The Bwindi Gorilla safari takes you into the wild for a no boundaries encounter with Uganda 's popular mountain gorillas. Observing these gorillas in the wild is the experience of a lifetime and nothing else compares. The safari is at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda . The Impenetrable Forest is the most luscious forest in Uganda in terms of diverse plant species and is home to half the population of the perilously endangered mountain Gorillas in the world.
Established in 1991, Bwindi Forest has an area of 331sq km. It is 514km away from the capital Kampala and is composed of parts from the Rukungiri,
Kisoro and Kabale districts in south west Uganda. Fifty percent of all the endangered mountain gorillas in the world exist in Bwindi forest; there are also several endangered species of birds within the forest.
Proposed Itinerary
Day Zero: Trip Preparation
Day One: Kampala - Bwindi - 530 km
The adventure begins right after breakfast as you Leave Kampala in the morning and drive south. The first tourist stop is actually on the Equator; a well-known spot for photography. Relax on the rest of the journey and enjoy the view of the long horned Ankole cattle, papyrus, acacia woodland, and terraced landscape of Kigezi highlands on your way to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park. Your guide will take you through the rolling green hills of the Kabale taking in the beautiful scenery and terraced farming along the way. Though it is best known for its mountain gorillas the Montane Forest is also to many species of amazing birds. The hike will lead you to the Munyaga Waterfall and a chance to see primates such as the Grey Cheeked Mangabey Blue monkeys and others species. During the trip you will take a short break to eat lunch along the way and arrive in time for dinner at either Gorilla Forest Camp, Mantana tented camp or, near the Volcanoes.
Accommodations: Simple Camp. Food: BLD
Day Two: Bwindi - Gorilla Tracking
On the second day you will pack your lunch and get all the necessary gear to go track the rare Mountain Gorilla, perhaps one of the most exciting wildlife encounters you will ever experience. This is a particularly special encounter because unfortunately there are now only 650 left in the world. It may take from two to six hours trekking through the forest before spotting the gorillas then, in the afternoon you can relax at the camp or take a forest walk.
Accommodations: Simple Camp. Food: BLD
Day Three: Bwindi - Kampala - 530km
For the third day, you will enjoy a final breakfast at the Bwindi Impenetrable National park then, leave for Kampala having lunch on the way and reaching your own host family/hostel in the evening.
Accommodations: none. Food: BL
NOTE: This is a sample itinerary and may be altered to accommodate changes in field conditions.
Dates and Price
Price:
For 3days / 2 nights - $1970
Dates:
To be determined by In-Country Coordinator (most likely at the end or middle of participant's respective volunteer program)
A gorilla permit costs $500 per person. With regard to the high demand of permits we advise you to book them at least 3-4 months in advance
What's Included
- All Meals and accommodation as per the itinerary.
- All ground transportation in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle.
- Park entrance fees.
- Services of a full time English speaking driver/guide.
- And all government taxes/levies.
What's Not Included
- Gorilla Permit per person
- Personal expenses on food/drinks
- Tips
Important
Please note the gorilla tracking in this itinerary can be done in Rwanda as well if permits/accommodation can't be acquired in Uganda at the time of your booking. Gorilla tracking is dependent on the permits availability at the time of your booking. Gorilla permits in all park are on a very high demand and we advise that you book them as early as possible