4 Days Luxury Gorilla Trekking & Lake Bunyonyi Safari
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
The highlight of the 4 Days Luxury Gorilla Trekking & Lake Bunyonyi trip, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, provides a rare opportunity to get up close with the magnificent mountain gorillas. This experience is often considered one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in the world. Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come face-to-face with these gentle giants and observe them in their natural habitat.
Your trekking adventure will be guided by experienced trackers and rangers who are well-versed in the gorillas’ behavior and movements. They will lead you through the dense forest, using their knowledge and tracking skills to locate the gorilla family assigned for your visit.
Given that gorilla trekking may involve hiking through steep terrain and dense vegetation, some level of physical fitness is required. However, the reward of encountering a gorilla family in the wild is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of these magnificent creatures.
Meanwhile, during the trek, you might also encounter other forest dwellers, including various monkey species and a rich diversity of birdlife.
Batwa Community Visit:
The visit to the Batwa community allows travelers to gain insights into their unique way of life and traditions. It’s a chance to appreciate and respect the cultural diversity of Uganda.
Lake Bunyonyi
The last part of the 14-days Uganda safari will take you for relaxation by beautiful Lake Bunyonyi.Lake Bunyonyi is a mesmerizing and tranquil lake located in southwestern Uganda, near the town of Kabale. It is often regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa, attracting travelers with its stunning scenery, serene waters, and a myriad of islands scattered throughout its expanse. The name “Bunyonyi” means “place of many little birds” in the local Rukiga language, a fitting description for the abundance of birdlife found around the lake.
Detailed guide
Day 1: To Depart Entebbe for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Leave Entebbe or Kampala for your road trip to Bwindi. The park is home to half the number of mountain gorillas in the whole world. Bwindi is the only place where chimpanzees co-exist with mountain gorillas. You will also make a photo stop at the Equator crossing before continuing on to Mbarara town for lunch. Immediately, you will set off for your lovely drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive to Bwindi takes you through picturesque landscapes, passing rural villages and lush greenery. As you approach the park, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the thick, ancient rainforest.
Upon arriving at the park, you’ll check into your lodge, which is often nestled within or close to the forest. These lodges offer a unique experience of being immersed in nature while providing comfortable accommodations to ensure a relaxing stay.
In the evening, take some time to rest and unwind as you prepare for the highly anticipated gorilla trekking experience the following day. Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come face-to-face with these gentle giants and observe them in their natural habitat.
Your trekking adventure will be guided by experienced trackers and rangers who are well-versed in the gorillas’ behavior and movements. They will lead you through the dense forest, using their knowledge and tracking skills to locate the gorilla family assigned for your visit.
Gorilla trekking requires some physical fitness as you may hike through rugged terrain and thick vegetation. However, the reward of encountering a gorilla family in the wild is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of these magnificent creatures.
During the trek, you might also encounter other forest dwellers, including various monkey species and a rich diversity of birdlife.
It’s essential to follow the guidelines and rules set by the park authorities during gorilla trekking to ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and the gorillas. Remember that gorillas are wild animals, and maintaining a safe distance and adhering to the instructions of your guides is crucial.
Prepare for an extraordinary encounter with the mountain gorillas, a unique and soul-stirring experience that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.
Main Destination: Bwindi Forest.
Accommodation option:
Buhoma Lodge
Mahogany Springs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Drinks: Drinking Water.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park
Your day in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park bound to be an unforgettable adventure as you embark on the highly anticipated gorilla trekking experience.
Gorilla Trekking: Early in the morning, you’ll gather at the park’s briefing point, where experienced guides will provide you with essential information and guidelines for the gorilla trekking adventure. You’ll be assigned to a gorilla family group, and with your trekking party, including guides and rangers, you’ll set off into the dense forest.
The trek can vary in duration and difficulty, depending on the location of the gorilla family on that particular day. It may take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours (or more) of hiking through rugged terrain, steep slopes, and thick vegetation. However, the anticipation and excitement will keep you motivated.
Once you find the gorilla family, you’ll have a precious hour to observe and share moments with them. Watching these majestic creatures up close, interacting, playing, and feeding, will be a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. It’s a rare privilege to witness their peaceful and family-oriented behavior in their natural environment.
Therefore, please remember to maintain a safe distance and follow the park’s guidelines to ensure the well-being of the gorillas and your safety during the encounter.
After the Gorilla Trek: After your exhilarating gorilla trek, you have some wonderful options to choose from:
- Explore the Local Community: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park surrounded by local communities, and engaging with the local people can be a rewarding cultural experience. You can visit nearby villages, interact with residents, and learn about their traditional way of life, customs, and crafts.
- Forest Walk: If you’re up for more exploration, consider participating in a guided forest walk. This activity allows you to discover the beauty of the park beyond the gorilla trekking area. You can explore different forest trails, encounter more wildlife, and learn about the diverse flora and fauna of Bwindi.
- Rest and Relaxation: Alternatively, after the physically demanding gorilla trekking, you may prefer to relax at your lodge, savoring the memories of your incredible encounter with the mountain gorillas.
Furthermore, whichever option you choose, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park promises a deeply rewarding and enriching experience. The encounters with both the gorillas and the local community offer insights into the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and community development.
As always, please be respectful of both the gorillas and the local people during your interactions, ensuring a positive impact on the environment and communities you visit.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Gorilla Safari Lodge | Buhoma Lodge
Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp | Silverback Lodge Bwindi
Budget: Bakiga Lodge | Buhoma Community Camp
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drinking Water Throughout
Day 3: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi
Drive from Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale District. One of the three Lava damned Lakes. Formed by a river’s path obstructed by lava spewing from one of the volcanoes. Created Bunyonyi Lake locally known as “small birds,” by forcing the water to return and filling the empty space.
This is due to the many small birds in this area. The lake is the deepest lake in Uganda and second deepest in East Africa. One will visit this lake for its beauty. Likewise, it is one of the best place to chill after your trek. Lastly, other activities you can do around the lake are canoe rides and walks.
Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi.
Accommodation option:
Birds Nest Resort.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner.
Drinks: Drinking Water.
Day 4: Drive to Entebbe/Kampala or Entebbe Airport:
Morning breakfast, you will drive to Kampala or Entebbe for your post-tour stay. Nevertheless, you may opt to fly out of Uganda today. Similarly, you will use the same way to have a second stop at the Equator Lunch at Igingo Cultural center in Mbarara. Thus the end if the trip.