adm1n, Author at Valverde Safaris

A lion having a glimpse of the wild nature at Murchison Falls National Park - Valverde Safaris Uganda

10-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee Trekking & Big 5 Safari

10-Day Uganda Big Five, Gorilla, Chimpanzee, and Wildlife Safari This tour will take you to Murchison Falls National Park via Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary, followed by a game drive and a boat cruise to the bottom of the falls. Also visit Kibale National Park for an unforgettable chimp trek. Then head to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can enjoy a game drive and a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel. Finally, you will transfer to Bwindi for the ultimate gorilla trek before concluding your journey at Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo to view a variety of wildlife. USD 2,500 Safari Highlights Safari Inclusions and Exclusions Packing List Safari Highlights Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhinos Murchison Falls National Park for game-drive & boat-cruise Kibale Forest National Park for chimps trekking Queen Elizabeth National Park for game-drive & boat-cruise Ishasha for tree-climbing lions game-drive Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Mountain Gorilla trekking Lake Bunyonyi for scenery view Lake Mburo National Park for game-drive & safari walk Safari Inclusions and Exclusions The 9 days Uganda safari package includes; Gorilla permits Chimpanzee permits Government taxes Game drives Boat cruises Lake Bunyonyi tour Ziwa Rhino sanctuary Park Entrance and Ranger fees All activities included in the tour package Transfers to and from the airport A standard 4X4 tour van An experienced driver with great knowledge about the country and who speaks excellent English Accommodation for 8 nights including meals and water Meals and water outside the hotel Government taxes The safari excludes; Air tickets and entry visas to Uganda Medical and Travel insurance Tips to the gorilla trekking porters, rangers and staff at the hotels Expenses on alcohol, cigars, phone calls, soft drinks, souvenir and anything that can be considered personal Packing List While on a safari in Uganda, you should pack some or all of the following items; A camera: A safari in Uganda is incomplete without a good camera. You cannot come back from a safari without evidence to show your friends and family about the wonderful time you had. Hiking Boots: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking requires good hiking boots for comfort especially during the rainy season. Stocking: Long stockings will help in tucking in your trousers to avoid crawling insects. Rain Jacket: This is very important while hiking during the rainy season. The rains can be unpredictable in Uganda especially when you consider global warming. There is always the possibility of rain in Bwindi forest regardless of season of the year. Long Shirts and trousers: The game parks and forests contain insects and other crawling creatures that you need to keep off. There are also sharp tree branches and thorns. Long sleeved shirts and trousers will keep off any insects and also protect