What a 3 days gorilla safari to Uganda looks like
3 days to Uganda for a gorilla tracking experience is a life changing trip which involves spending some time with the world’s most endangered species. You probably might have seen a gorilla in a zoo or watched it on TV but I doubt if this was enough for you. For a real feel of adventure with the gorillas, one has to go and track them in their natural homes deep in the tropical rainforests. It’s a dream come true to find a group of mountain gorillas in the forest playing and roaming around in search for food.
Presently, Uganda is the best destination when it comes to gorilla tracking safaris. It harbors the highest number of these rare primates putting it in the number one position for hosting primate lovers. Two of its national parks; Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga national parks where gorillas can be tracked are well protected and easily accessed by both road and air. These parks host a high number of tourists on a daily basis who come specifically to view the rare mountain gorillas. These tourists come to Uganda and spend varying number of days while enjoying different interesting activities. But let’s try and look at a 3 days gorilla tracking tour to Uganda;
This tour normally begins in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. A pick up from your hotel by the tour company’s driver is the first step. This happens after your breakfast from your hotel in Kampala. He will then drive you leading to the southwest of Uganda to Bwindi Impenetrable national Park. This is a long journey especially when traveling by road taking about 8hours. This means that you will have a lunch stop over at any of the best restaurants on the way depending on your choice. If one has never tasted the real African dishes, then this would be the best option. An optional stop over at the Equator is also availed to tourists as they travel to Bwindi. It is a common practice that tourists on their way to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park request for a stopover at the equator to have a physical touch of the site and also take some photos for remembrance. This transfer ends with reaching at the park and checking in into the tourists’ lodge which was booked. While here, they will have dinner and overnight stay relaxing and preparing for tomorrows adventure.
The second day begins with an early breakfast. Then a well trained guide will meet the tourists and then brief them about the day’s activities including the “do’s” and “don’ts” while in the forest. After that, actual tracking then starts at around 8:30 AM. It should be noted that a trek in Bwindi takes 5-8 hours and therefore tourists are advised to move with their parked lunch. Depending on the gorilla family trekked, the guide will see the tourists around the park searching for the primates. While looking for them, there will be numerous encounters with different primates like squirrels, monkeys and birds. After a long but fruitful walk, a gorilla family will be found and this is a thrilling experience. Only one hour will be spent with the gorillas as tourists enjoy some quality time with them and taking clear photos with some friendly individuals. It is always advisable to put the flush of the cameras off while taking photos to avoid irritating and scaring them away. A distance of about 10m from the gorillas is required but the guide will spot some friendly individuals for you with which you can stay close. After one hour, depending on the tourists’ preference, they may either return to the lodge or continue for a cultural walk to Batwa group of people who stay in the thick forests of Bwindi National Park. Later return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
The third day is the final day of the safari and it involves a transfer from Bwindi back to Kampala. On the way, you will have a lunch stopover and later continue to Kampala. You will be dropped at Entebbe International Airport for your flight back home. That will mark the end of a 3 days gorilla tracking safari to Uganda.
