5 Days Lake Bunyonyi & Bwindi Forests Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safari explores Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda best known for canoeing, boat rides, bird watching, and regional tours. The trip also visits Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP, the home to half of the world’s population of endangered Mountain Gorillas.
The thick, rainforest environment, “Bwindi Impenetrable Forest” in the Virunga Volcanoes mountain range is most famous for being the home to half of the world’s population of endangered Mountain Gorillas. Whether you are a gorilla-lover or not, the experience of encountering such animals is said to be one of the most emotional wildlife adventures you will ever have. In addition, the forest’s unique eco-system has been named a World Heritage Site.
Walking through the forest is tricky, as you will find steep, slippery valleys as well as high ridges amongst thick vegetation as the forest is at least 25,000 years old. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is known to be exceptionally cold during the mornings and at night so it is recommended to bring along warm weather gear plus wet weather attire as it frequently rains in the area.
The bio diversity in the forest is impeccable as it provides a home for over 310 species of butterfly, 200 trees, 88 moths, 120 species of mammals including 10 species of primates, and 51 reptiles.
The various primates that can be found in the forest in addition to the mountain gorilla, include red tailed and blue monkey, L’Hoest’s, chimpanzee, black and white colobus, and baboons. The Bwindi Forest also has over 350 species of bird in which seven are IUCN red data listed, bringing many bird watchers into this area.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Entebbe International Airport – Transfer to Kampala Capital City
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be welcomed by our company representative and safari driver guide for your transfer to hotel in Kampala for a hot shower, relaxation and briefings about your vacation.
NB, If time allows go for Kampala evening tour to explore the historical places of Uganda such as Kabaka’s palace and Amin torture chambers, Namugongo martyr’s shrines, Uganda National Museum, Kasubi tombs (the burial ground for the Buganda Kings one of the UNESCO’S recognized sight) and Bahai temple.
Accommodation
- Sheraton Hotel (luxury)
- Fairway Hotel (mid-range)
- Kampala Hotel Express (budget)
Day 2: Depart for Bwindi Impenetrable NP – En-route stop at Equator point – Lake Bunyonyi then to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP
After breakfast our safari driver guide will pick you from your hotel at 0600 hrs and drive south west of Kampala across equator with an en-route stop of 30 minutes at Equator for water experiment and photography moments since it is a best spot to take a memorial photo after continue with the journey passing through acacia woodland and well established local families and farms of the Ankole long horned cattle. Have en-route lunch from Mbarara relax for few minutes and later continue with the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable national park a half of world’s remaining mountain Gorillas, check in at the lodge to relax dinner and an overnight.
Accommodation
- Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (luxury)
- Gorilla Mist Camp (mid-range)
- Ruhija Community Camp (budget)
Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park – Morning amazing gorilla trekking – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Wake up early in the morning for breakfast and depart for morning pre trek Gorilla briefing at the park Headquarters and later go for your long time awaited activity “Gorilla trekking” the time taken while trekking is not known but it is expected to be between 2-8 hours depending on the movement of a Gorilla family you are allocated to. During the trek expect to discover other primates such as Chimpanzees, black and white colombus monkey, vervet monkey, and many others.
On encounter, spend an hour of exhilarating moments with these gentle giants. Return to the lodge for a shower, lunch and transfer to lunch and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi where over 200 bird species have been recorded. “Bunyonyi” actually means “the place of many little birds” Lake Bunyonyi is one of the few African lakes completely safe for swimming and canoeing. This Lake is surrounded by steep mountains and dotted with small Islands.
You will spend the afternoon on the lake while canoeing, bird watching and relaxing in the evening by the lakeside. Dinner and an overnight.
Accommodation
- Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (luxury)
- Gorilla Mist Camp (mid-range)
- Ruhija Community Camp (budget)
Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi – Late morning canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast go for your one hour canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi that will introduce you to the major islands and their rich history, over 200 bird species have been recorded. “Bunyonyi” actually means “the place of many little birds” and is one of the few African lakes completely safe for swimming and canoeing. This Lake is surrounded by steep mountains and dotted with small Islands.
Accommodation
- Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (luxury)
- Gorilla Mist Camp (mid-range)
- Ruhija Community Camp (budget)
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – Return to Entebbe international Airport
After breakfast, start your drive to Kampala City with an en-route stop at Igongo cultural center for lunch and visit the museum, this is the only place with first hand information about the Ankole culture and their neighbors. Then proceed with your journey to Kampala arriving during Evening hours.
