WHY YOU’D LOVE IT!
Journey through the home of almost half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, the extraordinary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Become enchanted with Bwindi’s incredible scenery, from its steep mountains to its verdant jungles. You’ll also be surrounded by animal life, as the park abounds with over 120 mammal species and 350 bird species.
Among these animals are the 340 mountain gorillas that call the park home, which account for around half of the world’s entire mountain gorilla population.
Gorill trekking!. You’ll hike through the breathtaking jungles of the park and spot these endangered gorillas up close, gaining insight into their daily habits. With only a small population of mountain gorillas still left in the world, this is a trip of a lifetime.
Highlights:
OVERVIEW
Itinerary at a glance
◽️ DAY 0 | Travel
Departure
◽️ DAY 1 | Kenya
Nairobi arrival
◽️ DAY 2 | Uganda
Entebbe arrival
◽️ DAY 3-4 | Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
◽️ DAY 5 | Travel
Return / Onwards Travel
MAP
MAP
Visualize your journey!
DAY 1
ENTEBBE (Uganda)
Entebbe overnight
📍 The Boma
THE BOMA
Guest House Overview
Bed & Breakfast, drinks excl.
Arrival at Entebbe Airport, where you will be welcomed by a representative and transferred to the guesthouse (5–10 minutes) Welcome to the Pearl of Africa! On the shores of gorgeous Lake Victoria, Entebbe is an attractive, verdant town that served as the capital city during the early years of the British protectorate. Visit nearby natural attractions like the Botanical Gardens, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Mabamba Swamp Visit, and Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
The charming property is situated in tropical gardens on the outskirts of Entebbe, just 5 minutes from Entebbe International Airport. A tastefully restored colonial homestead consisting of comfortable bedrooms Each of them is decorated with African themes and has their own private bathroom. A diners’ bar is set in a landscaped garden with lake views. The main house includes a private dining veranda and a living room for overnight guests.
Arrive, unwind, relax, enjoy lunch or dinner, and get ready for your Gorilla adventure!
B&B
LODGE
OVERNIGHT
DAY 2-3
BWINDI FOREST
Gorilla Trekking
📍 Buhoma Lodge
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Area Overview
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest! is a biodiverse, mountainous area in southwest Uganda. An ancient rain forest, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest extends over a series of steep ridges in the Virunga Volcanoes mountain range. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site due to its ecological uniqueness and natural beauty, roughly half of the world’s total gorilla population live in this park.
The Mountain Gorillas are among Uganda’s top tourist attraction. While trekking these great creatures, the experience and excitement you encounter while with them is really worthwhile. Tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest can be conducted all year round.
Gorilla trekking is a unique, thrilling and fulfilling experience – it is a journey leading one to appreciate the hidden treasures of Uganda. There are over 36 gorilla groups within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest but only eleven can be visited for gorilla tracking since others are still undergoing habituation process. Visiting one or more habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is worth as each of them tells different stories which afterwards rewards visitors with unforgettable experiences of a life time. The habituated gorillas are now used to humans but they are wild. So anything unexpected can happen-follow the guides rules you will get no harm normally you do not eat or drink when you’re with the gorillas. You should keep a distance of 7m from the gorillas, although of course the gorillas themselves are unaware of this and will often get very close, in which case you should try to move away.
ACTIVITIES
Meet the gorillas eye to eye in the wild and spend a full hour watching, photographing and learning about these great apes that are only found in Uganda!
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Gorilla Trekking
Located at the entrance of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Buhoma Lodge is positioned as one of just two lodges nestled within the national park. It serves as the ideal accommodation choice for those embarking on a much-awaited Gorilla trekking adventure.
Famous for its inviting reception and attentive service, visitors appreciate the comforting atmosphere of this lodge, inspired by the essence of Africa. Constructed from sustainable materials, the raised central lounge, bar, and dining space (where delectable multi-course meals are served) provides a welcoming haven for guests to relax, all while enjoying uninterrupted and stunning views of the forest. The crackling fireplace further enhances the ambiance, adding an air of mystique to cooler evenings.
