Rwanda, Uganda · Wildlife

3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari with Lake Bunyonyi Cruise

3 Days Round trip from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek through ancient rainforest to observe endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • 02 Spend one unforgettable hour watching gorillas in their natural habitat
  • 03 Enjoy scenic relaxation and a boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi surrounded by terraced hills
  • 04 Experience expert guided trekking with professional rangers and wildlife tracking

Discover an unforgettable wildlife adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with a guided gorilla trekking experience through ancient rainforest trails. Spend an incredible hour observing endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat before relaxing at scenic Lake Bunyonyi, surrounded by terraced hills and peaceful islands. This journey combines wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural experiences, offering nature lovers a rare opportunity to explore one of Africa's most remarkable ecosystems.

Spend one unforgettable hour observing the gorilla family at close range, including powerful silverbacks, playful juveniles, and nurturing mothers.

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 Kampala, Entebbe, Kigali, Mbarara, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi
Languages Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Swedish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi via the Uganda Equator

  • Arrive at Entebbe International Airport or Kigali International Airport, where your driver-guide will welcome you.

  • Meet and greet before beginning the drive southwest toward Lake Bunyonyi.

  • Travel through rolling hills, cultivated farmlands, and traditional Ugandan villages along the scenic route.

  • Stop at the Uganda Equator for photography and a short break.

  • Continue through Mbarara for lunch before proceeding to Lake Bunyonyi.

  • Arrive and check in at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort for dinner and an overnight stay.

2
Day 02

Bwindi Gorilla Trekking and Lake Bunyonyi Boat Cruise

  • After an early breakfast, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the gorilla trekking adventure starting point.

  • Register at the park headquarters, receive a briefing, and be allocated a gorilla family to track.

  • Begin the trek at around 8:00 am through forest trails and thick vegetation, which may last between thirty minutes and over six hours depending on the movement of the gorillas.

  • Spend one unforgettable hour observing the gorilla family at close range, including powerful silverbacks, playful juveniles, and nurturing mothers.

  • Later, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for an evening boat cruise to explore some of the lake's twenty-nine islands.

  • Visit notable islands including Akampene Island, also known as Punishment Island, as well as Bucuranuko and Bushara islands.

  • Return to Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort for dinner and an overnight stay.

3
Day 03

Departure Transfer from Lake Bunyonyi to Entebbe or Kigali

  • Enjoy a relaxed breakfast.

  • Check out and transfer back to the airport for your flight home.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, ancient rainforest trails, Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda Equator

Where this trip takes you

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, ancient rainforest trails, Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda Equator

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 6 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Full-board accommodation for two nights and meals
  • Transport by four-wheel-drive safari vehicle
  • Full-time English-speaking driver-guide
  • All activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Airport transfers
  • Relevant government taxes
  • Bottled water

What's Not Included

  • Visa fees

  • Personal insurance

  • International flights

  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, cigarettes, alcohol, drinks, and tips for staff

  • Accommodation and meals not included in the travel plan

  • Any additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

What to bring

  • Sturdy hiking boots - waterproof and with good grip for muddy trails
  • Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers - protect against insects and thorny plants
  • Rain jacket or poncho - Bwindi rainforest weather can change quickly
  • Garden gloves or trekking gloves - helpful when grabbing branches for support
  • Hiking socks - thick and comfortable
  • Camera or smartphone for photos (no flash allowed with gorillas)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Insect repellent
  • Hat or cap for sun protection
  • Sunglasses
  • Passport
  • Some cash for tips and souvenirs
  • Small first aid kit (basic medication, pain relief, band-aids)
  • Hand sanitizer and tissues

Know before you go

  • A gorilla trekking permit is required and must be booked in advance because the number of visitors allowed to see the gorillas each day is limited in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
  • Trekking can be physically demanding and may last between two and six hours through steep and sometimes muddy rainforest terrain.
  • A reasonable level of physical fitness and proper hiking gear are recommended for the trek.
  • The minimum age for gorilla trekking is fifteen years.
  • All treks are guided by experienced park rangers who ensure safety and help track the gorilla families.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Entebbe Uganda, Kampala, 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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Starting from

USD 1,308 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,308.00 — $1,740.00
Double Sharing $1,308.00 — $1,435.00

When

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