Bwindi Gorilla Trek and Zanzibar Vacation

An amazing gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and a perfect vacation on the island of Zanzibar is beyond memorable if you need thrilling adventures. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is around 503 kilometers from Kampala on road, while Zanzibar is at least 70 kilometers across the Indian Ocean from Dar es Salaam, using a ferry northward.

Established in 1991, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, occupying around 331 square kilometers in the southwest of Uganda. In its Afromontane vegetation, there are over 400 mountain gorillas that reside in the lush ecosystem. You have the perfect prospect of encountering a habituated gorilla group during a gorilla trek since there are at least 22.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has 4 gorilla sectors where you can trek and spend an hour with at least one habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat. These include the Ruhija sector, Nkuringo Sector, Rushaga sector, and Buhoma sector. These are open for gorilla trekking tours throughout the year and each of their trails will offer you varying degrees of experiences.

Gorilla permits

To enjoy your gorilla trekking tour in the lush Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you need to have a gorilla permit, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This is a document that ensures that the park authorities allow you on a guided hike to locate a habituated gorilla family and spend an hour in their presence. You can also take pictures and videos while with them.

To acquire a gorilla permit, you must use a trusted tour company, for example, Standard Safaris. We have the experience and reputation to buy the permit on your behalf. We also recommend you acquire a permit at least 3 months before the trek. This is mostly because acquisition is competitive and there are a limited number of permits up for purchase per day.

A gorilla trek is only recommended to you if you are at least 15 years of age, and have the requisite physical fitness to walk on rugged terrain. Also, you should be free from sicknesses that could easily spread and threaten the lives of the already endangered mountain gorillas. Yet, there are also sedan stretchers in case you are physically incapacitated to walk.

Other activities to enjoy in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Apart from gorilla trekking tours, other activities for you to enjoy in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include birding tours. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is endowed with over 320 bird species including endemic species and Albertine endemics. You could encounter bird species such as the regal sunbird, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori turaco, and the great blue turaco.

You can also have fun with the Batwa trail, forest and nature walks to get intimate encounters with the wildlife and Batwa people living adjacent to the park. You can also view over 100 animal species, including 11 primate species. These include L’hoest’s monkeys, vervets, olive baboons, elephants, buffaloes, chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, and duikers.

The Zanzibar Vacation

A Zanzibar vacation is a distinctively superior way of spending your precious holiday time exploring the coastal beaches of Tanzania found along the Indian Ocean. This experience combines relaxation and adventure in the lovely Zanzibar archipelago making the destination one of the very best in Africa in addition to your gorilla trek in Uganda.

Among the beaches to enjoy your vacation, there is Nungwi Beach, Paje Beach, Jambiani Beach, and Kendwa Beach. These are mostly covered by white sand with trees to provide shade as well as enhance the scenery. There are also accommodation facilities that range from budget to luxury and you can book them in advance through Standard Safaris.

Activities to do during a Zanzibar Vacation

During your Zanzibar vacation, you can enjoy swimming in the calm beach waters while dressed in your best swimsuit. Even with the presence of lifeguards, ensure that you are in good shape physically to have the time of your life.

A kayaking sports adventure on a light kayak is another exciting activity that is simply unmissable. Besides gliding on the tranquil Indian Ocean, the sand beach, blue skies, birds, insects, green scenery and white clouds offer different views of Zanzibar.

Snorkeling is a thrilling activity that offers you an opportunity to swim inside the clear Indian Ocean waters with a snorkel for breathing. This is an opportunity to spot a variety of marine wildlife in the shallower parts of the coast.

Biking tours are also perfect ways to enjoy your Zanzibar vacation along the beach shores. You will ride a mountain bike as you explore local communities, forests, bird species, and coastal beaches among others.

Encounter the beautiful dolphins while on a boat/dhow in the magnificent waters of the Indian Ocean. These playful mammals are cute to photograph or take videos of for future memories. There is also a golden opportunity to encounter numerous fish species and lobsters.

Kiteboarding is another water sporting activity that will leave you thrilled from beginning to end. On the beach waters, you will ride on a board while being pulled by a huge kite, powered by wind currents.

Other activities to enjoy include, attending various festivals like the Zanzibar Beach and Water Sports Festival; spice tours to explore the various farms used for spice growing; sunbathing; and tasting or purchasing local cuisines and seafood in various markets, restaurants, supermarkets, etc.

Packing list for Bwindi gorillas trek and Zanzibar vacation

A list of essential items that will make your Bwindi gorilla trek and Zanzibar vacation should include,

Light sweater
Light clothes (long trousers/pants, long-sleeved shirt, and long skirts for the Zanzibar trip)
Light rain jacket or poncho
Wide-brimmed hat or cap
Camera/smartphone
Insect repellent/antimalarial drugs
Basic first aid kit
UV-protection sunglasses and suncream
A pair of binoculars
Extra cash for tipping or purchasing souvenirs
Swimsuit
Waterproof beach bag
Trekking poles
Trekking gloves and a pair of socks
A pair of flipflops
Snorkel gear
Strong hiking shoes with good traction
Refillable water bottle
Gorilla permit and Travel documents

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.

I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.

If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.

The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.

The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.

The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.

The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.

I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.

We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.

Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.
The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.
Game drive security is assured.
Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.
Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.
The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.
It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.
I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.
My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.
I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.

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