Uganda · Primate Tours

4-Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari with Lake Bunyonyi Boat Ride

4 Days Round trip from Kampala Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Track wild mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
02 Travel through savannah grasslands and the picturesque Kigezi Highlands
03 Visit the Batwa community for an evening cultural walk
04 Take a boat ride among the 29 islands of Lake Bunyonyi

Embark on a wildlife safari to Uganda's famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, travelling through savannah grasslands and the picturesque Kigezi Highlands. Track wild mountain gorillas in the park and observe the behaviour of these elusive apes up close. The journey also includes beautiful scenery, rolling terraced hills, a Batwa community visit, and a boat ride among some of the 29 islands of magical Lake Bunyonyi.

Trekkers are allowed to spend one hour with the gentle giants, during which time you can watch them play, feed, and take plenty of photos.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Kampala, Mbarara, Kabale, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Kampala to Bwindi Through the Equator and Kigezi Highlands

After breakfast, your guide will meet you in Kampala and briefly introduce the safari before you embark on the approximately 9-hour drive to Bwindi Forest.
Along the way, stop at the Equator to take photographs and purchase some crafts.
Continue to Mbarara for lunch.
After lunch, proceed to Kabale through beautiful scenery and rolling terraced hills.

Have dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Options: Buhoma Community Camp (Budget), Silverback Lodge (Moderate), or Gorilla Forest Camp (Luxury)

Meal Plan: Half Board

Day 02

Bwindi Gorilla Tracking and Batwa Community Walk

Enjoy breakfast and leave your lodge with a packed lunch as you head to the park headquarters at 7 am for a briefing before embarking on gorilla tracking in the thick mist of Bwindi Forest.
Proceed for tracking, which takes between 2 and 6 hours, mainly depending on how far the gorillas have moved. Trekkers are allowed to spend one hour with the gentle giants, during which time you can watch them play, feed, and take plenty of photos.
Later, return to the lodge and relax for some time.
Afterwards, go for an evening community walk in the Batwa community.

Enjoy dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Accommodation Options: Buhoma Community Camp (Budget), Silverback Lodge (Moderate), or Gorilla Forest Camp (Luxury)

Meal Plan: Full Board

Note: Endeavor to carry enough drinking water, a waterproof camera, raincoats, hats, sunglasses, walking/hiking shoes, insect repellent, among others.

Day 03

Second Gorilla Trek and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Wake up early, have breakfast, carry a packed lunch from the lodge, and follow the same procedure used on the previous day for gorilla tracking. However, you will track a different gorilla group from the one visited the day before.
After tracking, drive to Lake Bunyonyi, which is home to 29 islands and is an excellent place for birdlife. Its waters are Bilharzia-free and safe for swimming.

Have dinner and stay overnight.

Accommodation Options: Broadbill Forest Camp, Acadia Cottages, or Bunyonyi Bird Nest Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 04

Lake Bunyonyi Boat Ride and Return to Kampala

Enjoy a delicious morning breakfast and set out for a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi, where you will go around various islands with views of terraced hills, birds, and more.
Afterwards, begin your journey back to Kampala, with lunch en route.
Arrive in the late evening and transfer to your Kampala hotel or to the airport for your flight back home.