7-Day Luxury Twice-Gorilla Trekking -Hiking Safari in Bwindi Forest

Posted by on September 3, 2018

Luxury Gorilla Trekking – Adventure Hiking Safari for the Fit

7-Day Luxury  Twice-Gorilla Trekking -Hiking Safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest-Mgahinga Gorilla Park from Kigali

Twice-Gorilla Trekking -Hiking Safari is a one of a kind Safari in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park. Visiting the Mountain Gorillas of Uganda is a once in a lifetime experience for most – on this Luxury Gorilla Safari you trek Gorillas twice, you have the best of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

You track the Mountain Gorillas twice on both ends of the forest and take a 5 to eight-hour hike through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with Incredible Views and wildlife and bird sightings.

Add a forest walk with the original people of the forest, the Batwa Pygmies and learn how they lived in the forest hunting and gathering for thousands of years leaving a low ecological footprint.

If you are a Hiker, This 7-day Twice-Gorilla Trekking -Hiking Safari is just for you, two Gorilla Treks, one in northern Bwind a Hike through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a second Gorilla Trek in Southern Bwindi, hike down to Lake Mutanda and a canoe. ride across Lake Mutanda plus Golden Monkey Trekking or Volcano Climbing in Mgahinga Gorilla Park is for you.

Highlights of the 7-Day Luxury Twice-Gorilla Trekking -Hiking Safari in Bwindi Forest

  • Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma Area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Hike through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest from Buhoma to Nkuringo.
  • 2nd Gorilla Trek in Rushaga or  Nkuringo (2nd Trek can be in Mgahinga Gorilla Park
  • Hike from Nkuringo to Lake Mutanda.
  • Paddle in a Dugout Canoe across Lake Mutanda
  • Climb one of the tree Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla Park
  • Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Park

Day 1 –Kigali -Rwanda to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:

Your 7 Day Twice-Gorilla Trekking -Hiking Safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest begins. Depart your lodging in Kigali for  Bwindi Impenetrable Forest at 6:30 am and take the scenic route through the rolling terraced Rwandan Hills into the Ugandan Gorilla Highlands toward Buhoma Village in northern Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.  Drive Time is 5-hours plus and depends in part on road conditions of that day.

Arrive at Lunchtime in Buhoma and check into the lodge you have chosen from the list below.  The Buhoma area has a wide variety of excellent upmarket, luxury and exclusive lodges to choose from, some located within the National Park itself.

Lunch at your lodge

Afternoon Activity Choices – Relax and Chill out at your lodge. Take a walk down the main street to the Bwindi Bar, the best place for a Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Cassava Chips with Salsa or Guacamole Sauce, some freshly squeezed juice or a cappuccino.

Visit the award-winning Bwindi Community Hospital that is one of the best rural hospitals in the country.  take a guided village walk (it is a created for the Tourist activity – a learning experience – the quality of the activity depends on the knowledge and delivery of the local guide).

Explore the Forest with the Batwa, the first people of the forest.  The Batwa Experience last starting time is 2 pm.

Take a bike ride from Ride-4-a-Woman with a guide, a Nature walk on the Waterfall Trail inside of Bwindi Forest.  None of the activities are included in the price of the safari but can be.

Dinner

Meal Plan:  Lunch – Dinner

 

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp – Exclusive $$$$:

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, located inside of Bwindi Impenetrable forest is one of the premier, exclusive lodges in Uganda and beyond.  If you choose this lodge for your stay, you must do so well in advance especially if you plan to come during the peak Seasons of the year.

The Lodge offers discounts during off-season months which are very generous. for this world-class lodge that has been featured in countless publications for its setting, quality of service and creative meals that are provided.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is one of the most booked in advance lodges in Uganda.  During Peak Seasons a room here is hard to get unless booked well in advance,

It is also one of the lodges that not only hosts the human guest, but drop-in Gorilla Guests show up from time to time here at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp in Buhoma.

Buhoma Lodge – Exclusive $$$$:

Buhoma Lodge is one of only two lodges inside of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. There is no drive involved getting to Park Headquarters on the day of your Gorilla Trek, just a walk in the park and you are there.

This luxury lodge has consistently maintained its standard of excellence and quality throughout the years that it has been in existence.  A long-time favorite among Gorilla Trekkers it is an oasis of comfort and quality of innovative meals that are offered here to its guests.

All Cottages have an excellent view of the surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – are exquisitely furnished, have balconies from which you can take in the quiet of the forest in the mornings or evenings.

