Our 3 days Uganda gorilla trekking safari takes you to one of the country’s most visited destinations to see man’s closest relative – mountain gorillas as they roam freely in their natural habitat.
Gorilla trekking is the most expensive tourist activity and among the most popular rewarding activities you can participate in while in Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park makes Uganda a very unique tourist destination compared to other African countries because it has almost half of the world’s population of endangered mountain Gorillas.
This 3 days Uganda gorilla trekking safari is in a lifetime opportunity to see these massive creatures as they feed, play and it involves hiking or going through the dense rainforest in search of the location of gorillas.
Highlights of the 3 days Uganda gorilla trekking safari
- Gorilla Trekking
- Batwa cultural experience
Detailed Itinerary
To be part of our 3 days Uganda gorilla trekking safari you need to have either arrived in the country the day before or arriving in the country in the morning to start the trip. Arranging your accommodation a day before the trip and after your trip, will come at an extra cost.
Day 1: Road Trip from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Wake up early in the morning, take breakfast and right after, our driver/guide will pick you up from the hotel or airport and start your 9-10hr drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Since it is a long journey, you will make continuous stopovers especially for refreshments as well as having a close look to some unique features along the road such as the Uganda Equator at Kayabwe.
After having a close look at the Uganda Equator, and handmade crafts that includes stools, clothing and more, you will then resume with you journey and later make a stopover Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara for lunch.
Immediately after lunch, you will have to continue with the journey as you enjoy breathe taking views of the rolling hills and valleys and arrive at your reserved hotel in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will check in, refresh, relax and have dinner.
Accommodation options
Luxury: Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Bakiga Lodge
Budget: Gorilla Friends Camp
Meal Plan
Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Wake up very excited because this is the day you will get to see gorillas in their natural habitat. You will wake up, take breakfast and our guide/driver will drive you to the park headquarters to prepare for gorilla trekking.
While at the headquarters, you will be briefed on the guidelines you need to follow while close to gorillas. After briefing at around 8:00pm, you will start your trekking journey through the thick forests to look for the endangered mountain Gorillas with the help of armed rangers and a guide. Gorilla trekking takes between 2-8 hrs depending on the location of mountain gorillas.
During gorilla trekking, you will have an opportunity to see other wildlife species that reside within the park. These include; several species of birds, butterflies, insects and so much more. Upon seeing gorillas, you will be allowed to spend time of up to 1hr with them observing their behavior and taking as many photos as you want. It’s during this time that guides will share some of the interesting stories of these creatures and the park as well.
Once the one hour elapses, you will be led back to the park headquarters where you will be awarded with a certificate proving that you participated in gorilla trekking in Uganda. Our driver/guide will then transfer you to the lodge for lunch and relaxing.
In the evening, you can go for an optional Batwa cultural experience where you will get the opportunity to observe their lifestyle and how they relate with each other. These people initially inhabited Bwindi Impenetrable National Park before it was established to pave way for their conservation and protection of mountain gorillas.
Accommodation options
Luxury: Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Bakiga Lodge
Budget: Gorilla Friends Camp
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3: Transfer back to Kampala or Entebbe
After breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and then embark on a 9-10 hours journey back to Kampala. You will once again enjoy the picturesque views of the beautiful countryside and have a stopover in Mbarara for lunch. You will reach Kampala in the evening and you will be dropped at any hotel of your choice or direct to Entebbe airport to catch your next flight.
Meal plan
Breakfast and Lunch
What our 3 Days Uganda gorilla trekking safari includes
- Full-time English-speaking driver guide,
- Transport in a 4×4 vehicle and fuel
- Gorilla trekking Permits
- Park entry fees,
- Full board accommodation
- What our 3 Days Uganda gorilla trekking safari includes
What our 3 Days Uganda gorilla trekking safari excludes
- Tips
- Flights to and from Uganda
- Alcoholic drinks
- Laundry
- Internet
- Visa fees
- Other purchases
Accommodation Options in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge is a luxurious accommodation option situated in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This lodge offers rooms with great views of the forests and the Virunga Volcanoes. Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge offers rooms as follows;
- 4 superior room with twin cabins which can accommodate a maximum of 8 individuals.
- 4 deluxe room cabins that accommodate 8 individuals
- 6 standard rooms accommodating up to 12 individuals
Services provided at Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
Free WIFI, DSTV, fully stocked bar, hot water heater, hair dryer, laundry services, gift shop, mini library and parking lot.
Bakiga Lodge (Mid-range)
Bakiga Lodge is a mid-range hotel situated in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This Lodge is one of the closest lodges to the Uganda Wildlife Authority briefing point for Gorilla trekking. It has nice rooms with perfect views of the wild nature in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
The Bakiga Lodge offers a variety of services to its clients such as free Wifi, restaurant, lounge and friendly staff.
Gorilla Friends Camp (Budget)
Gorilla Friends Camp is one of Bwindi’s budget accommodation options situated in the Ruhija sector of the park. The campsite is only 500m from the Uganda Wildlife Authority briefing point for Mountain Gorilla Trekking. Gorilla Friends Camp offers accommodation at a very cheap and affordable rate thus being suitable to the budget travelers.
It offers well vanished tents for the night, the restaurant in a deep forested valley hence being an ideal option for nature lovers.
What to pack for the 3 days Uganda gorilla trekking safari