Mountain Gorilla Conservation Safari

Country

Uganda

Duration

4 days

From

US$1100

Highlights

  • Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
  • Visit a local primary school
  • Visit the Batwa people and learn about their ways of living and cultures
  • Conduct tree planting activities at the Nyamuriro Wetland Conservation Project
  • Enjoy the rolling hills, crater lakes, tea plantations, forest and savanna grasslands.

Overview

Discover the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in Southwestern Uganda on the border of the western rift valley. Encompassing 321 square kilometers and straddling the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, this park is celebrated as the sanctuary of the world’s mountain gorillas.

Uganda holds the top spot globally as the ultimate destination for an exhilarating mountain gorilla safari. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda holds the prestigious title of a World Heritage Site, dedicated to safeguarding and conserving these extraordinary creatures.

Within Uganda, you’ll encounter habituated mountain gorilla groups, with some residing in Bwindi and one in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Each of these families bears a distinctive name. Bwindi is home to the Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushugura, Bitukura, and Nkuringo families, while the Mgahinga family group goes by the name Nyakagezi.

Day-to-Day

Arrival & Entebbe: Upon arrival, our dedicated safari team will extend a warm welcome and transfer you to a nearby hotel just moments away from Entebbe International Airport. Here, you can unwind and enjoy your overnight stay, preparing for the adventure ahead.

Day 1: Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Start your day with a meet and greet at 5:30 am, where you’ll be introduced to your personal guide. At 8:00 am, arrive in Mbarara town for a hearty breakfast at the Igongo Cultural Centre. Then, embark on a picturesque drive through the diverse and stunning countryside. This scenic journey meanders through captivating mosaic hills before reaching the magnificent Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive in time for a delicious lunch at your Bwindi lodge. In the afternoon, visit the local Buhoma Community Primary School, supported and managed by the Bwindi community, emphasizing the importance of environmental awareness and quality education. Enjoy an overnight stay at Buhoma Community Rest Camp.

Day 2: Gorilla Tracking and Conservation Experience Following a delightful local breakfast, set out for the park headquarters, conveniently located just 100 meters from your lodge. Here, you’ll receive a briefing by a park ranger. At 8:30 am, it’s time to begin your gorilla trek. Within the Buhoma forest area, there are three habituated gorilla groups: Habinyanja (Group H), Mubare (Group M), and Rushegura (Group R).

Gorilla trekking is a remarkable adventure, cherished by the fortunate few who experience it. The journey can span from 3 hours to a full day of trekking through the lush forest. Expert trackers, intimately familiar with the forest, guide your expedition. Gorillas move daily in search of food, and your visit offers a glimpse into their family life. If you’re fortunate enough to lock eyes with a gorilla, you may feel an immediate connection.

The renowned gorilla researcher Dian Fossey wrote, “It was their individuality combined with the shyness of their behavior that remained the most captivating impression of this first encounter with the greatest of the great apes.” After this awe-inspiring experience, return to the lodge to relax, share stories, and review your photographs. In the evening, consider a canoe ride with locals at Lake Bunyonyi to observe more wildlife.

Day 3: Cultural Experience & Conservation Initiatives Commence your day with a delectable breakfast, followed by a community walk to visit the Batwa pygmies. They will treat you to singing and dancing performances, offer insights into local banana beer brewing, and even provide fortune-telling experiences. Return to the lodge for lunch, then journey to Nyamuriro Wetland Conservation Project in Masaka. Here, you’ll join Nature Uganda in collaboration with the Wetlands Management Department (WMD) to support the Masaka Youth Development Organization. This community-based organization empowers communities and schools through education for sustainable development programs. The initiative encourages wetland-edge communities to actively participate in the management and conservation of Nabajjuzi wetland.

Highlights of the project include eco-tourism development, fish farming, tree planting, and wetland-edge gardening. You’ll also contribute to tree planting efforts to aid in wetland and environmental conservation. Return to your lodge for relaxation, entertainment, and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Return to Kampala After a satisfying breakfast, it’s time to return to Kampala/Entebbe. As you journey through rolling hills, evergreen landscapes, crater lakes, tea plantations, forests, and savanna grasslands, you’ll be captivated by the stunning scenery. Along the way, you’ll encounter local communities renowned for crafting drums and other crafts, as well as a vibrant fruit market. Make a stop to admire and perhaps purchase some souvenirs. Another highlight of your journey will be passing the equator line, offering an opportunity for memorable photographs. Arrive in Kampala in the evening, concluding your remarkable adventure.

Your journey through Uganda will leave you with lasting memories of its natural beauty, wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and conservation efforts.

Costs

   TYPE 1 person 2 persons 3 persons 4-12 persons
Upmarket accommodation US$3,200 US$2,700 US$1,769 US$1,499
Mid-range accommodation US$2,150 US$1,760 US$1,495 US$1,105
Budget accommodation US$1,620 US$1,395 US$1,290 US$1,090

Included

  • Gorilla Permit fees
  • All park entrance fees
  • Cultural entertainment fees
  • Nature walk fees
  • Conservation interventions fees
  • Park Ranger fees
  • All relevant Government Taxes
  • Full Board Accommodation and en-route meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Full time English-speaking Driver/Guide
  • Ground Transportation by a 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Airport transfer.

Excluded

  • Airfares
  • Visa Fees
  • Personal Insurance
  • Expenses of personal nature such as; drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, accommodation & meals not indicated in the itinerary and optional activities.

What to bring?

  • Wear stout shoes or walking boots suitable for steep muddy slopes.
  • Gardening gloves are excellent in the forest when pulling on vines and nettles.
  • Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather can be unpredictable) and insect repellent.
  • Carry packed lunch and water (porters are available to hire).

Tour information

Trip typeTailor-made
LodgingSafari Hotels and Guesthouses
ActivitiesTrekking
Transport4×4 Safari Vehicle

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