3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi from Kampala

Gorilla Trekking

Highlights

Trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to observe habituated mountain gorillas

Experience one hour close encounter with gorillas in their natural habitat

Explore Uganda’s countryside with cultural stops including drum-making centre and Equator line

Enjoy canoeing on scenic Lake Bunyonyi and spot local wildlife

Kampala, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

nature, trekking, Wildlife

Group Tour

3 Days

Medium

English

Description

Embark on a 3-day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kampala or Entebbe. Trek through misty rainforests in search of habituated mountain gorillas, observe these gentle giants up close, and enjoy one magical hour in their natural habitat. Explore Uganda’s countryside, cross the Equator, and visit cultural sites such as a drum-making centre. Relax with canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi, witness stunning landscapes, and travel with expert guides.

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Pickup at 7:00am from your hotel/residence in Kampala or Entebbe by an experienced driver-guide.
- Scenic drive southwest with cultural stopovers at the local drum-making center in Mpambire and the Uganda Equator line in Kayabwe for photos and memorable moments.
- En-route lunch in Mbarara town (at Agip Motel or Igongo Cultural Centre).
- Journey through tea plantations, Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park (possible sightings of tree-climbing lions, elephants, and other wildlife).
- Arrival in Buhoma sector of Bwindi in the late afternoon/evening.
- Check-in to comfortable lodge accommodation near the park.
- Relax with a casual briefing, followed by dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Gorilla Tracking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Early breakfast at the lodge.
- Transfer to Bwindi park headquarters by 7:30am for a mandatory briefing on gorilla trekking rules and etiquette.
- Guided gorilla trek into the dense forest with an expert ranger, tracker, and armed guard (group limited to 8 trekkers per gorilla family).
- Variable trekking duration (from a few hours to most of the day) until locating a habituated mountain gorilla group.
- Spend one magical hour observing, photographing (no flash), and staying close (minimum 7 meters) to the gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Return to the lodge for relaxation in the afternoon/evening.
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and overnight at the same lodge in Bwindi.
Day 3: Return Journey from Bwindi to Kampala
- Early morning canoe ride on beautiful Lake Bunyonyi for a relaxing start.
- Breakfast at the lodge or nearby.
- Drive back to Kampala with lunch stop in Mbarara town.
- Additional stopover in Lake Mburo National Park for wildlife viewing (zebras, antelopes, and other savanna animals).
- Final photo stop at the Uganda Equator line.
- Arrival in Kampala by around 5:00pm, with drop-off at your hotel

What's Included

Gorilla tracking permit, one per person for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (cost $800 USD, arranged via Uganda Wildlife Authority)

All meals from Day 1 to Day 3, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner as per itinerary

Bottled drinking water provided throughout the trip

English-speaking driver-guide providing navigation, commentary, and support

Transportation in a comfortable 4×4 safari van or Land Cruiser, including hotel pickup and drop-off in Kampala or Entebbe

Canoeing activity on scenic Lake Bunyonyi on Day 3

Accommodation including one night near Bwindi forest and one night at/near Lake Bunyonyi in comfortable lodges

Hotel pickup and return from your accommodation in Kampala

What's Excluded

All drinks at the lodges - For example, alcohol, soft drinks, or any extra beverages beyond the provided bottled drinking water

Tips - Gratuities for the driver-guide, lodge staff, park rangers, porters (if hired during the trek), or other service providers (these are customary and at your discretion)

Items of a personal nature - Such as laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, travel insurance, visas, flights (international or domestic), or any optional extras not listed in inclusions

Know Before You Go

Age limit: Must be at least 15 years old (no exceptions).

Health requirement: No communicable illnesses (e.g., flu, cold, cough, diarrhea) allowed - gorillas are highly susceptible; you may be denied if sick.

Fitness needed: Trek is strenuous (steep, muddy trails, 2–8+ hours); prepare with hill running, push-ups, or hiking training.

Gorilla permit: $800 USD per person (non-refundable); book 3–6 months ahead (up to 1 year in high season June–September) as limited spots sell out fast.

Booking tip: Secure permit early via operator (they handle Uganda Wildlife Authority); confirm dates/sector (e.g., Buhoma) ASAP.

Trek rules (briefed at HQ): Stay 7m away; no flash photos, eating, smoking, loud noises, touching, or running; 1 hour max with gorillas; max 8 people per group.

Best time: Dry seasons (June–September, December–February) for easier trails; rainy seasons are muddier but greener.

Other essentials: Get travel insurance (adventure coverage); porters recommended (extra fee, helps locals); pack light, bring rain gear, sturdy boots, insect repellent.

Book early for the permit - it's the make-or-break part of this life-changing gorilla adventure!

What To Bring

Clothing & Footwear (Wear on Trek Day): Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and grip (essential for muddy, steep trails).

Long-sleeved shirt and long trousers (to protect against thorns, insects, and nettles; quick-drying fabrics are best).

Thick socks (to prevent blisters).

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho (rain is common year-round, even in dry season).

Hat/cap and sunglasses (for sun or light rain).

Optional: Gardening gloves (to protect hands from vegetation).

Essentials for the Trek: Daypack/backpack (small, to carry personal items during the trek).

Refillable water bottle (though bottled water is provided, extra is useful).

Insect repellent (DEET-based, for mosquitoes/tsetse flies).

Sunscreen and lip balm.

Camera/binoculars (no flash allowed near gorillas; bring extra batteries/memory cards).

Small first-aid kit (band-aids, painkillers, any personal meds).

Energy snacks (e.g., nuts, bars) for the trek (meals are provided, but trekking can be long).

Walking stick (can be rented/hired at the park if needed).

General/Other: Comfortable casual clothes for travel days and evenings.

Light sweater/fleece (mornings/evenings can be cool at higher altitudes).

Personal toiletries, towel (if lodge doesn't provide), and any medications.

Passport/ID, gorilla permit confirmation (handled by operator), cash in USD for tips/extras.

Rain cover for backpack.

Meeting Point

Entebbe International Airport, Kampala Road, Entebbe, Uganda

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations within 24 hours before the tour -

Refund of 50% of the tour price.

Price

Adult
1 to 10	/person
Child
1 to 10	/person
This is a group tour

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3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi from Kampala

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 2: Gorilla Tracking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 3: Return Journey from Bwindi to Kampala

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

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3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi from Kampala

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 2: Gorilla Tracking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 3: Return Journey from Bwindi to Kampala

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

Create your own adventure!

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