3 Days Gorilla Safari Uganda

3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi Uganda

3 Days Uganda gorilla trekking in Bwindi starts and Ends in Entebbe or Kampala. It involves experiencing a cultural tour to the Batwa pygmies – The Batwa pygmies were the original inhabitants of the Bwindi impenetrable forest park before they were relocated elsewhere to gazette the forest for mountain gorilla conservation.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is found along Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and next to the Virunga National Park. The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its biodiversity and importance to overall ecology. It is a water catchment area that feeds off numerous rivers and lakes. Bwindi forest covers an area of 124 square miles of lowland and montane forest.

The vast forests are home to 163 tree species, 348 species of birds and 120 of mammals. Among the mammals in the park are chimpanzees, civets, elephants, giant forest hogs, golden cats, Colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, stripped jackals and mountain gorillas. The key bird species are the cream-banded swallowtail and African green broadbill. Half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.

The other half are found in Virunga National Park in Congo and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Bwindi is the only park where both chimpanzees and mountain gorillas are found. There are currently 15 habituated gorilla groups open to gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Bwindi is special from all the other mountain gorilla parks because visitors can take part in a 3 days gorilla habituation experience. This experience gives visitors more time with the primates and with very knowledgeable international researchers.

The mountain gorillas in Bwindi have been found to feed on more fruit than those in Virunga National Park. If you are conversant with some facts about mountain gorillas by now, you will agree that Silverbacks rarely climb tries. Well it turns out that it isn’t always true. Mountain gorillas in Bwindi climb trees more frequently than those in Virunga national park (including the large silverbacks). Whereas gorillas in Virunga make their nests on the ground, those in Bwindi have been found to build some of theirs on short sturdy trees. Mountain gorillas in Bwindi are also more mobile. This is attributed to the fact that they feed a lot on seasonal fruits.

Though the overall population of mountain gorillas are growing and are now over 1,000, they remain endangered. Protecting them is very important because Mountain gorillas have not been known to survive in captivity. An attempt was made to keep them in enclosed facilities in the 1970’s but no infant survived neither did the adult gorillas survive for long in captivity. Only lowland gorillas have been found to thrive in captivity. Because of their fragile nature and economic value, mountain gorillas are highly protected. Like we already mentioned, the government of Uganda evicted the Batwa pygmies away from Bwindi and Mgahinga national park just to create more room for the mountain gorillas.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest offers visitors 11 gorilla families to choose from. As already noted, visitors to Bwindi have a unique option of taking part in the mountain gorilla habituation experience. During this special treat, visitors are allowed 4 hours with a gorilla family in the jungle unlike the standard one hour with the gorillas.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1:

 Pick up and Transfer to Bwindi National park

Pickup will be from your hotel early in the morning (after breakfast) and start a 7-hour journey south of Uganda to Bwindi national park. There will be several stops to enjoy the scenery and have lunch.  Once you get to Bwindi, refresh, shower and enjoy the evening with friends around the hotel.

Dinner and overnight at Chameleon Hill Lodge (luxury), Bakiga Lodge (Mid-range) and Tarvan Trekkers Bwindi (Budget)

Day 2:

Trekking with Uganda Gorillas – Batwa Pygmies visit

Briefing for gorilla trekking takes place at 7:00 am by a Ranger at the Bwindi park head offices. All gorilla trackers must be at the park by this time and attend the briefing which is an overview of what to expect during the gorilla trekking. A gorilla safari in Bwindi forest offers you several gorilla groups to choose from.

The Rangers will take into consideration your overall fitness. Gorilla tracking is challenging but you will find the experience awesome once you see the primates. It is always amazing to watch a family of mountain gorillas. You could spend hours just watching the little ones roll around and play. Mountain Gorillas are very playful and curious – don’t be surprised if they come too close to you. While with the gorillas, it’s helpful to listen to instructions from your guide. Never make sudden movements while with mountain gorillas.

After spending one hour with the gorilla family, you will be led back to the starting point where our official guide from safari vacations and travel services will be waiting to take you back for lunch at your hotel. You will head out to visit the Batwa pygmy cultural community in the evening. The Batwa originally lived in the forest but often had conflicts with the gorillas. They were shifted to allow for smoother gorilla conservation activities.  Dinner and overnight at Chameleon Hill Lodge (luxury), Bakiga Lodge (Midrange) and Tarvan Trekkers Bwindi (Budget)

Day 3:

Transfer back to Kampala for departure

You will wake up early morning for breakfast before heading back to Kampala in time for your departure flight or be dropped off at your hotel.

Tour overview:

On our 3 days gorilla a safari Uganda, the main activities are;

• Bwindi forest national park gorilla tracking
• A visit to the Batwa pygmies and cultural village

What is required for trekking?

• Good hiking boots
• Gators
• Thick cotton gloves
• Light rain coat
• Drinking water and simple snacks

Note:

You can hire a porter as they are always present to help you carry your extra heavy luggage and gadgets, hiring a porter is one way of supporting them to earn a living and their families and still this way you can save these porter most of them were once poachers so if they earn they forget about poaching hence saving the wild animals.

For the best tracking experience;

• Be fit enough and mentally prepared
• Carry the right requirements as already discussed
• Move with enough drinking water and snacks
• Motivate the guides and wardens by tipping them but it’s not compulsory

Safari includes;

• Fulltime private vehicle with a driver for the entire itinerary
• Fuel for your safari
• Cultural/ community visit to the Batwa
• Pick and drop off at your desired location in Entebbe and Kampala

• Gorilla permits (each at usd600)
• Accommodation
• Bottled drinking water
• Park entry fees
• Fuel
• Experienced English speaking tour guide/driver
• Park ranger and guiding

Safari excludes;

• Insurance
• Individual expenses for example tips, cigarettes, crafts, and beverages(soft and hard drinks)

• Accommodation (can be arranged on request)

Key note:

• The itinerary does not include arrival, accommodation/dinner (but all this can be arranged on request)
• Minimal age for gorilla trekking is 15years
• Visa and immunization card are a must have
• Online visa application is necessary before you travel, depending on the nationality and with respect to the nation you intend to visit.

Note:

Safari vacations and travel services assists clients in arranging and clearly planning of the safari and continues to acquire the gorilla tracking permits for clients’ behalf, we ensure that no delays or any inconveniences on your trip, we arrange accommodation, and transport with a knowledgeable driver guide from our team