4 Days Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Lake Bunyonyi

Location: Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest, Lake Bunyonyi

Duration: 4 days 3 Nights

Category: Gorilla trekking, Gorilla tracking

Safari over view

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is found in southwestern Uganda, in the mountainous region of Kigezi. It is approximately 321 Sq. Km.

The altitude range in Bwindi forest is between 1160m -2607m above sea  level making it a relatively cold area.

In 1993, the park embarked on its first habituation exercise with Mubare gorilla group.

There are 11 habituated gorilla groups. Mubare, Habiyanja, Rushegura, Bitukura, Orruzogo, Nkuringo, Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Bweza, Busingye, Nyakagezi and Kyagururo for research.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park gives a perfect Gorilla Trekking experience in Uganda.

There are over 400 species of plants species and a variety of wild life. Some of these include Elephants, Antelopes, Bush pigs, Chimpanzee, Colobus monkeys, Baboons , Black and White monkeys. With over 220 butterfly species, 348 bird species, 27 frog species.

Most impressive for all, the park has over 450 mountain gorillas - approximately half of the world's total population.

Besides Gorilla trekking , Birding is popular in this park. Birders watch out for African emerald, Cuckoo, Fly catchers, Blue headed sun bird, Short tailed warbler and many more.

The main birding spots are in Buhoma - waterfall trail bamboo zone and Mubwindi swamp - Ruhija.

A uganda Gorilla safari to Bwindi Impenetrable is more than just an experience but a lifetime adventure.

Lake Bunyonyi

This is the second deepest lake in Africa only next to Lake Tanganyika. The lake is capped with a beautiful and classic view of over 7 islands worth a visit. These can easily be accessed by use of a canoe from the nearby hotel or guest house on the shores.

Tour highlights

Transfer to Bwindi Gorilla trekking and community walk.

Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi and Island visit.

Departure to Kampala/ Entebbe

This Uganda Gorilla tracking safari can be combined with other Uganda safaris like the 7 days Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee Wildlife safari,  7 days Rwenzori trekking to John Maate camp, 3 days Queen Elizabeth national park safari, 3 days Murchison falls safari, etc.

Itenerary

Day 1: Arrival, transfer from Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable forest

The guide will pick you up from your accommodation or Entebbe airport. Drive heading southwest via the Kampala Masaka highway. Have a stop at Kayabwe Equator crossing and proceed to Mbarara city for lunch at the Igongo Cultural center.

Drive on to Bwindi Impenetrable national park home to the internationally renowned endangered mountain gorillas a unique feature for the tourism industry of Uganda. Dinner and overnight at your booked lodge.

Accommodation options (full board)

Budget: Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp/Buhoma community Rest camp/ Gorilla Valley Lodge/ Trackers tavern

Moderate: Bakiga Lodge/Ichumbi Safari Lodge.

Luxury: Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Lodge/Rushanga Gorilla Safari Lodge/ Silverback Lodge,

Exclusive Upgrade Lodges: clouds Lodge/Gorilla Forest camp

Day 2: Gorilla trekking and community walk in Bwindi

Have an early morning breakfast at 6:30am.

proceed to the park headquarters by 7:30am for a briefing from the Park Wardens.

Ensure to carry a long with a rain jacket, drinking water, snacks and ankle high jungle boots during gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

The park Wardens will allocate you different gorilla families which you will track. Besides Gorillas, animals such as antelopes, bush pigs,  chimpanzees, baboons , Elephants can be seen. also over 350 bird species are  a common sighting in this park.

Do not forget to take your lunch boxes and all the necessary gear to track the rare Mountain Gorilla. This is perhaps one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on earth.

When you finally get to meet the gentle giants you are allowed a maximum of one hour with them.

Photos are allowed with no flash photography. Minimum 5 meters distance must be kept.

Avoid contact with the Gorillas as you can spread diseases . Also coming close may mean invading their space which the Silverbacks or dominant males may not like and could charge towards you.

The trekking may take between 2 and 8 hours but its well worth the effort.

Spend the afternoon on a community walk which gives an opportunity to see how the people surrounding Bwindi National park live. Its also a great way to support the local community in the direct way.

The walk begins at your accommodation, visit the local doctor as he performs his trade. Visit the pygmies locally known as the Batwa. They originally lived in the rain forests before it was gazette into a national park in 1991.

They will showcase their songs, dances , fire making , hunting and story telling. You will also visit a local school where you can help the disadvantaged pupils.

You will get to see the local home steads , visit the local people see and learn their ways. the cultural excursion will showcase art and craft, dance and culture. If you have time you can learn a few skills yourself.

You will see several souvenir shops schools, churches , drinking joints. Other options include taking the trails to see the stunning waterfalls.

You can choose to have a birding experience in the forest in addition to various primates .

Day3: Transfer to Kabale for Lake Bunyonyi safari.

By early morning after breakfast depart this mountain Gorillas sanctuary for lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is another primary tourist stopover which is outstandingly very marvelous.

Bunyonyi is a local word for "small birds" in reference to the several birds that live around here. This makes it a favourite destination for birders . You will be able to see several small islands  among other highlights here .

The lake is a good swimming paradise for it is bilharzia free. Check in , dine and slumber at your booked lodge.

Accommodation options( full board /Bed and breakfast)

Luxury accommodation:

Mid range:

Budget:

Day 4: Departure to Kampala

After breakfast walk towards the northern end of lake Bunyonyi to the stunning Ruvuma swamp. One of the finest destinations to appreciate birds like the papyrus yellow warbler.

There after transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe airport.

Safari package include

• Safari vehicle 4WD
• Fulltime English speaking guide/ driver
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Drinking bottled water
• All park fees/ permit

Package excludes:

• Tips
• Souvenirs
• International flights
• Visa
• Change of program/ extra days
• Medical Insurance
• Hard drinks