you from sharp trees. Hand gloves: Hand gloves are important for grabbing leaves and tree branches while hiking through dense forest. Water: Many of the activities mentioned above involve staying out for long hours in the sun. Expect to get dehydrated and tired if you do not pack some water. You need to have water filtration tablets if you cannot move with bottled water. Packed Snack: This is very important for the chimpanzee habituation experience and gorilla trekking. It is difficult to predict when the two activities will end. You are better off parking lunch so that you don’t get hungry. Detailed Itinerary DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ENTEBBE FOR OUR 10 DAYS UGANDA TOUR & SHOEBILL STORK SEARCH IF TIME ALLOWS We pick you at the airport for our 10 days Uganda Safari full of close to nature experiences. Then transfer to the lodge and relax after the journey. If time allows we can head over to the close by Mabamba Swamp for a search for the prehistoric looking Shoebill Stork. Overnight: Tilapia Lodge DAY 2: TRANSFER TO LODGE BY MURCHISON FALLS NP VIA RHINO TREKKING You set off early from Entebbe for your journey to Murchison Falls NP. Along the way you meet the rhinos in Ziwa rhino sanctuary. Indeed this stop is exciting as it gives you the chance to tick off the first of the Big 5 during this 10 days Uganda Safari. In the sanctuary they are working to reintroduce rhinos in Uganda and you go with a specialized guide for a walk to see them. Then you continue the journey towards the lodge by Murchison Falls national park, having lunch along the way. Overnight: Hornbill Bush Lodge DAY 3: GAME DRIVE AND BOAT-CRUISE ON THE NILE IN MURCHISON FALLS NP Set off for an early morning game-drive in the park. Undoubtedly you here have the chance to see fascinating wildlife like Big cats hunting, Elephants, Giraffes and Buffalos. In fact the checklist of mammals in Murchison Falls NP reaches 76. We then continue browsing the Drive circuits to the Delta point for a cocktail of Birds and mammals. Afterwards we enjoy lunch and some relaxation at the lodge. Then in the afternoon go for the 3 hour boat ride to the base of the falls where you get to see the Hippos (You have never seen more hippos yawning, Grooming in there Pods anywhere else than here- Believe me you)! Nile Crocodiles, Elephants and a variety of beautiful bird species along the banks. If you are a keen birder this might be your magnet to catch them. Overnight in Hornbill Bush Lodge DAY 4: TRANSFER TO KIBALE FOREST NP After breakfast we transfer towards Kibale Forest NP as we continue our 10 days Uganda Safari. It’s a long drive with our target to have lunch in Fort portal. A punctuation of stopovers at sceneries like the Rift valley escarpment on Lake Albert – typical African village setup in the far countryside and tea plantations along the drive offer us chances of stretching. Then we check in late afternoon to an area with an amazing display of primates and lovely scenery. Overnight: Isunga lodge DAY 5: CHIMPANZEE TREKKING IN KIBALE FOREST & TRANSFER TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NP Head into the forest of the Primate city of Kibale in the morning

