4 Days Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable and Lake Bunyonyi tour

4 Days Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable and Lake Bunyonyi tour
Country: Uganda
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest, Lake Bunyonyi.
Duration: 4 days 3 Nights
Category: Gorilla Tracking, Gorilla trekking, gorilla trekking safaris, gorilla trekking uganda.
Safari Overview.
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 1,160m – 2,607m 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 eleven habituated gorilla groups. Mubare, habiyanja, Rushegura, Bitukura, Orruzogo, Nkuringo, Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Bweza, Busingye, Nyakagezi, and kyagururo for research.
For more information about gorilla families; check out our article here on the mountain gorilla families in Uganda.
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 monkey, baboons, black and white monkey. With over 220 butterfly species, 348 bird species, 27 frog species.
Most impressive of all, the park has over 450 mountain gorillas – approximately half of the world’s 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- Water fall trail bamboo zone and Mubwindi swamp- Ruhija.
A Uganda gorilla safari to Bwindi is more than just an experience but a lifetime adventure.
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 high lights.
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, 3 days Rwenzori trekking to John Maate camp, 3 days Queen Elizabeth national park safari, 3 days Murchison falls safari, etc
4 Days Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable and Lake Bunyonyi tour
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi impenetrable forest.
Your 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 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 along 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 it’s well worth the effort.
Spend the afternoon on a community walk which gives an opportunity to see how the people surrounding Bwindi live. It also is a great way to support the local community in a 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 forest before it was gazette into a national park in 1991.
They will showcase their songs, dances, fire making, hunting and storytelling. You will also visit a local school where you can support the disadvantaged kids.
You will get to see the local home steads, visit 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 and drinking joints. Other options includes taking the trails to see the stunning waterfalls.
You can choose to have a birding expedition in the forest in addition to various primates.
Day 3: Transfer to Kabale for a Lake Bunyonyi tour.
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 favorite destination for birders. You will be able to see several small islands among other highlights here.
On arrival you will have a canoe ride to see the various small islands such as Bwama Island. This is also a wonderful destination for birders. Alternatively, you could take a nature walk to appreciate both culture and nature at its best. End the day by visiting Bunyonyi Adventure Park for high ropes, zip lining over the lake.
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):
Luxury: Arcadia Cottages
Mid- range: Bunyonyi over Land Resort
Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Camp.
Day 4: Departure to Kampala / Entebbe
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.
Thereafter, transfer back to Kampala or Entebbe. End of your 4 Days Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable and Lake Bunyonyi tour.
Safari inclusions
Transport 4WD safari vehicle
English-speaking driver/guide
Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
Three meals a day, apart from your stay in Kampala/Entebbe
Drinking bottled water in the safari vehicle
All Park entrance fees
Gorilla permit (FNR USD 700, FR USD 600 per permit per day)
Community cultural walk
All mentioned activities except for the optional ones.
Boat ride
Tour Exclusions
Entebbe hotel fees (the eve of the safari and the night after the safari),
Tips,
Laundry services,
Beverages/ drinks,
International flights,
Visas.
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