5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS – BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK IN UGANDA – DRIVING OPTION

Description

A 4 -day trip around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is perfect for travelers who come specifically to Uganda for the incredible experience of trekking African gorillas. These gorillas belong to the ape family and are the third closest relatives to humans, after bonobos and chimpanzees among primates. Gorillas are incredibly strong, with muscular arms, broad chests, and large nostrils. They are usually black in color, though sometimes they appear brown. Most of their bodies are covered in hair except for their faces, palms, feet, and chests, which is mostly noticeable when they stand upright, displaying their control, power, and dominance. This trip promises unforgettable memories!

Summarized itinerary:

- Day 1: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your accommodation for an overnight stay.
- Day 2: Meet your driver guide and embark on your 8 -9 hours drive to Bwindi National Park.
- Day 3: Depart the Lodge for Gorilla trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
- Day 4: Second Gorilla trekking
- Day 5: Depart from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and drive back to Entebbe.

Included/Exclude

Accommodation in your itinerary

Safari Vehicle and guide

Packed lunch

House drinks at your accommodation

Gorilla permit (USD 800)

Optional Activities

Premium drinks at the lodge

Tour Plan

Day 1: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your accommodation for an overnight stay.
Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will be waiting for you at the exit lounge with a sign displaying your name. He will then transfer you to your accommodation for an overnight stay. Based on your arrival time, Optional activities are available such as a boat cruise to Mabamba wetlands, encountering the chimpanzees on the Ngamba Sanctuary on Ngamba Island, or enjoying a sunset cruise on Lake Victoria. These options allow you to tailor your experience and make the most of your time in Uganda.
Accommodation options in Entebbe:

Luxury - Hotel No.5
Hotel No.5 is a serene luxury boutique hotel located in Entebbe, offering a luxurious and comfortable stay. It features various room types including deluxe rooms and apartments, ideal for longer stays. The ensuite rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, slippers, and a secure safety box with password protection, a desk, and an electric kettle for making tea or coffee. The hotel provides excellent facilities including a 24-hour front desk, shuttle service, a shared kitchen, and free Wi-Fi. There is also secure parking available and a swimming pool that caters to both adults and children. Guests can relax in the lounge area and enjoy complimentary house drinks. Hotel No.5 ensures a relaxing and enjoyable experience for all its visitors. Other luxury accommodations in Entebbe include; Protea Hotel, K- Hotel, Horizon Hotel, Lake Victoria Hotel, Admas Hotel among others.
Mid-range – Karibu guest House
Karibu Guest House, established in 2012, is a boutique hotel located in Entebbe, conveniently 10 minutes from the airport. It offers a uniquely intimate experience with only 8 rooms, ensuring personalized service and exclusivity. The guest house prides itself on providing a high level of hospitality, featuring delicious cuisine, a 24-hour reception, and fast, complimentary internet access. Guests can also enjoy amenities such as a swimming pool, spa services, and massages, enhancing their relaxation and comfort during their stay. Karibu Guest House is designed to offer a tranquil and memorable retreat for its lovely guests. Other mid – range accommodations in Entebbe include Boma Guest House, Papyrus Guest House, Imperial Heights Hotel, Frontier Hotel, Santa Maria Health Resort, Saffron beach cottages, 2 Friends Hotel, Anderita Hotel, Peniel Beach Hotel, Acacia Beach Hotel among others.
Budget – Guinea Fowl guest house.
Guinea Fowl Guest House takes its name from the rare Numididae bird species found exclusively in Africa. Known for its longevity among gallinaceous birds, it symbolizes the guest house's commitment to endurance and quality. The guest house provides a range of room options designed for a cozy and comfortable stay. Additional services include laundry facilities, luggage storage, secure parking, and special massage treatments. Guinea Fowl Guest House aims to ensure a relaxing and memorable experience for all its guests. Other budget accommodations in Entebbe include the Airport View Hotel, Entebbe Travellers Inn, Discovery Courts Hotel, Gorilla African Guest House, Hotel Royal Nest, Sienna Beach Hotel, and Rosemary Courts Hotel among others.
Day 2: Meet your driver guide and embark on your 8 -9 hours drive to Bwindi National Park.
After your breakfast, meet your driver guide to start on your journey to Bwindi National Park, The Journey is a long one and considered a full-day drive but guests enjoy scenic views. You will either have a hot meal en route or you can depart with a picnic lunch from Entebbe. Dinner and overnight at your accommodation. Accommodation options on the Northern side of Bwindi Forest National Park.
Luxury option – Buhoma Lodge.
Buhoma Lodge is perfectly situated inside Bwindi National Park, offering stunning views of the lush forest where gorillas are often spotted near the lodge. The lodge features 10 cozy cottages designed like traditional Ugandan homes, spaced apart for privacy and comfort. Each cottage is crafted from sustainable materials, providing a serene environment with a spacious 6 by 6 bed, soft bedding, and a telephone. All rooms are ensuite with hot and cold water, eco-friendly toilets, robes, and a dressing mirror. Guests can enjoy a private verandah for sipping tea or coffee after their gorilla treks. The staff is known for their warm hospitality, and the chef prepares diverse daily menus. The dining area overlooks the forest, while the bar and campfire area are perfect for relaxing evenings. An elevated lounge with informative books offers a peaceful retreat to learn more about gorillas and Ugandan culture anytime during your stay. Other luxury options in the Northside of Bwindi include Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, and Trackers Safari Lodge among others.
Mid-range – Engagi Lodge
, Engagi Lodge, nestled in Bwindi National Park, offers breathtaking views of the forest canopy. Conveniently located near the main road, it's just a short distance from the park headquarters and Munyaga River. The lodge features eight rooms designed to showcase African beauty, constructed from natural materials like rocks and eucalyptus trees. Each room is ensuite and includes a private balcony, ideal for enjoying views while savoring tea or coffee. For comfort and convenience, Engagi Lodge operates a 24/7 water system for showers and toilet flushing, powered primarily by hydroelectricity with solar energy as a backup. In addition to the rooms, the lodge includes a main area with a sitting and dining room, as well as a bar section where guests can relax and enjoy refreshments and meals. Other Mid-range options include; Buhoma Community Haven Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge,and Gorilla Mist Camp among others.
Budget – Buhoma community rest camp
Located right at the doorstep of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Buhoma Community Rest Camp stands as evidence of community spirit, founded and supported by locals from the surrounding parish. Every penny earned here goes back into community initiatives, prominently benefiting projects like Buhoma Community High and Primary School. The camp offers a variety of accommodations crafted in authentic African style: six beautifully furnished safari tents, three self-contained tents, three non-self-contained tents, and six dormitory-style lodgings. For those seeking a more immersive experience in nature, there's also a dedicated camping site available. At Buhoma Community Rest Camp, guests not only enjoy proximity to the park's wonders but also contribute to the sustainable development of the local community. Other Budget accommodations in the Northside of Bwindi include; Broadbill Forest Camp, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, and Bwindi View Lodge among others.
Day 3: Gorilla trekking – Buhoma trekking sector
Guests trekking Gorillas in the Northern side of the park. Either trek the Gorilla families in the Buhoma sector or the Ruhija sector. The day starts with breakfast at your accommodation, your guide will take you to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Park headquarters, and the distance between the park headquarters and the accommodation depends on where you are overnighting. Guests overnighting on the Buhoma side while trekking Gorillas in the Ruhija sector need to drive for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, while the route is scenic – it is important to note that it is bumpy. At the Park headquarters, you will sign in and get briefed by a ranger about trekking rules, like no flash photography near gorillas. You'll then be assigned a gorilla family to track with your ranger for the day. Get ready for an amazing experience with Africa's gentle giants! You'll hike through dense forests on marked trails, searching for gorillas. Since they move around, the trek can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, but you might find them sooner. Spending an hour with these incredible animals is unforgettable—many find it thrilling and humbling. While the focus is on gorillas, you might also see other primates, birds, and unique trees. After visiting the gorillas, return to the headquarters for a participation certificate. Tips before your trek:
-  Be physically fit for the 2 to 8-hour hike.
-  Bring a packed lunch and plenty of water, as return times can vary.
-  Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt over a t-shirt, and sturdy walking or hiking shoes.
-  Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and a rain jacket.
-  Consider hiring a porter to carry your bag, especially on steep or slippery trails—they're really helpful.
After your trek, many lodges offer a complimentary massage as part of their services. It's a relaxing way to unwind and rejuvenate after your adventure in the wilderness. Dinner and Overnight at your accommodation.
Day 4: Second Gorilla trekking
Day 5: Depart from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and drive back to Entebbe. End of services.