A mountain gorilla munching on a stick at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Why Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Is the #1 Tourist Adventure

Blogs, Primates In Uganda

Places to visit Why Gorilla Trekking Is the Most Popular Tourist Activity in Uganda When travelers dream of Africa, visions of endless savannahs, roaming lions, and spectacular sunsets often come to mind. But ask anyone who has visited Uganda, and you’ll hear a different highlight — gorilla trekking Uganda. This one-of-a-kind activity allows adventurers to step into the misty jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to encounter the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. Uganda is home to nearly half of the global population of these gentle giants. For many visitors, the chance to observe gorilla families in their natural habitat is more than a safari activity — it’s a life-changing journey, one that blends conservation, adventure, and culture. It’s no surprise that gorilla trekking is the most popular tourist activity in Uganda, drawing thousands of visitors each year. A mountain gorilla peacefully munching on a leaf in its natural habitat at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Valverde Safaris Uganda What Makes Gorilla Trekking in Uganda So Special? Unlike a game drive where animals may appear from a distance, gorilla trekking offers intimate and up-close encounters. Trekkers spend hours hiking through lush forests, guided by expert rangers who track gorilla movements. When you finally come face-to-face with a family of gorillas, the experience is breathtaking. Watch a silverback — the dominant male — protectively guard his troop. Observe mothers nursing babies while youngsters tumble and play. Listen to the deep rumble of gorilla communication echoing through the forest. This raw, unscripted encounter with our closest relatives in the animal kingdom is unlike any other safari experience. It’s an emotional moment that often leaves visitors in awe — and sometimes even in tears. Where to Go: Bwindi & Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks Uganda offers two primary destinations for gorilla trekking, each with its unique appeal. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi is the most popular gorilla trekking destination in Uganda. With over 20 habituated gorilla families, the park offers a wide range of trekking routes. Its dense rainforest, dramatic ridges, and misty valleys provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable adventure. Highlights: Largest gorilla population, multiple sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo), and diverse wildlife including forest elephants and colorful birds. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Nestled in the Virunga Mountains, Mgahinga is smaller but equally enchanting. Trekkers here enjoy volcanic landscapes, golden monkey tracking, and fewer crowds compared to Bwindi. Highlights: Stunning volcano scenery, cultural encounters with the Batwa pygmies, and the chance to combine gorilla trekking with other primate adventures. A mountain gorilla amidst the lush forest of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Valverde Safaris Uganda A Gorilla resting in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest A mountain gorilla peacefully munching on a leaf in its natural habitat at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Valverde Safaris Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permits and Costs in Uganda To regulate tourism and protect gorillas, a permit is required for each trek. Cost: USD 800 per person (2025) What it includes: Park entry, guides, trackers, and one magical hour with gorillas Where to buy: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or authorized tour operators Permits are limited and sell out months in advance, especially in high season. Booking early is essential to secure your spot. Pro Tip: Some travelers combine gorilla trekking Uganda with safari extensions such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls, or chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. Best Time of Year for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Uganda’s equatorial climate makes gorilla trekking possible year-round. However, the dry seasons are considered the best times: June to September – Peak season with pleasant trekking conditions December to February – Shorter dry season with fewer crowds Rainy seasons (March–May, October–November) can make trails muddy and slippery, but the forest is incredibly lush, and fewer tourists mean a more private experience. Preparing for Gorilla Trekking: What to Expect A gorilla trek is an adventure — sometimes lasting 2–6 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location. Here’s what to keep in mind: Fitness: Moderate physical fitness is recommended, as treks involve hiking uphill through dense vegetation. Gear: Good hiking boots, rain jacket, gloves, long trousers, and a walking stick are essential. Rules: Visitors must maintain a 7-meter distance, avoid flash photography, and follow ranger instructions to ensure both safety and conservation. For many, the anticipation of the trek is part of the excitement. Every step through Uganda’s lush forests brings you closer to an extraordinary encounter. Conservation and Community Benefits Gorilla trekking is more than tourism — it’s a vital tool for conservation and community development. Conservation impact: Revenue from permits funds ranger patrols, habitat protection, and anti-poaching efforts. Community support: A portion of permit fees is invested in local villages, supporting schools, health centers, and infrastructure. Sustainable tourism: By choosing gorilla trekking Uganda, travelers contribute directly to the survival of endangered mountain gorillas. This symbiotic relationship ensures that gorillas thrive, communities benefit, and visitors enjoy an authentic experience. A mountain gorilla munching on a stick at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park A gorilla sits in a forest at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park – Valverde Safaris Uganda Uganda vs Rwanda Gorilla Trekking — Which to Choose? Both Uganda and Rwanda offer incredible gorilla trekking, but Uganda stands out for several reasons: More gorilla families available for trekking Lower permit cost compared to Rwanda ($800 vs Rwanda’s $1,500) Diverse safari options beyond gorillas — Big Five safaris, chimpanzee tracking, boat cruises, and cultural tours Scenic variety — from misty mountains to rolling savannahs For travelers seeking value, diversity, and adventure, Uganda is often the preferred choice. Other Activities to Combine with Gorilla Trekking Gorilla trekking is the highlight, but Uganda offers so much more: Game drives in Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls National Parks Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest or Budongo Nile boat safaris with hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife Cultural tours — meet the Batwa community or experience Ugandan traditions Adventure activities — white-water rafting on the Nile or hiking the Rwenzori Mountains By combining

A majestic mountain gorilla resting in the lush forest, surrounded by trees and foliage.

