Double Gorilla Trekking Fun See Gorillas in Bwindi & Mgahinga
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Gallery
- Similar Safaris
- Notes & Packing
What's included
- 1 Gorilla tracking permit per person
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Ground transportation in 4WD safari car
- Meals indicated in the itinerary
- Park / Activity Fees
- Personal expenses
- Personal travel insurance
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Visa fees
5 Days Uganda Gorilla Tracking Safari
Quick Overview
This 5-day Uganda gorilla tracking safari takes you on a journey to meet the endangered mountain gorillas of Uganda – and do it twice.
Starting in Kampala, you will drive through beautiful Ugandan country side as it transforms from the Victoria basin to the Great Rift Valley with steep highlands, rush rain forests and cooler temperatures. You will first go to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your first encounter with mountain gorillas.
From Bwindi, you will go to Kisoro town and track the gorillas of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In both parks, you will spend 1 hour with the gorillas before hiking out of the forest. After your double gorilla treks, you will enjoy another road trip back to Kampala where your trip will end.
This safari is ideal for solo travelers and small groups who think seeing gorillas once will keep them wanting, and that twice will help.
Highlights
Destinations: Kampala, Mbarara, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kisoro, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Activities: Gorilla tracking, Community Visits, Nature Walks, Bird watching
- Day 1:
- Day 2:
- Day 3:
- Day 4:
- Day 5:
Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meet and greet at 7:30 am in Kampala or Entebbe, and then transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
You will drive through Ugandan countryside with farms, ranches and small towns along the way. There will be a stopover at the equator for some photography moments, and another one in Mbarara for lunch.
You will ascend the Kigezi highlands and finally reach your accommodation in Bwindi when it is evening time. This will be in time for a cup of tea, and relaxation as you anticipate seeing gorillas the next day.
Accommodation
- Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp
- Midrange: Engagi Lodge
- Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the park offices for a briefing about gorilla trekking. After the briefing, you will be assigned the gorilla family and experienced ranger guide to lead your gorilla tracking experience.
The rangers are experienced and know the forest very well and will lead your hike to see the gorillas. Your hike goes through dense untamed rainforest, steep slopes and simple trails and it can take 2-8 hours depending on how the gorillas move around.
During your gorilla trek, the rangers will share a lot of information and insights about the gorillas and the forest. You can ask any questions you have and they will answer you.
Upon meeting the gorillas, you will spend 1 hour with them, watching them play, eat, groom and go about their day. You will ask more questions, get to take pictures and take in the moment of peace among the gorillas.
After your time with gorillas, you will hike back to the starting point for your gorilla trekking certificate.
You will go back to the lodge to refresh and relax for the rest of the day.
Accommodation
- Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp
- Midrange: Engagi Lodge
- Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Drive from Bwindi to Kisoro Town
Today, you will drive form Bwindi to Kisoro. Since it is a short drive, you flexibility on when to leave.
You can choose to leave Bwindi in the morning so that you can partake in some fun and relaxing activities in Kisoro - especially around lake Mutanda. Alternatively, you can take your time in Bwindi and explore the nearby communities and villages before leaving.
Depending on which side of Bwindi you are, Kisoro is 2 to 3 hours away and you can enjoy slow drives as you see the steep gorges, terraces small farms and distant volcanoes reminding you of where you are going - to their foothills.
You will rest for the night and prepare for your second gorilla tracking experience - this time in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Accommodation
- Budget: Travellers Rest Hotel
- Mid range: Mutanda Lake Resort
- Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Today is another day for you to see gorillas in the wild, but this time in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
While the briefing and trekking procedures are similar to those of Bwindi which you have already experienced, the terrain is different and the gorillas are totally different too.
The terrain in Mgahinga is a bit easier than that of Bwindi, and the bamboo forests give even better opportunities for photography.
After spending 1 hour with the gorillas, you will come down the mountain and back to your lodge for some time to relax and rest.
In Mgahinga, you will also stand a chance to see the cheerful and fashionable golden monkeys. In fact, that is the only place in Uganda where you can see these endangered golden monkeys.
In the evening, you can relax at the lodge or engage in community activities such as the Batwa cultural experience. The Batwa are a small tribe of hunter gatherers who used to live in the forests of Bwindi and Mgahinga until the 1990s when these places became national parks.
Their old ways were sustainable and impact free, that they shared the forest along with gorillas, other primates and other wildlife easily.
Accommodation
- Budget: Travellers Rest Hotel
- Midrange: Mutanda Lake Resort
- Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Back to Kampala
Today, you will leave Kisoro and drive back to Kampala/Entebbe for your flight back home.
This is a whole's days of driving and you will have some stops for photography and lunch. You will reach Kampala in the evening and your guide can take you to your accommodation or the airport if your outbound flight is on the same day.
Accommodation
- (X) - Last day
Notes of Chimp & Gorilla Trekking
Here are some important things to know about tracking gorillas or chimps in Uganda and Rwanda.
- Minimum age allowed to track chimps is 12 years old.
- Minimum age allowed to track gorillas is 15 years old.
- Tracking gorillas is quite strenuous and one should be physically fit to best enjoy the experience.
- Anyone with signs of communicable diseases will not be allowed to track chimps or gorillas.
- Maximum time allowed with the gorillas or chimps is 1 hour.
Packing Recommendation
Here are some general safari packing recommendations to consider. Your agreed itinerary will have recommendations based on your trip and schedule.
- Lightweight rain poncho
- Long sleeve shirt
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Waterproof trousers
- gardening-type gloves
- Sunscreen
- Wide brim hat
- Insect repellent
- Camera with extra batteries and cards
- Your regular medication
- Phone/gadget chargers
Visas for Uganda or Rwanda
Both Rwanda and Uganda have simple to use online visa self-service portals where you can apply and get your visa in a few days. Here are the full articles to guide you about visas.
- Uganda visa requirements and processes for tourist
- Rwanda visa requirements and processes for tourist
Best time to visit Uganda or Rwanda
For most people, it is more pleasant and enjoyable to visit Uganda or Rwanda during the dry season months (June to September and December to February). The general climate is warm and sunny all year round, and you can visit at any time of the year.
If you don't enjoy crowds, the shoulder seasons are ideal since the tourist numbers are lower and the attractions are more intimate to explore.
Safety. Is its safe to visit?
Both Uganda and Rwanda are very safe countries to visit and live in. They are some of Africa's most visited countries and hailed for the friendly locals and warm welcoming smiles.
If you have any safety concerns or specifics your are worried about, simply reach out to us and we'll do everything to help you.
Why Choose Exclusive African Safaris
We are a full service Destination Management Company started and operating in Uganda since 2008. In more than 15 years, we have served guests from all parts of the world and helped them to enjoy wonderful experiences of the wild places, cultures and people in Uganda and Rwanda.
Choosing Exclusive African Safaris, is choosing to go with a trusted company whose wide network, experienced guides and staff will make sure that your safari experience is all that you wanted - and more.
Customizing your safari experience
All our safari packages can be customized and personalized to fit your budget, preferences and schedule. You can start the process through an already existing safari which is speaking to you - but not quite fully, and we shall tailor that trip to your wishes.
You can also directly reach out for us and request for a custom safari, and we shall work closely with you, start from scratch and build a safari that is 100% you.
