Uganda · Gorilla Trekking

3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari with Scenic Flight to Entebbe

3 Days Round trip from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime guided trek to observe endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • 02 Travel through Uganda's beautiful countryside, passing rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional villages
  • 03 Trek with professional park rangers who share insights into gorillas, wildlife, and rainforest conservation
  • 04 Spend a magical hour observing gorillas up close in their natural habitat
  • 05 Explore one of Africa's oldest and most biodiverse rainforests
  • 06 Conclude the adventure with a scenic flight back to Entebbe over Uganda's lush landscapes

Embark on an unforgettable 3-day adventure from Entebbe to the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO-listed rainforest and sanctuary for endangered mountain gorillas. Travel by road through Uganda's beautiful countryside, passing rolling hills, rural villages, and lush landscapes before enjoying a guided gorilla trekking experience deep within the forest. Expert rangers lead you to observe these magnificent primates in their natural habitat, offering a truly moving wildlife encounter. Conclude your safari with a scenic flight back to Entebbe, combining immersive trekking, spectacular aerial views, and maximum comfort in a short getaway.

Embark on an unforgettable 3-day adventure from Entebbe to the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO-listed rainforest and sanctuary for endangered mountain gorillas.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Entebbe, Mbarara, Kabale, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kisoro
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Entebbe, Bwindi Trekking and Scenic Flight Return

Day 1: Entebbe to Bwindi Forest National Park by Road: Begin your adventure early in the morning with pickup from Entebbe International Airport or your hotel, and set off on a scenic drive southwest toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey takes you through rolling hills, tea plantations, small villages, and the vibrant landscapes of Uganda's countryside. Stop along the way for photos at the Equator Line and enjoy a lunch break in Mbarara or Kabale, sampling local cuisine if you wish. Continue driving through the picturesque Kigezi Highlands, often called the "Switzerland of Africa," with stunning views of terraced hills and forests. Arrive at your lodge near Bwindi in the late afternoon, check in, relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the gorilla trek the next day at Gorilla Leisure Lodge.

  • Main destination: Bwindi Forest National Park / Rushaga Sector / Southern Bwindi
  • Accommodation: Gorilla Leisure Lodge. Luxury Lodge located near Bwindi Forest National Park
  • Meals & drinks: All meals included & drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest: After an early breakfast, drive a short distance to the Bwindi park headquarters for a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, who assign you a gorilla family based on availability and your trekking experience. Begin the trek into the dense rainforest along winding trails, through bamboo and thick vegetation, with trekking times ranging from two to six hours depending on the gorillas' location. Once the gorillas are located, spend one unforgettable hour observing, photographing, and learning about these gentle giants in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you can explore optional activities such as a Batwa cultural visit, short nature walks, or local craft markets before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

  • Main destination: Bwindi Forest National Park / Rushaga Sector / Southern Bwindi
  • Accommodation: Gorilla Leisure Lodge. Luxury Lodge located near Bwindi Forest National Park
  • Meals & drinks: All meals included & drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3: Bwindi to Entebbe by Flight: After breakfast and check-out, transfer to Kisoro Airstrip for a scenic flight back to Entebbe. Enjoy aerial views of the lush Ugandan landscapes, hills, and forests during the flight. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you will be met for transfer to Entebbe International Airport for onward flights or to your hotel if staying overnight. This combination of road travel to Bwindi and a flight back provides the perfect balance of scenic travel, immersive gorilla trekking, and maximum comfort for a short 3-day safari.

  • Main destination: Entebbe International Airport
  • Accommodation: No accommodation. End of service.
  • Meals & drinks: Breakfast, Lunch & drinking water (Dinner & other drinks not included)

End of services.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 5 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation at a lodge/hotel on a full-board basis
  • Batwa cultural visits
  • Private transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser
  • Services of an English-speaking driver-guide
  • One gorilla permit at Bwindi Forest National Park
  • Bottled drinking water while trekking and in the vehicle
  • Flight from Bwindi to Entebbe International Airport
  • Emergency evacuation medical insurance
  • All taxes on the services quoted above

What's Not Included

  • Meals and beverages other than those specified
  • International, regional, and local airfares
  • Airport taxes
  • Passport and visa fees, and service charges for obtaining visas
  • Excess baggage charges levied by airlines
  • Gratuities for driver-guides and other conveyance attendants
  • Laundry and other items of a personal nature, such as drinks and telephone calls
  • Personal and baggage insurance
  • Costs for anything not specifically mentioned in the listing above

What to bring

  • Comfortable Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots are essential for trekking through the dense forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which can be steep and muddy.
  • Lightweight Rain Jacket: The rainforest climate is unpredictable, so a waterproof jacket is highly recommended.
  • Long-Sleeved Shirts & Trousers: Protect against insects, thorny plants, and forest vegetation during the trek.
  • Gardening Gloves: Helpful for gripping branches and vegetation while hiking through thick forest terrain.
  • Insect Repellent: Important for protection against mosquitoes and other insects in the rainforest.
  • Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during the trek, which can last several hours.
  • Camera (No Flash): Capture unforgettable moments with mountain gorillas while respecting park rules.
  • Small Backpack: To carry water, snacks, rain gear, and personal items during the trek.
  • Sun Protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for the journey through Uganda's countryside and open areas around Entebbe.
  • Personal Medication: Bring any necessary medication and basic first-aid supplies.

Know before you go

  • Gorilla Trekking Permit: A valid gorilla trekking permit is required to visit the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Permits are limited and should be booked well in advance to secure availability.
  • Minimum Age Requirement: The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, as set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
  • Physical Fitness: Gorilla trekking can involve hiking for 2 to 6 hours through steep, muddy, and dense rainforest terrain. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
  • Health Guidelines: Visitors who are sick with contagious illnesses such as flu or colds may not be allowed to trek, as gorillas are highly susceptible to human diseases.
  • Limited Time with Gorillas: Once the gorilla family is located, visitors are allowed one hour to observe and photograph them while maintaining a safe distance.
  • Guided Activity Only: All treks are conducted with experienced rangers and guides from the Uganda Wildlife Authority to ensure safety and conservation.
  • Weather Conditions: The forest can be wet and humid throughout the year, and trekking conditions may be muddy regardless of the season.
  • Travel Documents: Ensure you have a valid passport, visa for Uganda, and any required travel or health documentation before arriving in Entebbe.
  • Conservation Rules: Visitors must follow strict park regulations, including keeping a safe distance from the gorillas and avoiding flash photography to protect wildlife.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Entebbe, Uganda
Tour start
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

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Estimated room rates

Single Room $2,380.00 — $3,643.00
Double Sharing $2,380.00 — $2,783.00

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