TOUR UG2: GORILLA SAFARIS IN BWINDI AND MGAHINGA (7 Days)
This safari starts from Entebbe [The Bwindi gorilla permit is included in the safari cost but the other trackings require a supplement to be paid at time of booking]. For those who wish to visit the three available gorilla parks of the world – Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda, and Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda, which is on the other side of the misty Virungas – please look at our RW3 itinerary (8 Days) from Kigali in Rwanda.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are located in south-western Uganda on the edge of the western rift valley. Both parks are also rich in birds, chimps, monkeys and butterflies. Bwindi is one of the largest natural forests in East Africa, with both montane and lowland forest. About half of the world's population of mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi.
Other activities include volcano climbing, guided nature walk in the Gahinga forest for primates, birds and butterflies or enjoy the breathtaking landscape!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Entebbe International airport. Meet, greet and transfer to Imperial Resort Beach Hotel for overnight (BB).
Day 2: Drive on the southbound road; passing charming attractions en route: look at royal drum makers, enjoy the Equator, stop at the roadside markets to enjoy some fruit and vegetables. Lunch en route. Continue to Buhoma in the thick, impenetrable Bwindi Forest via Kabale. Arrive late afternoon. [Approximate driving time: 9 hours] O/N: Bwindi Tented Camp or Buhoma Homestead (FB).
Day 3: Go gorilla tracking (subject to availability of gorilla permits at time of booking), carrying a packed lunch. You will be accompanied by a guide and porters who will carry your shoulder pack for you. You will then set off to the thick forest in search of gorillas. The terrain can be difficult, with steep slopes covered in dense vegetation that gives the park its name. In addition, the altitude of 5200 feet and more means participants do need to be physically fit. The time taken to track the gorillas varies enormously, from as little as half an hour to as much as 8 hours before one returns to camp. Difficulty, however, is not impossibility and coming face to face with the great primates is well worth it! O/N: Bwindi Tented Camp or Buhoma Homestead (FB).
Day 4: Leave for Kisoro, stopping at Kanaba Gap to view the spectacular Virunga volcanoes and eye-catching terraced hills. Either visit the natural, beautiful-looking Lake Mutanda, surrounded by the volcanoes, take a walk on the shores or continue directly to Mgahinga. [Approximate driving time: 5 hours] O/N: Mgahinga Safari Lodge (FB).
Day 5: Either track gorillas (on payment of US$360 gorilla permit supplement at time of booking) or go for a guided nature walk in the forest for butterflies, plant and bird species; or climb a volcano or simply relax at the camp! O/N: Mgahinga Safari Lodge (FB).
Day 6: Start for Mbarara, enjoying natural attractions en route. Proceed to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s most conspicuous park, with zebra, leopard, hippo, antelope and many birds. Lunch on arrival. Boat trip on Lake Mburo. Time permitting, an evening game drive. [Approximate driving time: 5 hours] O/N: Mantana Mburo Camp (FB).
Day 7: After breakfast, drive to Kampala arriving early afternoon and transfer to Entebbe airport for your flight (HB). [Approximate driving time: 5 hours]. Tour Ends.
Please take time to read our Gorilla Tracking etiquette document.
More Uganda Tours
For all categories of accommodation, ALL drinks (except bottled water) are excluded in the safari cost and clients are to pay for them direct to the hotels/Camps / Lodges. Clients could choose to fly out the following day in cases where there are no flights for their departure on the last day of the itinerary. A supplement for the extra night will be required.
Flights
Merit Safaris will advise the most appropriate airlines to use to fly to Uganda. We could book your flights; alternatively you can contact your tour operator or travel agent.
Safaris start and end either in either Entebbe or Kampala in Uganda; or Kigali in Rwanda.
For those who wish, a visit for an extra three days by air, to the Karamojong nomadic farmers/cattle rustlers in the North, can be arranged. Please contact us for details.
Unless otherwise stated, prices quoted include a safari car for the itinerary stated, accommodation on a shared basis and meals (in Kampala/Kigali bed and breakfast only and on safari full board), 1 boat/launch trip, park fees, chimpanzee permits and one gorilla permit.
Prices do not include airfares to Uganda/Rwanda, entry visas and airport taxes, all personal expenditure such as tips, telephone calls, laundry and drinks. For single rooms, the supplement (SRS) has to be paid. Fees for mountain climbing, fishing and other specialist activities will attract an extra charge where not stated.
Prices are quoted in US Dollars. At the time of booking, clients should confirm with us the prevailing exchange rates for Pounds and Euros, if they wish to pay in those currencies. At the time of booking, the client(s) will need to pay for all gorilla permits needed in full otherwise a deposit equivalent to 20% of the cost of a safari paid, whichever is higher.
Key to Itineraries:
| O/N: |
Overnight |
| FB |
Accommodation on Full Board basis. All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) are included in the safari cost. |
| HB |
Accommodation on Half Board basis. One meal (either lunch or dinner) as well as breakfast are included in the safari cost. |
| BB |
Accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis. Only breakfast is included in the safari cost at the stated property. |
| B |
Accommodation on Bed Only basis. All meals at the stated property are not included in the safari cost. To be paid for directly by the client. |
