this trip is so special:

• Two once-in-a-lifetime experiences — gorilla trekking and chimp trekking.

• Special access and extra permits for the gorillas (2 days, rain or shine)

• Local tribes

• If you haven’t experienced the Impenetrable Forest in your lifetime, you need to go now while you’re still physically capable.

• If you don’t think you can make it down or back up the mountain, you can be carried for an extra $300 each day ($600 total). Not everyone has the time or money for adventures like this when they’re physically able. Not going because you have an injury or are otherwise unable, is worse than never having these experiences.

• There’s an extra rest day included at the start of your trip.

• There’s an extra gorilla permit to be sure you get a memorable experience — 2 treks instead of the usual 1.

• Your gratuities and internal flights are included as well. International flights to Entebbe are not included.

• Internal flights save you from driving on dirt roads for more than 8 hours at a time.

• It may be scary to hear things in the news, but at least we’ll do it together!

Due to its unique biodiversity and cultural significance, the Impenetrable Forest was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. However, the forest continues to face threats from human activity such as deforestation and poaching, making conservation efforts (and the fee we pay for our permits) crucial to preserving this unique ecosystem for future generations.

Physical requirements:

"I'm 75 years young and active. In my past, I've run 4 marathons and biked several "100 miles in one day" rides. But the gorilla trek in Uganda at this age and altitude was one of the most physically demanding things I've done. The altitude and steep terrain were challenges for me; but the reward of seeing those gorillas, especially the 21 month old youngster, in such close proximity, made all the exertion worthwhile. If you're going to attempt this trip at my age, start walking up hills (at altitude if possible) before you go. You'll be so grateful you did."

"I'm 62.  Seeing the gorillas in Uganda was a big draw for me.  Lori told us to train a little bit before the trip but I never got around to it.  Instead, I hired an extra porter ($20) to carry my bags.  This meant I had two porters with me at nearly all times.  One went in front of me and the other behind me.  If I so much as slipped on a leaf, they were there.  They helped me over logs and branches.  And when the uphill climb was at its worst, I figured one could pull and the other could push but in no circumstance was I being left on that mountain!! It was one of the hardest climbs I've ever done.  Mostly because of the altitude.  But I'm so grateful I did it.  Once in a lifetime opportunity."

"I'm a 42 year old mom of three and preschool photographer.  Not a runner.  Not a hiker.  Not a fitness enthusiast.  The hike in and out of the Impenetrable Forest was tough.  I was glad to have walking sticks, water and a tank top to strip down to.  I took multiple breaks and had a slight run-in with a grandmother gorilla that scared the *** out of me (thrilling!).  It's one of the coolest things I've ever done in my life. Physical exhaustion + once-in-a-lifetime experience made me feel alive!  If you're physically able to do it, I think doing it the way Focused Escapes is doing it now (without the long drives) is the way to go."

“I’m a 52 year old man in prime shape (for someone in their 50s).  Still, the climb in and out of the forest was tough.  My wife, who is in worse shape than I am, seemed to fare better than me.  Strange.  It probably comes down to hydration, rest, and how your body does in higher altitudes.  There’s a $300 chair you can order in an emergency if you can’t make it back up the mountain.  I had that in the back of my mind the entire climb.”

Here’s our basic itinerary which we’ll confirm after we see how many people register: