Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda is one of the most extraordinary safari destinations in Africa, renowned for its biodiversity and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is especially famous for the mountain gorillas that inhabit the park making it a prime destination for gorilla trekking and you can visit while on an escorted tour or taking a self-drive with 4×4 rooftop tent and you can combine with other parks.
There are so many unique safari itineraries in Bwindi that cater to different interests and each of them blends adventure with culture, wildlife and nature hence offering something for every tourist. Depending on what interests you most, you can customize your experience to focus on the gorillas, primates, photography, wellness or community involvement in one of Uganda’s most special areas. Some of these unique itineraries include the following;
- A) Gorilla trekking adventure and cultural experience. This kind of tour includes staying close to mountain gorillas in their natural habitat (blending wildlife exploration) and visiting the Bakiga and Batwa communities (local cultural immersion).
On your starting day of the trip, you will be picked up from your hotel or at the Entebbe International Airport by our company representative who will brief you about this exciting adventure. You will then embark on your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will have a scenic drive through Uganda’s lush landscapes with the chance to see rural villages and local wildlife. You will have your en-route lunch before proceeding to the park. You may arrive in Bwindi in the evening hours and just check-in at your booked lodge for dinner and resting after a long journey.
The second day is for gorilla Trekking Adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Have breakfast and head to the park headquarters for a briefing with your guide. In the briefing, you will be assigned to a specific gorilla family depending on your fitness level and group size (a group does not exceed 8 members). The length of time spent in the jungle depends on the location of the gorillas. You will hike through dense forest, often on muddy, steep trails in search of the gorillas.
Once the gorillas are located, you will spend a magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch the silver backs, females, and playful young gorillas interact. Take photographs (without flash) and immerse yourself in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Return to the headquarters to have your picnic lunch and receive your gorilla trekking certificates before you head back to the lodge for relaxation. In the evening, you may be entertained by Batwa people with their traditional dance at your lodge though its optional.
The third day will be for cultural Immersion whereby you will explore the local Batwa and Bakiga Communities. After breakfast, head to a Batwa cultural village. Visit the Batwa pygmies, a unique indigenous group and learn about their traditional lifestyle, history and the challenges they face after being relocated from the forest. Here the Batwa will entertain you with their traditional dances and songs. You will have storytelling sessions about their forest life and heritage. Engage in hands-on activities like crafting or learning about medicinal plants used by the community.
In the afternoon, visit a nearby Bakiga community for a deeper cultural experience. The Bakiga are known for their agricultural skills and hospitality. Engage in a cooking class or a farm tour where you will learn about local farming methods and sample traditional dishes. Enjoy a local meal prepared by the community. Then in the evening, return to your lodge for a relaxing and dinner. You may also have the option of a night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife before going to sleep.
After breakfast, get ready to transfer back to Entebbe International Airport. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you can enjoy a bit of time at leisure (optional shopping or visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens in case you still have time). Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your flight back home.
- B) Gorilla trekking and birding watching safari. This is an exciting Gorilla Trekking and Bird Watching Safari Itinerary to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the best locations for both activities in Uganda. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a haven for bird enthusiasts and those eager to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
On the arrival day depending on your flight time, you will be met by your safari guide at the airport. Transfer to your hotel in Entebbe for overnight stay. In case you have time, you can take a city tour in Entebbe and later check-in at your booked hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
On day two after having breakfast, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This journey usually takes long hours but it is a scenic journey through rolling hills, villages and green landscapes. Enjoy a break for lunch along the way. On arrival, check-in at your lodge or camp near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for dinner and overnight stay.
The following day after breakfast, you will have a briefing at the park headquarters about the gorilla trekking rules, guidelines and regulations. Head into the jungle with experienced rangers and guides. Trekking gorillas is a unique and thrilling experience where you will get to spend an hour observing these magnificent creatures in the wild. The trek can take about 2 to 5 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family but the experience is unforgettable and worth the hiking.
Once you find a gorilla family, you will be allowed to spend up to an hour with them, capturing memories and enjoying their interaction. After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch.
On the 4th day, you will enjoy a bird watching experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi is also known for its birdlife with over 350 species recorded including the rare African Green Broad bill. The early morning session is the best time to observe birds. You will explore forest trails such as those around Buhoma or Nkuringo to catch a glimpse of the many species of birds that thrive in this environment. Accompanied by a knowledgeable birding guide, you will learn about the different species, their calls (sounds) and habitats. Return for a relaxing lunch at your lodge.
After lunch, you can enjoy an afternoon walk along the forest trails or visit the local community for an authentic cultural experience. Have your dinner and overnight stay at your booked lodge.
On your last day of the safari depending on your flight time, you can either go for a second birding experience or visit a nearby community or the Batwa pygmies offering insights into local culture and traditions. After lunch, you can embark on your journey back to Entebbe to catch up with your flight to the next destination.
- C) Gorilla trekking and safari photography tour. A gorilla trekking and safari photography tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park would be an incredible adventure since it mainly focuses on wildlife photography opportunities including the thrilling gorilla trekking experience. On such a safari, you have move with good cameras and binoculars for clear capturing.
