Trekking can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours and it can be quite strenuous, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. To ensure the Gorillas do not get too used to the presence of humans and because they share many of our genes (and therefore able to catch our diseases), the maximum time permitted to spend with them is 1 hour. You will have plenty of time to watch their activity and to take photographs.

The rangers will be able to provide you with a background of the Gorilla family you are visiting. Once your hour is up, you trek back out of the rain forest to your meeting point where you will be transferred back to the Lake Bunyoni campsite.

You needn’t feel like you’re exploiting the Gorillas. The ever-growing number of tourists trekking them each day play a vital role in their survival. For years they have been ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, which have been sold as ashtrays and lampshades.

In addition, large numbers have been killed whilst trying to stop poachers stealing the babies for sale to zoos, where they have never lived long. 100% of the Gorilla permit cost is used to by the parks authorities to finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the Gorillas from poachers and their lethal snares and on promoting these wonderful animals.

Lake Bunyoni

For those of you awaiting your day of Gorilla trekking, the choice is yours, visit a local village or church, canoe, go on a bird watching walk, hike in the surrounding hills, visit the local markets of Kabale or just spend the days relaxing or swimming in this tranquil lake. Breakfast, lunch, dinner on all days.

Day 9: Lake Bunyoni to Kampala, Uganda

After marvelling at the experience of our Gorilla encounters and enjoying the peaceful Lake Bunyoni, you begin our drive back to Kampala. You cross the Equator for the second time and stop for the classic “one foot in each hemisphere” photo opportunity. You overnight in Kampala and have the opportunity to sample its night life. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.