Uganda: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The gorillas are completely wild but have become used to seeing a few humans after years of habituation. Many of the expert guides have been involved in this process since the beginning and are able to explain the complicated etiquette involved in meeting a giant silverback. This is an opportunity afforded only to a select few, as just eight visitors are allowed to view each group every day. Trekking through dense forest with steep slopes means that guests need to be physically fit to enjoy the trek. Once the gorillas are located, guests will spend a maximum of one hour with them before returning back to the lodge. Please note only children aged 15 and above can go gorilla trekking. A gorilla trekking permit must be bought in advance.

Credit: A&K Sanctuary

The Batwa People are the oldest inhabitants of the Great Lakes region of Central Africa and a significant minority group in the region. This full-day experience offers an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the Batwa’s unique and vibrant culture, and includes a three-hour walk through the dense forest, followed by an hour spent witnessing their way of life. Guests can expect a music performance, a visitation by the goddess, a demonstration of traditional hunting and gathering methods and a chance to listen to their captivating stories and understand how they live.

Credit: A&K Sanctuary

Together with A&K Philanthropy, we have worked with Bwindi communities to launch health, enterprise and education initiatives which have helped us foster strong relationships with local residents. Our Bwindi Community Tour includes visits to the Bwindi Women’s Bicycle Enterprise and beadmaking workshop, a school and hospital, and opportunities to meet members of the Batwa community – the indigenous inhabitants of the region and traditional guardians of the forest. The tour is led by Dennis Mugume, AKP’s Field Coordinator in Uganda, who shares insights and information about the local community, giving guests the opportunity to learn more about the “real” aspects of the country they are visiting, beyond the incredible scenery and wildlife encounters they experience. It usually takes around two hours but can be tailored to suit you.

Credit: A&K Sanctuary

A bird-lover's paradise, Bwindi is aflutter with more than 350 species of birds, including some of the rarest avian species on the planet and 24 that are endemic to the region. Our local expert will guide you on a two-to-three-hour walk in search of these feathered forest-dwellers, including the vibrant and elusive African green broadbill, the African emerald cuckoo, and the brightly colored African pitta. Whether you are a seasoned twitcher or a curious beginner, this is an experience not to be missed.

Credit: A&K Sanctuary

A guided walk from Gorilla Forest Lodge on the Munyaga Waterfall Trail is the ideal way to explore Bwindi’s diverse ecosystem. Its dense forest, bamboo groves and open glades are home to rare and unique species, including giant forest hogs, red-tailed, blue and colobus monkeys, baboons and chimpanzees. The walk is around 2.5 miles, takes about three hours and, in the company of an expert ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, makes a great warm-up or cool-down day before or after your gorilla-trekking adventure.

Credit: A&K Sanctuary