Activity Description

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in South-Western Uganda, on the edge of the Rift Valley and alongside the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Classed as a UNESCO world heritage site due to its ecological importance, it is one of Uganda’s oldest rainforests, dating back over 25,000 years. The park provides a rich and diverse habitat for almost 350 bird species and 120 different species of mammal – most famously an estimated 340 critically endangered mountain gorillas: roughly half of the world’s population.

The region also provides shelter for several other primate species, such as baboon, black and white colobus and chimpanzee, as well as elephant and antelope.

“Bwindi” actually means “place of darkness” in the Runyakitara language and refers to the vast amount of bamboo growing between the hardwood trees, making direct access into the forest extremely difficult.

Day 1 Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
06:30 Meet at the Red Chilli Kampala reception (or other location of your choice by arrangement) for a briefing from your driver-guide before departing on your mountain gorilla tracking tour.

06:45 Depart in a customized 4×4 pop-top safari vehicle and head south-west out of the capital city.

09:30 Equator visit – a great opportunity to have your photo taken in both hemispheres! Short snack & bathroom break.

12.30 Stop at the Agip Hotel in Mbarara for a lunch break, or if you prefer, bring along a packed lunch to eat en route

18.00 Check into Rushaga Gorilla Camp, just inside the park, where you will be sleeping in en suite twin cabins. Dinner at the camp.

Day 2 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
06:30 Rise early for breakfast before your 7am gorilla tracking briefing and departure. Exact tracking duration depends on which group you are tracking and where they happen to be situated at the time of your visit. Whilst you will be treated to a full magical hour with these magnificent creatures, the entire experience may take anything from 2 to 8 hours. Lunch will be a packed lunch from the camp, enjoyed in the forest. After your gorilla trekking, you will return to Rushaga Gorilla Camp for dinner and another night.

Optional Extra: If your gorilla tracking experience is short enough, it may be possible to add on a waterfall hike – this may take anything from 2 to 5 hours depending on how much you stop along the way. Take a plunge into the bottom of the icy waterfall if you are brave enough! (Additional Cost: $30 per person).

Day 3 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Kampala
06.00 Rise early and take a packed breakfast with you on the long drive back to Kampala. A lunch break will be taken en route (to be discussed with your driver guide)

18:00 Depending on traffic and exact time of departure, you should be back at the Red Chilli, Kampala by sunset.

Arrangements

Requirements

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