Early morning after breakfast transfer to Entebbe Airport to catch a domestic flight to Kisoro Airstrip. The flight takes approximately one hour. You will be met by our representative who will transfer you to the lodge which is 35km away. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park which lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, dating back over 25,000 years and contain almost 400 species of plants. More famously, this “impenetrable forest” is home to half of the remaining Mountain Gorillas in the world. After lunch, you can either relax at the lodge or do some optional activities.
Gorilla Safari Lodge is an owner managed luxurious lodge which is tucked away at the boundary of Bwindi Impenetrable forest. It has breath taking scenery, luxurious ambience that will ensure a comfortable stay and a relaxing atmosphere after a strenuous Gorilla tracking. The lodge is conveniently located few minutes away from the Gorilla Trekking starting point making it unnecessary for early rising.
Flight to Bwindi Forest
Transfer to the lodge
After an early breakfast, move into the forest and start trekking the mountain gorillas. Coming face to face with the largest primates is a memorable adventurous experience that can never be forgotten. Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi involves trekking up steep muddy and densely forested slopes so it may require some level of fitness. - the only forest in Africa which can make this claim. It also hosts five other species of primate, 113 species of mammal, over 200 butterflies and 360 birds. The gorillas you trek belong to one of nine habituated family groups who can tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day.
The time taken to trek the gorillas can be as few as 3 hours to as many as 7 hours. Once the gorillas have been located, your group will be allowed a maximum of 4 hours with them. Coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla is a truly humbling and emotional experience.
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.
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 habituation permit per person
Today, relax at leisure or opt for Golden Monkeys at a supplement of $150 per person
After an early coffee, 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 2-4 hours in the morning where you will be guided to the bamboo forest by a guide.
After Golden Monkeys trekking, you will have lunch and after lunch, you will be transferred back to the lodge
Or may opt, for a forest guided walk to the water fall at a supplement of $85 per person
Today, still at lesiure.
You may opt to go for the Batwe trail at a supplement of $85 per person or a normal Gorilla Trekking at a supplement of $800 per person
After an ultimate Gorilla experience and beautiful scenes you will be transferred early morning to Kisoro Airstrip to catch a domestic flight back to Entebbe Airport( Arrival at 11:35am) where you will catch your onward flight back to your next destination.
1 Domestic Flight to Entebbe Airport
