Safari Overview
The 5-day Gorilla walking adventure takes you to southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, popular for hosting the highest Mountain Gorilla population on earth. This has facilitated habituation of the highest number of Gorillas world-over.
It’s in this area where Adventure Consults conducts a special package known as Gorilla Habituation experience, while spending extra time with the Gorillas. This is more than the ordinary Gorilla viewing experience but you get an in-depth understanding of Gorilla behaviors, health and challenges.
The Gorilla families in this region are subdivided into two major sectors (Nkuringo and Rushaga). The mist covered volcanoes that form part of the Virunga ranges are best seen from here. These include the distinct Mgahinga, Sabyinyo, Muhavura, Congo’s Nyiragongo and Nyimuragira volcanoes.
The nearby lake Mutanda, green islands, and the meandering road network through raw villages makes the area so unique.
Let’s go walk with the Gorillas!
Itinerary at a glance.
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe international airport – Uganda.
Day 2: Fly from Entebbe to Kisoro – Afternoon community walk.
Day 3: Gorilla tracking in southern Bwindi & Afternoon Lake or community/village walk.
Day 4: Optional Second Gorilla trek or go for Batwa trail experience. Relaxed afternoon
Day 5: Fly from Kisoro airstrip to Entebbe Flight, connect to your international flight.
Safari Description.
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe international airport – Uganda.
Adventure Consults’ airport staff will meet you on arrival, assist through customs, get the luggage, and hand over to the field guide for a transfer to the hotel.
Depending on arrival time, you may have a briefing on your safari today/tonight or can opt to get a briefing the following day before setting off to the field.
Overnight accommodation included on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Most recommended hotels in Entebbe are 10 minutes’ drive from the airport.
Inclusions: Bed & Breakfasts basis.
Excludes: All meals and Drinks.
Day 2: Flight to Kisoro/Southern Bwindi – Afternoon Village walk.
Only one daily morning flight is available to Southern Bwindi. Given the early morning departure, you have an option of having breakfast at the hotel or request for a box/packed breakfast.
At an agreed time, meet the guide at the lobby and transfer to Entebbe international airport for your flight to Kisoro airstrip (The flight departs Entebbe at 0700 hours, check in time is one hour prior the flight). Note that flight schedule can change and sometimes at short notice or no notice due to unforeseen circumstances.
Baggage restrictions on domestic flights: Maximum luggage weight is 15 kgs /33lbs in soft-sided bags. Standard luggage should have the three dimensions of 24 inches (60cm) height, 18 inches (45cm) length, and 13 inches (33cm) width. Excess luggage can be paid for at 5$ per Kg depending on space availability or can make advance reservation.
Note that Adventure Consults can keep any extra baggage in Entebbe at no cost, to be returned to you at the end of the trip. Please talk to a consultant.
On arrival at Kisoro airstrip, meet your private guide, have a warm welcome cup of Ugandan Coffee or tea or a chilled beverage with a snack. You will go through registration procedures at the airstrip then after drive to the lodge.
The meandering village roads offers views of the clear blue lakes, the Virunga volcanoes and terraced farmlands. You will have relevant stops along the way for photography, interaction with the local communities, roadside shopping experiences and local language lessons.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has got about 400 species of plants, over 120 mammal species (including 11 primates), 346 species of birds (including 23 highly localised Albertine Rift endemics), 202 species of butterflies, 100 species of ferns, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos and many other endangered species. It’s here that over 50% of the approximately 1,060 Mountain Gorillas still living on earth are found.
Lunch will be at the lodge.
Available optional activities to make your afternoon more exciting. The choice of activities is determined by the lodge you will have stayed depending on proximity. We value a relaxed holiday, so activities are carefully chosen. Please discuss with Adventure Consults staff for guidance on ideal options.
- Kayaking on Lake Mutanda.
- A boat ride on Lake Mutanda followed by a walk to the punishment island.
- Community/village walks ending with basketry and local language lessons.
- Visit the local bars and shops for Ugandan lifestyle experiences.
- Cycling adventure through the rural Uganda.
Any of the above activities offers the best authentic cultures, history and in-depth understanding the locals’ day-today lifestyles.
Meals and Overnight accommodation included at the Lodge.
Standard inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Some lodges include both alcoholic and none-alcoholic drinks with exclusion of premium drinks.
Standard exclusions at most lodges: All drinks.
Day 3: Gorilla tracking (either in Rushaga or Nkuringo sector) – Relaxed afternoon.
Today is dedicated to visiting the gorillas in Southern sector of Bwindi.
Breakfast is always ready by 0500 hours. You may opt for a packed breakfast or have it at the lodge, so ensure you are ready for either a 0600 hours or 0700 hours departure to the park headquarters.
Departure time depends on proximity of the sector/Gorilla family in relation to the lodge you are booked.
Mandatory briefing is always at the park headquarters, then after enter the forest for a fun-filled adventurous day.
