4 Days Uganda Gorilla & Lake Bunyonyi Safari – Gorilla Trekking Bwindi.
This 4 days tour to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Lake Bunyonyi starts and ends in Uganda’s capital of Kampala. Tracking some of about 700 remaining World giants is an incredible experience one should not miss. The trek takes you through deep thick forests, swamps and hills. These endangered primates live in the thicker moist tropical forest of Bwindi. Tracking the gorillas is a challenging and strenuous activity which may involve you trekking over the steep hillsides in search of the remaining few mountain gorillas, thus, a high degree of fitness is required. On this gorilla safari you will not only see gorillas but also have the chance to see other primates living in the forest as well as a variety of forest birds. After gorilla tracking, you drive to Lake Bunyonyi to unwind and appreciate the scenery of one of the most beautiful places in Africa, and if time permits, and depeding on your flight time, you may choose to visit the Batwa on Lake Bunyonyi and then drive back to Kampala.
Day 1: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and depending on the gorilla family to be tracked we shall head to either Buhoma side or the southern part of the park. This scenic 8 to 10 hours journey goes through the area famed as the Switzerland of Africa with its rolling hills, and green vegetation. A stop at the equator line for photography and an informative talk is worthwhile and thereafter, proceed with a stop in Mbarara for lunch before you head to Bwindi home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain Gorillas. Overnight at Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp/Mahogany Springs/Buhoma Lodge/Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mid Range: Engagi Lodge/Lake Kitandara Tented Camp/Gorilla Safari Lodge/Kisoro Travelers Rest, Budget: Buhoma Community Bandas/Bwindi View Bandas/Wag Tail Eco Camp.
Day 2: Gorilla tracking
Report to the ranger station in Buhoma at 8am, for briefing, and ready to go tracking gorillas in one of the 3 gorilla families, in buhoma side (Habinyanja, Rushegura and Mubare) of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The activity of gorilla tracking is a demanding but rewarding experience, done through the forest, hills and swamps and can be tough, arduous and tiring, sometimes taking up to 8 hours in the forest, thus, a high degree of fitness is required as well as steady pair of walking shoes. Carry with you a packed lunch as well as a lot of water. As soon as you encounter these delightful apes, an hour of observing them is what you get before retiring to your hotel. If you have energy in the afternoon, you may go for an optional visit to the local villages around the park. Overnight at Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp/Mahogany Springs/Buhoma Lodge/Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Mid Range: Engagi Lodge/Lake Kitandara Tented Camp/Gorilla Safari Lodge/Kisoro Travelers Rest, Budget: Buhoma Community Bandas/Bwindi View Bandas/Wag Tail Eco Camp.
Day 3: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, we will transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for scenic views of arguably the most beautiful lake in Africa, and also the deepest in the region. Take a boat on the lake to see fishing villages and other local communities, and in case you get lucky, a visit to the local markets gives you a different taste of how business is conducted in this area. Overnight at Luxury: Birds Nest, Mid Range: Arcadia Cottages/Bushara Island Camo, Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Camp
Day 4: Transfer back to Kampala
After breakfast, we leave for Kampala for yet another 7 to 8 hours drive of beautiful scenery along the way, arriving in the early evening.