Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is a world UNESCO heritage site located in south western Uganda renowned for being home to half population of endangered mountain gorillas. The park has got rich biodiversity and a part from mountain gorillas its home to over 351 species of birds recorded.
Gorilla safari lodge
Gorilla safari lodge is part of Crystal lodges Uganda, the lodge is one of the best luxury options while at Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.
Gorilla safari lodge is made up of 18 spacious cottages with en suite bathroom facilities with hot and cold running water, solar powered lighting and private verandas overlooking the splendid tropical rainforest. 5 of the 18 cottages have two rooms with interconnecting doors and this can act family rooms suitable for those travelling with family or friends travelling in a group.
For those travelling with families, baby seating services are available. The restaurant serves delicious continental meals while the well stocked has got a number of drinks you can enjoy from the shared lounge area. A campfire is lit every evening for you to enjoy while listening to whispers of the wild and share with others about your gorilla trekking experience or how your day has been.
Gorilla safari lodge also offers activities like canoeing, hiking, nature walks, fully guided treks, Bayenda falls, bird watching, forest walks and so much more at additional charge. Before booking and paying for accommodation at Gorilla safari lodge ensure you got a gorilla permit in Rushagga or Nkuringo sector of the park.
The spa is the best place for massage after a long day of travelling or hectic gorilla trekking, children from 0-4 years sleeping with their parents are not charged, children between 5-7 years sleeping with their parents pay have of adult price and children between 8-12 years sleeping with their parents pay 75 percent of adult price. Gorilla safari lodge also offers tailor made safaris including flight packages.
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking has become the most common tourist activity in Africa, the endangered mountain gorillas can only be encountered in their natural habitat and that is in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo. the activity normally starts early morning and takes 30 minutes to 7 hours until you find the gorilla family then your given an hour to observe and take photos.
Gorilla habituation
Gorilla habituation is a good option for those who would like to spend more hours with mountain gorillas, unlike gorilla trekking where you spend only an hour in the presence gorilla habituation gives tourists an opportunity to spend four hours with mountain gorillas. The process of habituating gorillas always takes 2-3 years and this is done by researchers and rangers who visit a particular gorilla family daily until they undergo mocking exercise before they can be opened for trekking to tourists.
How to get there
Gorilla safari lodge is located in the southern sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park that can be reached in 9-10 hours drive from Kampala. Alternatively you can fly to Kisoro airstrip from Kajjansi airfield or Entebbe international airport then drive to the park.