3 Days Gorillas & lake Bunyonyi Island starting from Kigali

TOUR OVERVIEW;

The 3 day gorilla tour from Kigali and Lake Bunyonyi Island safari covers Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and a boat / Canoe ride along Lake Bunyonyi Island. Bwindi National Park is in the southwestern Part of Uganda and is about 3-4 hours drive from Kigali through the Katuna Border. It is home to a section of mountain gorillas that today remain not more than 1004 worldwide. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi start in any one of the 4 major trailheads- Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga region. Lake Bunyonyi is a magical lake in south western Uganda and is one of Africa’s deepest Lakes. This package also covers a visit to the Batwa pygmy community. Your 3 days Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi Island safari will arrive and depart via Kigali International Airport.

DETAILED TOUR PLAN;

Day 1: Pickup from Kigali – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, evening Community Tour

The driver Guide will pick you up from the Airport or Hotel in Kigali Town. After briefing you about the tour, He will start the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The scenic drive to Uganda will go through Rwanda’s northwestern town of Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, another popular spot for mountain gorilla tracking. Circle around the mountains to cross over into Uganda via the Cyanika or Katuna border posts. The drive continues through the nearby towns of Kisoro or Kabale, both are small towns nestled into the luscious greenery at the feet of the Virunga Mountains and the hills adjacent to Lake Bunyonyi Island respectively. Wind through the mountain roads to the final destination, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving early afternoon for your lunch. Spend the afternoon enjoying a Batwa cultural experience, learning about their traditions, way of life, and history. 

Dinner and Overnight at Buhoma Lodge/Chameleon Hill Lodge/Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Luxury); Gorilla Mist Camp/Ichumbi Lodge (Midrange) or Buhoma Community Rest Camp/Gift of Nature Lodge (Budget)

Day 2:  Gorilla trekking at Bwindi – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for evening relaxation

Wake up early and take your breakfast after report to the park headquarters for the mandatory briefing at 7:30 am. The briefing covers everything you need to know about the park, the wildlife and of course the mountain gorillas. You will be assigned a gorilla family based on your overall fitness. After the briefing, you will head out to different points depending on the gorilla family you are allocated. If you have heavy equipment, you can hire the services of a porter for about $15. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi forest can take between 30 minutes to 5 hours depending on the gorilla group you are assigned. During the trek, you will encounter rich tropical forests with amazing biodiversity Watch out for the birds, smaller primates, and plant life.

You are only allowed one hour with the gorillas. Take the time to observe and study their behaviour. Ensure that you follow the gorilla trekking rules including keeping a distance of 7 meters from the nearest primate. Do not attempt to touch a gorilla – especially a baby gorilla to avoid alerting the massive Silverback. Remain calm at all times. After your time with the primates has elapsed, you will be led back to the starting point and offered a certificate of participation. The driver will take you for lunch and after you will be transferred to Lake Bunyonyi Island for evening relaxation.

Dinner and Overnight at Bunyonyi Bird Nest (Luxury); Arcadia Cottages (Midrange); Crater Bay Cottages (Budget)

Day 3:  Canoeing and Island Hopping at Lake Bunyonyi Island – Drive back to Kampala.

After breakfast at leisure you can choose from the most popular activities like canoeing, visiting the various islands and simple relaxation on the lake shores. If you choose to go for canoeing and island hopping, don’t forget to visit the punishment island. About 80 years ago, girls who got pregnant before marriage where abandoned there to die. Most were quietly rescued eventually by their boyfriends or bachelors who could not afford the bride price. Once you are done with the activities, you will start your Journey back to Kigali Town.

3 Days Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi Island safari includes:

  • Gorilla trekking ($800)
  • Boat ride
  • Batwa encounter
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Fulltime English-speaking driver guide
  • Relevant government taxes

3 Days Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi Island safari excludes:

  • Visa fees
  • Insurance
  • International flights
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Laundry services
  • Additional activities and accommodation outside your travel plan