3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Tour

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of the few places where the endangered mountain gorillas live. Over 700 gorillas, which is almost three-quarters of the world’s mountain gorilla population, make their home here. This trip gives you the chance to trek gorillas in their natural habitat and have a close encounter with these great apes, as well as experience the culture of the Batwa pygmies.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Day 1: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Community

Day 3: Departure

TRIP DETAILS

Day 1: Detailed Travel Experience

Your adventure begins early in the morning in Kampala. After a hearty breakfast, our driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel. As you leave the bustling city behind, you’ll notice the gradual change from urban landscapes to the serene countryside. The road to Bwindi offers a variety of sights, including rolling hills, small towns, and lush green fields.

The first stop is at the Uganda Equator, a famous landmark where you can take photos standing on both the northern and southern hemispheres. Here, you can also witness the interesting water experiment that shows the Coriolis effect – water draining in different directions on either side of the equator.

Continuing the journey, you will reach Mbarara town, where you will stop for lunch. Mbarara is known for its vibrant atmosphere and friendly locals. You can try some local Ugandan dishes, which are both delicious and unique. After lunch, the journey continues towards Bwindi, with the landscape becoming more mountainous and the air cooler as you approach the park.

By evening, you will arrive at your lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. after checking in, you will have dinner and can spend the evening relaxing. The lodge provides a comfortable place to rest and prepare for the exciting gorilla trekking experience the next day.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Adventure

The second day starts very early. After a quick breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the park rangers. They will explain the rules and guidelines for gorilla trekking, such as keeping a safe distance from the gorillas and not using flash photography.

Once briefed, you will be assigned to a group of up to eight trekkers. Each group is led by a ranger guide who knows the forest well and can track the gorillas. You will then enter the forest, which is thick with vegetation and can be challenging to navigate. The trek can take anywhere from one hour to six hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family.

As you trek through the forest, you’ll experience the incredible biodiversity of Bwindi. The forest is home to many other animals, including monkeys, birds, and butterflies. The rangers will point out interesting plants and animals along the way.

Finally, you will come upon the gorillas. Spending an hour with them is a truly magical experience. You’ll see them eating, playing, and interacting with each other. It’s a rare opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat.

After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation. In the late afternoon, you will visit the Batwa community. The Batwa are the indigenous people who lived in the forest for thousands of years before it became a national park. They will share their culture and traditions with you through songs, dances, and stories. It’s a unique chance to learn about their way of life and their deep connection to the forest.

Day 3: Departure

On the final day, you will have breakfast at the lodge before checking out. The drive back to Kampala offers more beautiful scenery, including views of the Kigezi Highlands, also known as the “Switzerland of Africa” because of its rolling hills and cool climate.

You will arrive back in Kampala in the late afternoon, bringing an end to your three-day adventure. This trip offers a perfect blend of wildlife, nature, and culture, providing memories that will last a lifetime.

Conclusion

The 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Tour is a perfect short adventure for those looking to experience the beauty and wonder of Uganda’s mountain gorillas. From the long but scenic drive to the magical hour spent with the gorillas and the cultural immersion with the Batwa people, every moment of this trip is designed to offer a unique and unforgettable experience.

Whether you are an avid wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this tour will leave you with memories of the incredible landscapes, the gentle giants of the forest, and the rich cultural heritage of Uganda. Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure like no other!