Uganda gorilla safari Archives

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

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

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,

An African Leopard walking at Queen ElizAn African Leopard walking at Queen Elizabeth National ParlAn African Leopard walking at Queen Elizabeth National Parlabeth National Park - Valverde Safaris Uganda

9-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Big 5 Safari Adventure

Safaris

9 Days Uganda Safari – Gorilla, Wildlife, Big 5 and Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Tour. This safari takes you to an encounter with the big five mammals, chimpanzees, gorillas, smaller primates, and amazing scenery/landscape. The 9 day Uganda wildlife safari starts with a visit to the beautiful lake Bunyonyi for relaxation, canoeing, island hopping, and a community visit. The safari includes a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This park is home to half of the remaining population of mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi may be the most popular activity but visitors also get a chance to observe other smaller primates and forest creatures. The safari also includes a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Queen Elizabeth is the most visited national park in Uganda and is home to tree climbing lions, crater lakes and other amazing landscape. While on a tour of the Kazinga Channel of Queen Elizabeth, tourists are rewarded with one of the most amazing collection of wildlife in Africa. Safari Highlights Safari Inclusions and Exclusions Packing List Safari Highlights Day 1: Pickup from Kampala or Entebbe – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi Day 2: Canoeing, Island hopping and swimming – Transfer to Bwindi – Visit the Batwa Pygmies Day 3: Gorilla Tracking – Transfer to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park Day 4: Game drive to see tree climbing lions – Afternoon Boat cruise at the Kazinga Channel Day 5: Morning game drive at the Kasenyi Sector – Transfer to Kibale National Park – Visit the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. Day 6: Chimpanzee Habituation Experience Day 7: Transfer to Murchison falls – Visit the top of the falls Day 8: Morning Game drive – Afternoon Launch cruise on the river Nile Day 9: Visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Transfers to Kampala or Entebbe Safari Inclusions and Exclusions The 9 days Uganda safari package includes; Gorilla permits Chimpanzee permits Batwa visit 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: Pickup from Kampala or Entebbe – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. Wake up early morning and take breakfast as you wait for the company driver. The Driver will brief you about the tour and let you know where to get any equipment or change money. The journey to Lake Bunyonyi is long but very interesting as it offers travelers a chance to observe the life in rural Africa. You will see for yourself how the local people go about their daily life away from the traffic jam and busy life in the capital Kampala. The south western part of Uganda is blessed with incredible scenery – lakes, rivers, mountains, national parks, forests, rolling hills, tea plantations and changing vegetation. Expect to enjoy the journey if you love nature and are a keen observer. There will be stopovers at various landmarks including at the equator crossing for an opportunity to take photos. Lunch will be taken along the way before continuing to Lake Bunyonyi. Once you reach the lake, the driver/Guide will take you to the lodge for check-in, shower and refreshment. You can then go for a nature walk along the lake shores and then relax as you watch the sunset. Lake Bunyonyi (place of little birds) is Africa’s second deepest lake. It is a relatively small but very beautiful and romantic lake with naturally beautiful surroundings. Lake Bunyonyi is surrounded by terraced hills and forests along the shores. 29 small islands are found in the lake with some interesting ones like the punishment island and another that used to be a quarantine Centre for lepers. The lake is free from bilharzia and crocodiles hence excellent for only those who can swim in deep waters. Birders should expect a treat as the lake is a home to over 200 recorded species. Dinner and overnight at Bunyonyi Safari Resort or Bunyonyi Eco Resort Day 2: Canoeing, Island hopping and swimming – Transfer