3 Days Gorilla and Lake Bunyonyi Safari

3 Days Gorilla and Lake Bunyonyi Safari

Our 3 day Gorilla and Lake Bunyonyi excursion invites you to an adventure of a life time in the thick misty forest of Bwindi. To trek human’s closest cousin the mountain gorilla and relaxion at the breathtaking Lake Bunyonyi with its amazing Islands to tour. Bwindi Impenetrable forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southwestern Uganda. The forest is home to the largest number of gorillas estimated at 461 out of the 1063. That exist in the entire world and over 19 gorilla families. That have been habituated and available to trek. Visitors can trek gorillas in any of the four regions including, Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.

Lake Bunyonyi is located in southwestern Uganda in the districts of Kisoro. And Kabale famously known for its plethora of 200 bird species. ‘The place of many little birds’ referred to combines a relaxing atmosphere. With magical views great for after long day of gorilla trekking.

Safari Highlights.

  • Equator tour.
  • Visit Igongo Cultural Center.
  • Mountain gorilla trekking.
  • Exploring Lake Bunyonyi.
  • Community encounter.

Detailed Itinerary.

Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi National Park. Stopover at the Equator and Igongo Cultural Center.

Your day will start with an early breakfast after which you will be picked by tour guide from Early Trails Expedition who will facilitate you during the safari. You will embark on 9-10 hour journey 527km to the southern region of Uganda. The journey will not seem as long as your tour guide will be briefing you on what to expect during the trip. You will drive through communities, pass via roadside food markets, picturesque rolling hills and large farmlands.

You will stopover at the Equator at Kayabwe for a photo moment and to participate in a water experiment. At the Equator, its where the major latitude that bisects the world into the southern and northern hemisphere.

You will have a lunch break at Igongo Cultural Center where you could also tour the arts and crafts made by the locals. You will continue with the journey which incredible scenic views of the Kigezi Highlands. Which are referred to as the ‘Switzerland Of Africa’. On arrival, you will check into your hotel and await dinner.

Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Batwa encounter.

Gorilla Trekking

The day will start as early as 6:00 with a scrumptious breakfast and request for a packed lunch from your hotel. You will then be picked by your tour guide who will drive you to the park headquarters. At the park headquarters, you will have briefing about the do’s and don’ts of gorilla trekking, how you should behave in the company of the gorillas and how the activity impacts the surrounding community.

You will then be assigned groups of 8 and a habituated gorilla family to trek.  Assigned park rangers and then venture into the forest. Start the trek from where the gorilla family was seen last and the continue to travers the thick forest in hot pursuit of the gentle giants. The walk will require the use of machetes at some point by the rangers to create a path through the thick vegetation. You will also endure challenging hikes on the steep and slippery landscape but not without some rewards of the whimsical views of primate life including; Vervet monkeys, Patas Monkeys, White Colobus monkeys, L’ohest Monkeys and extraordinary biodiversity.

Gorilla trekking may take up to 8 hours depending on their location but after finding them, you will enjoy an hour taking photos and observing how they interact with their environment. During this entire time, feel free to ask as many questions as you can and get to learn more about the gorillas. You will then head back to the headquarters where you will be awarded a certificate for successfully trekking gorillas. 3 Days Gorilla and Lake Bunyonyi Safari,  After the ceremony, your guide will transfer you back to the hotel or lodge.

Batwa community

You may also have the option of visiting the Batwa community for some cultural encounter. The Batwa are the original keepers of the forest who lived off of the forest before being displaced to create a home for the mountain gorillas. You will have the opportunity to enjoy some traditional entertainment as you learn more about the humble pygmies. You will then checkout and begin the journey to Lake Bunyonyi for an overnite stay.

Day 3: Visiting the Islands.

You will enjoy your breakfast at leisure after which you will start the tour of some of the 29 islands at the lake. One of the Islands that stands out is the infamous punishment Island where girls who got pregnant before marriage were exiled. You will also visit the Leprosy Island where patients suffering from the disease were being treated. The treatment center is now a school.

After a relaxing lunch at the sun kissed sandy beaches, you will begin the journey back to Kampala. The journey will once again take you past large lush green plantations, rolling hills, the Equator where you may stop to buy some souvenirs and lunch at Igongo Cultural Center. End of Safari.

INCLUSIONS

  • All ground transportation in a safari vehicle.
  • Accommodation as per the itinerary.
  • Full-time English-speaking driver/guide.
  • Park entrance fees.
  • Meals per the itinerary.
  • Trekking permits.
  • Any other items included in the itinerary.

EXCLUSIONS

  • International Air ticket.
  • Visas
  • Personal insurance.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Luxury drinks
  • Any other items not included on the itinerary