Meet and greet at Kigali International Airport where your Uganda Adventure Safari starts by our representative who will warmly welcome you and facilitate seamless arrival formalities.
Depending on the time of arrival you are advised to have money Changed on this day and time allowing you may go for city tour with the help of our driver/guide, visit the shopping Malls around town and craft villages to get items which you may need while in upcountry. You may visit the Genocide Museum at a supplement of $35 per person or visit, the coffee shops, local markets.
You will be transferred to Bwindi Impenetrable forest. The drive takes you through the Switzerland of Africa area known as the Kigezi Highlands with its terraced hillside and winding roads to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities. The rugged landscape features dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys and steep ridges. This untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance. Aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot and a variety of butterflies. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes. You will arrive at the lodge in time for lunch.
Time allowing , you will go for the nature trail.
Transfer
After an early breakfast depart to the starting point for briefing about your gorilla trekking adventure after which you will be led by experienced gorilla trackers on the slopes of the volcanoes. You will start from the site where the gorillas were encountered the day before and from here the gorilla tracking begins.
Although the hike can be physically demanding, the anticipation of the exciting experience ahead is amazing, and the beauty of the gorilla forest and its inhabitants are fascinating. One of Africa’s major highlights is when you encounter these gentle apes. It is a humbling experience to stand just meters from man’s distant cousins as they eat rest, play and bond with their young ones. Follow the mountain gorillas as they range freely in the impenetrable forest, and discover their gorgeous natural habitual and the many species they share it with. You are allowed an hour with the gorillas before finally sloping down back to your lodge.
If your trek was relatively short, you may have a guided nature walk around the lodge and the surrounding communities in the evening at a supplement of $25 per person. Return to the lodge where you will enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers before getting a good night’s rest for tomorrow's safari adventure.
You may opt for Gorilla Habituation on supplement of $900 per person – here you will be sure of meeting and spending enough time with the Gorillas.
Don’t forget to carry your rain gear, packed lunch, plenty of water, gloves, hat, and water proof bag for protection of your camera in case of rain
Details on what to pack for gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda
When travelling to foreign destinations it is always respectful to dress modestly and we suggest the emphasis is on comfortable clothing. It is often warm on the plains and at lower altitudes but cold in the hilly and mountainous areas of Uganda and Rwanda; a rain jacket, fleece and good quality walking shoes/boots are essential.
When trekking the gorillas and chimpanzees we recommended wearing sturdy clothing to help protect against scratches, i.e. long sleeve shirt, trousers and a good pair of lightweight walking boots. Protective leather gloves or gardening gloves are also useful, as well as a pair of gaiters.
As the temperature is variable and weather conditions can change; we also recommend taking a fleece or light jumper (layers of clothing are best especially with moisture-wicking undergarments) and lightweight breathable waterproof jacket/trousers or poncho. A small backpack is useful to carry your water, pack lunch, camera and binoculars. Walking sticks are available at the park head quarters as are porters (it is worth taking a porter as it provides local people with employment and they will give you a helping hand on any steep terrain).
Whilst on safari neutral coloured, loose fitting and relaxed clothing is the most appropriate. Most hotels and lodges have laundry services, so an excessive amount of clothing should be unnecessary. Please note that most hotels and lodges hand wash clothing.
Khaki / natural coloured clothing for safaris / trekking
- 1 – 2 pairs of light weight trousers / slacks – that can dry quickly if wearing on treks
- 1 Pair of shorts
- 1 – 2 long sleeved shirts – preferably quick drying
- 2 – 3 short sleeved shirts – preferably moisture wicking
Casual clothes for evenings
- 1 – 2 pairs of light weight trousers / slacks
- 1 – 3 sports / long sleeved shirts and / or blouse
- 1 dress / skirt for ladies
Exterior clothing
- 1 Lightweight waterproof / windproof / breathable jacket, e.g. Gortex / Event type fabrics
- 1 Fleece, sweater or sweatshirt
- Sturdy / lightweight waterproof walking boots – trousers / pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking (heavy soled rain boots or gaiters also work well)
- 1 Pair of shoes for evening wear
- 1 Pair of sports sandals will be useful, e.g. TEVA
- Swimsuit (and a plastic bag for packing in)
- Bush hat with a brim for sun protection
- Underwear
- Lightweight wool socks
- Gloves – gardening or similar (for gorilla tracking only)
Miscellaneous
- Towel – many lodges provide these, but if needed we suggest taking trek towels. These are lightweight, pack to a small size and dry quickly. Best to get a large or extra large.
- Gaiters
- Sunscreen and moisturising cream
- Sunglasses with neck strap
- Insect repellent with DEET, please note that DEET can effect man-made fibres and plastics.
- Daypack / small rucksack
- Binoculars
- Alarm clock – though our staff will wake you
- Ear plugs
- Spare / extra batteries
- Camera and extra lenses
- Camera charger / converter / adapter for 220 / 240 AC voltage, plus cigarette lighter adapter is useful
- Film – particularly fast film for the primates (400 – 1600ASA)
- Personal toiletries /Prescription medicines and the prescription itself
- Wet-wipes / tissues
- Back-up glasses especially if you wear contact lenses
- Wash cloth and plastic bag (if needed)
- Ziplocs / dry bags and other plastic bags for keeping valuables dry or storing wet clothes
- Torch / flashlight – LED models are light weight and have a good battery life
- Sewing kit (needle, thread, safety pins)
- Small notebook
- First Aid Kit – including anti-diarrhoea medicine, rehydration sachets, aspirin, cold medication, antiseptic cream, band-aids (plasters), motion sickness pills, lip balm, eye drops and personal medication
- Photocopies of your passport, visas, credit cards and airline tickets (it is advisable to have 2 sets to keep in separate places)
1 Gorilla permit per person
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Mgahinga Forest to trek the golden monkeys. There are up to 4000 Golden Monkeys living in the shadows of the Virunga Volcanoes – no accurate census has been taken but it is known that they are not reproducing at a rate that will mean an increase in the population of Golden Monkeys.
The live in the Bamboo Forest zones of the Virunga Volcanoes and you do have to be in reasonable shape to hike up to their habitat which is a most rewarding experience. one of the families that has been habituated which means that they are now used to human beings without scurrying off into the forest when humans approach.
You will spend 1 hour in the morning where you will be guided to the bamboo forest by a guide, one thing of note is that the size of your Golden Monkey trekking group will only be six in number.
Have lunch before transferring to you back to your lodge for dinner and rest
1 Golden Monkeys permit per person
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Forest for the Batwe Trail Experience.
You will have lunch and later you will be transferred to back to the lodge. If early, on the way, you may visit the local markets.
Batwe Trail Experience
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport t to catch your flight to your next destination. Time allowing, you may opt to do a city tour at a supplement of $35 per person.
Airport transfer
