Day 1: Arrive Entebbe, Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met by a Thousand Hills Expeditions’ representative and transferred to the Kampala Serena Hotel where you will check in and be briefed about your safari.
Balance of the day spent at leisure with lunch and dinner under own arrangements.
Meet your guide in the lobbyand transfer to Entebbe airport for your scheduled flight to Kisoro airstrip/Bwindi National Park, which departs at 7:00am. Upon arrival at Kisoro airstrip you will meet your driver/guide and transfer to the lodge.
Check in at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, situated in Nkuringo area in the southern fringes of Bwindi amidst magnificent scenery. Guest accommodation comprises 8 en-suite cottages built of local volcanic stone, complete with twin basin bathroom, hot and cold water, electric lighting, plug points and a cozy fireplace. Two of these are family units.
Bwindi is most notable for its 340 Mountain Gorillas, about half the world's population of this critically endangered primate. Activities include: Gorilla tracking, Forest walks, Cultural visits with the Batwa people and unbelievable bird watching - this is Africa’s richest country birds-wise with over 1,000 species recorded.
For the next two days, wake up and prepare for an unforgettable experience! After an early breakfast, transfer to the park HQ for pre-Gorilla tracking briefing and about the gorilla family you will track. At 08:00AM, set off into the forest in the footsteps of the Mountain Gorillas. 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.
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.
Afterwards trek back to the lodge for lunch and a refreshing shower. In the afternoon go for a Buniga Batwa Experience - you will be entertained by the local dancers.
After your morning breakfast you will drive to Mgahinga National park for your Batwa Trail experience. The Batwa Experience provides an opportunity for the Batwa pygmy community to share their amazing heritage and traditions with the world in a life changing experience while they, in turn, earn a livelihood and educate their children.
Hike through the forest past stunning vistas and the serenity of this ancient rain forest. Along the way, you will watch demonstrations of how the Batwa used to live in the forest, how they use medicinal plants, and how they hunt and gather. You will also find out about the delicate fare on offer in the forest, including wild honey, yams and mushrooms. Visit the traditional dwellings and trying out a spot of dancing! Afterwards trek back and drive back to the lodge for lunch and a refreshing shower. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Day 6: Departure
In the morning, after breakfast at 6:00am, check out and transfer to Kisoro airstrip for your scheduled flight which departs at 8:05am to Entebbe. Upon arrival at Entebbe International airport, you will check in for your international flight to your next destination.
