Itinerary
4:00 AM: Departure from Kigali
- Pick-up Location: Hotel or designated meeting point in Kigali.
- Transportation: Comfortable 4×4 vehicle with an experienced driver-guide.
- Travel Time: Approximately 3-4 hours.
8:00 AM: Arrival at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Check-in: Register at the park headquarters.
- Briefing: Receive a briefing from park rangers about the gorilla trekking guidelines and safety precautions.
- Refreshments: Light breakfast or snacks (can be packed and brought along from Kigali).
9:00 AM: Gorilla Trekking
- Starting Point: Begin the trek with a team of guides and porters.
- Trek Duration: 2-6 hours (including one hour with the gorillas; actual duration varies based on the location of the gorilla family).
- Experience: Trek through dense forest and rugged terrain to find the gorilla family. Spend a magical hour observing and photographing these magnificent creatures.
1:00 PM: Return from Trek and Lunch
- Return to Starting Point: Trek back to the park headquarters.
- Lunch: Enjoy a packed lunch or a meal at a nearby lodge or designated picnic area.
2:00 PM: Batwa Cultural Experience
- Activity: Engage in the Batwa Cultural Experience. The Batwa people, also known as pygmies, are the original inhabitants of the forest.
- Experience Details: Learn about their traditional lifestyle, hunting techniques, and herbal medicine. Participate in dances, songs, and storytelling.
- Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
3:30 PM: Departure for Kigali
- Journey Back: Start the drive back to Kigali.
- Scenic Drive: Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Uganda and Rwanda along the way.
6:00 PM to 8:00PM: Arrival in Kigali
- Drop-off: Return to your hotel or designated drop-off point in Kigali.
Inclusions:
- Transportation: Round-trip transportation from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle.
- Gorilla Trekking Permit: Permit fees for gorilla trekking.
- Guided Trek: Services of an experienced park ranger and guides during the trek.
- Batwa Cultural Experience: Fees for the Batwa cultural tour.
- Meals: Light breakfast/snacks, packed lunch, and bottled water.
- Entrance Fees: All park entrance fees and necessary permits.
Exclusions:
- Personal Expenses: Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, additional snacks, and beverages not included in the itinerary.
- Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- Tips: Tips for guides, drivers, and porters.
- Additional Meals: Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Optional Activities: Any optional activities or extensions not mentioned in the itinerary.
Important Tips:
- Clothing: Wear comfortable trekking boots, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Bring a rain jacket and a hat.
- Fitness: Be prepared for a physically demanding trek; a moderate level of fitness is required.
- Health: Ensure you have any necessary vaccinations or medications and carry insect repellent.
This itinerary ensures you make the most of your one-day adventure, combining both the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking and the rich cultural heritage of the Batwa people before returning to Kigali.