Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel: A Memorable Ugandan Adventure

Yes, you can enjoy both a gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and a boat cruise on the scenic Kazinga Channel! This exciting combination offers a chance to encounter gorillas up close and see the abundant wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Located in Uganda’s Kasese district, Queen Elizabeth National Park features both savannah and riverine habitats, home to elephants, lions, hippos, buffalos, Uganda kob, and hundreds of bird species. The park includes Mweya in the north, known for its beautiful crater lakes and flamingos, and the Ishasha sector in the south, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions and the vast Maramagambo forest.

The drive from Mweya to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park spans about 5-6 hours (approximately 289 km) via the Ntungamo – Katunguru and Kabale – Mbarara roads. The journey itself is scenic, with stops along the way for photography and a tasty local lunch in Kabale. Alternatively, you can opt for a short flight from Mweya or Kasese airstrips directly to Bwindi, taking about two hours. Trek Africa Expeditions can personalize this safari to meet your travel interests and ensure you experience both parks’ unique highlights, from the Big Four wildlife in Queen Elizabeth to the mountain gorillas in Bwindi.

Experiences to Enjoy in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park After Visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s top destinations, offering unforgettable experiences beyond just wildlife encounters. Here are some must-do activities while in Bwindi:

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking is Bwindi’s main attraction. The park is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, providing an extraordinary opportunity to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat. A 3-day safari from Mweya to Bwindi is ideal, giving you ample time to immerse yourself in the park’s beauty and wildlife. Gorilla trekking is available across Bwindi’s four main sectors: Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Buhoma. Each section offers a unique trekking experience, and visitors enjoy a 98% chance of spotting gorillas on any trek.

To secure your spot for gorilla trekking, you’ll need a gorilla permit, which must be booked well in advance due to high demand. Each gorilla family allows only eight visitors per day, so permits are limited. Trek Africa Expeditions simplifies the process: just send us your preferred trekking dates, and we’ll check permit availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Once reserved, we’ll guide you through the permit payment process and confirm your booking, ensuring everything is ready for your adventure.

Gorilla Habituation Experience

For an even deeper connection with the gorillas, Bwindi offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This unique activity allows you to spend up to four hours with gorillas still in the process of being habituated to human presence. Only four people per day can participate, making it a truly intimate encounter. Gorilla habituation is available only in Bwindi’s southern sectors, Rushaga and Nkuringo, where visitors join researchers and guides to observe the gorillas’ natural behaviors, from feeding and resting to social interactions.

A gorilla habituation permit is required and must be booked in advance, as spots are very limited. The experience can last half or a full day, depending on the gorillas’ location and the time needed to track them.

Birdwatching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering one of the most rewarding birdwatching experiences in East Africa. Known for its unique collection of Albertine Rift endemic species, the park is a top destination for serious birders. Among the exceptional birds you may spot are the Rwenzori Nightjar, African Green Broadbill, Handsome Francolin, Dwarf Honeyguide, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and the Blue-headed and Regal Sunbirds, among many others. To enhance your birding experience, Trek Africa Expeditions provides specialized birdwatching packages led by expert guides who will help you identify and appreciate the diversity of Bwindi’s avian species.

Cultural and Community Experiences

Exploring the cultural heritage around Bwindi adds another layer to your experience. The Batwa, also known as the “Pygmies,” were the original inhabitants of Bwindi Forest and lived there for centuries before being relocated to aid in gorilla conservation efforts. Today, visiting the Batwa community offers a unique insight into their rich history, traditions, and survival techniques, such as honey gathering and traditional hunting. You’ll also witness traditional dances and hear stories of life within the forest. Additionally, you can engage with local women’s craft groups, visit community schools, and support the local community through donations of clothes or educational materials, which are greatly appreciated by local children.

Nature and Forest Walks

Bwindi’s ancient, dense forest offers some of the most enchanting forest walks. Covering over 250,000 years of natural history, the forest is home to rare and diverse flora, with many trees found nowhere else. Walking through the lush, thick canopy, you’ll encounter unique tree species, catch glimpses of various bird species, and might even be lucky enough to spot elusive forest elephants, baboons, or monkeys. Trek Africa Expeditions offers nature walk packages that allow you to explore trails such as the Kashasha Trail and Ivy River Trail, and to witness the natural beauty of waterfalls and rivers nestled deep within the forest.

Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

For a memorable visit, we recommend spending at least two nights in Bwindi’s four gorilla trekking regions—Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga. These areas offer a wide selection of accommodations suited to every budget, from budget-friendly to high-end luxury. In Buhoma, for example, budget travelers may enjoy Buhoma Community Camp, while those seeking a midrange experience can stay at Buhoma Haven Lodge. For a more luxurious experience, options like Mahogany Springs Lodge and Gorilla Forest Camp provide excellent service and comfort. Each region offers a unique setting, allowing you to select accommodations close to your planned activities.

Why Book a Gorilla Trekking and Boat Cruise Package with Trek Africa Expeditions

Trek Africa Expeditions specializes in creating unforgettable experiences, including a tailored combination of Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. We prioritize an authentic approach by combining our team’s youthful energy with seasoned local expertise, ensuring a seamless and enriching adventure. We also provide complimentary airport pickups from Entebbe International Airport for added convenience. As a highly rated company on TripAdvisor, we take pride in our commitment to quality and personalized service, reflected in the experiences of past clients. Contact us today to plan your adventure to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.