Safari Overview
This 4-day safari takes you to track the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and also experience Uganda’s most beautiful landscape, Lake Bunyonyi, in the most exciting way – canoe trekking and riding through the beautiful islands of Lake Bunyonyi. Book one of the most interesting and popular safaris in Africa as we turn your dream holiday into reality.
A wonderful way to experience Lake Bunyonyi, meaning “place of many little birds”, is to follow in the footsteps of the local people and jump into a dugout canoe. With its terraced hillsides and hidden coves, Lake Bunyonyi is a haven of tranquility, providing the perfect place to relax and unwind. The lake lies in south-western Uganda, between Kisoro and Kabale, and close to the border with Rwanda. It was formed when the original valley exit was blocked by volcanic eruptions, creating a freshwater paradise that is a pleasure to explore. Canoe trekking allowed us to discover some of the remote parts of the Bunyonyi valley, home to the Bakiga and the Batwa “pygmies”
Tour Prices (per person):
$2475 (1 Person)
$1965 (2 people)
$1745 (3 people)
$1565 (4 people +)
including 1 gorilla permit per person
Day 1: Kampala – Bwindi Impenetrable Park
The safari leaves from Kampala at 7:00 am and drives towards western Uganda. A brief stopover at the Equator allows time for photographs. Another stop at Igongo Ankole Cultural Center to share and learn about Ankole culture and how it has evolved. Drive to Mbarara for a lunch break at Agip Motel Mbarara. After lunch, proceed to Bwindi. This is the lushest highland rainforest on earth, filled with primates and exotic birds, valleys, hilltops, and papyrus swamps. Via the verdant countryside, you will pass traditional homesteads and have panoramic views of the surroundings. Arrive late evening. Dinner and overnight stay at either
Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp/ Buhoma Community Restcamp/Gorilla Valley Lodge/Travelers Rest Hotel Kisoro (lower budget)
Moderate: Gorilla Resort Bwindi/Silverback Lodge/Gorilla Safari Lodge/Lake Kitandara Camp
Up-market: Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Lodge/Rushaga Gorillas Safari Lodge
Meal plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Forest
Begin the day with breakfast ready for trekking, which begins at 8:00 a.m with a briefing from the UWA staff on how to behave with these endangered mountain Gorillas. Ensure you carry a rain jacket, drinking water, snacks, jungle boots, etc. The guides will lead you inside the beautiful ecosystem to see the shy Primates for the group you have been booked for. Do not forget to take your lunch boxes and all the necessary gear to track the rare Mountain Gorilla, perhaps one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on earth. The tracking may take between 2 and 6 hours, but it’s well worth the effort.
Meal plan: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After your trek, we embark on a 2-hour drive to Lake Bunyonyi and spend the night at either
Bushara Island Camp (lower budget)
Moderate: Bird’s Nest
Up-market: Bird’s Nest/Archadia Cottages
Day 3: Canoe Trekking on Lake Bunyonyi-Uganda
After breakfast, set out for a 5-hour canoe trek as well as bird watching on the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, traversing to the gorgeous Kyabahinga peninsula. Here, you will be warmly welcomed with songs and dances by the resident schoolchildren.
You will enjoy at least a cup of “Obushera” with the locals, a local brew. You will ascend the Kyabahinga slopes, having a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the birdlife and the verdant terrain. The view is very breathtaking! The guide will certainly brief you about the history of the area.
Among the bird species you will see are the Dusky Turtle Dove, the Handsome Francolin, and Alpine Chat. A renowned herbalist and traditional healer, Omugurusi Jeremiah, based on the hilltop, will share some secrets about the flora of the tropical highland.
Dinner and overnight stay at either Bushara Island Camp (lower budget)
Moderate: Bird’s Nest Up-market: Bird’s Nest/Archadia Cottages or Heritage Lodge.
Day 4: Drive back to Kampala/Entebbe
After breakfast, return to Kampala, then Entebbe International Airport, with lunch en route before your evening departure flight home.
End of Gorilla Uganda Safari.
The safari package includes:
Transportation by a 4wd fuelled vehicle
Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
Enroute lunches
1 Gorilla permit per person to be secured and paid for well in advance
Canoe trek on Lake Bunyonyi
Services of an English-speaking driver/guide.
En route to lunch
However, the package excludes expenses of a personal nature, like Visa, drinks, laundry, tips to local guides, telephone, porter fee while trekking, personal insurance, and tobacco.