5-Day Best Gorilla, Primates, and Wildlife Adventure Safari

Safaris

5-Day Best Gorilla, Primates, and Wildlife Adventure Safari This tour is designed to immerse you in the stunning beauty of Uganda by exploring its magnificent national parks. The safari includes a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a stunning wildlife view, a boat cruise on Kazinga Channel, and then a visit to Bwindi Forest, home to half of the world’s remaining population of the rare mountain gorillas, before a return to Entebbe. Uganda Primates Adventure (Gorillas & Chimps) Tour. Safari Highlights Safari Inclusions and Exclusions Packing List Safari Highlights Day one: Transfer from Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park Day Two: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel Day three: Morning Game Drive and then Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Day Four: Gorilla Trekking and Visiting the Batwa in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Day Five: Transfer to Entebbe Safari Inclusions and Exclusions The 3-day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In safari package includes Park fees (For non-residents) Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident) All activities (Unless labeled as optional) All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade) A professional driver/guide All transportation (unless labeled as optional) All Taxes/VAT Roundtrip airport transfer Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section) Drinking water (On all days) The safari excludes International flights (From/to home) Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 pp per day) Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.) Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees Packing List While on a safari in Uganda, you should pack some or all of the following items; A camera: A safari in Uganda is incomplete without a good camera. You cannot come back from a safari without evidence to show your friends and family about the wonderful time you had. Hiking Boots: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking requires good hiking boots for comfort especially during the rainy season. Stocking: Long stockings will help in tucking in your trousers to avoid crawling insects. Rain Jacket: This is very important while hiking during the rainy season. The rains can be unpredictable in Uganda especially when you consider global warming. There is always the possibility of rain in Bwindi forest regardless of season of the year. Long Shirts and trousers: The game parks and forests contain insects and other crawling creatures that you need to keep off. There are also sharp tree branches and thorns. Long sleeved shirts and trousers will keep off any insects and also protect you from sharp trees. Hand gloves: Hand gloves are important for grabbing leaves and tree branches while hiking through dense forest. Water: Many of the activities mentioned above involve staying out for long hours in the sun. Expect to get dehydrated and tired if you do not pack some water. You need to have water filtration tablets if you cannot move with bottled water. Packed Snack: This is very important for the chimpanzee habituation experience and gorilla trekking. It is difficult to predict when the two activities will end. You are better off parking lunch so that you don’t get hungry. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park This day involves traveling from Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park, taking the Kampala-Mbarara route. Along the way, you will encounter numerous beautiful and eye-catching sights, such as the traditional drum-making center at Mpambire. The drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park also allows you to visit the equator line, where you can take photos. You’ll proceed and have a stopover at Igongo Museum-Biharwe Mbarara for lunch and have a visit to the museum for cultural and traditional experiences about the local communities. After here, you’ll travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will later check in at your lodge for an overnight stay. Accommodation: The Bush Lodge (Banda) Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel You’ll wake up early in the morning and have breakfast. Afterward, you will proceed for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge. You will enjoy these primates for over 2 to 3 hours. There are also many other animals in the gorge like monkeys, birds, baboons, and so on.After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch as you prepare for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where you will have a chance to see many animals including crocodiles, hippos, birds, buffalos, and so on. Dinner & Accommodation: The Bush Lodge (Banda) Day 3: Morning Game Drive and then Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park After breakfast, you’ll start this day’s activities by having a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This activity focuses on giving you a personal encounter with the wilderness of the park. Queen Elizabeth National Park has several beautiful crater lakes that wind through the rolling hills, the Kazinga Channel with an awesome view of both land and water-adapted animals such as hippos lined up at the shores. With a vegetation cover of grassland, acacia woodland, tropical rainforest, and a variety of wetlands, this park is home to different animal species and birds. In addition, you may see the amazing big game hippos, elephants, and buffalos. Your trip will enable you to understand how these animals thrive in the grasslands and shorelines. You may also encounter warthogs, waterbuck, Uganda kob, topis, and monkeys as they play about in the trees. You’ll then travel to Bwindi, check-in at your accommodation for an overnight stay. Dinner & Accomodation: Ride 4 a Woman Guest House Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Visit The Batwa in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Early morning breakfast and tracking for the mountain gorillas in the jungle forest of Bwindi. Gorilla trekkers will take the most exciting and memorable activity of trekking the mountain gorillas in the thick jungle. The time spent trekking depends on the movement of these gorillas; it’s about 2 to 8 hours. Before you start the trekking, you should expect to hike for a long distance under muddy and steep conditions before seeing the great apes in the jungle. The gorilla trekking experience is rewarding as you sit, play, and

A majestic mountain gorilla in its natural habitat, surrounded by lush greenery in the forest at Bwindi Impenetrable National PARK - Valverde Safaris Uganda

