Ugandan Gorillas and Lake Bunyoni Safari

Our five day adventure safari starts in Uganda's capital, Kampala, we cross the equator and head west to explore the habitat of the mountain gorillas where they can be found in their natural environment. The region around the Virunga Volcanoes on the border of Uganda is beautiful, lush vegetation and forestry. Neighboring countries include Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo which are the only places on earth the gorillas still exist. Getting up close to these phenomenal creatures is definitely a one ion a lifetime experience not easily forgotten. By visiting them you contribute towards their continued survival in their natural surrounding. En route back to Kampala, travel to Lake Bunyoni, the deepest crater lake in Africa, home to an abundance of birds and vegetation!

DAY 1 & 2 - From Kampala to Kisoro, Uganda  (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Departing from Kampala early in the morning we drive westwards to our Ugandan base of Kisoro town.  

From Kisoro, set at the foot of the Mufumbiro hills, members of our safari group can choose to take a memorable Mountain Gorilla trek. For those who decide to take up this amazing opportunity, we trek into the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks of Uganda, the Ruhengeri National Park in Rwanda or the Virunga National Park in the DRC, depending on the availability of trekking permits. The prices of trekking permits in the region change slightly over time and are subject to fluctuations without notice. The permits currently cost around 500 US$ depending on which area the trek takes place in. Over and above the permit fee is a local transport fee of between US$20 and US$25 per person. In addition to the trekking and transport fees we will have to purchase visas for entering the Congo or Rwanda to trek.  We will also have to renew Ugandan visas when re-entering the country. Please note the costs and budget accordingly.

The following are the Trekking Procedures that are to be followed:
The mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are amongst our closest living relatives. Only about 700 mountain gorillas remain. Visiting these gentle primates in their natural habitat is a unique experience worth cherishing and certainly remembered forever.  On a daily basis the park rangers monitor the gorillas giving them a fairly good idea of where the gentle giants are.  They are however free roaming wild animals, which means that sightings are not always guaranteed. In the unlikely event of the gorillas completely eluding us, the authorities generally allow for a second trekking opportunity.  This is purely at the discretion of the authorities and subject to the availability of permits, and as such this will not be confirmed in writing.  

As a major supplier of gorilla trekkers to each park, we have a high success rate in obtaining gorilla permits and ensuring sightings.  Several rules and conditions apply for health and safety reasons. We leave camp in the early morning and after the necessary border formalities we are transferred to a ranger's station where the trek begins. The trek rangers lead you through the cultivated lands, into the dense rain forest and on to see a family of mountain gorillas. The Gorilla trek can take between 45 minutes and 8 hours. Trekking can be relatively strenuous, requiring a reasonable level of fitness.  In order to prevent the gorillas from catching diseases carried by people or becoming overly familiar with humans, the maximum time permitted with the gorillas is 1 hour.  This allows for ample time for viewing the gorillas' activities and taking photographs.  Rangers provide background information on the gorilla family being visited.  Once the hour is up, you trek back out of the rain forest back to your meeting point.

The animals are not being exploited as the increasing number of tourists trekking them plays an important role in their survival. Park authorities use 100% of the gorilla permit cost paid by tourists to finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas. Money is used to protect these primates from poachers and the lethal snares they set and on promoting these precious animals.

DAY 3 - From Kisoro to Lake Bunyoni, Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

We drive through what is arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa, arriving at Lake Bunyoni.  This is the deepest crater lake in Africa and Lake Bunyoni is home to a large number of various beautiful birds.

DAY 4 - At Lake Bunyoni, Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

Today is for resting and re-energising after the trek. We spend the whole day taking in the beautiful Lake Bunyoni. Options for the restless and curious include visiting the local village or church, simply taking it easy, and canoeing or swimming in the tranquil Bunyoni. Yet more energetic amongst us can enjoy a hike in the surrounding hills.

DAY 5 - From Lake Bunyoni to Kampala, Uganda (Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner)

After soaking up the serenity of Lake Bunyoni, we start driving back to Kampala.  We then cross the Equator for the second time on our safari and stop to capture the must-have "one foot in each hemisphere" classic photo.  We overnight in Kampala, possibly for a sample of the nightlife it has to offer.

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