Days 8 & 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Two full days of gorilla trekking are our focus in Bwindi as we rise early each morning in anticipation of a peerless experience: a look into the eyes of a wild gorilla. The trail through the primeval rain forest can be challenging, sometimes slick and steep, but full of rewards. We are hiking in the jungle that early explorers called the “Impenetrable Forest,” and the name feels apt. Bwindi is home to nearly half the world’s mountain gorillas—about 459—a population that is growing, but still threatened by the increasing human population in the surrounding communities. 

Three family groups are habituated to human contact, and we hope to reach one of them by midday. Tracking them to their last known location, our guide looks for signs of their presence: broken vegetation revealing a night nest, stripped bark indicating feeding, a mound of dung. Our anticipation mounts as we climb over vines and foliage to approach the group. Our guide signals for silence, then proclaims our intentions with amiable grunts. We may see a range of ages among the individual gorillas: youngsters playing in the trees, mothers carrying babies, and the mighty silverback, patriarch of the troop. No wildlife encounter can surpass the thrill of meeting these magnificent primates, so much like us, in their own habitat.

Yet the significance of our visit goes beyond our personal experience: our presence here among the gorillas is crucial for their survival. Responsible tourism has been integral to sustaining these critically endangered animals, and the dollars we infuse into the local community help support their protection through economic sustenance of the people who live in proximity to the gorillas. We go home not just with incomparable memories and photos, but as ambassadors for the gorillas' welfare, committed to their future. If time permits, we’ll visit Conservation Coffee, a local co-op of farmers who grow, process and roast their beans to sell at a premium price that benefits gorilla conservation. We may have a chance to walk through the coffee fields, pick some beans and see firsthand how this sustainable community enterprise unfolds.

Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge or Buhoma Lodge

Mahogany Springs Lodge: Mahogany Springs Lodge enjoys one of the finest locations in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, on the edge of the national park with close proximity for gorilla trekking. Eight large thatched cottages and two family rooms overlooking the Munyanga River face the dense rainforest that's home to half the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. The lodge combines scenic views, privacy, serenity and exceptional comfort to create a gorilla and birding safari base with few peers. Every room at Mahogany Springs is a spacious suite, with large double doors and windows that bring the outdoors in.

Buhoma Lodge: This inspiring ecolodge provides an ideal location for gorilla treks into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, since trails into the forest leave directly from the grounds. Eight large cottages are built of local natural materials including sustainably sourced stone and wood, with decor in earthy, muted colors. Each has a private veranda offering expansive views of the virgin rainforest. Comfortable beds welcome you after a long day of gorilla trekking, and each cottage has en suite facilities with flush toilets, hot-water rain showers, locally produced natural bathroom amenities and a secure safe.

Day 10: Entebbe / Depart

Our Uganda safari comes to a close today with a flight back to Entebbe. A day room is provided on arrival, to relax and refresh for those preparing to depart. We share a farewell meal before transferring to the airport for departing flights.

Limited to 12 Travelers: A very important feature of this safari through primate destinations in Uganda is the limited group size, as ecotourism expeditions are best experienced with fewer travelers, for the most intimate wildlife encounters and less impact on the natural environment.

Specialized 4x4 Land Rovers and Land Cruisers: Our vehicles are a key component of the superlative safari experience we offer. They were designed especially for adventures in Uganda and Rwanda, with two goals in mind: offering comfort during overland drives on sometimes-rough roads, and providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. We use Nissan Patrols, Toyota Land Cruisers and Land Rovers in several sizes. Depending on our group size, we may use a vehicle that seats seven, five or three passengers, plus a driver, and each traveler will always be guaranteed a window seat. On photo safaris, we ensure extra space for gear and optimal photo opportunities.

Every vehicle has roof hatches that we leave open during wildlife drives for 360-degree viewing and photo opportunities, but which can be closed for comfort on longer drives. All have 4-wheel-drive and are fitted with high-quality imported tires to ensure that we can press on through rough spots. Seat belts are three-point, instead of the typical lap belts found in most safari vehicles, for added safety. All vehicles are outfitted with a cooler box with drinks, as well as tea and coffee; guide books on mammals, birds and trees; umbrellas and bean bags upon request for avid photographers. Each vehicle was designed with an environmentally friendly oil bypass filtration system that allows for an extended engine service period. This limits the amount of waste oil that must be disposed of, as Uganda and Rwanda do not yet have oil-recycling facilities.