Your exciting adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in either Kigali, Rwanda, or Entebbe/Kampala, Uganda. After breakfast, your guide will meet you for the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This scenic drive includes several stops for refreshments and to enjoy the stunning landscapes.
If starting from Kigali, you will have the opportunity to embark on the famous Kigali City Tour. This tour includes visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, artisan shops, the main city market, and other notable landmarks, time permitting. This insightful tour provides a deep understanding of Rwanda’s history and culture. The drive from Kigali to Bwindi takes approximately four hours, traversing through beautiful countryside and offering picturesque views along the way.
For those beginning their journey in Entebbe or Kampala, Uganda, the drive is longer, taking around eight to nine hours, depending on the tracking sector in Bwindi. The journey includes notable stops, such as the equator crossing, where you can take memorable photos and learn about this unique geographical feature. Another key stop is the Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara, which showcases the cultural heritage of southwestern Uganda through fascinating exhibits and artifacts.
Upon arrival in Bwindi, you will check into your lodge, freshen up, and relax. Dinner and overnight accommodations are available at various lodges depending on your preference and budget. Luxury accommodations include Mahogany Springs, Four Gorillas Lodge, or Gorilla Leisure Lodge. For a mid-range option, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge is available, while Bakiga Lodge offers budget-friendly accommodations.
Day 2: Trekking with Uganda Gorillas and Batwa Pygmies Visit
The second day is dedicated to the thrilling experience of gorilla trekking. The day begins with an early breakfast before heading to the park offices for a briefing at 7:30 am. Conducted by the park warden and a team of rangers, this briefing provides essential information about the trek, including safety instructions and what to expect during your encounter with the gorillas.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers several gorilla groups for trekking. The rangers will consider your fitness level when assigning you to a group. Gorilla trekking can be challenging, involving hiking through dense forest terrain, but the reward is well worth the effort. Upon encountering the gorilla family, you will have an unforgettable hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Watching the gorillas interact, play, and go about their daily activities is an awe-inspiring experience.
It’s essential to follow the guide’s instructions, such as avoiding sudden movements and maintaining a safe distance, to ensure both your safety and the gorillas’ well-being.
After the gorilla trek, you will return to the starting point, where your guide will be waiting to take you back to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the Batwa Pygmy community. The Batwa were the original inhabitants of the Bwindi forest, but conflicts with the gorillas led to their relocation by the government to facilitate better gorilla conservation. The Batwa cultural experience includes demonstrations of their traditional hunting techniques, dances, and knowledge of medicinal plants, offering a unique insight into their way of life.
Dinner and overnight accommodations will again be at Mahogany Springs, Four Gorillas Lodge, or Gorilla Leisure Lodge for luxury, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge for mid-range, or Bakiga Lodge for budget-friendly options.
Day 3: Transfer Back to Kampala for Departure
On the final day, you will have an early breakfast before embarking on the return journey to either Kigali or Kampala. If you missed the Kigali City Tour or the equator crossing on the first day, your guide will ensure you have the opportunity to experience these attractions on the way back.
The driver will make sure you arrive in Kigali or Entebbe in time for your departure flight or to be dropped off at your hotel, concluding your remarkable 3-day adventure in Uganda.
