See Uganda gorillas and take a walking safari across Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (6 Days)
6 DAYS
USD $3,354
Type
Tailor-made
Activity
Physical
Overview
Fly between Entebbe and Bwindi and marvel at southwestern Uganda's mountainous landscape views, terraced slopes and the Virunga volcanoes.
Spend three nights at the idyllic Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, nestled on a forested ridge with enchanting gardens and sweeping views over the steamy Bwindi, the hilly rift valley region, and the entire Virunga Volcanos chain. The bush lodge has exceptional guest services and a delicious gourmet selection.
With the starting point for trekking a five-minute walk away, join the gorilla trekking excursion. Spend one precious hour observing the primitive behaviours and social lives of the mountain gorillas with an expert tracker guide.
Take a guided walk through remote villages, terraced gardens, and across the world-renowned Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO Heritage Site, for an authentic off-the-beaten-path forest walking safari experience.
Price includes/excludes
- Local English-speaking guides/driver
- Tourist Visa (apply online at visas.immigration.go.ug)
- Accommodation & Meals as indicated in itinerary
- Trekking permit & park fees (worth USD 745 pp)
- Land transport in 4x4 safari truck with fuel
- Return Flight (Entebbe-Kisoro) availability holds - 542 USD pp
- Activities & excursions as shown in itinerary
- Extra meals, snacks, gratuities, souvenirs, service tips
- AMREF evacuation cover, and government taxes
- Travel Insurance
Detailed Itinerary
The Uganda gorillas & walking safari is for adventurers who want the off-the-beaten-path experience across the world-renowned Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The trip is a perfect tailor-made package for travellers who enjoy forest hiking and remote country travel.
The tour starts in Entebbe, using a custom small aircraft, and flies across southwestern Uganda's Tuscan-like landscape to a serene forest lodge on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Here, you'll spend the next three nights in a forest cottage with enchanting views over the steamy forest canopy and the rift valley hilly region.
You will join expert trackers on the second day for the gorilla trekking excursion. Once you find the great apes, you will spend one exciting hour observing the mountain gorillas in their natural setting.
On the fifth day, a local walking safari will guide you on the ancient trails across the enchanting Bwindi Forest. Become one with the untamed forest with wild inhabitants occasionally crossing your paths, like chimpanzees, forest elephants, and hundreds of birds. Spend a night on the other side of the woods in another enchanting forest cottage before catching your flight back to Entebbe the next day.
Our driver will pick you up from Entebbe International Airport (15 minutes) and check you in at your hotel within Entebbe. You'll meet with your trip specialist for a briefing just before dinner.
Otherwise, there are optional activities around Entebbe for those who arrive early and want to stay active. For example, bird-watchers can visit the world-renowned botanical gardens or Mabamba swamps to meet the prehistoric shoebill. You can take a quiet walk to the local markets or shop at the modern malls.
You'll stay at: Boutique Hotel Number 5 (Luxury) or Papyrus Guesthouse (Comfortable)
You will take an early morning flight from Entebbe to Kisoro. In Kisoro, you'll join the walking guide on a guided walk through village communities and terraced gardens and stop at the calm shores of Lake Mutanda.
At lake Mutanda, you'll join the fishermen on a canoeing experience across the volcano lake in traditional dug-out canoes. The relaxing ride drops you off for another garden walk to meet your driver uphill.
Staying at: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Your butler will ensure you are up and about by 7:00 am with a packed lunch, the right trekking gear, drinking water, and a walking stick. The trekking excursion briefing starts at 7:30 am at the visitor's centre.
8:00 am: Your gorilla tracking guide and two gun-bearing rangers will lead you and six other tourists into the rainforest to find a habituated gorilla group. Once you find the mountain gorilla family, you will observe them for about an hour at a 10 meters distance. Alternatively, you can observe the gorillas for about four hours if you book a gorilla habituation pass.
Your time in the forest can not be pre-determined as every day differs from the other. However, most trekkers are out of the jungle by 2:00 pm with a satisfactory grin.
We recommend a massage at the lodge spa when you return and a relaxing evening.
Staying at: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), and Dinner.
The fourth day of this Uganda gorillas & walking safari adventure has some optional activities to keep you active. Otherwise, you can unwind at your forest cottage for a relaxing day.
- Stay back at the lodge and relax, read a book, join a cooking class or take a walk around the property and talk to some locals.
- Go back into the mysterious jungle to meet with the gorillas for a second time. Maybe join the rangers for the habituation experience that gives you more time with the gorillas. But remember, you must have pre-booked the trekking permit.
- Visit the Batwa forest people on a short forest trail where they showcase their ancient forest medicines, cultures, drama, and dance.
- Go on a sundowner picnic on top of the world with 360-degree spellbinding views of the hilly landscapes. It's a walking distance from the lodge.
Staying at: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
At 8:00 am, you will join the walking safari guide on the trail starting either from the lodge (Kashasha Trail) or a few miles off (Ivy River Trail).
Giant ferns, trees, millions of butterflies, birds, forest elephants, chimpanzees, monkeys, bush pigs, and even leopards could cross your path on this trail. Your guide will be sure to maintain the slowest person's pace and allow you to immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness deeply.
The forest trail you will walk is one of the oldest human trails on the continent. They commercially connected Nkuringo-Nteko villages on the elevated south of Bwindi to Buhoma village on the lower north of the prehistoric rainforest. You may bump into some natives making the journey to the other side. However, you have two gun-bearing rangers to protect you from aggressive animals and other unknowns.
You find a resting hut somewhere in the forest to rest and have your packed lunch before you continue to Buhoma.
In Buhoma, about 800 meters from the exit gate, you will check into an idyllic forest cottage with a warm fireplace, sumptuous dinner, and out-of-this-world views of the jungle you just conquered. Spend a night here and catch your flight back to Entebbe the following day.
Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch (packed), Dinner.
Accommodation (Optional): Papyrus Guesthouse Entebbe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed)
Local experts
Lydia
Cathy
Our safari specialists work with customers to prepare a journey that will deliver the best subjective experience. We understand that most guests will be travelling to unfamiliar places and dealing with mind-boggling logistics that require skilful guidance from local experts. These local safari specialists will help you plan this gorilla safari in your own way!
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