Trip Overview
This 3 day Uganda Gorilla safari will take you for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which covers an area of 321 sq km and is among the oldest forests lasting over 25,000 years. You will be able to trek one of the 12 habituated mountain gorilla groups.
Besides the gorillas, you will also have an opportunity to see other primates such as the red-tailed monkeys, chimpanzees, baboons, black and white colobus monkeys among others. This forest is also home to 120 mammals, 51 reptiles, 310 butterfly species, 27 species of frogs, geckos, chameleons, 163 tree species, 104 fern species, 1,000 flowering plants, as well as over 350 species of birds such as the hornbills and the Turacos.
Gorilla trekking takes around 2 to 8 hours, which is worth it as those into hiking will have a great time climbing up and about the rolling hills and going through the lush vegetation.
Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You will be picked up by our guide from the airport or your hotel in Entebbe, Kampala or Kigali after an early morning breakfast at 7:00 AM. You will be briefed about the whole safari before you travel to Bwindi Impenetrable, which is found in the southwestern part of Uganda. Along the way there is a local drum and craft making community so you will have a visit here.
Then a stopover at the equator to take photos. Feel free to buy some crafts and souvenirs as you head to Mbarara town where you will have your lunch. Thereafter, proceed to Bwindi whereby you will arrive in the late afternoon for a relaxed evening and dinner. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
After an early morning breakfast, drive to the park headquarters where you will be briefed by the park rangers about what to do and not to do while in the park. You will also be divided into groups of 8. After the briefing, start off gorilla trekking these gentle giants as directed by the rangers.
This is a memorable and amazing experience watching the mountain gorillas feed, play around and carry out their day to day activities. This activity can take 2 to 8 hours since it is dependent on the location and movement of the gorillas. Expect to walk long distances in muddy and steep conditions, which will require you to have a walking stick. On meeting the gorillas you will spend one hour with them as you take photos.
Later, return back and in the evening you may choose to relax or visit the Batwa community, which will expose you to their culture based on how they live, dance, and hearing stories concerning their culture which will leave you amazed. Have dinner and overnight at a hotel.
Day 3: Departure back to Kampala
Have an early breakfast then check out, leaving the “Switzerland of Uganda” behind and start your journey back to Kampala, passing through rolling hills with terraces and lush vegetation of the different areas along the way. Have lunch in Mbarara and another stop at Mbambire drum makers point. After buying some drums, continue to Kampala arriving late afternoon. The guide will drop you off at your hotel or at the airport to catch your flight back home.
Price Includes
- Gorilla trekking permits
- Bottled water
- English-speaking guide
- Park entrance fees
- Boat rides
- Cultural tours
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
Price Excludes
- International flight fares
- Entry visas
- Laundry services
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks
