Uganda · Wildlife

3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda with Lake Bunyonyi

3 Days Round trip from Buhoma Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Observe Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
02 Experience Batwa Community culture or enjoy a canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi
03 Stand at the Equator Monument and capture memorable photos
04 Discover diverse African wildlife, colourful birds, and rare tropical plants

Discover the extraordinary wildlife and natural beauty of Uganda on this 3-day safari. Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat, then choose between a Batwa Community cultural experience or a canoe ride on scenic Lake Bunyonyi. Along the way, enjoy the landscapes of the Kigezi Highlands and stop at the Equator Monument for memorable photos. With guided activities, diverse flora and birdlife, and immersive cultural encounters, this journey offers a rewarding introduction to Uganda's rich heritage and unforgettable wildlife.

Navigate the thick, untamed rainforest, scrambling over mossy rocks and through deep undergrowth while observing Gorillas in their natural habitat - an experience that will last a lifetime.

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 Not applicable

Cities Entebbe, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer to Bwindi through the Kigezi Highlands

Wake up early, have breakfast, and drive to the "Switzerland of Africa" area known as the Kigezi Highlands, with its terraced hillsides and winding roads.
Enjoy spectacular views of the mountainous countryside along the way, with many opportunities for photography.
Explore the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is home to over 400 Mountain Gorillas - approximately half of the world's population - including habituated groups that can be tracked by visitors.
Arrive in the late afternoon and check in to Gorilla Bluff Lodge, Ride 4 a Woman, or Buhoma Community Rest Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and bottled drinking water.

Day 02

Mountain Gorilla Tracking and Lake Bunyonyi or Batwa Experience

After breakfast, hike to the park headquarters, just metres from the lodge, for a briefing by UWA guides before transferring to the starting point for Gorilla tracking.
Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which has the highest concentration of Gorillas in a relatively small area.
Navigate the thick, untamed rainforest, scrambling over mossy rocks and through deep undergrowth while observing Gorillas in their natural habitat - an experience that will last a lifetime.
Learn about the history, behaviour, and lifestyle of Mountain Gorillas from experienced ranger guides.
After tracking, choose between a canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi or visiting the Batwa Community to experience traditional dances, beer making, and fire setting.
Check in to Itambira Island, Seeds of Hope, or Bunyonyi Overland Resort for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and bottled drinking water.

Day 03

Equator Stop and Return to Entebbe

Enjoy your last sunrise and breakfast in this beautiful corner of Uganda before your guide drives you back to Entebbe, taking in the scenic landscapes along the way.
Stop at the Equator Monument for the unique experience of standing in both hemispheres and taking memorable photos.
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport at least three hours before your departure.
Note: Flights departing before 6 pm require an extra night in Entebbe, which can be arranged at an additional cost.
Alternative departure routes can also be arranged at an additional cost.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and bottled drinking water.

Where this trip takes you

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Lake Bunyonyi canoe waters, Kigezi Highlands terraced hillsides, Equator Monument

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Buhoma 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All park entrance fees.
Mountain Gorilla tracking permits at Bwindi Impenetrable (USD $800 per permit per person).
Mountain Gorilla tracking at Bwindi Impenetrable.
Batwa Community visit for them to take you through their traditional activities or a boat/canoe ride on the beautiful scenic Lake Bunyonyi.
Equator experience and photo moments.
Park ranger.
All en-route meals.
Vehicle park entry fees.
All relevant government taxes.
Full-board accommodation and en-route meals as indicated in the itinerary.
Full-time English-speaking driver/guide.
Ground transportation by a fully fuelled 4×4 pop-up safari van or Land Cruiser vehicle.
Bottled drinking water on all days en route.

What's Not Included

Airfares (international air tickets and airport taxes).
Visa fees.
Personal insurance.
Expenses of a personal nature such as drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages), tips, laundry, telephone, accommodation and meals not indicated in the itinerary, and optional activities.
Any other items not included in the above itinerary.
Accommodation on your first and last night in Uganda.

What to bring

If this is your first time in Uganda or your first time on a safari, the packing list below can help you be well prepared and comfortable during your safari. If you do forget a few things, don't worry - you can buy them in the city before you start your safari.
Remember, it's not a fashion show out there, so be practical when choosing your safari wardrobe. Try to stay away from bright colours - khaki and other neutral colours tend to work well. It is probably best to dress in layers since it can get cold, but also very hot.
Rain poncho (lightweight).
Sweater or fleece pullover to keep warm.
Long-sleeved shirts (lightweight).
Shorts.
Long trousers.
Underwear.
Socks.
Sleepwear.
Travel towel.
Waterproof trousers.
Sturdy hiking boots or sandals.
Sun hat.
Sunglasses.
T-shirts or polo shirts (2-5 depending on how often you want to change).
Thermal underwear, gloves, and a warm hat (during May-Sept).
Raincoat and rain trousers (during the rainy season, Mar-May and Oct-Dec).
Travel documents.
Valid passport.
Yellow fever vaccination records/certificate.
Uganda visa.
Copy of flight itinerary.
Copy of travel and/or medical evacuation insurance.
Personal medical/dental insurance cards.
Credit card (Visa and MasterCard are most widely accepted).
Cash in U.S. Dollars (bills must have been issued in 2009 or later).
Highly recommended items.
Cameras and memory cards.
Binoculars.
Sunscreen.
Hand sanitisers and wet wipes.
Insect repellent and any necessary medications must be brought by you either from your hometown or Kampala.
Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, eye drops, etc.).
Malaria tablets.
Basic first aid kit and prescription medicines.
Flashlight or headlamp.
Chargers and extra batteries for your camera, phone, etc.
Power adapter to fit the UK-style electrical socket.
Porters are available to hire if needed when going for Mountain Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking.
Walking sticks will also be provided when going for Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees for those who may need them.

Know before you go

Bring soft luggage such as a duffel bag, hiking pack, or sports bag. These are ideal for packing into a safari vehicle. Hard suitcases can often be difficult to fit into vehicles.
Bring a backpack to carry all of your important items, including travel documents, money, camera, and medication. You should keep this backpack with you at all times.
Keep luxury items such as hair dryers or straighteners, expensive jewellery, makeup, and bulky toiletries to an absolute minimum. If in doubt, leave them out.
If you plan to bring cash, divide it into different areas of your carry-on luggage, wallet, and money belt, just in case something happens to one of those carried items.
Leave some space in your luggage for all the important souvenirs that you will probably buy. There are places where you can send packages home via DHL, etc.; however, this can sometimes be an expensive option.

Logistics