SVAU 002: Pearl of Africa Gorilla Safari
Day 1: Kampala – Bwindi Forest
After breakfast, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the home of Mountain Gorillas to start your Uganda gorilla tour. It’s estimated half of the world’s surviving population of mountain gorillas, estimated to be 300 live within Bwindi boundaries. The drive is long but enjoyable with lunch stop on the way.
Bwindi National Park is located in the southwestern part of the country, the Kigezi Highlands once known as Switzerland of Africa. Bwindi National Park offers a dramatic steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense, but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. Four gorilla families have so far been habituated for tourism and eight are allowed to visit them per day.
Although trekking may be strenuous, the viewing of the gorillas in their natural habitat is an experience long to be savored. Apart from the mountain gorillas, there are a variety of other primates to be seen including the blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys, and black and white Columbus monkeys. The great blue tauracos are often seen and even for a non-bird watcher they are marvelous sight.
You arrive at your lodging during late afternoon. Rest and take dinner at your Bwindi lodging preparing for the Uganda mountain gorilla tracking experience the next day.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Gorilla Forest Camp/ Buhoma Lodge/ Gorilla Resort/ Kitandara Lodge/ Engagi Lodge/ Mahogany lodge/ Buhoma Community Rest Camp Bandas/ Buhoma View Bandas
Day 2: Gorilla Tracking Bwindi Forest
After breakfast, you will be escorted to the park offices to begin your adventure. A briefing from your local guide and then it’s off! The time taken and the terrain vary (1- 8 hours) according to the movement of these gentle giants. The thrill of meeting face to face with mountain gorillas takes away the pain of sometimes long and arduous trek.
After having an up close and personal encounter with mountain gorillas, return to the headquarters base. Depending on time and your energy level, set off for a village walk, where you will see how traditional beer are made from forest trees. You can join the dancing and entertainment troupe to learn the culture of the local people. Later, transfer back to your lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Gorilla Forest Camp/ Buhoma Lodge/ Gorilla Resort/ Kitandara Lodge/ Engagi Lodge/ Mahogany lodge/ Buhoma Community Rest Camp Bandas/ Buhoma View Bandas
Day 3: Bwindi Forest – Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, set off for the amazing Lake Bunyonyi, which the Lonely Planet refers to this lake as a scene out of Lord of the Rings. It’s the second deepest lake in Africa and it contains lots of the tasty crayfish. So get set for a culinary delight. There are plenty of activities to do at Lake Bunyonyi. You can go swimming, canoeing and exploring the many islands as you watch the variety of birds, take a nature walk along shore on one of the islands or simply relax by the lakeside. This is a good way to unwind after a deserved gorilla tracking the day before.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Bird Nest/ Arcadia Cottages/ Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort/ Byoona Amagara Island Retreat/ Kalebas Tented Camp
Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo
After breakfast on the lakeside, depart for Lake Mburo through the Alps of Africa. You’ll be stunned by breath-taking sceneries in this evergreen state of Africa. Arrive for lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, take a boat ride in Lake Mburo and then a guided nature walk on the lakeside.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mihingo Safari Lodge/ Mantana Tented Camp/ Arcadia Cottages/ Rwonyo Camp
Day 5: Lake Mburo-Kampala-Depart Home
After breakfast, set off for a morning game drive through the savannah or a horseback safari or ATV safari. Lunch at your lodge and then drive back to Kampala with stops along the Equator and at the Buganda Royal Drum Makers. Arrive in Kampala in late afternoon.
