2-Day gorilla Tour Bwindi

2-Day Gorilla Tour Bwindi

The 2-Day Uganda Gorilla Trek – Starting from Kigali, Kisoro or Kabale

2-Day Gorilla Tour in Uganda takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable forest for an amazing time observing wild mountain gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the south-western part of Uganda along the edge of the great Albertine rift. Scientists believe Bwindi forest is a remnant of a vast forest that once covered most of Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site,

Bwindi boasts remarkable biodiversity. With 160 tree species, including 100 fern varieties and an abundance of butterflies, the park is a true natural wonder. Its diverse wildlife includes chimpanzees, forest elephants, various antelope species, as well as Colobus and l’Hoest’s monkeys. Bird enthusiasts can spot unique species such as the African green broadbill, Chapin’s flycatcher, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Shelley’s crimson wings, and Turner’s Eremomela. Amidst this array of wonders, it’s the mountain gorillas that truly captivate the spotlight.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is special among mountain gorilla parks because it is the only place where one can also see chimpanzees. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). UWA has had to deal with the challenges of forest encroachment and small-scale poaching of forest creatures by communities living close to the national park. This is one of the reasons why the Batwa pygmies were evicted from the forest.

2-Day Gorilla Tour Bwindi, Gorilla trekking is the main activity in the park and attracts thousands of tourists to the park. Bwindi is the best place to go for gorilla trekking because it has more gorillas and the permits are reasonably priced. A gorilla permit in Bwindi costs $700 while in Rwanda it is $1500. Bwindi has 17 habituated gorilla groups but over 50 others have been left undisturbed wild. It is only in Bwindi that primate lovers can take part in a 2-day gorilla habituation experience. Gorillas in Bwindi can be tracked in four sectors – Rushaga, Ruhijja, Buhoma, and Nkuringo.

Let’s take a look at the Detailed Itinerary

Day 1:

 Kigali Rwanda to Bwindi Uganda

A guide from Safari Vacations and Travel Services will pick you up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel and brief you about your tour. Before your journey to Uganda, you will have an opportunity to tour the city of Kigali and important sites like the genocide war memorial centers. After touring the city, you will embark on a 4 hours drive to Bwindi through the Katuna (Uganda – Rwanda border). After Katuna you will head to Ruhijja in Bwindi. This journey will allow you to see the beautiful countryside and landscapes in Rwanda and Uganda. Rwanda has eye-catching rolling hills and plantations while Uganda has dense green forests around the Bwindi area. Dinner and overnight will be at the Gorilla Mist Camp.

Day 2:  Gorilla Watching and Departure

In the early morning, after a hearty breakfast, our guide will promptly collect you and escort you to the park offices. There, you’ll receive a comprehensive briefing on gorilla tracking in Bwindi.

Following the briefing, the staff will allocate you to a specific gorilla group and offer you the option to hire a porter for a nominal fee of 10 USD. It’s advisable to coordinate with your lodge for a packed lunch and ample drinking water. Keep in mind that the duration of the gorilla trek can vary greatly, spanning anywhere from 30 minutes to as long as 6 hours, contingent on the whereabouts of your designated gorilla family for the day. Once you spot the gorillas, take as many photos as you can and try to follow instructions from the wardens/guides. After completing the trek, come back to your hotel, freshen up, eat/drink something, and check out. Thereafter, our guide will take you back to Kigali International Airport or your hotel.

Includes and excludes

Tour includes:

• Gorilla permits (each at usd600)
• Accommodation
• Bottled drinking water
• Park entry fees
• Fuel
• Experienced English-speaking tour guide/driver
• Park ranger and guiding

Tour excludes:

• Individual expenses for example tips, cigarettes, crafts, and beverages (soft and hard drinks)

Accommodation Facilities

Gorilla Mist Camp:

Gorilla Mist Camp is one of the best budget lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The lodge has also built higher-end rooms for mid-range travelers with even better and more spacious rooms. Gorilla Mist is locally owned and managed by very experienced local staff.

The lodge is located in the Ruhijja sector of the park with great views of the Virunga volcanoes. Ruhijja is home to three popular gorilla families that is Kyaguliro, Bitukura, and Oruzogo. Gorilla Mist camp offers self-contained rooms with free Wi-Fi, a mosquito net, a working table, and hot and cold showers.

