4 Days Magical Bwindi

Get ready for the start of your gorilla adventure! In the morning, you'll depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site is considered one of the richest biological and botanical regions in the entire world. Its rainforest is over 25,000 years old and contains almost 400 species of plants. It is also the best place on the planet to see wild mountain gorillas. There are only about 800 wild mountain gorillas left worldwide, and Bwindi is home to about half of that number. A visit to the national park—especially one focused on meeting these great apes—helps conservation efforts by incentivizing ecological preservation as a part of the local economy. Besides gorillas, the region provides shelter for another 120 species of mammals, including several primates such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes.

Rise bright and early this morning for a gorilla-tracking adventure. Before beginning the trek, park rangers will brief the group to ensure your safety and that of the great apes. The trek usually takes three to six hours, so make sure to bring along a good pair of walking boots or shoes. The rangers will guide you through the village gardens and into the jungle-like forest as you search for gorillas. As part of anti-poaching efforts, the apes are under 24-hour monitoring, so you're almost guaranteed to see them! Once you have located a gorilla family, you will be asked to leave all your belongings on the side and approach the gentle giants with only your camera. It is advised that you keep a distance of 23 feet (7 m) from the apes to reduce the risk of transmitting human diseases to them. This also helps the guides interpret the animals' behavior and easily retreat if danger is perceived. You will be able to see the families in their natural environment: feeding, playing, interacting with each other, or just sleeping. The gorillas are usually quite curious to see humans as well! You'll be allowed exactly one hour with the apes before returning to base.

Transfer from Bwindi lodge to the Kihihi airstrip. Leave with the morning or afternoon return flight to Entebbe and connect in time for your international flight. After breakfast you shall check out and travel back to Kampala/Entebbe. You shall stop over at the Uganda Equator line for pictures and curio purchases.