Uganda · Wildlife

3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

3 Days Round trip from Entebbe Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Spend one hour observing a selected family of mountain gorillas in Bwindi
02 Enjoy a scenic countryside drive through plantations, hills, and views toward the Virunga massif
03 Stop at the Equator crossing at Kayabwe for photos and a simple experiment
04 Track gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest with a guided forest trek

The 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour is a magical journey into the isolated jungles of East Africa, where you can expect an experience like no other. Come close to a family of wild mountain gorillas in the deep, misty jungle of Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and witness their sheer beauty, brawn, soulful brown eyes, astonishingly human-like expressions, and extraordinarily gentle demeanour.

Once you find the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them, observing their behaviour and taking photographs, before returning to the park headquarters to receive your certificate confirming that you tracked gorillas in Uganda.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Mbarara, Kabale, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi

Depart Entebbe/Kampala for the first day of your 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour. The drive from Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in southwestern Uganda takes about 8-9 hours. Although it may seem like a long drive, it is worth it because you get to enjoy countryside scenery with some of the most beautiful landscapes, ranging from plantations and hills all the way to the Virunga massif. Keep your camera close, and your driver will stop if needed so you can capture those beautiful moments.
You will have an en-route stop at the Equator crossing at Kayabwe for photography and a simple experiment before continuing to Mbarara town for lunch.
After lunch, continue on a scenic drive to Bwindi National Park or Kabale for an overnight stay at Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge or Trekkers Tavern Lodge.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge or Trekkers Tavern Lodge
Meals: Lunch & Dinner (Breakfast not included)
Drinks: Drinking water

Day 02

Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After an early morning breakfast, your guide will drive you to Ruhija Park Headquarters for a briefing, where you will join others before heading into the forest for your gorilla trek. This trek can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the location of the mountain gorilla family on that particular day. Once you find the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them, observing their behaviour and taking photographs, before returning to the park headquarters to receive your certificate confirming that you tracked gorillas in Uganda. Overnight stay at Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge or Trekkers Tavern Lodge.
Overnight at Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge or Trekkers Tavern Lodge.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge or Trekkers Tavern Lodge
Meals: All meals included
Drinks: Drinking water

Day 03

Return to Kampala or Entebbe

After breakfast, you will be driven back to Kampala or Entebbe for your post-tour accommodation, or you may choose to fly out of Uganda on the last day of your tour. Since you will use the same route back, you will have another stop at the Equator crossing for photo moments, to buy souvenirs, or simply to relax before continuing to Kampala/Entebbe.
Main Destination: Entebbe
Accommodation: End of tour, no accommodation
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Drinks: Mineral water
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
You'll be dropped off at the airport (or hotel).

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Entebbe 5 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Park fees (for non-residents)
Gorilla permits (one per person, non-resident)
Chimp permits (one per person, non-resident)
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
All taxes/VAT
Round-trip airport transfer
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (on all days)

What's Not Included

International flights (from/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

Hiking boots
Insect repellants
Sun glasses
Facemasks - by law, you must wear a facemask when with gorillas
Hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and hard-surface cleaning spray
Pack your prescription glasses and bring a floating strap if you'll use them while trekking the gorillas
Sunscreen
Essential prescriptions, meds, and vitamins
Insect repellent
A tiny traveler's first aid kit

Know before you go

Safari is guided by the new normal post-COVID-19 SOPs.
Small-group safari: maximum 6 people per group.
The tour can depart any day.
The tour can be customized.
Solo travellers can join this tour.
Age limit: 15 years and above.
The safari takes place in southwestern Uganda.
The safari starts and ends in Entebbe, Uganda.
This tour is a budget safari designed to allow every traveller a chance to spend time with the world's endangered mountain gorillas. If you're a luxury traveller, don't be put off yet. This Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour can be tailor-made to suit your style too.

Logistics