With a tranquil and snug quality, the ten generously-sized, environmentally conscious wooden chalets offer a secluded getaway. Guests can drift off to sleep to the melodies of the forest and wake up to the lively sounds of birds and monkeys as the day begins. The private verandah is an ideal spot for morning tea or coffee, offering sweeping vistas over the untouched forest—a truly delightful way to commence the day.
Fly to Kihili Airstrip. Airstrip meet & greet with road transfer to camp Day at leisure, preparing for tomorrow's adventure!
BUHOMA LODGE
Lodge Overview
Full board, drinks excl.
Located at the entrance of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Buhoma Lodge is positioned as one of just two lodges nestled within the national park. It serves as the ideal accommodation choice for those embarking on a much-awaited Gorilla trekking adventure.
Famous for its inviting reception and attentive service, visitors appreciate the comforting atmosphere of this lodge, inspired by the essence of Africa. Constructed from sustainable materials, the raised central lounge, bar, and dining space (where delectable multi-course meals are served) provides a welcoming haven for guests to relax, all while enjoying uninterrupted and stunning views of the forest. The crackling fireplace further enhances the ambiance, adding an air of mystique to cooler evenings.
With a tranquil and snug quality, the ten generously-sized, environmentally conscious wooden chalets offer a secluded getaway. Guests can drift off to sleep to the melodies of the forest and wake up to the lively sounds of birds and monkeys as the day begins. The private verandah is an ideal spot for morning tea or coffee, offering sweeping vistas over the untouched forest—a truly delightful way to commence the day.
Fly to Kihili Airstrip. Airstrip meet & greet with road transfer to camp Day at leisure, preparing for tomorrow's adventure!
FULL BOARD
LODGE
TREKKING
DAY 4
RETURN
RETURN
Morning transfer to Kihihi airstrip. Depart Kihihi to Entebbe. Fron Entebbe, depart on a commercial flight to Zanzibat, with layover in Nairobi.
What to Anticipate on a Gorilla Tracking Adventure
WHAT TO ANTICIPATE ON A GORILLA TRACKING ADVENTURE
Prepare for an early start to the day. Make sure to set your alarm for an early wake-up call, as you’ll need time to freshen up, get dressed, and have breakfast before departing from camp at 7:45 am. Opt for neutral-colored clothing and pack rain gear. It’s essential to wear long sleeves and trousers tucked into your socks to guard against ants, stinging nettles, and brush.
Upon reaching the park headquarters, you’ll join your guide(s) and tracker(s) to commence tracking. The lead tracker will search for clues like footprints, chewed bamboo, or dung to pinpoint the gorilla group’s location.
It is highly recommended to hire a personal porter (arranged and paid locally) to assist during the trek.
NOT JUST A WALK IN THE PARK
Mountain gorillas thrive in densely vegetated areas with abundant low-growing vegetation, often scaling steep slopes for their preferred food. Consequently, tracking them can be physically demanding. Expect a trek of three to four hours or longer, traversing challenging terrain like mud, slippery slopes, stinging nettles, and thick vines.
Proper footwear and attire are crucial, as is good health and physical fitness. Engaging in pre-departure exercises such as walking, stair-climbing, or cycling can help build endurance. Consult your doctor for personalized recommendations.
Trackers typically allow brief rest breaks, but they maintain a brisk pace to ensure ample time for gorilla observation within daylight hours. If you lag behind or encounter difficulty, a staff member will stay with you while the rest of the group proceeds.
SCENTING GORILLAS!
You might detect the gorillas’ scent before spotting them. As you draw nearer, the tracker may emit soft sounds to signal your approach. If your trek isn’t overly long, you may encounter gorillas during their midday rest and playtime.
