Family Adventure in Bwindi: Discovering Uganda's Gorillas

A Day of Discovery in Bwindi's Embrace

Today was a day of immersing ourselves in the heart of Bwindi, connecting with nature and contributing to conservation efforts. It was a beautiful blend of adventure and compassion, a reminder of the incredible biodiversity Uganda holds and the importance of protecting it. The day was filled with moments that touched my heart and deepened my appreciation for this precious corner of the world.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. It's hard to beat waking up to the sounds of the forest and fueling up with a delicious meal before a day of exploration. The lodge's hospitality always makes me feel right at home, a comforting thought as I am so far away from my own home in Brampton. I savored every bite of the fresh fruits and local coffee, knowing we had a full day ahead of us. After breakfast, we set off for our first adventure: a guided nature walk through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.


Experience the beauty of nature at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge near Uganda's breathtaking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
The air was crisp and the forest floor damp as we began our trek. The park guide, a local man named Samuel, was incredibly knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the forest. He pointed out various medicinal plants, explaining their traditional uses. I was fascinated to learn about the intricate web of life that thrives within this dense rainforest. As we walked deeper, the sounds of the forest enveloped us – the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the occasional chatter of monkeys.

We were fortunate enough to spot a troop of monkeys swinging through the trees. Hope was particularly thrilled, as she loves animals. They seemed curious about us, peering down from the branches before disappearing into the thick foliage. Samuel explained that Bwindi is home to a variety of primate species, including red-tailed monkeys and L'Hoest's monkeys. It was a reminder of the incredible biodiversity that this park protects. The trails are well-maintained, but Samuel advised we still watch our steps, especially with the humidity making some areas slippery.

The forest teaches patience, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

As we continued our walk, Samuel shared stories about the Batwa people, the traditional inhabitants of the forest. He explained how they lived in harmony with nature for centuries, relying on the forest for their sustenance and spiritual needs. It was a poignant reminder of the cultural heritage that is intertwined with this natural landscape. The walk was invigorating, and the scenery was simply breathtaking. The towering trees, the lush vegetation, and the vibrant colors of the forest created a sensory feast. I felt a deep sense of peace and connection to nature as we walked along. We chose the Ivy River Trail, a decision I did not regret as the views were spectacular.

After our nature walk, we visited the Rubuguri Market. It was a vibrant hub of activity, with locals selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. I love visiting local markets because I feel it gives you a good sense of the community, and it is a great way to support local artisans. I picked up a few souvenirs for my friends back in Brampton. Moses, of course, haggled for the best prices, a skill he honed growing up in Uganda. The market was a sensory overload, with the smells of spices, the sounds of bartering, and the vibrant colors of the fabrics. It was a wonderful glimpse into the daily life of the people who call this region home.


Explore the lively Rubuguri Market, where local culture, crafts, and flavors of Uganda come together in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
Our next stop was the Pangolin Rescue Camp, and this was an experience that truly touched my heart. I've always been passionate about wildlife conservation, and I was eager to learn more about these unique and endangered creatures. The camp is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing pangolins back into the wild. Pangolins are the world's most trafficked mammals, and their numbers have been decimated by poaching and habitat loss.


Experience the unique wildlife conservation efforts at Pangolin Rescue Camp in Rugando, Uganda, and immerse yourself in nature's beauty.
We were greeted by Moses Arineitwe, the founder of the camp. Moses is a passionate and dedicated conservationist, and his love for pangolins is infectious. He shared with us the challenges they face in protecting these animals and the incredible work they are doing to save them from extinction. He explained that the camp works closely with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of pangolin conservation and to prevent poaching.

We learned about the unique biology of pangolins, their diet of ants and termites, and their incredible defense mechanism of rolling into a tight ball when threatened. We also had the opportunity to see some of the rescued pangolins up close. It was an emotional experience to see these gentle creatures, knowing the hardships they had endured. The camp has state-of-the-art facilities, and the pangolins are well taken care of.

The staff are dedicated to providing them with the best possible care, including specialized veterinary treatment and enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. It was inspiring to witness their commitment and passion. Moses explained that the camp also works to rehabilitate reformed poachers, providing them with alternative livelihoods and empowering them to become conservation ambassadors. It's a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of poaching and promotes sustainable solutions.

Visiting the Pangolin Rescue Camp was a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation efforts and the need to protect these incredible creatures. I left with a renewed sense of hope and a commitment to supporting their work. I encourage anyone visiting Bwindi to make a stop at the Pangolin Rescue Camp and learn more about these fascinating animals. Before dinner, I took some time to journal. I want to remember all the details of this trip, to share with the Ugandan community back in Brampton. I also want to share the beauty of my birth country with Hope's children one day.

We had dinner at the Four Gorillas Lodge, where we enjoyed a delicious meal of local cuisine. The lodge is nestled in the hills overlooking the forest, and the views were stunning. We shared stories and laughter over dinner, reminiscing about the day's adventures. I am so glad I brought my family on this journey. I was able to share a piece of my childhood with them, and they were able to experience the beauty of Uganda firsthand.


Experience serene lodging and incredible wildlife adventures at Four Gorillas Lodge in Rubuguri, Uganda.
As I reflect on today, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to experience the wonders of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It was a day of discovery, connection, and compassion. I am reminded of the importance of protecting our natural heritage and supporting the communities that are working to conserve it. Tomorrow, we're off to Echuya Central Forest Reserve and Lake Bunyonyi [Tomorrow's itinerary]. I'm excited to see what other adventures await us on this incredible journey.

The night ended with the sounds of the forest lulling me to sleep, a symphony of nature that I will carry with me long after I leave this special place.