Gorilla Trek in Uganda

Begin your trip to study animal sciences with gorillas by flying into Kigali, Rwanda. Then you’ll spend the rest of your day in the city before crossing the border tomorrow into Uganda. Depending on the time you arrive will affect how much exploring you can do, but it’s always fun to discover other cultures and traditions, so make sure to make the most out of the extra time in Kigali. Visiting the local market and landmarks is always a good idea. Before getting a good night’s rest after the long day, find a local restaurant to try local cuisine.

Today will be another long day of traveling so make sure to get a big breakfast before heading out. Take a drive across the border into Uganda and stop in Kisoro before heading into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Once in the park, find your lodge and get settled in before relaxing after the two long travel days.

After an early breakfast, you will get a crash course on the rules and safety procedures for gorilla trekking. Afterward, travel with your guide through the thick forest as you learn how to track the mountain gorillas. You may also come upon other wildlife along the way like other primates and rare tree species before finding a gorilla family. Once you have successfully found the gorillas, you will then get to spend some time watching and learning their natural behaviors. Quietly pull out your camera and snap a picture or jot down notes of their unique habits before heading back to the headquarters. Enjoy a delicious dinner at your lodge before turning in for the night.

For today, you will work with the Gorilla Organization and help educate local kids about gorilla conservation. You will get to show educational films and talk with the kids on how they can help with the protection of the powerful mountain gorillas in the area. This opportunity will teach the kids how to protect their environment for the years to come and gives you a chance to share what you have learned about the gorillas so far on your trip. Head back to your lodge in Bwindi Park and get ready to travel  tomorrow to another location for more gorilla trekking.

Spend the morning driving to Mgahinga National Park, which is another great place for gorilla trekking. Get settled into your lodge and grab some lunch before going on the cultural Batwa Trail where you will be able to learn and experience the culture of the Batwa people. Your guide will give insights into the traditions of these people as well as educate you on local plants and how they were used for medicine. Learn about how the grass huts were made and see multiple demonstrations of how the Batwa people survived in the wild. After stretching out your legs from the morning drive enjoy the sounds of wildlife in the background while having dinner by candlelight.

For your last day in Uganda, go on one final gorilla trek through Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In this park, the Nyakagezi gorilla family is the only family of gorillas to inhabit the park. The family includes four silverbacks, two fully grown females, and three younger gorillas. Track the family with your guide through the green and lush forest. After finding the family, listen closely as your guide tells you about the behavior of this specific family. Capture as many pictures as you desire but make sure to stay quiet to respect the powerful and fascinating mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Wake up with one last breakfast in the middle of nature before traveling back over the border into Rwanda and catching a flight home.