3-day Gorilla safari in Bwindi

Tour Overview:

Embark on an unforgettable 3-day Gorilla safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. This thrilling adventure takes you deep into the lush jungles of Bwindi in search of critically endangered mountain gorillas. Bwindi is renowned for hosting approximately half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, making it a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. During this safari, you’ll not only encounter gorillas in their natural habitat but also immerse yourself in the beauty of the forest and the rich culture of the region.

 

 

Tour Highlights:

Day 1:

– Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your tour representative.

– Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, enjoying scenic views and stopovers along the way.

– Check in to your chosen accommodation, whether it’s a luxurious lodge, a comfortable midrange camp, or a budget-friendly rest camp.

– Rest and prepare for the exciting gorilla tracking experience scheduled for the next day.

Day 2:

– Rise early for the highly anticipated gorilla trekking adventure.

– Venture into the dense forest with experienced guides and trackers, who will lead you to a gorilla family.

– Witness the awe-inspiring sight of gorillas in their natural habitat, a truly unforgettable encounter.

– Spend a precious hour observing the gorillas and learning about their behaviors.

– After the trek, you’ll have the option to engage in nature walks, bird watching, or community visits in the afternoon.

Day 3:

– Depart Bwindi and begin your journey back to Entebbe.

– Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and the chance to witness local village life during the drive.

– Arrive in Entebbe in the late afternoon or evening, marking the end of your thrilling gorilla safari.

Activity Highlights:

– Gorilla trekking in the dense jungles of Bwindi.

– Nature walks and bird watching to explore the park’s biodiversity.

– Cultural visits to local communities, offering insights into the region’s rich traditions.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Upon your arrival in Entebbe, Uganda, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your tour representative. From the airport, you’ll set off on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through charming towns and the picturesque Ugandan countryside. The journey itself is an opportunity to appreciate the country’s natural beauty and cultural diversity. After several hours on the road, you’ll arrive at the park and check-in to your chosen accommodation.

For the luxury option, you’ll be accommodated in a luxurious lodge such as Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge. This high-end lodge offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness and ensures a comfortable and exclusive stay.

The midrange option provides a cozy and comfortable experience at places like Gorilla Mist Camp. Here, you’ll find the perfect balance between quality amenities and immersion in nature.

If you’ve chosen the budget option, you’ll stay at a more affordable accommodation like Buhoma Community Rest Camp, which offers a simple yet authentic experience.

After settling in, you’ll have some time to relax and prepare for the exciting gorilla tracking experience planned for the next day. Use this opportunity to acclimate to the surroundings and get a good night’s rest.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today is the day you’ve been eagerly waiting for – gorilla trekking in Bwindi! Before sunrise, you’ll have an early breakfast and meet with your experienced guides and trackers. They will brief you on the trekking procedures and safety measures, as well as provide some insights into the gorilla families you might encounter.

The trek will take you deep into the heart of the forest, and though it can be physically demanding, the rewards are immeasurable. The thrill of being in the presence of these gentle giants, observing them in their natural habitat, and witnessing their interactions is an experience that will stay with you forever. You’ll have a limited time (usually one hour) to spend with the gorillas, allowing for an intimate and respectful encounter.

After the trek, you’ll return to your respective accommodation. At this point, you may choose to relax and enjoy the amenities provided by your lodge or camp, or you can take part in optional activities. These might include guided nature walks through the forest to learn more about the flora and fauna, bird watching to spot some of the park’s numerous avian species, or engaging in cultural visits to nearby communities, giving you insight into the local way of life.

Day 3: Return to Entebbe

On your last day of the safari, bid farewell to Bwindi and commence your journey back to Entebbe. The drive offers more opportunities to enjoy the landscapes and scenes of rural life as you pass through the villages. The journey back to Entebbe will take several hours, so sit back and appreciate the beauty of Uganda one last time.

Upon reaching Entebbe in the late afternoon or evening, your gorilla safari comes to an end. If you have an evening flight or plan to stay in Entebbe for a night, you may have time to explore the city or relax by Lake Victoria before your departure.

Inclusions:

– Gorilla trekking permits.

– Accommodation as per selected category (luxury, midrange, or budget).

– Meals as specified in the itinerary.

– Ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.

– Services of an experienced English-speaking driver/guide.

– Bottled water during the safari.

– All park entry fees and activities.

Exclusions:

– International airfares.

– Visa fees and travel insurance.

– Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

– Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, tips, laundry, etc.).

How to Get There:

To start the Gorilla safari, you will need to book a flight to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Uganda. Various major airlines offer international flights to Entebbe from major airports worldwide. Upon arrival in Entebbe, your tour representative will meet you at the airport and guide you through the entire safari itinerary. The road journey from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will take approximately 8-9 hours, during which you will enjoy scenic landscapes and the chance to observe local village life.