On Day 2, after an early breakfast, your guide will escort you to the park’s headquarters for a briefing on the rules of gorilla trekking. You'll be divided into small groups and assigned to a gorilla family to track, based on your physical ability and the location of the group that day. The trek itself will take you through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the terrain is often steep, muddy, and dense with vegetation, making the hike both challenging and rewarding. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by the sounds of the forest, with birds chirping and the rustling of trees as you make your way through the jungle, accompanied by your knowledgeable park ranger who will provide interesting insights into the forest ecosystem.
Once you find the gorillas, you'll be able to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat, observing their behavior from a safe distance. Watching the gorillas feed, play, or interact with each other is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience, giving you the rare chance to witness these gentle giants in their natural environment. After this exhilarating encounter, you’ll enjoy a packed lunch in the forest or return to your lodge for a more substantial meal.
In the afternoon, your adventure continues with a visit to the Batwa community, the indigenous people who once lived within the forest as hunters and gatherers. The Batwa, also known as the "Pygmies", will welcome you with a traditional dance and song, and you will have the opportunity to learn about their fascinating cultural practices, such as how they survived in the forest by hunting with bows and arrows and using plants for medicinal purposes. You may also witness how they build shelters from natural materials and make tools from the forest. This cultural experience provides insight into their ancient way of life and the transition they’ve made since being relocated from the forest. After this immersive cultural experience, you’ll return to your lodge, where you can unwind and enjoy a delicious dinner while reflecting on the day’s experiences.
