3 Days Gorrillas Tracking in Uganda
TRECKING THE GORRILLAS
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is located in South-Western
Uganda on the edge of the western Rift Valley covering 331 sq.kms. It is one of
the largest natural forests in East Africa, supporting a large number of plants
and animals not found elsewhere. About half the world's population of 600
mountain gorillas resides in Bwindi.
The vegetation, as the park's name implies, is composed of
tropical rainforest with dense undergrowth. This rugged terrain makes hiking in
search of gorilla strenuous work. Visitors who trek should be prepared for up
to 8 hours of hiking. Good physical condition is required. A maximum of only 6
permits per day are available for advance booking, so confirmation 4-12 months
in advance is required to avoid disappointment.
Along with the gorillas, there are nine other species of
primates including chimpanzee, blue monkey, red tail monkey, L'hoest's monkey,
black and white Columbus, potto, Demidoff's and needle-clawed galago. Three
hundred forty-seven species of birds have been recorded in Bwindi; seven
species are listed as endangered. Species of particular interest include the
Kivu ground thrush, white-bellied robin chat, red-throated alethe, collared
apallis, short-tailed warbler, yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Rwenzori batis,
blue-headed sunbird, strange weaver and the Shelley's crimsonwing. Over 200
species of butterflies have also been recorded here.
Day 1:
Meet and greet at your accommodation point at 0700hrs. An
early morning start from Kampala takes you southwest and across the Equator.
You drive through savannah grasslands seeing banana plantations and herds of
Ankole cattle with their incredibly long curving horns. You then ascend into
the Kigezi highlands, known as the "Switzerland of Africa", with
terraced farming and mountain scenery. Drive through to Bwindi. {10 hrs drive}.
Day 2:
After an early breakfast and a briefing by a ranger guide,
enter the gorilla sanctuary for your adventure. The beauty of this rain forest
is spectacular. The area offers dramatically steep forested landscape and is
incredibly dense, but criss-crossed by numerous animal trails allowing access
to tourists. The time taken and the terrain vary with the movements of these
great primates. The thrill of spending time observing these gentle and
endangered giants is an awesome, exciting experience to be long savored. Many
find it to be a rare and moving opportunity.
Day 3:
Sadly return to Kampala with great memories of and moments
spent with the fascinating Mountain Gorillas. You will have a stopover in
Mbarara for lunch. Drop-off at your place of choice within Kampala.
