My safari experience to Bwindi impenetrable forest park and Queen Elizabeth national park
Impenetrable National Park of Bwindi
Our first day of the vacation began at 6am when our guide picked us up in Entebbe. We traveled for around two hours to Mpigi, pausing for breakfast near the equator. Following breakfast, we resumed our drive towards Kabale, passing via the districts of Masaka and Mbarara. We had lunch at the food station, which is located 10 kilometers before Kabare town. We left Kabale after lunch and traveled for about two hours to Kisoro, the gateway to Bwindi National Park.
The arrival at Kisoro brought about a dramatic shift in the weather, from warm to very cold; the presence of nearby mountain ranges provided an explanation. I suppose the term “rushaga gorilla trail” comes from the fact that our overnight resort is in the southern region of Bwindi, near where the gorillas live. Upon arrival, the staff warmly greeted us with a complimentary glass of juice and an abundance of exceptional friendliness.
The lodge is made up of fifteen charming cabins. The most remarkable thing to me was that each cottage had a name derived from a wild animal, and they all had breathtaking views of the surrounding natural elements. Each room is large, contemporary, and well equipped to provide you with an authentic African experience.
Around seven o’clock in the evening, diners might expect their dinner. Guests helped themselves to the day’s prepared food at dinner. We were all asked what we would want to bring for tomorrow’s hike before we went to sleep, so we all sorted out our lunches for the following day.
The inaccessible feeling of Bwindi
I got up at around 6 in the morning since we had to be at the tracking grounds by 7 in the morning. Upon arrival to Bwindi, we were gathered with other individuals and provided with tracking instructions. The Uganda Wildlife Authority gave permits to anybody who wanted to monitor gorillas. On that particular day, I decided to go for a stroll in the woods instead of tracking since I was unsuccessful in my attempt to secure a permit in person.
Just before we started our forest trip, I observed that the paths were labeled with the names of the several gorilla tribes that lived there. Those who were physically unable to carry themselves or their belongings were also provided with porters. Along with other creatures and birds, I was able to see red-tailed and blue monkeys thanks to the forest guide who showed me the ropes.
As you make your way through the forest, you’ll come across many tree types and flora that have thrived there for centuries. At the conclusion of your stroll, you’ll reach a waterfall, which provides a picturesque backdrop with its trickling water, running streams, and chirping birds. It lasted around two hours to complete this hike. I was taken back to the lodge after being shown to the park’s main entrance; I had lunch there, then went to my room for the afternoon and had supper that night.
After a hearty breakfast on day three, we said our goodbyes to Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge and set out for Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda, making the transfer from Bwindi to this park. It took around four hours to travel there. The Elephant Hab Lodge, situated in the Kyambura Gorge, was our designated lodging. They greeted us, introduced us to our rooms, and helped us get settled in when we arrived.
The lodge has an ideal location that allows guests to enjoy views of the park from the comfort of their own accommodation. This is the epitome of serenity in nature. We got some sleep in before setting out for a park game drive in the evening.The game drive cost money, which we had to pay at the gate. During our game drive, we came across a variety of creatures, the most common of which were elephants and Uganda kobs.
From one section of the park to another, you may view the animals often even from the roadways. Returning to the lodge for supper and a good night’s sleep, we set out on our journey. Throughout the night, I couldn’t help but observe the arrival of monkeys to the resort. Due to their enormous size, elephants may be seen strolling around the park at certain times of the year.
Go back to Entebbe via car.
The conclusion of this incredible journey came on this day. We got up bright and early, had breakfast, and then headed to Entebbe. It took around five hours to travel back.
Ideas suggested
If you want to go gorilla trekking in these areas, you should definitely do your research in advance; otherwise, you risk missing out on this incredible experience because you don’t have the proper paperwork. You may get a gorilla permit by making a reservation and paying the fee at the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
If the day you intend to hike does not have any available permits, you may choose another day to trek. Also, be prepared for the cold in Bwindi; those with asthma or allergies should bring their medicine and plenty of warm clothes.
I think a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel would be more exciting than the game drive since animals often visit that area to drink water, which is why Queen Elizabeth would approve. However, if you have the time, you should absolutely do both.
The most critical thing is to choose a reliable tour operator; my recommendation goes to Katland Safaris since they can take care of everything from transportation to permit purchases and hotel reservations, ensuring that your vacation is both successful and pleasurable.