The facility also has a restaurant, a fully stocked bar, and a large space for parking. The lodge has beautifully mowed gardens that are excellent for relaxation. The local staff in Gorilla Mist Camp are very friendly and will attend to all your needs once you make a request.  Book with this hotel if you value a simple but clean and quality accommodation facility in Bwindi. The environment is so friendly with beautiful sounds of birds once you step out of your room.  You might wake up to find a gorilla family visiting the hotel facilities, as mountain gorillas and Colobus monkeys frequently visit the lodge premises.

Bakiga Lodge:

Nestled in the Ruhijja sector, overlooking the splendid Bwindi forest, Bakiga Lodge stands out as arguably the finest mid-range accommodation option in Bwindi Forest National Park. What sets Bakiga Lodge apart is its genuine commitment to eco-tourism and community development projects. Located just a short stroll from the gorilla trekking launch point, the lodge offers eight well-appointed cabin rooms, each featuring ample space, modern amenities, and a private balcony. Gorilla Tour Bwindi

The furniture used is locally made with high-quality wood while the beddings are of the finest modern materials. Evenings are for relaxation at the bar or around a campfire. The hotel has free Wi-Fi and parking space. They organize birding tours, nature/forest walks, community visits, and cultural performances within the lodge premises. During these community visits, you can evaluate the progress made by their Bakiga Community Project. This project helps enhance local capacities for self-reliance through community outreach activities and the construction of piped water sources/tanks for the people. Bakiga Lodge is also perfect for conferences, retreats, and meetings. Gorilla Tour Bwindi

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp: Luxury in the Heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, nestled within the breathtaking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda, exemplifies luxury accommodation amidst one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife habitats. As part of the esteemed Sanctuary Retreats group, known for its high-end lodgings across Africa, the camp features 10 spacious and elegantly designed tents that provide a perfect retreat after a day of gorilla trekking. Accommodations and AmenitiesEach tent is equipped with:

• Two queen-sized beds and an ensuite bathroom featuring a large bathtub with views into the jungle canopy, as well as an indoor shower.
• Personalized service with dedicated attendants available to cater to guests’ needs.
• Modern amenities include hairdryers and complimentary Wi-Fi in communal areas.

The camp also offers a range of facilities including:

• A cozy bar and dining area where guests can enjoy meals prepared with a blend of local and international cuisines.
• A mini spa offering various treatments to help guests unwind after their adventures.
• An inviting campfire area for evening gatherings under the stars.

Culinary Experience

The dining experience at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp rivals that of a five-star hotel. Guests can indulge in a variety of dishes, including local specialties such as Kalo (a traditional Ugandan dish), Matooke (steamed plantains), and peanut sauce. Meals are typically served in a communal dining area, with options for romantic private dinners arranged upon request.

Activities and Experiences

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp offers an array of activities designed to enrich guests’ experiences:

• Gorilla Trekking: The camp is strategically located to give you easy access to gorilla trekking excursions, which limit participants to small groups for an intimate experience with these magnificent creatures.
• Cultural Visits: Guests have the opportunity to engage with the local Batwa pygmies, learning about their traditional lifestyle and cultural heritage.
• Bird Watching and Nature Walks: The rich biodiversity of Bwindi makes it an ideal location for birding enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Additionally, Sanctuary Retreats provides custom-made sedan chairs carried by porters for elderly travelers, ensuring comfort during gorilla tracking.

Community Support 

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is committed to supporting local communities. It provides substantial material and financial assistance to Bwindi Community Hospital and local schools, reflecting its dedication to responsible tourism and community development.

In summary, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp not only offers luxurious accommodations but also serves as a gateway to experiencing the majestic mountain gorillas while promoting conservation and community engagement. Guests can expect exceptional service, exquisite cuisine, and unforgettable wildlife encounters in this unique setting.

Safari Vacations and Travel Services designs itineraries in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC with over 10 years of experience and we are proud of our reputation for executing some of the most highly-rated vacation experiences. Our local consultants plan your preferred itinerary using expert ground knowledge. We take care of all the local logistics like permits, accommodation, and transport. Also, manage your entire trip, from start to finish with other services like car hire services.

For inquiries, about the 2-Day gorilla Tour Bwindi, booking the hiking permits; organizing transport and accommodation, get in touch with safari vacations and travel services, we help you to avoid inconveniences after landing for the safari.