Tour Location

Uganda

Frequently ask Question

Client’s Review

3 Reviews

(4.67 out of 5)

(3) Comments

Maverick

May 31, 2024

5It was a very peaceful and calm sailing with Sofia, my skipper for the day. The wind was a bit weak initially but it really picked up when we were sailing back. Sofia is very active and an excellent skipper and a very good guide and pointed lot of different types of boats to me, the meaning of the horns. The island we went to was hilly and a very small beach and we had a good lunch there.

Rating

It was a very peaceful and calm sailing with Sofia, my skipper for the day. The wind was a bit weak initially but it really picked up when we were sailing back. Sofia is very active and an excellent skipper and a very good guide and pointed lot of different types of boats to me, the meaning of the horns. The island we went to was hilly and a very small beach and we had a good lunch there.
John Murphy

May 31, 2024

4The experience was great, there was a lot to see. A few comments, 1. The audio was quite soft at times so I could not hear the commentary and history but the audio I could hear was entertaining and well read 2. Different drivers give different service so if you do not have a map it is easy to miss spots. I recommend having a sign/audio in the bus that tells you which stop you are at

Rating

The experience was great, there was a lot to see. A few comments, 1. The audio was quite soft at times so I could not hear the commentary and history but the audio I could hear was entertaining and well read 2. Different drivers give different service so if you do not have a map it is easy to miss spots. I recommend having a sign/audio in the bus that tells you which stop you are at
John

May 31, 2024

5We LOVED this tour. Our group’s ages range from 18-26 and the tour was perfect for us. It is somewhat physically challenging but if you are in decent shape, it’s manageable and so worth it! Their team gives you all the gear you need (wetsuits, shoes, helmets, life jackets, etc) so all we brought was a swimsuit and a towel. This has been the favorite activity of our group so far on our travels.

Rating

We LOVED this tour. Our group’s ages range from 18-26 and the tour was perfect for us. It is somewhat physically challenging but if you are in decent shape, it’s manageable and so worth it! Their team gives you all the gear you need (wetsuits, shoes, helmets, life jackets, etc) so all we brought was a swimsuit and a towel. This has been the favorite activity of our group so far on our travels.

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5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS – BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK IN UGANDA – DRIVING OPTION