Tour overview
This safari will give you a chance to explore Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park which grants a breathtaking experience as you drive through undulating hills past the small farmlands. It offers an unforgettable experience during which you will see a diversity of birds plus other primates, and, above all be able to see the huge mountain gorillas. Being a tropical rainforest, Bwindi offers a wonderful experience for nature lovers however, not to forget, it is the beauty and hospitality of the neighboring community who will exhibit their amazing culture. Thereafter you will proceed to Lake Bunyonyi, a place with breathtaking scenery perfect for relaxation and an excellent atmosphere, which is also a haven for bird enthusiasts since it inhabits a vast number of different types and species of birds.
Tour Highlights
Day 1: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 2: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – gorilla tracking.
Day 3: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi
Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi – boat ride and birding.
Day 5: Return to Kampala.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
You will set off from Kampala and drive Western Uganda after taking your early breakfast. You will take a brief stop at the Equator-crossing where you will take several photos. Drive through the undulating terraced terrain of Kabale District. Take another brief stop in Mbarara town for luncheon before finally reaching the verdant Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park where you will spend a night from depending on your preferred type of accommodation.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge / Mahogany Springs
Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp / Silver Back Lodge
Basic: Wagtail Eco Lodge / Buhoma Community Bandas
Meal Plan: Full Board
Travel Time: Approximately 7 and 8 Hours
Day 2: Gorilla tracking andCultural Entertainment
After taking your early breakfast, you will be briefed before taking on gorilla tracking in the dense Bwindi forest. In the morning you will have an early breakfast and then go to the park headquarters where you will be briefed by the guides before you begin search of the Bwindi forest for the giant gorillas.
Bwindi National Park is renowned for its impressive mountain gorillas, although it is unpredictable for how long you will track before finding them since it all depends on their movement. However, the thrill of the time spent observing these gentle giant gorillas is a rare, moving, awesome and exciting adventure that will leave you with long lasting memories of a truly unique experience. The gorillas are shy and peaceful animals and it is an unforgettable experience to watch and photograph them as they play and interact.
You will set out with a packed lunch and enough drinking water, and you are advised to wear strong comfortable boots plus a light rain-jacket since the weather in Bwindi Impenetrable forest is confoundedly unpredictable. You will be availed with Walking sticks by the park rangers. Also visitors are allowed to spend only one hour with the gorillas for the purpose of conservation. The ranger guide will brief you on how to conduct yourself while in the presence of the gentle giants. In the evening, proceed to the village for a cultural walk to interact with the local people with the help of guides profligate with their intimate traditional knowledge. Participate in captivating traditional performances presented by Women’s groups or orphan children groups. Note that the fees you pay for these performances go directly to improve the welfare of families around the park.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range: Lake Mutanda Chameleon Hill Lodge
Basic: Wagtail Eco Lodge or Buhoma Community Bandas
Meal Plan: Full Board
Trekking Time: irregular
Day 3: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi
You may decide to first take a guided nature walk within the verdant Bwindi forest, however this will highly depend on if you are to use the village trial or any of the 5 trails. In the afternoon after your lunch break, you will drive to Lake Bunyonyi.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Bird’s Nest
Mid-range: Arcadia Cottages
Basic: Lake Bunyonyi Overland Camp / Bushara Island Camp
Travel time: Approximately 5 hours
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi
Because of the tiring experience in Bwindi, the majority of the clients will take pleasure in some time to relax on the shores of this beautiful lake. There are various activities for you to enjoy here such as swimming, bird watching, sun bathing as well as cycling.
Accommodation:
Day 15: Travel back to Kampala City
After taking your breakfast, you will drive back to Kampala for a brief City tour and some shopping before proceeding to the airport for departure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Travel time: About 5 Hours
The Safari Package Covers:
Safari Exclusions:
