Sarania Adventure Safaris For Customized East African Safaris

Venture deep into the verdant Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, situated in the southwestern part of Uganda. The 321-square-kilometer UNESCO World Heritage Site is marked by mist-covered hillsides and one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests. This short gorilla safari takes you to one of the mountain gorilla natural habitats and a chance to interact with the Batwa to learn about their ancient hunter-gatherer lifestyle before the National Park was gazetted.

Highlights

• Enjoy up close and personal encounters with the mountain gorillas in the wild.
• Visit the Batwa pygmies to learn about their unique hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
• Enjoy stunning mountain views during road trips through western and southwestern Uganda.
• Support conservation efforts around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Day 2: Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Batwa cultural visit.

Day 3: Drive back to Kampala/Entebbe, departure.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Be prepared to kick off your Bwindi Gorilla Tour. Early morning, you will depart for your safari destination- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site is popular for being one of the most biologically diverse areas in the World. It is believed to be more than 25,000 years old and hosts 120 mammal species, over 350 bird species, and many others. Home to almost half the World’s population of mountain gorillas, this Park also has the highest number of habituated gorilla families totaling 20 families. A Gorilla safari to this Protected Area isn’t just about the endangered mountain gorillas but also an opportunity to take a step back in time by visiting the Batwa pygmies.

Your road trip takes about 8-9 hours, with en-route stops at the Equator crossing for coffee breaks, and leg stretching. Another stop will be at Mbarara Town for lunch, then you will proceed to the Park arriving in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Overnight accommodation at;

• Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge or Buhoma Lodge (luxury).
• Engagi Lodge (midrange).
• Ride 4 a woman Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.

Travel time: 8-9 hours

Day 2: Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Batwa cultural visit

Arise and shine! Enjoy breakfast and transfer to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park briefing point, which is 5-15 minutes away depending on your choice of accommodation. Upon arrival at the briefing point, you will be taken through the guidelines/dos and don’ts of the adventure, before being allocated to the gorilla family (based on your age, physical abilities, and individual preference).

Start the trek, which lasts 1-6 hours by walking through the community gardens and into the jungles while searching for the Giant Apes. The armed Park rangers, armed with machetes will hack through the thick undergrowth while searching for the mountain gorillas and upon sighting them, you will spend one hour with them. Maintain a distance of 7 meters while observing and photographing the Giant Apes as they play, groom each other, feed, or rest under the watchful eye of the dominant silverback.  You are allowed to spend a maximum of one hour before returning to the base to collect your gorilla trekking certificate. A hot meal awaits you at the Lodge, followed by a siesta.

In the afternoon, you have the option to relax or enjoy a Batwa community tour to learn about the ancient lifestyle of pygmies, known as the ancient occupants of the African forest. Learn about how they build their huts, harvest honey, harvest and use herbal medicine, and be entertained in their traditional dances and music. Return to the Lodge for a well-deserved dinner and overnight.

Overnight accommodation at;

• Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge or Buhoma Lodge (luxury).
• Engagi Lodge (midrange).
• Ride 4 a woman Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 3: Drive back to Kampala/Entebbe, departure

This is a sad day as you bid farewell to the jungles and head back to Kampala or Entebbe. Begin the 8-9-hour journey with a lunch break along the way and continue until the Airport for your departure flight.

Inclusions of the 3 days Bwindi Gorilla Tour;

• Ground transportation during the Bwindi Gorilla Tour.
• Meals as indicated on the itinerary.
• Visitor and Vehicle entry fees.
• Park ranger fees.
• 2 nights’ accommodation as indicated on the program.
• Services of a full-time English-speaking guide.
• Bottled water.
• Batwa cultural tour.
• Gorilla permit/s.
• All airport transfers, as long as they are within the trip duration.

Exclusions;

• Domestic and International airfares.
• Laundry fees.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, except when provided during meals.
• Medical and travel insurance.
• Gratuities.
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