When it comes to Buhoma Lodge, the words consistency and quality come to mind.  The Lodge has been here for many years and now and Quality and Consistency is what it has delivered to its guests.

Bwindi Lodge- Exclusive $$$:

Bwindi Lodge is an exclusive lodge with an upmarket price tag during low seasons of the year.  This lodge is one of the true all-around Pearls in the Pearl of Africa. Owned by the esteemed Volcanoes lodges you can not go wrong with this exquisite lodge that is in a class of its own.

The Lodge and cottage blend in with its surroundings, both the forest and the local building style. The service like in the other Volcanoes lodges is superb and one likes the giving back to the local community by training disadvantaged young people in the Bwindi Bar in the field of hospitality.

The lodge is a short walk from Park Headquarters and clients can walk there on the morning of their trek.

Volcanoes Lodges in Uganda and Rwanda are known for world-class Safari Lodge standards and Bwindi Lodge fits right into that.

Day 2 – Your 1st Gorilla Trek:

Breakfast and pick up your packed lunch and two liters of water. You will need a light backpack, 2 liters of water, waterproof hiking boots, jeans or long trousers, long-sleeved shirt to avoid scratches from branches, hat, garden gloves made of cotton come in handy in pulling yourself up on branches, walking sticks are provided by us – buy a carved one and you can take it back home in memory of this day. We provide Porter services and bottled water that you will need on your Trek.. (a packed lunch is not necessary if you return from Trek to lodge by 1 pm.

After some instructions, you venture out with your group with guides and military escort into the forest and a gorilla trek can be from two to five hours plus. The difficulty level depends on the group that you are tracking and the terrain that you cover.

The hour that you spend with the gorillas is the experience of a lifetime – you are just within a few meters of gorilla family watching them go about with their daily business – it is like taking a glimpse into someone’s house as you watch these gentle giants of the forest.

Meal Plan:  Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day 3 – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Hike from Buhoma to Nkuringo:

Breakfast and a packed lunch from the lodge and you are off on a 7 to 8-hour walking safari, hiking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You have a porter to help you with your backpack, there are guides and escorts, porters to lighten your load and enhance your time during this walking safari and nature hike. It is best to have two liters of water with you and some juice from a few individual containers bought in Uganda. A few energy bars or granola bars also just might come in handy.

Wear long trousers, long-sleeved shirts will help prevent you getting scratched from branches, hat – wide brimmed is best, light hiking boots, day pack and use a walking stick for support.

What will you see on your walking Safari through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest?

Bwindi Rainforest is home to over 350 species of birds many of them endemic to the region you hike through the forest will allow you to spot many a bird, there are over 300 kinds of butterflies and you surely see some of them up close and you will have the opportunity for some great photos. There are 10 species of primates in the park including chimpanzees, L Hoests Monkey, Red Tailed and Blue Monkey, Black & White Colobus Monkeys and Baboons to name a few.

You will definitely encounter primates on your trek through the ancient Rainforest. You will see some primate along the way since Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is not only home to Gorillas, Primates, Birds, and butterflies but to 120 mammal species including Forest Elephants, Duikers, Bush Pigs, the Giant Forest Hog, cat species and much more. You might also see some colorful lizards along the way – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the key pearls in the Pearl of Africa and a walking safari through it unfolds as a tapestry of sounds, sights, smells as you have never experienced before including scenic wonders that are simply a delight to the eyes.

Arrive at Nkuringo and we check into the lodge you have chosen in the Nkuringo or Rushaga area.

Meal Plan:  Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

South Bwindi Luxury Lodges

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – Nkuringo $$$$:

This exclusive Luxury Lodge overlooks Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Virunga Volcanoes in the distance.  It ranks as one of the Best Lodges in Uganda and in the southern area of Bwindi Forest.  From here it is a short distance to Gorilla Trekking in the Nkuringo Area or a 45-minute drive to the Rushaga area Trailhead.

The lodge exudes class throughout including in your private River Stone Cottage. 24/7 Butler and Maid Service is available to you.  The views from your bedroom balcony are uplifting and the patio is the perfect setting or the early morning Ugandan Arabica Coffee grown in some of the nearby fields.

Authentic African Art is found throughout the lodge including in your cottage and the Meals are delightful.  Many of our Clients have loved their stay at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – more than a lodge, but an experience.

Gorilla Safari Lodge – Rushaga Area $$$.

This upmarket lodge near the trailhead for your Gorilla Trek.  If you choose the Gorilla Habituation Experience which means 4-hours with a Gorilla Family, the distance is a bit longer.

