Travel to Uganda for the amazing 3 Day Uganda gorilla safari in Bwindi Forest that is short but a rewarding primate package designed to enable you explore the critically endangered rare mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park. Am a solo traveler and I did a 3 day gorilla safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in February 2017. I wanted to ensure I was booking with a reputable company; I booked my tour through Budget Gorilla Trekking because of the good reviews from clients.

Jackie was very prompt in responding to my inquiries and the price seemed was quite reasonable and lower than many of other companies I contacted. I chose to send part of the money $600 for gorilla permit via bank draft for booking in Advance and the rest to be paid upon arrival on the day of the trip. After Jackie clearing my gorilla permit, she sent me the confirmation receipt that confirmed that showed payment of the permit. Emma was my guides and he was so friendly and knowledgeable.

We met Emma at our hotel in Kampala, the first morning of our safari. We paid the balance of our tour while at the hotel, in a safe environment. Off we went in the direction of western Uganda in the direction of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive from Kampala to Bwindi forest is about 9 hours so having someone easy to converse with, especially when travelling solo, really helps. The main reason why people come to Uganda is to see these amazing threatened creatures who share 98% of our DNA. I stayed at the Buhoma Community Lodge and was quite surprised that it was considered low budget accommodation because my room and the lodge were lovely and the staffs were amazing.

After a quick meeting with introduction and safety briefing we were assigned our gorilla group and met the other 6 people in our group. We drove about 10mintues before we started walking. Prior to us leaving they had already send out trackers to find the gorillas and we started our 2 hour hike very excited.

When people say the hike is tough, they aren’t lying. The actual safari takes you through the jungle; it is not called the impenetrable forest for nothing. The terrain was incredibly steep at times and resulted in us having to use branches and vines to pull ourselves up. Even though I was there during the dry season, it had rained the day before making the ground slippery and there were many times I placed my foot and landed up sinking on the ground. I hired a porter and was very thankful I did because he was a great support during the trek and it benefits the community as well.

It is recommended you pay them a minimum of $15 and tip beyond that. We hiked from 2 to 5 hours before reaching the gorillas and of course it was an absolutely amazing experience and worth the challenges of the trek. Sitting 7m from the gorilla in the jungle, is really a powerful experience. Our gorilla group had two silver backs, a couple of females, juveniles and two babies. Remember that the animals are in the shadow of the jungle so you need a good camera. No flash photography is permitted. It was just a great experience once we were with the gorilla group that had been assigned to us.

They did not stay put for the 1 hour we were allowed to be with them and so we did have to keep hiking to follow them. But the time only starts once the gorillas have come down from their sleeping trees. After our hour of visiting was over, we had to walk back to the forest road. Visitors are advised of what to bring relating to clothing and foot wear including long weight trousers and shirts with strong boots, insect repellent, sun glasses, and a camera with extra batteries.

From start to finish, it was a 6-7 hour trek including lunch plus the one hour trek. But the journey to the gorillas is a correction of physically challenging hike. But all in all it was a once in a lifetime experience. We did the community guided tour along with traditional performances, dance and music performed by orphanage children. Thank you Jackie and team for arranging a wonderful safari experience.