The 4 days Bwindi & Bunyonyi combines a magical encounter with mountain gorillas in the wild and a recreational experience at Lake Bunyonyi, Southwestern Uganda. You will immerse yourself deep in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to see mountain gorillas and a full day will be spent at Lake Bunyonyi.
Bwindi
Impenetrable National Park is where over 459 of the 1063 endangered mountain gorillas
reside. They are part of the 120 species of mammals that this park protects
plus 360 bird species, floral species, butterflies, and many reptiles. Bwindi
was founded as a National Park in 1991, and it is largely dominated by a
tropical forest stretching to cover a land area of 331sq.km. This park is
comprised of 4 regions- Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Buhoma.
Detailed
Itinerary
Day 1: Travel
to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Pick up at a
hotel in Entebbe or Kampala and you will be transferred to Bwindi Impenetrable
National Park. Driving to Bwindi will be via the Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale route
which is 8-9 hour drive in a good 4×4 vehicle, although the time spent may also
depend on the driver’s speed. Before drop off at your lodge, a stopover will be
made at the Equator crossing, and lunch be enjoyed at Igongo cultural center.
Day 2: Trek
gorillas in Bwindi Forest and Batwa visit
A delicious
breakfast will be enjoyed at the gorilla lodge in or near Bwindi Impenetrable
Forest Park, and after, you will connect to the briefing area/trailhead. All
visitors will be expected at the briefing area early and park guides will be
assigned to you during briefing time. An actual trek to see gorillas begins at
8:00 am, taking between 2 and 6 hours which is inclusive of one hour of a close
encounter and photography.
During the
one hour of a close encounter, you will observe the different behaviors of
gorillas, how they groom each other, and more. Return to your respective
accommodation after spending time with mountain gorillas, relax, and later in
the evening, a cultural experience will be enjoyed while at the Batwa
community.
Day 3: Lake
Bunyonyi excursion
Wake up early
and you will be provided with a sumptuous breakfast. After, leave the gorilla
lodge for Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s deepest lake and home to 29 charming islands,
plus a variety of birds, etc.
At Lake
Bunyonyi, you will visit the Punishment Island/Upside-down Island while on a
boat ride, enjoy the breathtaking views of the surroundings, and later, settle
at the lodge or visit the local community nearby. Adjacent to L. Bunyonyi,
there are Bakiga and Batwa communities each offering a unique cultural
experience.
Day 4: Leave
Lake Bunyonyi for Kampala/Entebbe
After a
delicious breakfast, you will meet the driver guide who will bring you back to
Kampala or Entebbe, 8-9 hour drive. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Kigezi
hillside, settle for lunch in Mbarara and make another stopover at the Equator
crossing or Mpambire drum makers (get to know how the traditional African drums
are locally made).
End of tour