3 Day classic Uganda Gorilla safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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, 1000 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.

Tour highlights

1. Day 1: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park- 8h 25 min (463.7 Km) via Masaka Road.
2. Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest
3. Day 3: Departure back to Kampala/Entebbe

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

You will be picked up by our guide from the airport/your hotel in Entebbe/Kampala/Kigali after an early morning breakfast at 07:00hrs. 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, also feel free to buy some crafts and souvenirs as you head to Mbarara town where you will have your lunch from. Thereafter, proceed to Bwindi whereby you will arrive in the late afternoon. Check in at the lodge, relax in the evening and have Dinner.

Accommodation Options; Mahogany springs/Chameleon Hill/Silver back lodge/Buhoma lodge(Luxury), Gorilla Mist Camp/Bakiga Lodge/Ichumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge(Midrange), Ruhija Gorilla friends camp/Rushaga Gorilla Camp(Budget)

Day 2: Gorilla trekking- 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, also you will be divided in group of 8. After continue and start off gorilla trekking these gentle giants as directed by the rangers.

This is a memorable and an amazing experience watching the Mountain gorillas feed, play around and also do their day to day activities. This activity can take 2 hours or even up to 8 hours since its depending on the location and movement of the gorillas. Also expect to walk long distances in muddy and steep conditions- this 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 to the lodge and in the evening you may choose to relax at the lodge or visit the Batwa community which will expose you to their culture basing on how they live, dance, and also hearing stories concerning their culture which will leave you amazed. Have dinner and overnight.

Options; Mahogany springs/Chameleon Hill/Silver back lodge/Buhoma lodge(Luxury), Gorilla Mist Camp/Bakiga Lodge/Ichumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge(Midrange), Ruhija Gorilla friends camp/Rushaga Gorilla Camp(Budget)

 Day 3: Departure back to Kampala

Have an early breakfast, Check-out leaving the “Switzerland of Uganda” behind and start your journey back to Kampala passing through rolling hills with terraces and also you will have a great time viewing the lush vegetation of the different areas you will go through. Have lunch in Mbarara and another stop will be at Mbambire drum makers point. After buying some of these drums, continue to Kampala arriving late afternoon. The guide will drop you off to the hotel or at the airport to catch your flight back home.

END OF SAFARI

More information about this 3 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari & the Park.

Bwindi is among Uganda’s most exciting national parks and a place you can’t leave out while on a Ugandan safari. It is famously known as a home to a big number of Mountain gorillas basing on the world remaining population. About 750 gorillas are remaining and half of this number has its home in Bwindi. Also other primates such as chimpanzees are found here though rarely seen. This is the same story with other animal species like the forest elephants, antelopes among others. The park is located in Southwestern Uganda just near the escarpment of the Western Rift Valley

The word “Bwindi” means “darkness” and when you get the opportunity of walking through this forest you have will get to know why it’s called such a name. The forest is gifted with a stream of water which is a beautiful place, and also waterfalls are found as you trek through impenetrable forest. Trekking doesn’t require any skills but physical fitness is always required as there are a lot of steep mountains to climb and is all about looking for these gentle giants. Above all there is nothing as adventurous and thrilling as going for gorilla trekking!

Also tourists will have other species to see in the park apart from the gorillas such as different bird species (over 350 found in the park), tree species, butterflies, frogs’ species among other things. The Gorilla trekking permit goes for $600 per person and if one is interested in Gorilla habituation each permit goes for $1500 per person. Tracking Gorillas in the mighty Bwindi is a dream come true for various tourists.

The Birds in Bwindi

About 350 bird species are found here but only 23 species are Albertine rift endemic species and also about 14 other species are not recorded in other parks and Uganda as a whole. Different birds that can be found here include; Collared Apalis, the Handsome Francolin, African Broadbill, Cinnamon Chested Bee Eater and the Western Green Tinkerbird.

The Climate & Weather for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

The Parks altitude varies as it ranges from 1,190m-2,607m above sea level. Though, about 60% of the park is at an altitude of over 2000m above sea level. The total annual rainfall received ranges between 1,400mm and 1,900mm. Note that more rain is received in the months; March and April.

Gorilla trekking (tracking) in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is always the most amazing and interesting part while on a Ugandan safari. And because of that Sir Winston Churchhill was never wrong to call Uganda ‘the pearl of Africa’. Also the country is stable politically of which gorillas can be tracked in any area of the park.

Tour Inclusions

• Gorilla permits
• Accommodation (Full Board)
• Touring and Photography
• Transport in 4WD vehicle
• Driver/Guide (English speaking and professional)
• Drinking water

Tour Exclusions

• International flights
• Laundry
• Tips given to staff
• Visas
• Drinks/Beverages
• Extra activities not included in the itinerary