Uganda is known for its iconic landscapes, wildlife and, more importantly, the spectacular mountain gorillas. For those who do not have much time but wish to encounter these amazing creatures, the 1 Day Uganda – Gorilla tour is the best answer. The trip begins and ends in Entebbe and is designed to give travelers a thrilling experience of trekking the gorillas in the famous Bwindi Impenetrable national Park. This tour is tailored for tourists who have little time but wish to have an enriching experience, with connecting flights to and from Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip enabling easy movement to and fro the gorilla trekking sites.
Suggested Day Schedule
Early Morning: Departure from Entebbe
Your One Day Uganda Gorilla tour starts quite early before 8:00 am with a departure from Entebbe International Airport. Since it is an early flight, it is wise to spend the previous night in Entebbe so as to have a proper start to the expedition. After that, you will take a domestic flight either to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip which are close to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
Morning: Flight to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip
The flight from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro is a journey filled with beautiful sceneries as you will be treated to wonderful views of Ugandan landscapes from above. The duration of the flight is between one to one and a half hours and hence it is a fast and convenient means of travel unlike the long road trip. Transfer will be provided on arrival at Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip and your guide will take you to Bwindi Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park headquarters.
Late Morning: Drive to Bwindi Forest
If you are traveling from Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip, you can expect a lovely ride through the local villages, tea plantations, and hills giving you an insight of what it is like to live in the countryside of Uganda. In general, the drive to the world heritage site of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest takes about one to two hours depending on the location of your gorilla trekking start point. Pumped up with enthusiasm and trepidation, one can already see the thick misty, foreboding forest, which is home to 50 percent of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Mid-Morning: Gorilla Trekking Briefing
When you arrive at the park headquarters, you will be kindly asked to undergo a briefing conducted by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. These are the guidelines and rules regarding what one should do in order to go on a gorilla trekking excursion, safekeeping the trekkers and gorillas alike. Also, you will be provided with a specific gorilla family and treks group, where a group is made up of eight trekkers or less.
Late Morning to Early Afternoon: Gorilla Trekking
The main and most interesting activity of your Uganda Gorilla tour will be the gorilla trekking. This involves going into the thick forest to find a gauged family of gorillas with the help of eminent guides and trackers. The trek can be of different distances, from as short as an hour hike to longer more challenging treks of more than three hours depending on how far the gorillas are on that day.
While lingering in the forest, the guides shall also educate you about the different types of flora and fauna of Bwindi, which aids in the understanding of the forest. Every last step on the gorilla track is full of excitement and the sight of the giant apes is pure ecstasy. You will be privileged to be with the gorillas and take pictures for a period of one hour in the wilderness. The sight of gorillas taking pictures, moving, sitting, and interacting with one another is breathtaking and unforgettable.
Afternoon: return back to park headquarters
After the experience of a lifetime with the mountain gorillas, you will make your way back to the park headquarters. This is often the time spent in contemplation and the exchanging of words with other montane trekkers. The satisfaction and excitement are cognizable to the trekkers and many of them appreciate that they have never had such a chance with wildlife in their lives.
Early Evening: Return Drive to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip
You will be taken back to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip after the gorilla trekking activity. This means you have a chance to once again gaze at the exciting sights of Uganda and the wildlife that it has to offer. In addition, depending on the time of arrival at the airport, you might be able to relax and have a hot meal before the flight.
Evening: Flight Back to Entebbe
The air return to Entebbe signifies the conclusion of your 1 Day Uganda Gorilla tour. The views from the airplane flying back to Entebbe serves as a nice wrap up for the engaging and breathtaking trip. And once we reached Entebbe you are advised to either go back home or more safari adventures in Uganda.
Why the 1 Day Uganda Gorilla Tours Are Attractive in Their Own Way
There are quite a few things that make the 1 Day Uganda Gorilla tours to be different and quite exciting. This means that it does not necessitate a long stay, and therefore it is the perfect way to experience one of the world’s best animal encounters for business persons or those on a fixed timeline or even anyone looking to do something extra special within their travel.
Secondly, the tours are planned in such a manner, that they are time efficient, while reducing the level of travel stress. Domestic flights cut internal driving distances dramatically enabling the enjoyment of the experience over the process of getting there.
And most important of all, the 1 Day Uganda Gorilla trips detours provide a very close and personal encounter with the gorillas. The small groups that are maintained for trekking allow every trekker a good view and plenty of photo and chance to see and shoot.
Practical Considerations
Permits and Costs
Gorilla trekking permits are a must-have for anyone looking to join a 1 Day Uganda Gorilla tour. The said permits have to be secured prior to the trip since they tend to sell out early. Every cost associated with the gorilla trekking permits is, undeniably, the biggest portion of the quote; however, all those funds are geared toward conserving these creatures.
Fitness and Preparation
Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding and therefore requires a moderate fitness level because of the conditions in the bwindi impenetrable forest that includes the altitude. It is important to train for the trip using some physical exercise. Good and sturdy hiking shoes, long pants, and a rainproof coat are very critical equipment needed before going for the safari. In addition, it is also good to carry with you a lot of water and light food to avoid energy loss that may occur during the walk.
Health Precautions
Bwindi is in a very far place from facilities where medical assistance can be obtained. Get any outstanding vaccinations that you may need and think about anti malaria medicine. It is also advisable to get travel insurance that covers all the activities including adventure activities.
When taking part in the Uganda Gorilla Tour 1 Day, it is imperative that you adhere to the instructions given in the orientation in order to lessen your consequences on the gorillas and their environment. This means keeping a distance, avoiding eating or drinking anywhere near the gorillas, as well as refraining from taking pictures using a flash.
The One Day Uganda Flying Gorilla Tour is one of the best ways you can ever stand to witness the breathtaking natural wildlife. This tour focuses on Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which is home to mountain gorillas and involves the use of efficient flights beginning and ending in Entebbe. This particular tour helps in appreciating the demands that Uganda has in wildlife preservation as well as the possibilities that allow the travelers to get close to the animals in their sublime environment. If you are a frequent traveler or a lover of the wild, Uganda 1 Day Gorilla Tours promises an exciting experience that will surely create indelible images in your mind.