During the visit, the dominant male, usually a silverback, may lounge while youngsters frolic in the surroundings. Females tend to nurse and interact with infants. While curious adolescents might approach, touching gorillas is strictly prohibited.
Keep Low and Quiet
Your group will be instructed to crouch and stay together while observing gorillas. The dominant male prefers visibility to ensure his family’s safety. Avoid direct eye contact, as gorillas interpret it as aggression. Maintain a submissive posture and observe them from a low angle.
Occasionally, a male gorilla may charge as a display, but it’s typically a bluff. Remain crouched and composed; the gorilla will likely retreat. Such displays are part of their behavior, especially with habituated groups.
Tracking groups spend up to an hour with gorillas per excursion to minimize stress. Photographs are allowed from a low position without flash, and touching gorillas is strictly prohibited.
CAN I TAKE PHOTOS OF THE GORILLAS?
Yes, photography is permitted, but it must adhere to the constraints of a gorilla visit: photos should be taken from a low, crouched position with slow and minimal movement. Avoid taking an excessive number of photos and never use a flash. Recording videos of the gorillas is allowed, but only without illumination lights.
CAN I TOUCH A GORILLA?
Absolutely not. Gorillas are naturally curious, particularly the younger ones, who may approach or try to touch human visitors. It’s essential not to reciprocate this behavior. Guides may intervene to discourage such interactions, as they could provoke a response from the dominant male. Under no circumstances should you attempt to approach or touch a mountain gorilla.
IS THE TREK DURATION AND DIFFICULTY PREDICTABLE?
Tracking conditions vary based on the gorillas’ location, making it impossible to forecast the specific difficulty of any trek in advance. It’s conceivable that you might locate the gorillas swiftly and return in time for lunch, or the trek could extend for three to four hours or longer each way, concluding near sundown.
WHAT IF THE TREK BECOMES TOO CHALLENGING?
If you find the forest trek too demanding, inform your guide. Depending on your stopping point, you may either return immediately to the trail’s base with a tracking staff member or remain in place until the group returns.
CAN I ARRANGE A PRIVATE GORILLA VIEWING?
No, all gorilla tracking occurs in small groups of four to eight people per gorilla family. Visits are restricted to one hour per family per day to minimize stress on the gorillas, regardless of the group size. Given the limited time available, private visits cannot be arranged.
WHAT IF I'M UNWELL ON THE DAY OF THE EXCURSION?
If you have a cold, respiratory infection, or diarrhea, you won’t be able to visit the gorillas, as these illnesses can be transmitted to them. Notify your guide, and your gorilla tracking permit fee might be refunded. If you proceed with the trek while unwell and are detected by the guide, you’ll be escorted back immediately, and the permit fee won’t be refunded.
DOES A&K GUARANTEE QUALITY TIME WITH THE GORILLAS?
No one can guarantee uninterrupted gorilla encounters. Although trackers are skilled at locating signs of gorillas, success isn’t guaranteed. Additionally, consistent clear viewing at close range may be challenging due to dense vegetation where gorillas roam.
Please Note: Afrca Photo Safaris are not involved in the management or operation of Uganda’s national parks and reserves, including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where gorilla tracking occurs. These areas are solely under the jurisdiction of local authorities.
