3 days a short gorilla trekking from Kampala
3 days a short gorilla trekking from Kampala often entails a journey to either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, requiring an 8-9 hour car trip or a 1-2 hour flight. These parks are renowned for their populations of endangered mountain gorillas, and trekking to observe them is a favored pastime among tourists. A general outline of a 3 days a short gorilla trekking from Kampala may appear as follows:
Day 1: Journey from Kampala to Bwindi/Mgahinga
Commence departure from Kampala in the early morning, ideally either road or air.
The expedition to Bwindi/Mgahinga requires approximately 8-10 hours by vehicle, contingent upon the chosen route and traffic circumstances.
If you opt to travel, you may take a domestic trip to the proximate airports of Kihihi or Kisoro.
Check into your lodge or lodging adjacent to the national park.
Repose and ready oneself for the gorilla hiking expedition the following day.
Day Two: Gorilla Trekking
In the early morning, consume a substantial breakfast to ready yourself for the day’s trekking expedition. Proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing on the rules and procedures governing gorilla trekking. A gorilla family will be designated for your visit, and a skilled guide will escort you into the bush. The trek’s duration typically ranges from 2 to 6 hours, contingent upon the location of the designated gorilla group and the terrain’s difficulties. Upon locating the gorillas, you will spend roughly one hour viewing them, capturing photographs, and appreciating this extraordinary wildlife encounter. Following the gorilla hike, return to your accommodation for a period of leisure to unwind.
Day 3: Repatriation to Kampala
Savor breakfast at your lodge.
Depart from the hostel and commence your return to Kampala. The travel may require a comparable duration as the trip to the park, approximately 8-10 hours.nIf you arrived at the park by air, take a domestic flight back to Kampala. Arrive in Kampala by late afternoon or evening, concluding your 3 days a short gorilla trekking from Kampala expedition. The timetable and particular specifics may fluctuate based on permit availability. Gorilla trekking necessitates a permit, which must be acquired in advance due to the restricted availability of permits each day.
I suggest reaching out to a trustworthy tour operator in Uganda to arrange your 3 days a short gorilla trekking from Kampala. They can furnish you with precise information, coordinate transportation, permits, and lodging, and assist you throughout the procedure.
How to get Bwindi for gorilla trekking trips starting from Kampala
Accessing Bwindi from Kampala by road is contingent upon the specific sector designated for your gorilla trip. Bwindi can be reached by the primary highway from Kampala, which entails an approximate driving duration of 8 to 9 hours. Access the northern sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma by turning off the Kabale-Kisoro road, following the sign posted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to reach the allocated sector for your hike. The southern parts of the Rushaga and Nkuringo trailheads are accessible via the route that diverges at Muko along the Kabale-Kisoro Highway.
To access Bwindi from Kampala by air, you will be collected from your hotel in Kampala and transported to Entebbe to board a flight from Entebbe International Airport or the nearby Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip for the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo, and subsequently to Kihihi airstrip for the northern sectors of Ruhija and Buhoma. Scheduled and charter flights are offered and conducted by the domestic airlines Aero Link and Fly Uganda. You must coordinate with your tour operator for transportation from the airstrip to your reserved lodge.
Regarding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of only four national parks globally that harbor the endangered mountain gorillas, alongside Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bwindi Forest National Park is among Africa’s oldest forests, exhibiting a rich biodiversity that encompasses 350 bird species, 310 butterfly species, 200 tree species, 51 reptile species, 88 moth species, and 120 mammal species. The park is also inhabited by several primates, notably chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and the prominent Mountain Gorillas. The global population of mountain gorillas is 1,064 individuals, with approximately half residing in Bwindi Forest. The park hosts around 15 habituated gorilla family groups available for tracking, with 8 permits granted to each group daily.
What is the optimal period for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?
The optimal period for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest is during the arid months of January, February, and from June to early September, as this facilitates access to the park and provides a clearer view of the gorillas due to reduced foliage density.
What items should be included in a packing list for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest?
During gorilla tracking, it is essential to possess a durable and comfortable pair of walking shoes or boots. Conditions are typically quite muddy during rainfall. There are inclines that may be significantly steep and arduous. Wearing a long-sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long pants is recommended to shield oneself from undergrowth, stinging nettles, and biting ants. Recommended items to bring for gorilla trekking in Bwindi include:
- • Insect Repellent
- • Torch/Flashlight – with Additional Batteries
- • Moist Towelettes
- • Hydration Vessel
- • Camera, lenses, etc.
- • Comfortable walking or trekking boots and socks
- • Gardening gloves for tracking gorillas
- • Sandals, flip-flops, walking shoes
- • Headwear and Sunblock
- • Raincoat
- Sweater or fleece
- • Swimwear
- • Binoculars (for game or bird observation)