The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a large primeval forest located in south-western Uganda in the Kanungu District. The forest is on the edge of the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift, at elevations ranging from 1,160 to 2,607 metres (3,806 to 8,553 ft).
"Bwindi" is derived from the Runyakitara language and means "impenetrable". This name comes from the extensive stands of bamboo interspersed amongst the larger forest hardwoods. The bamboo and thick ground cover of ferns, vines, and other plant growth severely hinder direct access on foot. Also known as the "Place of Darkness", the forest is on the edge of the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, only a few kilometers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) border and about 25 kilometres north of the Virunga Mountains.
The forest is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth, where half the world's population of the highly endangered mountain gorillas live in its jungles. The forest has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as a World Heritage Site for its biological significance.
The forest has been described as "Riven by disputes and crosshatched by historical, political, and biological borders" by researcher Craig Stanford, co-director of the park's Jane Goodall Research Center. In 1991, the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was established, adjacent to the strife-torn Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC border region.
Upon arrival at Entebbe airport, you will clear customs and immigration and then you will be met by our representative outside the baggage hall area and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight at in Entebbe/Kampala on a bed and breakfast basis
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Entebbe Airport for a scheduled flight (ETD 0830hrs ETA 1035hrs) to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the camp/lodge in time for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure for taking part in any optional activities (at an additional cost payable directly to the lodge). Dinner will be provided at the camp/lodge.
Overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on full board basis (excludes drinks and laundry)
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
Well-trained guides lead you to the site where the gorillas were encountered the day before and from here the tracking begins. The gorillas, whose continuous search for food requires a nomadic lifestyle, determine the duration of the hike. The trek can take between one and six hours, sometimes more, at elevations in excess of 7,500 feet and over rough terrain.
Although the hike can be physically demanding, the anticipation of the exciting experience ahead is invigorating, and the beauty of the forest and its inhabitants are fascinating. When the gorillas are encountered, any fatigue is quickly forgotten. Observing a wild gorilla family in its natural habitat and on its terms is considered by many naturalists to be the most profound natural history experience in the world. Few who have had this rare privilege would disagree. It is important to recognize that these gorillas have only recently been habituated to tourists.
Their curiosity is obvious, but they have only begun to grow accustomed to humans. Each strictly regulated 60-minute visit passes all too quickly, and you depart leaving the gorillas to their fragile existence.
After time with the gorillas and a picnic lunch, you return to camp with hopefully a few unforgettable memories of a rare and wondrous experience. If the gorilla groups are relatively close, you’ll also have the chance to hike nearby forest trails to obtain a better understanding of the forest and its other inhabitants. These hikes provide the opportunity to observe smaller primate species and regional, endemic birds.
After breakfast you will be taken on a short drive to the park headquarters where you will begin your Gorilla trekking experience. This generally takes an entire day, and you will return to your camp/lodge in the late afternoon. A late lunch will be provided, and the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Dinner will be provided at the camp/lodge.
Overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airstrip for the morning scheduled flight to Entebbe ETD 1055hrs ETA 1155hrs). You will be met on arrival and assisted to connect to your departure flight.
Inclusion
Transfers
Domestic scheduled flights with airport fees and taxes
Transport in 4x4 vehicle with an English speaking driver-guide
Meals and accommodation as specified
All park fees and government taxes
Activities as indicated
AI basis accommodation - Includes soft drinks, drinking water, juice, local beer, house wine & non-premium spirits
Gorilla viewing permit
Exclusion
Visas and international flights
International airport taxes (clients pay direct if not included on the ticket)
Driver-guide gratuities, drinks, dining rooms tips and porterage
Personal travel, baggage and medical insurance
Telephone bills, laundry and any items of a personal nature unless indicated
Any other item(s) not in the inclusion list above
Note
Accommodation Details
Entebbe - Protea Entebbe (BB)
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (AI)
We may have to re-route the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability.
Prices for Gorilla / Primate Permits or park fees may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you.
Price for extra night available at request
In order to qualify for the above rates, the tour must start and finish within the specified dates.
Passengers should bring only soft sided bags on safaris.
All the passengers must have valid Identification Card/Passport with them for internal flights.
Travellers’ cheques generally are not accepted in East Africa. US bank notes cannot be older than 2008 and must have the most current security markings (large portrait of the presidents)