3-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-in Safari

Safaris

3 Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari. This 3-day fly-in safari is designed for those who have less time and want to trek gorillas in Uganda. It allows you to avoid the long drives from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will spend one and a half hours flying and approximately one and a half hours in road transfers from the airstrip (Kihihi) to Buhoma. Safari Highlights Safari Inclusions and Exclusions Packing List Safari Highlights Day one: Pick up and transfer to Entebbe Airport for your internal flight to Bwindi Day Two: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Day three: Transfer to Kihihi Airstrip for your internal flight to Entebbe Safari Inclusions and Exclusions The 3-day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In safari package includes; Park fees (For non-residents) Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident) All activities (Unless labeled as optional) All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade) A professional driver/guide All transportation (Unless labeled as optional) All flights during the tour All Taxes/VAT Roundtrip airport transfer Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section) Drinking water (For all days) The safari excludes; International flights (From/to home) Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day) Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.) Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees Packing List While on a safari in Uganda, you should pack some or all of the following items; A camera: A safari in Uganda is incomplete without a good camera. You cannot come back from a safari without evidence to show your friends and family about the wonderful time you had. Hiking Boots: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking requires good hiking boots for comfort especially during the rainy season. Stocking: Long stockings will help in tucking in your trousers to avoid crawling insects. Rain Jacket: This is very important while hiking during the rainy season. The rains can be unpredictable in Uganda especially when you consider global warming. There is always the possibility of rain in Bwindi forest regardless of season of the year. Long Shirts and trousers: The game parks and forests contain insects and other crawling creatures that you need to keep off. There are also sharp tree branches and thorns. Long sleeved shirts and trousers will keep off any insects and also protect you from sharp trees. Hand gloves: Hand gloves are important for grabbing leaves and tree branches while hiking through dense forest. Water: Many of the activities mentioned above involve staying out for long hours in the sun. Expect to get dehydrated and tired if you do not pack some water. You need to have water filtration tablets if you cannot move with bottled water. Packed Snack: This is very important for the chimpanzee habituation experience and gorilla trekking. It is difficult to predict when the two activities will end. You are better off parking lunch so that you don’t get hungry. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Our tour guide will pick you up and transfer you to Entebbe Airport; check in as early as 6 AM for your domestic flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The flight will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, landing at Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip. Upon landing, you will have a planned transfer by road from Kihihi Airstrip to the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Forest to your accommodation. You will then visit the Batwa community in the afternoon. Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest After an early morning breakfast, you will drive to the park headquarters, where you will be briefed by the park rangers about dos and don’ts while in the park before starting off gorilla trekking to see these gentle giants as directed by the rangers. This is a memorable and amazing experience watching the mountain gorillas feed, play around, and also do their day-to-day activities. This activity can take 2 hours or even up to 8 hours since it’s dependent on the location and movement of the gorillas. Also expect to trek in muddy and steep conditions—this will require you to have a walking stick. On meeting the gorillas, you will spend about an hour with them as you learn about their life and behavior, take photos, and then later, return back to the lodge. Dinner & Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge Day 3: Fly Back to Entebbe International Airport This is your final day with us. You will have breakfast before transferring to Kihihi Airstrip, which is approximately a 50-minute drive away. The domestic flight will fly you back to Entebbe International Airport. Thank you for choosing Valverde Safaris. More information about this 3 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari & the Park. Bwindi is among Uganda’s most exciting national parks and a place you can’t leave out while on a Ugandan safari. It is famously known as a home to a big number of Mountain gorillas basing on the world remaining population. About 750 gorillas are remaining and half of this number has its home in Bwindi. Also other primates such as chimpanzees are found here though rarely seen. This is the same story with other animal species like the forest elephants, antelopes among others. The park is located in Southwestern Uganda just near the escarpment of the Western rift Valley. The word “Bwindi” means “darkness” and when you get the opportunity of walking through this forest you have will get to know why its called such a name. The forest is gifted with a stream of water which is a beautiful place, and also waterfalls are found as you trek through impenetrable forest. Trekking doesn’t require any skills but physical fitness is always required as there are a lot of steep mountains to climb p and about looking for these gentle giants. Above all there is nothing as adventurous and thrilling as going for gorilla trekking! Tourists also have other species to see in the park apart from the gorillas such as different bird species (over 350 bird species found in the park), tree

