3 days Gorilla trekking Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi boat ride is an incredible combination of both challenging and soft adventures. It is a trip in the intimate home of the world’s largest Apes – the Mountain Gorillas and Africa’s most magical lake, Bunyonyi. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is richly endowed with biodiversity including the endangered ones which called for its declaration as a World Wildlife Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994.
Bwindi Forests are justifiably one of the world’s most famous wildlife destinations given that Gorilla trekking, the main activity in the Park, is the world’s most thrilling outdoor adventure. Take up this 3 day trip for a ‘once in a life time’ Gorilla trekking adventure, a tour of the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi for the most amazing scenic views as well as exploring what other places near Bwindi have to offer. The different cultural encounters en-route and at the park supplement this very wonderful and exciting tour.
Day 1 – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park
The journey to the wildest wilderness of Bwindi starts off at 7.00am after breakfast at your hotel in Kampala/Entebbe. With Jungle Escape Africa’s professional driver/guide and in a good 4WD safari vehicle, you are to take a scenic drive to Bwindi via Mbarara city with inevitable/obvious stops at the Uganda Equator crossing monument, Mpambire local drum makers and Igongo cultural center for lunch. It is very interesting to see how the topography keeps unfolding along this green route, starting from the relatively flat areas in Kampala up to the raised and green hills of Ntungamo and Kabale. With a slow drive on the highway at the edges of Lake Mburo National Park, just before Mbarara city, be on the lookout for some zebras and other animals. After lunch in Mbarara, we are to drive via Kabale upto the cold Bwindi where we shall arrive in the evening. Optional Batwa Pygmies community visit.
Day 2 – Gorilla Trekking and Lake Bunyonyi
Wake up to the enchanting sounds/silence of the African jungle full of excitement for the moment you are yet to have with the amazing Gorillas. Enjoy a tasty breakfast and later walk/drive to the briefing point with your packed lunch boxes. Gorilla trekking starts with a briefing at the park headquarters/offices where all visitors are taken through a Gorilla trekking etiquette. Your lodge of stay could be close to the briefing point where walking there would be good for the muscles, or far and therefore requires a drive there. However, the vehicle will have to follow you to drive you to your trek starting point which may not be right at the park offices.
In a group of not more than 8 people, you are to be joined by armed park rangers and a guide to give you a lead to your Gorilla family. The time you are to take to reach the Gorillas cannot be predetermined but after finding them, you have an hour to observe them and take their photos as they munch on the tree leaves and socialize. Leave the forest for a Gorilla graduation ceremony where you will be awarded certificates congratulating you upon conquering this ‘impenetrable place of Darkness’ – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Get into the waiting car to drive to Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 3 – Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi and Departure
You are to have breakfast with your table set right facing the beautiful lake. Enjoy that delicious breakfast as your eyes stretch out for the spectacular views of Lake Bunyonyi and its islands. We are to leave the lodge after breakfast to take a refreshing and relaxing sail on this lake of magical wonders, as shall be narrated by your boat captain/guide. After a tour of Lake Bunyonyi with its islands, embark on your drive back to Kampala/Entebbe with a lunch stop in Mbarara. This exciting trip ends with a drop off at your hotel in Kampala/Entebbe.