With only a short time to get away, but a dream of seeing the Mountain Gorilla – this itinerary offers you two exhilarating gorilla treks in just four days in country.
You’ll be whisked straight from Entebbe into the rainforest where you’ll be tracking Gorilla the next morning. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site which is home to an estimated 460 Gorillas. You set out to hike in the jungle early in the morning as you search for a habituated family, these groups can range from almost twenty-individuals, to five.
Perfect to add-on to an East Africa itinerary or even a long action packed weekend of Gorilla Trekking.
Why You’ll Love This Trip:
Two Primate Encounters: With just four days in country, you’ll fit in not one but two thrilling treks through the rainforest in search of the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable rainforest. Once the groups are located you’ll have an awe inspiring hour in their presence.
The Prime Location in Uganda for Gorilla Trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest sits on the rim of the Great Rift Valley this national park has been home to the Gorilla for 25,000 years and is home to approximately half the world’s population of the species.
Short Fly-In Safari Day by Day Example
Whether you are looking for a primate add on to a longer East African trip, or fulfilling your lifelong dream of seeing Gorillas in the wild, but you have only a short amount of time this gorilla trekking safari is the perfect choice.
Day 1, Arrive Entebbe
You’ll need to arrive into Entebbe airport in the morning in order to connect to your afternoon flight into the rainforest. You’ll be met and assisted to check in to your next flight. Upon arrival into the rainforest relax for the afternoon in your new tropical surroundings.
Accommodation: Bwindi Lodge
Wildlife in Uganda
Wildlife in Uganda
Uganda is an incredible destination for all-round wildlife-watching. A plethora of experiences can be enjoyed, against a stunning backdrop of volcanoes, crater lakes, fog-filled forests, reed-lined channels and lush savannah.
Day 2: First Gorilla Trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
You’ll wake early and be transferred to the park HQ to be introduced to your guiding team. Your experienced trackers will use their knowledge of the gorillas habits to locate the group. It can take half an hour to seven hours to locate the group - either way it’s a heart pounding moment when you come face to face with a mountain gorilla.
Accommodation: Bwindi Lodge
Where to go Uganda
Where to go in Uganda
Uganda may be lesser known than some of its more ubiquitous neighbours when it comes to safaris, but this provides a great deal of authenticity across its attractions and smaller crowds.
Day 3, Final Gorilla Trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today is your second gorilla trek, make the most of your time with these incredible endangered apes. If you can, try to spend less time behind the lens and fully appreciate this once in a lifetime experience as you observe the gorilla family in the lush rainforest. In the afternoon relax back at the lodge and reflect on your adventures.
Accommodation: Bwindi Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Supporting nearly half of the world’s estimated 820 mountain gorilla population, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated along the Great Rift Valley. As the name suggests, it is an area of almost impassibly dense rainforest spread over a network of valleys and ridges, carving a silhouette of undulating peaks into the skyline. Dating back over 25,000 years, this is one of Africa’s oldest and most captivating parklands; its bamboo and swamp forests provide the ideal environment for the gorilla population that call it home.
Day 4, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Depart Entebbe
Enjoy your final breakfast in your spectacular rainforest surrounds. You’ll be transferred to the airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe, where you’ll meet your international connection home.
Uganda vs Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking: Uganda or Rwanda
While both countries offer the chance to come face to face with these enchanting apes, your safari experience will differ depending on where you choose to travel. To help you make your choice, we’ve outlined the differences below. Of course, you can always combine the two countries for the ultimate mountain gorilla experience!
A comfortable and stylish eco-lodge with 8 tranquil bandas and stunning views overlooking the primeval forest. Each banda has an en-suite eco-bathroom with solar-powered showers (hot and cold water) and flushing toilets. On occasions gorillas, chimpanzees and birds can often be heard screeching near the river below whilst you sit back and relax on the open veranda after a hard days gorilla tracking through the Impenetrable Forest.
