The Days Focus on Gorillas Safari takes you into the wild for an extended no boundaries encounter with Uganda 's popular mountain gorillas. Observing these gorillas in the wild is the experience of a lifetime and nothing else compares. The safari is at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda . The Impenetrable Forest is the most luscious forest in Uganda in terms of diverse plant species and is home to half the population of the perilously endangered mountain Gorillas in the world. Established in 1991, Bwindi Forest has an area of 331sq km. It is 514km away from the capital Kampala and is composed of parts from the
Rukungiri, Kisoro and Kabale districts in south west Uganda. Fifty percent of all the endangered mountain gorillas in the world exist in Bwindi forest; there are also several endangered species of birds within the forest.
Proposed Itinerary
Day Zero: Trip Preparation
Day One: Nile Exploration
On the first day, we wake up early for a drive to Jinja. On our way, we will stop at the Biblical site (Namugongo Martyrs shrine) and at Mabira Forest (if possible). After 3 hours of driving, when we arrive at the Source of the Nile (3 hour drive), you will take a boat trip to the source of the Nile monument and explore the source of Nile . Then you will drive back to Jinja, and after lunch, continue to the Spectacular Bujagali Falls, watch the local fishermen and the fantastic birdlife, finishing with a brief tour around Jinja town
Accommodations: Simple hotel Food: BLD.
Day two: Kampala - Bwindi - 530 km
The adventure begins right after breakfast as you Leave Kampala in the morning and drive south. The first tourist stop is actually on the Equator; a well-known spot for photography. Relax on the rest of the journey and enjoy the view of the Kigezi highlands on your way to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park. Your guide will take you through the rolling green hills of the Kabale taking in the beautiful scenery and terraced farming along the way. Though it is best known for its mountain gorillas the Montane Forest is also to many species of amazing birds.
Accommodations: Simple Camp. Food: BLD
Day Three: Bwindi - Gorilla Tracking
On the second day you will pack your lunch and get all the necessary gear to go track the rare Mountain Gorilla, perhaps one of the most exciting wildlife encounters you will ever experience. This is a particularly special encounter because unfortunately there are now only 650 left in the world. It may take from two to six hours trekking through the forest before spotting the gorillas then, in the afternoon you can relax at the camp or take a forest walk.
Accommodations: Simple Camp. Food: BLD
Day Four : Bwindi - Kampala - 530km
For the third day, you will enjoy a final breakfast at the Bwindi Impenetrable National park then, leave for Kampala having lunch on the way and reaching your own hotel in the evening
Day Five: Kampala
Following breakfast, your guide will travel with you back to host family/hostel Accommodations: none. Food: BL
NOTE: This is a sample itinerary and may be altered to accommodate changes in field conditions.
Dates and Price
Price:
USD $165/day ONLY for GLOBAL CROSSROAD volunteers ($825 for 5 days)
Dates:
To be determined by In-Country Coordinator (most likely at the end or middle of participant's respective volunteer program)
A gorilla permit costs $500 per person. With regard to the high demand of permits we advise you to book them at least 3-4 months in advance
What's Included
- All Meals and accommodation as per the itinerary.
- All ground transportation in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle.
- Park entrance fees.
- Services of a full time English speaking driver/guide.
- And all government taxes/levies.
What's Not Included
- Gorilla Permit per person
- Personal expenses on food/drinks
- Tips
Important
Please note the gorilla tracking in this itinerary can be done in Rwanda as well if permits/accommodation can't be acquired in Uganda at the time of your booking. Gorilla tracking is dependent on the permits availability at the time of your booking. Gorilla permits in all park are on a very high demand and we advise that you book them as early as possible