Gorilla tracking in this area offers more than just Gorillas but breathtaking views of the highest peaks of the Virunga volcanoes. As you walk down on the steep slopes, you stand opportunities to see other uncelebrated wildlife including chameleons, colorful lizards, colorful-vocal birds and unique plants.
The time taken to see the Gorillas in determined by the terrain, your walking speed as determined by the slowest person in the group and the Gorilla family movements.
The thrill of spending time with and observing these gentle giants is a rare and moving adventure that will leave you with long lasting memories of a truly unique experience. The Gorillas are shy and peaceful animals. Get to photograph them as they play, groom and care of each other.
You are allowed to spend 60 minutes/one hour with the Gorillas, so always spare the last 20 minutes for observation and connection with them for everlasting memories. Follow this link for more useful information about Gorillas.
A box lunch is available with an option for a warm lunch at the lodge (depending on trek duration).
A relaxed afternoon or talk to the guide for available activities. The evenings are usually for relaxing by the fireplace or a private moment at the comfort of your room terrace – ask for your favorite drink!
Meals and Overnight accommodation included at the Lodge.
Standard inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Some lodges include both alcoholic and none-alcoholic drinks with exclusion of premium drinks.
Standard exclusions at most lodges: All drinks.
Day 4: Optional Second Gorilla tracking opportunity or go for a cultural Batwa walk.
Today you have an option to go for a second Gorilla trek or pick any other available activity.
Every Gorilla visit is different and special. You get to see different Gorilla families, different guides, different trails and totally a new experience. Please discuss with Adventure Consults’ team for advance reservations.
If not going Gorilla tracking, you may go for a visit of the Pygmy/Batwa community (let your consultant know in advance). This is cultural interaction at its best! A hands-on, mind-opening adventure you will never forget as you go for an incredible walk with the elderly Batwa (pygmy) guides.
The Batwa are known to be one of the oldest surviving indigenous people on earth. A very special and unique group of people, who lived in the bush and entire lifestyle depended on the forests. Just like the well-known ‘hunters and gatherers’, the Batwa gathered plants and fruits for food, hunted any animals within their reach, caves were their homes with the main big caves reserved for Kings.
A hike to the Batwa community, will enrich you with the history their history, indulge in demonstrations and storytelling sessions of how the Batwa lived before they left the forest in favor of conservation programs. They will make fire using very simple tools (sticks and stones) and take you back to the old stone age period. You may participate in the mock hunting exercise, learn how to use a bow and arrow, and can taste the local meals and drinks, participate in traditional dances and local language lessons.
Meals and Overnight accommodation included at the Lodge.
Standard inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Some lodges include both alcoholic and none-alcoholic drinks with exclusion of premium drinks.
Standard exclusions at most lodges: All drinks.
Day 5: Scenic flight from Kisoro airstrip to Entebbe Airport – international return flight.
Only one morning daily flight is available and departs Kisoro Airstrip at 0835 hours. Check in time is one hour in advance.Flight schedules and duration can change and sometimes at short or no notice due to unforeseen circumstances.
Departure time from the lodge to be communicated the previous day. Meet your guide at the lobby and transfer to Kisoro airstrip for your flight to Entebbe Airport.
Arrival at Entebbe airport is any time before or by 1125hrs. If you have a connecting international/regional flight today, ensure it’s scheduled to depart Entebbe not earlier than 1345hrs.
On arrival at Entebbe airport, you will be directed through to customs area and connect to your international/regional flight.
If you have more than 4 hours layover, Adventure consults offers exciting options to make your day more relaxing.
- Complementary transfer to the nearby restaurant (outside the airport) where you will have an early lunch (on own account), then later transfer back to the airport in time for your flight.
- Day room at a hotel near Entebbe airport. This will be on payment of supplement and advance reservation is a requirement.
- Optional day activities to keep you busy and get to see more of Entebbe. Please ask for detailed info and related costs to ensure reservations are in place. For more information, please follow this link.
Accommodation options.
We have long term contracts and partnerships with all hotels and lodges in the region. The accommodations are carefully handpicked to suite every traveler’s specification. The listed options are simply a guideline, so please discuss with us for more options.
Where to stay in Entebbe/Kampala;
While in Entebbe or Kampala, our safari packages are normally on Bed & Breakfast basis. The two cities have got several accommodation options ranging from large commercial hotels to small boutique hotels.
- Hotel Number 5.
- Lake Victoria Serena Golf resort and spa.
- The Boma hotel.
- Papyrus Guesthouse.
- Entebbe forest lodge.
- 2 Friends Beach Hotel.
Where to stay in Southern Bwindi.
This region has got a wide range of accommodation options stretching from high-end luxury, to midrange luxury to midrange comfort. The choice entirely depends on planned budget and personal preference.
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
- Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge.
- Gorilla Heights Lodge.
- Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge.
- Four Gorillas Lodge.
- Gorilla Safari Lodge.
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.
- Mutanda Lake Resort.
- Gorilla Valley Lodge.
- Burunga lodge.
- Lake Mutanda resort.