3 days gorilla tracking Bwindi safari in Uganda is the main activity done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park‚ a habitat of close to half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the whole world! That is why the government of Uganda saw it fit to habituate these endangered species to prevent their extinction. It was introduced to facilitate and support the protection of these gentle giants.
While on this 3 days gorilla tracking safari, tourists are charged a fee to go for gorilla trekking in Bwindi peacefully and view these species in their protected habituated areas. Usually, this mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda safari begins from Kampala. After the pickup from Entebbe airport and getting refreshments, you are given a brief insight into the safari by our driver or guide and the official tour manager. This Uganda gorilla tracking Bwindi safari trip breakdown is as below.
Highlights for 3 days gorilla tracking safari in Bwindi Forest
- An hour or whole day interaction with mountain gorilla
- One gorilla tracking permit
- Viewing of the magnificent greenery
- Tracking different gorilla family groups
- Guided walk in Bwindi village
- Stopover at Uganda equator
- Services of an English-speaking driver or guide
- Batwa cultural tour
- Ground transport per 4WD safari vehicle
- Airport transfers
Detailed itinerary for 3 days gorilla tracking Bwindi
Day 1: Travel from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
First, you are picked up from the hotel or place of residence at exactly 6:30 am after your breakfast so as to avoid the early morning traffic jam in Kampala. The trip starts with‚ traveling southwestwards through the districts of Wakiso, Mpigi, and Masaka while viewing the local livelihoods of the communities in the central region of Uganda. Then connect to Mbarara, where you make a stopover for lunch at Agip Motel or Igongo Cultural Center.
After lunch, proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest through the districts of Bushenyi‚ through the southern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and if lucky, you may see the tree-climbing lions and other big fives such as elephants and buffaloes. Continue with views of the magnificent scenery and the rolling hills of Kigezi, and finally‚ Kanungu district connecting to Buhoma, which is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Arriving in Bwindi at around 5:30 pm for check-in at your reserved lodge. Dinner and overnight.
DESTINATION AND SELECTION OF LODGING.
- Main destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
- Up market accommodation: Buhoma Lodge or Gorilla Leisure Lodge
- Mid-range accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or Gorilla Mist Lodge
- Budget accommodation: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
- Meal plan: half board (lunch and dinner)
Day 2: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Wake up very early in the morning, at 6:00 am for breakfast, and then proceed to the mountain gorilla trekking briefing point to be briefed about the safety guidelines and be allocated guides and groups for tracking gorillas. Setting off is at exactly 8:00 am‚ the ranger guides make sure everyone has packed lunch, enough drinking water‚ comfortable safe shoes and a porter (if needed) to help you carry your backpack so you can comfortably enjoy your gorilla trekking experience.
Observing and photographing the gentle giants (mountain gorillas) is so breathtaking! You are literally looking at creatures so human in every form! Be prepared as Trekking of the mountain gorillas may take 1 hour to a full day, depending on where your gorilla family group may be. After tracking gorillas‚ return to the lodge and have a relaxed evening or a walk to the pygmy families on the outskirts of the forest. Have dinner and overnight at the lodge.
DESTINATION AND SELECTION OF LODGING.
- Main destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
- Up market accommodation: Buhoma Lodge or Gorilla Leisure Lodge
- Mid-range accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or Gorilla Mist Lodge
- Budget accommodation: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
- Meal plan: full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 3: Travel back from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to Kampala or Entebbe
Have breakfast and thereafter embark on the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. Not only will you have the first stopover for lunch en route at Agip Motel or Igongo Cultural Center. But also, the second at the Uganda equator for souvenirs and to view a few facts about the equator. You’ll then proceed to Kampala or drop off at the airport for the return flight back home. (dinner with office tour manager before boarding return flight).
DESTINATION AND MEALS.
- Main destination: Kampala or Entebbe airport
- Meal plan: half board (breakfast and packed lunch)
Gorilla tracking safari in Bwindi Forest includes:
- Airport transfers pick up and drop off at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe.
- 1 Gorilla tracking permit.
- Batwa cultural entertainment.
- 2 nights’ accommodation in the Bwindi Forest.
- Park ranger fees.
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle.
- English-speaking driver or guide.
- En-route lunch.
- Pure bottled drinking water or soda.
However, gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest excludes:
- International flight.
- Ugandan visa.
- Luxury drinks.
- Laundry.
- Gratitude to the local porter.
- Personal Insurance.
- Personal shopping bills and cigarettes.
- Any other item not mentioned above.
A list of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park briefing points for mountain gorilla tracking in Uganda
- Buhoma Sector.
- Rushaga Sector.
- Nkuringo Sector.
What to bring – a checklist for 3 days gorilla trekking safari in Uganda?
- Solid comfortable walking shoes or boots to walk in Bwindi Forest National Park.
- Warm clothes for the night as this part of the country gets pretty cold.
- A torch is necessary.
- Insect repellant.
- Rain gears and hat.
- Binoculars.
- Zooming camera for photos.
what other activities that can be done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
- Mountain biking.
- Bird Watching in the loveliest rain forest.
- Nature walk trails.