On your arrival in Kampala or Entebbe, you will be transferred to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will be welcomed by your safari guide. He will give you a little briefing about the safari and later enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling hills of the Ugandan countryside. Reaching the park just check-in at your lodge for relaxation. You can opt to go for a light walk or enjoy the views of the dense forest canopy. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
On day two, wake up very early for breakfast and depart for briefing about the rules and regulations of trekking gorillas at the park headquarters. After the briefing, meet your ranger guide and the trekking group to head into the forest/jungle. Gorilla Trekking is a thrilling experience with plenty of chances to capture stunning shots of the gorillas in their natural habitat. On this experience move along with long lens camera of about 70-200mm or higher for close-ups and wide-angle lens for environmental shots.
The trek can last about 3 to 8 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find the gorillas, spend 1 hour with them while observing their behavior, interactions and taking photos but be mindful of the park’s rules about not disturbing the gorillas. Return to the starting point for successful gorilla trekking certificates and return to the lodge for relaxing. In the evening, you can have a post-trek photography session focusing on the stunning landscapes of Bwindi especially during sunset. Later, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Wake up in a cool environment, grab yourself a cup of coffee and embark on a morning photography safari. Capture the mist-covered forest or the forest’s vibrant bird species. Focus on birds like the African Green Broad bill, Horn bills, the Doherty’s bush strike, Rwenzori night jar, black billed turaco, black bee eater, montane oriole, handsome francolin and other unique forest species. A macro lens for insects or flowers and longer telephoto lenses are perfect for bird photography.
After lunch, explore the village community around Bwindi and capture the rich culture and daily life of the people. Depending on your interests, you may have time for additional forest walks or wildlife photography sessions. Visit nearby viewpoints for panoramic shots of the forest or rivers. In the evening, return to your lodge for a sunset shoot from a nearby vantage point as your waiting for dinner.
Early in the morning, wake up for a photo walk in Bwindi to capture morning light filtering through the misty forest. Visit a scenic viewpoint for wide-angle shots of the forest canopy or surrounding hills. Return to the lodge, pack up, enjoy a final lunch at the lodge and head back to Entebbe International Airport to catch up with your flight to the next destination.
- D) Gorilla trekking and volunteer experience. This kind of safari gives an incredible way to experience wildlife conservation while contributing to local communities. It combines the excitement of gorilla trekking with volunteering opportunities in Bwindi.
On day one, upon arriving at the airport, link up with your safari guide, be brief and head to your booked comfortable hotel in Entebbe for lunch and relaxation. If time allows, take a visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education Center.
On day two, you will depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park passing through the beautiful scenery. Have your lunch en route in Mbarara or Kabale town. On arrival in Bwindi, check-in at your lodge and spend the evening relaxing and acclimatizing to the area.
Day three is for gorilla trekking experience, wake up early and have breakfast. Head to the park’s headquarters for a briefing before your trek. After the briefing, set out on the unforgettable trek through Bwindi’s dense forest to see the endangered mountain gorillas. This can take about 2-8 hours depending on the location of the gorillas and the terrain. Spend up to one hour with the gorillas once you find them, observing and photographing them in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxing dinner after the thrilling experience.
Day four will be Community Volunteering in Bwindi. Have breakfast at the lodge and head to a local community project where you will be volunteering. There are several options such as; Teaching children basic skills in schools in the surrounding areas of Bwindi and help them in reading and writing, assist at local health centers by helping organize materials, distributing hygiene kits or providing health education and join conservation efforts such as helping with habitat restoration or supporting anti-poaching initiatives. Lunch will be provided as part of the program and later continue with volunteering efforts in the afternoon. Return to your lodge in the evening and enjoy your dinner while reflecting on the day’s experiences.
Day five you will have a cultural immersion and volunteering. Enjoy breakfast at the lodge and go for a cultural experience in the local Batwa village or another indigenous community to learn about their culture, traditions and history. Participate in volunteer activities such as cooking, traditional dancing and art. You can spend the rest of the day volunteering again at your chosen program.
On day six, have a final breakfast in Bwindi and then depart Bwindi for the return journey to Entebbe. Break for lunch along the way. Arrive in Entebbe in the evening. You can catch your return flight or stay overnight in a hotel before departure.
- E) Gorilla trekking and Wilderness camping. This kind of safari combines a thrilling gorilla trekking with the rustic experience of wilderness camping allowing you to explore the beauty of Bwindi’s forests and wildlife in an immersive way.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), meet your driver/guide who will be with you throughout your journey. You will have a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and your departure point will depend on the region of Bwindi you are going to visit. On arrival at the Airport, you can as well board a domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro.
Arrive at your wilderness campsite near Bwindi Forest. Your camp will be set up in a remote location offering a unique immersion into the natural environment of Bwindi. On arrival in the camp, freshen up, relax and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
In the evening, enjoy your dinner at the campsite and an orientation briefing from your guide about the coming days. Enjoy a campfire experience, sharing stories of Uganda’s wildlife and the upcoming gorilla trekking experience. Overnight at the wilderness campsite.
