Bwindi Gorilla Tour(3)
Uganda Gorilla Safari - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (3 Days)
Nestled among the steep, cultivated hillsides of southwest Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park supports half of the world’s population of 600 endangered mountain gorillas in a remote pocket of lush rainforest. Bwindi is now the most popular park for gorilla tourism
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda a magnificent verdant swathe across the steep ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley.
Apart from gorilla trekking, the park boosts of 90 mammal species, including 11 primates and prominent bird species. It is a treasure chest of flora and fauna with four gorilla groups currently available to be visited by only six persons per group on daily basis. However, strict rules have to be followed to prevent behavioral disturbances and transmission of diseases.
Location:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in East Africa. The park is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and is situated along the Democratic Republic of Congo order next to the Virunga National Park and on the edge of the western Rift Valley.
Getting There:
Road transport:
The park can be reached by road from several directions:
* Kampala- Kabale- Kanungu- Buhoma.
* Kampala- Ntungamo- Rikungiri- Kihihi- Buhoma.
* Kampala- Kabale- Nkuringo.
Air:
Travellers can fly from Entebbe to the Modern tarmac airstrip at Kisoro.
Famous For:
Mountain Gorillas, Birds, Chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s, red tailed and blue monkeys, black and white colobus, baboon, butterflies.
What to Do:
Gorilla tracking:
There are no words to convey the thrill of the recognition attached to staring deep in to the liquid brown eyes of the gentle giants, who share some 97% of their genes with humans.
Buhoma Community walk:
This involves visiting sites like typical home stead, Traditional healer, and a banana beer brewery.
Cultural performances:
Chance upon spontaneous traditional performances by local dance groups. Proceeds from these events are used for community development projects.
Bird Watching:
Bwindi is a prime destination for birdwatchers. An experienced birdwatcher can easily identify up to 100 species in a day.
Note: Though Gorilla tracking is the main activity, a range of other walks provide more relaxed opportunities to spot birds and monkeys while exploring one of Uganda’s loveliest rainforest
Other guided forest walks are available: one popular trail leads to a pretty waterfall.
When to Visit:
Any time, though conditions are more challenging during the rainy season.
Who can take this trip:
Whoever enjoys walking for a few hours within one of the most interesting rain tropical forest
The Itinerary:
Day 1: Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Leave Kampala in the morning and drive Southwest stopping at the Equator for Photography. For the rest of the journey, view the banana plantations, long horned Ankole cattle, papyrus, acacia woodland and terraced landscape of Kigezi highlands on your way to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Lunch enroute in Mbarara. Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Resort (Luxury), Buhoma homestead or Lake Kitandara Tented Camp.
Day 2: Gorilla tracking:
After an early breakfast and briefing from the guides, set off for the gorilla tracking in the forest sanctuary. The activity starts at 8.00am. You need to carry packed lunch, drinking water, and rain jacket and jungle boots while the rangers will provide you with a walking stick. The time taken to find the gorillas varies according to the movements of these marvelous primates. An encounter with an earth shaking 350 pound silver back or a baby gorilla is very exciting and a never forgotten experience! Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Resort, Buhoma Homestead or Kitandara Tented Camp.
Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Kampala
After breakfast, return to Kampala at leisure. Lunch enroute. Possible one day extension: Spending the night on Lake Bunyonyi is a rewarding choice; visit Lake Mburo National Park as well on the way back to Kampala.
The safari includes:
* Full board accommodation at Gorilla Resort, Buhoma Homestead or Lake Kitandara Tented Camp (Classic) or Buhoma Community Rest Camp (Budget)
* Ground transportation by a 4×4 Land Cruiser.
* Park entrance fees.
* One Gorilla permit per person to be secured and paid for in advance.
* English Speaking Driver/Guide
* Government Taxes.
The safari package excludes
* Any cost of personal nature e.g. drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, cigarettes etc., and any other item not stated as ‘included’ above