Uganda Martyrs Day and Gorillas – A June Travel Bucket List
Uganda Martyrs Day and Gorillas create a rare mix of spiritual fulfillment and natural adventure in June. Pilgrims and travelers allover the world meet in Uganda to honour the martyrs and explore the wilderness. Namugongo becomes the heart of spiritual activities as millions gather for the Uganda Martyrs Day on June 3rd. This national holiday commemorates brave Christian converts who died for their faith in the late 1800s. Uganda stands alone in Africa with such a dedicated celebration attracting believers from across the globe. After attending the celebrations many pilgrims search for other enriching experiences within Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or exploring Lake Mburo and Murchison Falls follows naturally. With excellent accessibility from Entebbe International Airport visitors enjoy easy transitions between the sites. Uganda Martyrs Day offers deep meaning while gorilla trekking presents natural wonder creating an ideal June travel itinerary through Iconic Africa Safaris.
Experience Uganda Martyrs Day in Namugongo
Namugongo lies about 53.1 kilometers from Entebbe International Airport and is located in Wakiso District. On June 3rd millions gather to honour the Uganda Martyrs in both Catholic and Anglican shrines. Entrance to the shrines remains free for all pilgrims during Martyrs Day celebrations regardless of the shrine chosen. The Catholic shrine often receives more attention although both sites maintain vibrant religious activities and worship.
Pilgrims travel from all parts of East Africa and other continents to attend this annual celebration. Roads become busy so travelers should expect some delays when heading toward Namugongo from Entebbe or Kampala. The drive normally takes about one hour and fifteen minutes when there is no traffic congestion. Many choose to rest in Kampala after the pilgrimage before heading for their wildlife adventures.
Travel from Namugongo to Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking
After visiting Namugongo some travelers rest in Kampala while others continue to Bwindi for gorilla trekking. Iconic Africa Safaris arranges transportation from Kampala either by road or by flight from Kajjansi airfield. Flights go to Kisoro or Kihihi towns located near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. Flights from Kajjansi offer a faster and more convenient alternative compared to the long road journey.
Explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a dense ancient rainforest and a renowned gorilla sanctuary. The park holds nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas offering rare wildlife interactions. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site it showcases a blend of biodiversity and natural beauty. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi remains the park’s most famous activity with guided treks into the rainforest. Visitors hike to locate specific gorilla families and spend one hour observing them in their natural setting. Group sizes stay limited to preserve the forest environment and reduce stress on the gorillas.
Bwindi is home to more than 120 mammal species 350 bird species and 310 butterfly species. The forest ecosystem is among the most diverse and ancient on the continent dating back over 25,000 years. Bwindi’s landscape ranges from 1,160 to 2,607 meters in elevation providing scenic views.
Gorilla Trekking Sectors in Bwindi
The park consists of four major sectors: Buhoma Ruhija Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each offers a unique experience based on terrain difficulty and gorilla group availability. Travelers should choose a sector depending on their fitness level and interest in scenery or accommodation.
Buhoma Sector: Buhoma lies in the northern region and provides gentler terrain suitable for visitors seeking less strenuous treks. The area hosts well-established lodges and remains one of the first sectors opened for gorilla tourism.
Nkuringo Sector: Nkuringo located in the southern part of the park is known for steep trails and dramatic mountain views. Treks in Nkuringo challenge physically strong visitors while offering scenic beauty throughout the hike.
Ruhija Sector: Ruhija lies in the east of Bwindi and is filled with lush vegetation dense trees and rich wildlife. It appeals to travelers looking for immersive forest experiences and sightings of other primate species.
Rushaga Sector: Rushaga in the southern section contains multiple gorilla families and is easily accessible for many trekkers. Its infrastructure includes a wide range of accommodation options suitable for different budgets and travel styles.
Accommodation Options Near Bwindi
Travelers should rest near their assigned trekking sector the night before their gorilla trek. Accommodation varies from budget lodges to luxury camps providing comfort after long treks through the forest.
Budget Lodges: Buhoma Community Rest Camp in Buhoma offers affordable lodging with proximity to the park entrance and local culture. Engagi Lodge in the same area provides budget comfort with stunning views. Bwindi View Bandas sits close to the forest edge and suits travelers with limited budgets.
Mid-Range Lodges: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge located near Rushaga offers clean stylish rooms and great hospitality. Silverback Lodge offers eco-conscious accommodation with excellent meals and forest views. Chameleon Hill Lodge near Nkuringo and Lake Mutanda provides mid-range charm with colourful buildings and garden settings.
Luxury Lodges: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp inside the park delivers high-end service and forest views. Lake Kitandara Camp features luxury tents and personalized attention for those wanting exclusivity. Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge combines luxury comfort and sustainability with strong community engagement programs.
Gorilla Trekking Day
On the trekking day visitors start early at around 5:am (East African Time) with breakfast then transfer to the park headquarters for briefing at around 7:00am (East African Time). Park rangers provide guidelines about interacting with gorillas staying safe and protecting the forest. Groups of no more than eight tourists receive gorilla family assignments then head into the forest.
Trekking durations vary from 30 minutes to 6 or 8 hours depending on gorilla locations and trail difficulty. Forest trails are steep narrow and sometimes slippery especially during rainy seasons. Guides and trackers assist by locating gorilla families and sharing knowledge along the way.
Upon finding the gorillas visitors spend one hour observing and photographing them while maintaining a respectful distance. Rules include avoiding flash photography not making sudden movements and keeping voices low. After the visit groups return to the park base and head back to their lodges.
Preparation for the Trek
Visitors should wear sturdy hiking shoes rain jackets and long trousers to protect against insects and mud. Essential items include insect repellent water snacks and a camera with extra batteries. Proper fitness improves the trekking experience especially for steeper sectors like Nkuringo.
Gorilla Permits
Gorilla permits are required for trekking and must be booked in advance through licensed tour operators or Uganda Wildlife Authority. Iconic Africa Safaris assists with secure bookings and planning based on sector availability and travel dates.
Foreign Non-Residents pay $800 while Foreign Residents pay $700 for one trekking permit. African Citizens pay $500 and East African Nationals pay UGX 300,000.
Visitors interested in more extended experiences may opt for gorilla habituation permits which allow four hours with gorillas. These permits cost $1,500 for Foreign Non-Residents $1,000 for Foreign Residents and UGX 750,000 for East Africans.
Only individuals aged 15 years and above qualify for gorilla trekking to ensure safety and responsibility. Groups remain small to minimize disruption to the gorillas and improve the quality of the visitor experience.
Visit the Batwa Community in Bwindi
After trekking visitors often explore the Batwa experience offered by local communities near the park. The Batwa are indigenous forest dwellers with deep historical ties to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Visitors gain insight into their traditional lifestyle and cultural practices.
Batwa People Near BwindiThe Batwa experience includes forest walks led by Batwa guides showcasing their use of medicinal plants and forest skills. Traditional songs dances and storytelling sessions form part of the cultural presentation. Some experiences include demonstrations of hunting and gathering tools.
Batwa cultural visits support local livelihoods while preserving ancient knowledge through eco-tourism. Projects such as the Batwa Experience organization empower local families and help preserve their cultural identity.
Batwa activities are available in Buhoma and Rushaga sectors around Bwindi with some organized by community-based groups. Iconic Africa Safaris partners with these groups to arrange responsible visits that respect Batwa traditions.