◽️ Preparing for your trip
PREPARING FOR YOUR
SAFARI
Pre-Travel Information
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date of your arrangements and have a minimum of three blank visa pages excluding endorsement pages. Travellng with minors - in addition to having a valid passport and valid visa (if applicable), children under the age of 18, traveling through Botswana’s borders, must be in possession of a certified copy of their unabridged birth certificate (one that shows the particulars of a minor and those of both parents). A child under the age of 18 traveling to Botswana and/or South Africa with just one parent must carry an affidavit signed by the other parent consenting to such travel. Failure to produce the necessary documentation may result in travelers being turned away at port of entry. Insider Tips Zimbabwe and Mozambique visas each use up a full passport page. If you are visiting both countries we recommend a minimum of four blank pages. Post Covid passport renewals are taking much longer than in the past so don’t leave applying for a new passport until the last moment as there iust a chance you won’t receive it in time to travel. Keeping your passport safe is key as there is nothing worse than having to spend precious holiday time replacing it. Make at least two copies of the ID page of your passport, visa (if obtained in advance of travel), Covid-19 vaccine passport, travel itinerary, travel insurance, credit cards and any other travel documentation. One copy can be an image scan and the other a hard copy which you can give to a family member, business associate or close friend for safekeeping When it comes to health risks and medical precautions, Machaba Blue is only able to offer limited advice as outlined below. Those with underlying chronic conditions should ideally seek medical advice prior to planning their journey. Prior to traveling to Africa, we highly recommend you visit a medical professional such as your GP or local travel clinic for advice on what health precautions need to be taken. This visit should take place at least 4-8 weeks prior to departure as it will determine the need for any vaccinations and/or antimalarial medication as well as identifying any other medical precautions. Currently no mandatory vaccinations are required when entering Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. Please check if this is still the case when visiting your GP or travel clinic. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by visitors coming from a country where yellow fever occurs, or if they have been in transit for more than 12 hours at an airport in a country here yellow fever occurs. Malaria is present throughout southern Africa and in certain areas of South Africa. Insider Tips INCLUDED ____________ * As indicated on your detailed safari itinerary EXCLUDED ____________ * Unless otherwise indicated on your itineraryPASSPORTS
HEALTH
VISAS
GRATUITIES
PACKING LIST
BAGGAGE
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SAFETY GUIDELINES
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED
TRAVEL INFO
- Health & Vaccines, Visas & Passports, Connectivity, Power adaptors, Travel insurance, Credit Cards, Tipping guide,Packing list and more
GORILLA TREK PACKING LIST SUGGESTION
Kindly note that the packing list below is just a mere guideline as you may have your own preferences
- 1-2 long sleeved shirts
- 3 short sleeved t-shirts
- 2 –3 pairs of light weight slacks/trousers – that can dry quickly (if wearing on treks)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 sweater or sweatshirt
- A waterproof and windproof jacket
- 1 skirt ( for women)
- Gloves – gardening or similar (for gorilla trekking)
- Strong waterproof walking boots – pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking
- (heavy soled rain boots also work well)
- Pair of sports sandals like Tevas
- Hat-wide brim or with a visor for sun protection
- Sleepwear
- Underwear
- Lightweight wool socks
- Swimsuit (and a plastic bag)
Miscellaneous
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with neck strap
- Insect repellent with DEET
- Small day pack
- Flashlight
- Binoculars
- Extra batteries
- Camera and extra lenses
- Film particularly fast film for the gorillas.
- Personal toiletries
- Prescription medicines and possibly prescription itself
First Aid Kit including rehydration sachets, anti-diarrhea medicine, aspirin, cold medication, antiseptic cream, band-aids, motion sickness pills, lip balm, eye drops and personal medication.
KENYA VISAS
- Note that your need to apply for a MULTIPLE ENTRY visa for Kenya
- Local host details to be used for Tanzania & Kenya applications
TANZANIA VISAS
- Note that your need to apply for a MULTIPLE ENTRY visa for Kenya
- Local host details to be used for Tanzania & Kenya applications
UGANDA VISAS
- Note that your need to apply for a SINGLE visa for Ugand
- Local host details to be used for Uganda applications
PASSPORTS
- Email or Whatsapp a clear color copy of your passport
- Expiration date valid at least 6 months past return dates
- Please check the number of blank Visa pages required by each country
CONTRACT
- Download the Safari Contract
- Take a picture with your phone of the first & last page and email back
- Include APPENDIX C / Indemnity for each person going on the safari
GUEST INFORMATION
- Download the Guest Information sheet
- Fill out for each person going on the safari and email back
