Overview
Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” offers a unique and thrilling adventure for those seeking to witness the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The dense, mist-covered rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park serve as the backdrop for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Over the course of 3 days, trekkers are immersed in the beauty and biodiversity of Uganda, encountering not only gorillas but also a wealth of other wildlife, flora, and cultural experiences. This essay provides a detailed, day-by-day account of a three-day gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, highlighting the breathtaking encounters and the profound impact of this journey.
Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking and transfer to lake Bunyonyi/ Batwa community walk (optional).
- Day 3: Canoe boat in Lake Bunyonyi / Departure
Day to Day Detailed Itinerary
After breakfast at the lodge, you will be met by our company driver guide who will pick you up and you embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The journey to Bwindi is an adventure in itself, taking you through some of Uganda's most picturesque landscapes. As you leave the urban environment behind, the scenery transitions to rolling hills, verdant valleys, and lush tea plantations. The drive, which takes approximately 8-10 hours, is punctuated by stops at notable landmarks and small towns, offering opportunities to interact with locals and learn about their way of life.
One notable stop is the town of Mbarara, known for its vibrant markets and the Igongo Cultural Centre, which provides insight into the Ankole culture. Here, you can enjoy a traditional Ugandan meal and gain a deeper appreciation for the region's heritage. The journey continues through the scenic landscapes of the Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the "Switzerland of Africa" due to its terraced hills and stunning vistas.
As you approach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the terrain becomes more rugged, and the dense forest canopy looms ahead. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its biodiversity and is home to nearly half of the world's population of mountain gorillas. Upon arrival at your lodge or campsite, you are greeted with a welcome to the lodge followed by briefing on the upcoming 3 days gorilla trek. The lodges in this area range from luxurious eco-lodges to more rustic accommodations, all designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment.
After settling in, you enjoy a hearty dinner and a restful night's sleep, filled with anticipation for the gorilla trekking adventure that awaits, overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla lodge(luxury), Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range), Trekkers Tavern cottages (Budget).
Meal plan: Lunch and Dinner
The second day begins early with a hearty breakfast to fuel the strenuous trek ahead. As the sun rises, casting a golden hue over the forest, you head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. The rangers provide essential information on gorilla behavior, trekking protocols, and the importance offers efforts to protect these endangered creatures.
Divided into groups of 8 members and assigned to a specific gorilla family. The group size is limited to minimize the impact on the gorillas and ensure an intimate experience. The rangers, experienced and knowledgeable about the forest, lead the way into the dense foliage. The trek can last anywhere from one to six hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. The terrain is challenging, with steep, muddy trails and thick underbrush, but the rangers skillfully navigate through the forest, pointing out various flora and fauna along the way.
As you trek deeper into the forest, the anticipation builds. The air is filled with the sounds of the jungle—birdsong, rustling leaves, and distant calls of other wildlife. Suddenly, the rangers signal that the gorillas are nearby. The group approaches quietly, and there, through the dense vegetation, you catch your first glimpse of these magnificent creatures.
The experience of observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is both humbling and awe-inspiring. You witness the gentle interactions within the gorilla family—the playful antics of juveniles, the nurturing behavior of mothers, and the imposing presence of the silverback, the dominant male. The rangers ensure that you maintain a respectful distance, but even so, the proximity allows for an intimate connection with these close relatives of humans.
The allotted hour with the gorillas passes quickly, but the memories and the profound sense of connection endure. After bidding farewell to the gorillas, the group begins the trek back to the park headquarters. Along the way, there's time to reflect on the experience and share impressions with fellow trekkers.
Upon returning to the lodge and proceed to transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. Which offers one of the peaceful and calm night after a long day gorilla trekking. Lake Bunyonyi also referred to as a place with little birds is one best and unique destinations to visit while in Uganda. The lake has got 29 Isnads each having its own historical stories from which you can explore. Meet and interact with the locals among other attractions that you will be able to see while here. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Optional: After the gorilla trek, you may opt to visit the local Batwa communities. The Batwa, also known as Pygmies, are indigenous to the region and have a deep cultural connection to the forest. A visit to their community provides insight into their traditional way of life and the challenges they face in the modern world.
Accommodation options: Bird nest lake Bunyonyi(luxury), Bunyonyi Rock Resort (Mid-range), Crater Bay Cottages (Budget).
Meal plan: breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Wake up and have your breakfast thereafter, you will go on a canoe boat in lake Bunyonyi where you will visit some of the Islands found here. The guide will explain some of the interesting history of each of them. You will also spot little birds, the local communities among other attractions. After, you will return to the lodge and check out by 10:30 am and start your return journey back to Kampala. Lunch will be enroute in Mbarara town. Embark on your journey with another stop at the equator for Photoshoot and some refreshments. Continue to Kampala arriving in the late afternoon where the driver guide will drop you off at the airport in time for your departure flight back home. Marking the end of the safari.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch
Tour Includes & Excludes
The Tour Includes
- Accommodation and meals
- Car and fuel
- Services of professional safari guide
- Gorilla permit
- Boat fees
- Bottled drinking water during the trip
- Other optional activities
The Tour Excludes
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Tips
- All items of personal nature.