OVERVIEW
A: Located in southwestern Uganda, at the junction of the plain and mountain forests, Bwindi Park covers 32,000 ha and is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with over 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. Many types of birds and butterflies can also be found there, as well as many endangered species, including mountain gorillas.
B: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda, located in the southwestern region in Kisoro district, bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The national park was gazetted in 1991 mainly to protect the endangered mountain gorillas, and it covers a total area of 33.7 square kilometers.
Day 1 – Travel to Bwindi National Park
The company tour guide shall pick you up from your hotel in Kigali or the International Airport and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga in southwestern Uganda. This will be a 4-hour drive through Musanze or the Gatuna Border. Then proceed to the Rwanda and Ugandan border post for documentation verification to enter Uganda. Upon being verified, proceed with the drive with an endless view of the volcano ranges and the community surrounding. We will take lunch at Kabale Town or Kisoro Town, according to the Border we use
Journey time: 3-4 hours
Accommodation:
Middle range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Day 2 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Taking a packed lunch box, you shall transfer to the Bwindi Park office by 7 am for briefing and allocation to the gorilla families. Bwindi National Park has the highest population of gorillas in Uganda, and there are 19 habituated gorilla families, which is the highest for any park. You will then head off into Bwindi Forest for the gorilla trekking adventure, led by a park guide. Porters will be available for hire to carry your daypack. After several hours of trekking through the jungle and hiking steep hills and ridges, you will see the gorillas and be rewarded with 1 hour to observe them.
After the gorilla experience, you shall return to the lodge and relax away the rest of the day. Visiting the Batwa Culture experience in the evening is a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and traditions of the Batwa people. Who were the original inhabitants of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest?
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
Middle range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Day 3: Transfer to Kigali via Lake Mutanda
The morning after breakfast, we check out of the hotel for the preparation of the trip from Bwindi to Kigali. It’s a journey for 4 hours. The company Guide can be dropped off at the Hotel or Kigali International Airport
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch