DAYS 1 - 4: Kampala to Lake Bunyoni (B / L / D)
After an early morning departure from Kampala you will journey west into the depths of Uganda to the tour base at
the tranquil Lake Bunyoni. Lake Bunyoni is the deepest Crater Lake in Africa and home to a large and varied number of beautiful
birds, and it is here where the optional Gorilla trek takes place. Dependant on where trekking permits
are available, you will have the opportunity to trek in the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga National Park in
the Democratic Republic of Congo, or the Ruhengeri National Park in Rwanda. The prices of trekking
permits fluctuate and may change without prior notice – currently they are priced at US$500 depending
on where you trek. There is a local transport & handling fee of US$65 to US$70 per person (this covers the
return transfer and the Wildlife Authority’s booking fee). For trekking in the DRC or Rwanda, you will also
have to purchase an additional visa to enter either country, as well as renewing your Ugandan visa upon
re-entry. Please budget accordingly.
Trekking Procedures: The mountain gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Berengei), of which there are still only about 700
remaining, are one of our closest living relatives. A visit to these gentle giants in their natural environment
is a unique and wonderful experience - one you’ll never forget. The park rangers monitor the gorillas on a
daily basis and have a fairly good idea of where they are. However, they are free roaming animals, and
their sighting cannot be guaranteed. As the gorillas share much of our DNA, anyone with even the
slightest cold or transferable illness will not be permitted to trek.
Due to the restrictions on the daily numbers of visitors to these incredible animals, you will depart from the base in Bunyoni in small groups over 3-4 days, depending on the group size. Winding your way through
arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa, you will head to the town of Kisoro and spend
the night (Should you be trekking in Rwanda your overnight will be in Ruhengeri). The following morning,
after packing your picnic lunch, you will be transferred to a ranger’s station where the trek commences. Your
rangers will lead you through the cultivated lands and then into the dense rain forest and on to a gorilla
family. Trekking can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours and it can be quite strenuous, so a
reasonable level of fitness is required. To ensure the gorillas do not get too used to the presence of
humans and because they share many of our genes (and therefore able to catch our diseases), the
maximum time permitted to spend with them is 1 hour. You will have plenty of time to watch their activity
and to take photographs. The rangers will be able to provide you with a background to the family you
are visiting. Once your hour is up, you trek back out of the rain forest to your meeting point where you will
be transferred back to the Lake Bunyoni campsite.
You needn’t feel like you’re exploiting these animals. The ever-growing number of tourists trekking them
each day play a vital role in their survival. For years they have been ruthlessly hunted for their hands and
heads, which have been sold as ashtrays and lampshades! In addition, large numbers have been killed
whilst trying to stop poachers stealing the babies for sale to zoos, where they have never lived long. 100%
of the gorilla permit cost is used to by the parks authorities to finance patrols that are instrumental in
protecting the gorillas from poachers and their lethal snares and on promoting these wonderful animals.
Lake Bunyoni
For those of you awaiting your day of gorilla trekking, the choice is yours, visit a local village or church, hike
in the surrounding hills, canoe, go on a bird watching walk, visit the local markets of Kabale or just spend
the days relaxing or swimming in this tranquil lake.
DAY 5: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala (B / L / D)
After marvelling at the experience of your gorilla encounters and enjoying the peaceful Lake Bunyoni, you will
begin your journey back to Kampala. You will cross the Equator for the second time and stop for the classic
“one foot in each hemisphere” photo opportunity. You will overnight in Kampala and have the opportunity
to sample its night life!
What’s Included
- Fully equipped expedition truck/ vehicle
- All cooking and camping equipment
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Services of tour leader, driver and safari cook
- 24 hour support number and contact at Real Gap for emergencies
What’s Not Included
- Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement, which should include cover
for repatriation
- Flights
- Transfers
- Visas
- Sleeping bag and mat
- Optional Gorilla Trek between US $375-600
- Local payment US $150
Prices and Durations
Gorillas & Lake Safari (5 days Kampala to Kampala) $469