Gorilla Safari Lodge has great Cottages including one Family Cottage which is also good for a group of 4 such as Friends.  The cottages have a fireplace which in this cooler region of what is referred to in Uganda as the Gorilla Highlands the temperature at night drops to 10 Degrees Celsius or 50 Degrees Fahrenheit. Hot water bottles are supplied at bedtime to keep you warm as you go to sleep.

The lodge serves quality food which is a fusion of Western – Asian and African Dishes.  The experienced staff here has your comfort on their mind and they are a service orientated Staff and the cottages are comfortably furnished. From here you can trek Gorillas either in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Park.

Day 4 – 2nd Gorilla Trek:

It is time for your second Mountain Gorilla Trek and there are four mountain gorilla families that can be tracked from here. Twice gorilla tracking and a hike through the ancient forest is simply the adventure of a lifetime.

Be sure to have your two liters of water, your packed lunch, and the other items that you used and wore on the first gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Enjoy your visit with the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forestall a part of your Mountain Gorilla Experience in the Pearl of Africa – Uganda.

Option- Gorilla Habituation Experience: 

In the Southern area of the park – You can spend 4 hours a Gorilla Family on an all-day trek.  Permit prices are 1,500 USD and there are only 4 participants in the group instead of 8.

Mgahinga Gorilla Park Option:  Do the second gorilla Trek in Mgahinga Gorilla Park instead of in Bwindi Forest.

Meal Plan:  Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day 5 – Hike to Lake Mutanda – Paddle across it in Dugout Canoe:

Breakfast and the very scenic hike to Lake Mutanda starts – you will need to wear hiking clothes and we recommend protective clothing such as Hiking Boots, long trousers, and the long-sleeved shirt.  Today the hike is downhills through villages and hamlets.   The Virunga Volcanoes always before you as well as the glimmering lake.

At Mutanda Lake Resort you cross the lake in a dugout, carved as they have been for centuries, the only new addition are life-jackets.

Your Driver-Guide will pick you up at the end of the hike and Canoe Boat ride and take you to your upmarket lodge and there are two choices from – Chameleon Hill Lodge, the funkiest lodge in all of Africa overlooking Lake Mutanda and the Virunga Volcanoes.  The other lodging choice is Mount Gahinga Lodge just outside of Mgahinga Gorilla Park.

Meal Plan:  Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Luxury Lodges – Mgahinga Gorilla Park – Lake Mutanda:

Mount Gahinga Lodge – Exclusive $$$:

This is an exclusive lodge with one hitch, it comes with an upmarket price – a real bargain when it comes to luxury lodges.  Here you stay in a private cottage in the shadows of the Virunga Volcanoes.  There is also a great view of Lake Mutanda.

The Lodge is owned by Volcanoes Lodges known for its world-class service, quality and creativity of meals served.

As your fireplace warms the room at night you will be delighted in the choice that you have made to stay at this jewel of a lodge.  At the time of booking please let us know the preferences you have when it comes to lodges and the choice that you have made.

Mount Gahinga Lodge has added a new exclusive cottage that you can choose at a higher cost.

Day 6 – Mgahinga Gorilla Park

Breakfast

Today is the choice day – you can choose from several activities such as Volcano Climbing, Golden Monkey Habituation or Trekking,  the Batwa Trail with the First People of the forest or the Sabinyo Gorge Hiking Trail.

Volcano Climbing:  The climbs take from 5 to 8-hours.  You need to quite fit to do this activity.  it involves steep hiking, climbing up ladders in sections as you are assisted by porters, rangers.  This is an off-the-beaten-path activity and there are not many others on this trek.

Batwa Trail:  The Batwa Pygmies lived here for thousands of year and on this interactive walk you can learn their ways as practiced for thousands of years in the forest.  They hunted and gathered in the forest, not taking more than needed.  Today, this Forest Walk is one of the only remaining links to their beloved forest.

Golden Monkey Trekking or Habituation Experience:  The Golden Monkey Trek is 3 hours in length while the Habituation Experience is an all-day Trek.

Meal Plan:  Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day 7 – Kigali Rwanda –  Departure:

Breakfast and we depart for Kigali where you can visit the Genocide Memorial prior to flying out.

Meal Plan:  Breakfast

This is a private safari, the itinerary can be adjusted by you, it includes all listed activities except when it says optional, lodging and food, included, 4 x 4 Safari Vehicle modified for Safaris. Does not include, beer, wine, alcohol, sodas at lodges, does include bottled water in the vehicle, does not include laundry, tips or travelers insurance.

7-Day Twice-Gorilla Trekking -Hiking Safari – if you are interested in this safari, please let us know.