On day 2, have early breakfast at the campsite and get ready for a gorilla trekking adventure. After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for the gorilla trekking briefing. You will be introduced to the etiquette of interacting with gorillas and receive information on the specific gorilla family to visit.
After the briefing, the trek begins. The duration of the trek can vary depending on the location of the gorillas but it usually lasts from 2 to 6 hours through the dense forest. You will hike through the jungle, experiencing the diverse flora and fauna of Bwindi as you make your way to the assigned gorilla family.
When you encounter the gorillas, you will have one hour to observe them closely, take photographs and appreciate their natural behavior. Return to your camp for a well-deserved hot lunch and relaxation. Take some time to rest or explore the area around the camp with your guide for a nature walk or to learn about the local plant species.
In the evening, you will enjoy your dinner around the campfire with your group, reflecting on your experience with the gorillas. Overnight at your wilderness camp.
The following day after breakfast, you will embark on a cultural excursion to visit the Batwa people (Pygmies), one of Uganda’s indigenous groups. They were once forest dwellers before Bwindi was established as a national park. Learn about their unique way of life, traditional crafts, songs, dances and their deep connection to the forest. The Batwa community provides an unforgettable cultural insight into how people and wildlife coexist.
In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional lunch with the Batwa community and then return to camp to relax and unwind. Alternatively, you can enjoy a short hike around the Bwindi Forest, spotting other wildlife or bird species as you appreciate the surrounding beauty.
Dinner at the campsite with your fellow adventurers followed by a relaxing evening around the campfire. Overnight at the wilderness camp.
The following morning after having breakfast, you may go for a wildlife safari in the nearby Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park if it’s favorable to you or you can go in another nearby wildlife area in the southern part of Bwindi. You will explore the area looking for tree-climbing lions, buffalo, elephants and various other wildlife as well as birds.
Enjoy a guided walking safari to experience the wilderness on foot. A ranger will lead you on a nature walk through the area, helping you understand the ecosystem and spot smaller animals or plants that you may not see while driving.
In the afternoon, have your picnic lunch in the wilderness. After lunch, you may visit other local spots like the Ishasha River or engage in a bird-watching tour if you are a keen birder. You will have a chance to take in the views, photograph the landscape and explore the area further.
In the evening, return to camp for dinner and relax in the serene environment of Bwindi. Enjoy one last evening around the fire, share stories and reflect on the journey. Overnight at your wilderness camp.
Enjoy an early breakfast at camp and pack up your belongings for your returning journey back to Entebbe International Airport to catch up with your flight to the next destination.
- F) Luxury gorilla safari and wellness retreat. Bwindi is one of the best places in the world for gorilla trekking offering an amazing combination of wildlife encounters and scenic views. This type of safari combines adventure with ultimate relaxation.
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be greeted by a private driver and transferred to your luxury hotel. Stay at a high-end hotel like the Pearl of Africa Hotel, Kampala or Kampala Serena Hotel which offers a great blend of luxury and comfort.
After checking in and settling, unwind with a spa treatment and gentle yoga at the hotel’s wellness center to recover from your flight. Savor a gourmet dinner featuring local and international cuisine.
The next day after breakfast, take a charter flight from Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip which is the closest airport to Bwindi. From the airstrip, a private 4×4 vehicle will transfer you to your luxury lodge in the heart of Bwindi such as Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp or Bwindi Lodge both offering luxurious amenities, fine dining and spectacular views of the forest. On arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy the serene surroundings. Indulge in a gourmet lunch at the lodge with a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Relax after your journey with a massage or an aromatherapy treatment at the lodge’s wellness facility.
In the evening, you will enjoy a 5-course luxury dinner while listening to the sounds of the forest.
Next morning after an early breakfast, head to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a briefing on the gorilla trekking experience. Your personal guide will lead you through the dense jungle in search of the mountain gorillas. The trek can range from 2 to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas are located. Spend an awe-inspiring hour with the gorillas, watching them interact, feed and capture videos and photographs to show people back home. After the trek, return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch and have some time for relaxing.
In the afternoon, unwind with a luxury spa treatment such as a deep tissue massage or a signature body scrub and in the evening enjoy a private sunset yoga session overlooking the lush rain forest and volcanoes. Indulge in a luxurious dinner prepared with fresh organic ingredients before you go to sleep.
Start the day with a gentle yoga session or meditation in a peaceful part of the forest or by the lodge’s pool. After breakfast, take a guided village tour to experience the local Batwa culture including a traditional dance performance and visits to local communities to learn about their way of life.
Return to the lodge for a delicious lunch featuring a combination of international and Ugandan cuisine. Spend the afternoon at the lodge’s wellness center where you can opt to go for a detoxifying body wrap or a relaxing facial treatment to restore your energy. Enjoy a gourmet dinner paired with fine wines in a private setting, perhaps by a crackling fire under the stars.
Start the final day with a morning meditation or a gentle yoga session as you enjoy the view of the surrounding nature. Enjoy a final luxury brunch (a meal usually taken late in the morning that combines a late breakfast and an early lunch) at your lodge before departing. Later meet your driver and transfer back to Kihihi Airstrip for your return flight to Entebbe where you will catch your international flight back home.