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Blogs, National Parks

National Parks Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (Bwindi Forest National park) is a typical tropical rain forest with an annual mean temperature range of a minimum of 7–15°C to a maximum of 20–27°C. Its annual rainfall ranges from 1,400 to 1,900 millimeters. The heavy rains climax from March to April and from September to November. Bwindi Impenetrable forest became popular to the world because of Gorilla trekking! It is a habitat for more than half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorilla population. These gentle primates are highly endangered species and the forest possesses more than 360 individuals of the plausible 800 plus mountain gorillas in the entire world. They are highly endangered because of poaching, habitat loss and diseases. This national park generates one of the highest revenues to Uganda Wildlife Authority amongst all the safari parks in Uganda. Gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Bwindi, located in the southwestern region, on the edge of the rift valley. Commonly referred to as the impenetrable forest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the western side; Kabale town to the southeast is the nearest main town to the park, 29 kilometers away by road. It covers an area of 331 square kilometers and is located in the highest parts of Kigezi highlands with an altitude of 1,190 to 2,607 meters above sea level and 60% of this magical park has an elevation of over 2,000 meters above sea level. The highest elevation in the park is Rwamunyonyi hill at the eastern edge and the lowest part of the park is located at its most northern tip. Bwindi Forest National Park is approximately an 8 hour or 9 hour drive from Entebbe by road and just 1 hour away by chartered flights. Usually the first and last days of Uganda gorilla tours are reserved solely for traveling and a few other minor activities along the way. The journey is quite long especially when you are traveling by road but its worth it after when you experience a close encounter with the mountain gorillas in it’s forests. A majestic mountain gorilla in its natural habitat, surrounded by lush greenery in the forest at Bwindi Impenetrable National PARK – Valverde Safaris Uganda A mountain gorilla peacefully munching on a leaf in its natural habitat at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Valverde Safaris Uganda Activities at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is ranked as one of the top tourist destinations in the world reason being the park consists of a wide range of activities. The activities at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include: Gorilla Trekking: This is by far the most popular activity though it doesn’t have to be so considering how diverse the forest is. Bwindi is the best park to track mountain gorillas in East and Central Africa. About half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas is found in Bwindi Impenetrable forest. Bwindi also has the highest number of habituated gorilla families – 14 in total. It is only in Bwindi that tourists can go for the gorilla habituation experience. Gorilla tracking usually begins with briefing early in the morning. The briefing covers important topics such as how to act around the primates, what to expect and what to pack. The actual tracking can take between 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on the gorilla family and their location. An advance team of trackers is sent earlier to locate the primates. This advance team of trackers then locates the gorilla family before communicating by radio to the rangers leading the tourists with details about their location. It is because of this advance team of trackers that the chance of spotting mountain gorillas is very high. Tourists are allowed only one hour with the gorillas. This is because the animals are semi-wild and prolonged presence of humans may get to their nerves. In the extremely rare cases where a gorilla charges, it is never wise to run away. Simply lay low in a submissive posture and all should be fine. Eating near gorillas is prohibited. You cannot make loud noises or fun of the gorillas. Gorilla Habituation Experience: The gorilla habituation experience was introduced in Bwindi more recently. This experience is currently only possible in Bwindi forest – not in Rwanda and not in Congo. This activity allows primate lovers more time (four hours) observing the primates instead of the standard gorilla trekking (four hours). Tourists taking part in the 3 Days gorilla habituation experience get a chance to move with experienced trackers and some of the best primate researchers. The scientists share information about the gorilla habituation process and current issues related to gorilla conservation. This experience costs more than the standard one hour gorilla watching. Only four people can take part in the gorilla habituation experience. You can read more about gorilla habituation vs trekking in another article. Hiking and Nature Walks: Bwindi is a park with great biodiversity and the park authorities have ensured that visitors also experience the other good things that the park has to offer. To that end, several trails have been established to allow visitors marvel at the forest, its creatures like birds, butterflies and primates. One such trail starts from Buhoma to Nkoringo, from Nkoringo to Lake Mutanda and them from Nkoringo to Kisoro. These trails go through amazing scenery and provide opportunities to mingle with the locals. The Buhoma Village walk in particular takes tourists to local communities where they can learn about how members of an indigenous African tribe spend their day. The waterfall trail on the other hand exposes visitors to pristine forest with orchids, ferns, birds and butterflies. This particular trail ends with a sighting of beautiful waterfalls containing pure water. The short Munyaga River trail at the valley below Buhoma park office provides opportunities to see birds and primates like L’Hoest’s monkeys and Colobus Monkeys. Visitors need the help of a guide to find direction and a porter if they plan to move with heavy bags or equipment like cameras. If you plan to travel with your granny,