Uganda is one of the most fascinating destinations with a wide range of tourist attractions distributed in its national parks. Murchison falls National Park, Kibale forest, Semliki, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi impenetrable national park are some of the destinations found in Uganda but most frequently, tourists visit Bwindi impenetrable forest just because of its critically endangered primate species- the Mountain Gorillas. Most tourists visit Uganda to explore its wildlife but trekking mountain gorillas is one of the most activities on each and every tourist who come to Uganda. This because it gives an incredible views of Mountain gorillas and an outstanding trekking experience offered by the Uganda Wildlife Authority which is worth it.
Our sole purpose for visiting Uganda was to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable forest. Upon arrival, we were picked up by our guide who transferred us to Bwindi impenetrable national park. It was a long drive but rewarding with lots of scenic views en route such as the royal drum makers, banana plantations, the equator where we got a chance of taking memorable photos. We had launch in Kabale and later proceeded to the park arriving in the evening for a check in at our selected accommodation.
The following day after breakfast, we were transferred to the park headquarters early in the morning. Before our gorilla trekking adventure, we where first briefed about the dos and don’ts while with the gorillas. This was followed by the search of the gorillas in the forest. Gorilla trekking is a tough but a rewarding activity which is well managed while making some stopovers plus taking lots of water.
During the trekking, it was a zig-zag hike within the forest upto an altitude of 6000fts which took us three hours to reach the gorillas. We were allowed a maximum of 1 hour to stay with the gorillas, the group had 3 infants who were being given much care from their mums and protection by the silverback. They were all calm and we were able to take memorable photos and videos plus also appreciating the memorable experience of watching gorillas at a closer range.
At the elapse of one hour, we had to return at the park headquarters to pick our trekking certificates, this was followed by a visit to the Batwa (Pygmy) people with an interpreter plus one adult pygmy called James. It is an interesting and incredible walk that takes you through the different practices of the Batwa including their cultural dances, way of preparing food, Lighting fire, blacksmith among others that really makes your trip a wonderful one.
Our trip didn’t stop there but we also visited Queen Elizabeth national park where we enjoyed views of the tree climbing lions at the Ishasha sector, a game drive that exposed us to the different wild animals in the park such as the elephants, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, warthogs among other wild animals. We also enjoyed a tremendous boat ride on the Kazinga Channel rewarding dramatic sights of hippos, crocodiles and a wide range of water birds. On the fifth day we were transferred back to Entebbe international airport for our departure flight but all in all it was a nice experience and an adventurous tour with Africa Adventure safaris therefore we decided to recommend it to others who wish to visit Uganda and East Africa at large.
