Uganda · Wildlife

3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi with Lake Bunyonyi Canoeing

3 Days Round trip from Kampala Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to observe habituated mountain gorillas
02 Experience one magical hour with gorillas in their natural habitat
03 Explore Uganda's countryside with cultural stops at Mpambire and the Equator line
04 Enjoy a canoe ride on scenic Lake Bunyonyi
05 Look out for wildlife in Ishasha and Lake Mburo National Park

Embark on a 3-day Gorilla Trekking Safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kampala or Entebbe. Trek through misty rainforest in search of habituated mountain gorillas, then spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Along the way, cross the Uganda Equator, visit a local drum-making centre, and enjoy scenic countryside views. The journey also includes a relaxing canoe ride on beautiful Lake Bunyonyi and wildlife viewing en route with an expert driver-guide.

Spend one magical hour observing and photographing the gorillas in their natural habitat.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Mbarara, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Drive from Kampala to Bwindi via the Equator and Ishasha

Pickup at 7:00am from your hotel or residence in Kampala or Entebbe by an experienced driver-guide.
Enjoy a scenic drive southwest with cultural stopovers at the local drum-making centre in Mpambire and the Uganda Equator line in Kayabwe for photos and memorable moments.
Stop for en-route lunch in Mbarara town at Agip Motel or Igongo Cultural Centre.
Continue through tea plantations and the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, with possible sightings of tree-climbing lions, elephants, and other wildlife.
Arrive in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi in the late afternoon or evening.
Check in to comfortable lodge accommodation near the park.
Relax with a casual briefing, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 02

Gorilla Tracking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge.
Transfer to Bwindi park headquarters by 7:30am for a mandatory briefing on gorilla trekking rules and etiquette.
Set out on a guided gorilla trek into the dense forest with an expert ranger, tracker, and armed guard. Groups are limited to 8 trekkers per gorilla family.
The trekking duration varies from a few hours to most of the day, depending on when your habituated mountain gorilla group is located.
Spend one magical hour observing and photographing the gorillas in their natural habitat. No flash photography is allowed, and a minimum distance of 7 meters must be maintained.
Return to the lodge for relaxation in the afternoon or evening.
Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, followed by an overnight stay at the same lodge in Bwindi.

Day 03

Lake Bunyonyi Canoe Ride and Return to Kampala

Start the morning with an early canoe ride on beautiful Lake Bunyonyi for a relaxing beginning to the day.
Have breakfast at the lodge or nearby.
Drive back to Kampala with a lunch stop in Mbarara town.
Make an additional stop in Lake Mburo National Park for wildlife viewing, including zebras, antelopes, and other savanna animals.
Pause again at the Uganda Equator line for final photos.
Arrive in Kampala at around 5:00pm, with drop-off at your hotel.

Where this trip takes you

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kampala 7 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

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 or near Lake Bunyonyi in comfortable lodges
Hotel pickup and return from your accommodation in Kampala

What's Not Included

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

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 help prevent blisters.
Lightweight rain jacket or poncho, as rain is common year-round, even in the dry season.
Hat or cap and sunglasses for sun or light rain.
Optional: Gardening gloves to protect your hands from vegetation.
Essentials for the trek: Daypack or backpack, small enough to carry personal items during the trek.
Refillable water bottle, though bottled water is provided, extra water is useful.
Insect repellent, preferably DEET-based, for mosquitoes and tsetse flies.
Sunscreen and lip balm.
Camera or binoculars. No flash is allowed near gorillas, and extra batteries or memory cards are recommended.
Small first-aid kit with band-aids, painkillers, and any personal medication.
Energy snacks, such as nuts or bars, for the trek. Meals are provided, but trekking can be long.
Walking stick, which can be rented or hired at the park if needed.
General/Other: Comfortable casual clothes for travel days and evenings.
Light sweater or fleece, as mornings and evenings can be cool at higher altitudes.
Personal toiletries, towel if the lodge does not provide one, and any medications.
Passport or ID, gorilla permit confirmation handled by the operator, and cash in USD for tips and extras.
Rain cover for your backpack.

Know before you go

Age limit: You must be at least 15 years old. No exceptions apply.
Health requirement: No communicable illnesses, such as flu, cold, cough, or diarrhea, are allowed, as gorillas are highly susceptible. You may be denied trekking if you are sick.
Fitness needed: The trek is strenuous, with steep, muddy trails and a duration of 2-8+ hours. Prepare with hill running, push-ups, or hiking training.
Gorilla permit: $800 USD per person and non-refundable. Book 3-6 months ahead, or up to 1 year in advance for the high season from June-September, as limited spots sell out fast.
Booking tip: Secure your permit early through the operator, who handles Uganda Wildlife Authority arrangements. Confirm dates and sector, such as Buhoma, as soon as possible.
Trek rules (briefed at HQ): Stay 7m away; no flash photos, eating, smoking, loud noises, touching, or running; 1 hour maximum with the gorillas; maximum 8 people per group.
Best time: The dry seasons from June-September and December-February offer easier trails. Rainy seasons are muddier but greener.
Other essentials: Get travel insurance with adventure coverage. Porters are recommended for an extra fee and also help local communities. Pack light and bring rain gear, sturdy boots, and insect repellent.
Book early for the permit - it's the make-or-break part of this life-changing gorilla adventure!

Logistics