Uganda · Trekking

3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kampala or Entebbe

3 Days Round trip from Entebbe Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Drive through lush landscapes to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
02 Trek through the forest to encounter majestic Mountain Gorillas
03 Engage with ranger guides and learn about Gorilla conservation efforts
04 Experience the thrill of eye contact and capture memorable photos
05 Discover local culture at Mpambire Royal drum makers en route

Traverse scenic landscapes on an 8-9 hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you will stay at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge. On Day 2, trek through the forest with expert guides to meet Mountain Gorillas, spending an hour with them and gaining insights into their conservation. Conclude your journey with a leisurely drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, with stops at the Equator crossing and Mpambire Royal drum makers for a glimpse into local culture.

Once you meet our close relatives, the Mountain Gorillas, you will spend one hour with them, enjoying eye contact, taking photos, and listening to an informative talk from the ranger guide.

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, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today, you will meet your driver-guide at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe and begin your drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will make one stop for lunch before continuing to the lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.

Meal plan: Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Drive time: approximately 8-9 hours

Day 02

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

After an early breakfast, you will meet your guide and drive to the park headquarters, where you will join the other trackers for a briefing on the dos and don'ts when meeting the Gorillas in the forest. You will then meet your ranger guide for the day and begin the hike, which may take anywhere from 30 minutes to three-quarters of the day, depending on where the Mountain Gorillas are that morning.
Once you meet our close relatives, the Mountain Gorillas, you will spend one hour with them, enjoying eye contact, taking photos, and listening to an informative talk from the ranger guide.
After your Gorilla experience, you will return to the park offices for a debrief and receive a certificate at the end of your Gorilla Tracking adventure.

Day 03

Scenic Drive Back to Entebbe or Kampala

Today, after a lazy breakfast, you will begin your scenic drive back to Entebbe and have enough time for en-route stops along the way. You will stop again at the Equator crossing, where you will have a chance to take photos. You will then continue to Mpambire Royal drum makers to see how the drums are made and learn how the local people sustain their day-to-day lives before proceeding to Entebbe.

Where this trip takes you

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park forest, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Equator crossing, Mpambire Royal drum makers

The route

Where you'll travel

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

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Gorilla permit
Transport
Fuel
Airport transfers
Accommodation and meals
Drinking water
Park entry fees
English-speaking driver-guide

What's Not Included

International flight and Uganda visa
Tips
Alcoholic drinks and laundry
Travel insurance
Pre- and post-tour accommodation

What to bring

Waterproof hiking boots
- Hiking boots are a must for Mountain Gorilla hikes in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo. You will need lightweight hiking boots for this lifetime adventure. Your hiking boots should support your ankles while you hike through strenuous terrain. Avoid heavy boots, as they will make your hike more challenging.
Gloves
- Gardening gloves are helpful because they protect your hands in case you fall and need support from different tree species or shrubs, sometimes with thorns that can harm the body. A pair of gloves is necessary, as they will also help safeguard you from the spread of germs.
Rain jackets
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are tropical rainforests, and the weather here is unpredictable. This means visitors need to be well prepared with rain jackets or shawls to protect themselves from rainfall, as the weather can change at any time. Even during the dry season, expect rain at any time of day due to the tropical rainforest climate.
Long-sleeved shirts, blouses, T-shirts, and trousers
- Long-sleeved shirts are handy in case of falling tree branches, ants, stinging insects, and vines. Pack long-sleeved shirts and pants with long stockings among the first items on your list.
Bottled water and snacks
- Mountain Gorilla Trekking is strenuous and can take between 30 minutes and three-quarters of the day while hiking to look for the Gorillas. This requires physical fitness and means you should carry at least two litres of drinking water and energy-giving snacks to help you finish your trek. Great Adventures Uganda provides all clients with drinking water and a packed lunch, prepared at the lodge where you are booked for accommodation.
Camera and additional batteries
- One of the most exciting moments of Gorilla Tracking is finding a family of Mountain Gorillas and taking their pictures. It is a memorable experience, so you need a good camera without a flash. Do not leave extra batteries behind, as you may need them in the forest. It is best to be fully equipped to avoid inconvenience caused by a low camera battery.
Hat and sunscreen or sunglasses
- In case of strong sun rays, you will need to protect your eyes, so bring a hat and sunglasses. Even though you are in the middle of the forest with tall trees, there are times when you will walk in open areas while searching for the Mountain Gorillas.
Binoculars
- When you are in the jungle, you will not only look out for the Mountain Gorillas but also for a variety of bird species and other primates. The National Park is home to over 350 bird species, making it rewarding for bird lovers during the Mountain Gorilla tracking experience.
Insect repellants
- The forest is home to many kinds of insects that can be harmful to humans, including black ants and others. Insect repellant will help you move more comfortably without disturbance from insects that may affect your skin. Some visitors, especially females, may also have a phobia of insects, so this can be a good way to keep them away.
Long stockings or Getters
- Long stockings or Getters are always recommended for Gorilla trekking because you must wear long pants while walking in the forest. At times, you may walk through safari ants in the forest, and these help prevent them from reaching your body directly.
Porters
- Porters are always optional, but there are situations when you may need them. Based on our experience, we advise clients to use porters for the benefit of their Gorilla trekking experience. As mentioned earlier, Gorilla trekking can be hectic, and a porter can give you a push or pull on your way to the Gorillas. Porters charge a fee, but their service is worth it. Many are school-going students who do this during holidays, weekends, vacations, or when they need to raise school fees. By hiring them, you help them earn money for their education.