3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – Bwindi
Our 3 Days gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an affordable adventure suitable for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers all year round. Recognized as “The Ultimate Gorilla Experience,” Bwindi is home to the world’s largest population of mountain gorillas and is situated in southwestern Uganda, at the edge of the Great Rift Valley. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a rich tapestry of unique ecosystems and stunning landscapes, making it the ideal location for an immersive gorilla trekking experience in sub-Saharan Africa.
Your journey through the oldest and most biologically diverse rainforest will not only introduce you to these magnificent great apes but also to a plethora of scenic trails and a diverse range of wildlife. You’ll encounter numerous species, including colorful butterflies and birds such as the red-headed bluebill, African blue, African Emerald cuckoo, and white-tailed blue flycatchers. The park is also home to various reptiles, including geckos and chameleons, as well as unique flora such as vines, mahogany trees, ferns, and the endemic giant forest fern.
Highlights of the Safari
- Location: South Western Uganda
- Start and End Point: Entebbe (Uganda)
- Gorilla Tracking: One hour spent with a selected family of gorillas
- Scenic Drive: Countryside road trip in an open-sided 4×4 vehicle
- Transfers: Airport or hotel transfers included
- Additional Accommodation: Can be arranged at an extra cost before and after the tour
Safari Costs Include:
- Uganda gorilla trekking permit
- Accommodation and meals
- 4×4 safari vehicle
- Knowledgeable English-speaking driver guide
- Bottled drinking water
Safari Costs Exclude:
- International flights
- Visas
- Laundry, tips, and extra meals and drinks (e.g., alcohol)
Day 1: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You will begin this adventure with an early breakfast before your transfer from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A professional safari guide from Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd will meet you and take you on a scenic drive of nearly 550 kilometers to the park, navigating the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale highway in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle.
During the drive, stop at the Equator line in Kayabwe for a photo opportunity and experience the fascinating phenomenon of water swirling in different directions in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Continue your journey southward, enjoying lunch in Mbarara town, followed by picturesque views of the rolling terraced hills of the Kigezi Highlands and the long-horned Ankole cattle that dot the landscape.
Upon arrival at your chosen accommodation facility, your driver-guide will assist you with check-in for dinner and a restful night. This marks the end of your first day of the gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi.
Drive Time: 8-10 hours
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Buhoma Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge
- Midrange: Silverback Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Camp
- Budget: Buhoma Community Camp, Gorilla Valley Lodge
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking
After an early morning breakfast, your safari driver-guide will pick you up and drive you to the gorilla trekking sector headquarters. A briefing on trekking etiquette will commence at 8:00 AM, where groups of eight tourists are allocated to specific gorilla families based on fitness levels.
Each trekker receives a trekking stick and sets off into the jungle accompanied by park rangers and guides. Mountain gorilla trekking is unpredictable, with the trek often lasting between 6-8 hours as you search for the gorillas. However, you will only spend one precious hour in the company of these gentle giants. At the end of this amazing experience, you will return to the park headquarters, where you will receive a Uganda gorilla trekking tour certificate.
Beyond the gorillas, Bwindi forest is rich in wildlife, including African civets, African golden cats, numerous butterflies, and endemic bird species. You may also spot various monkeys such as the red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, and black-and-white colobus monkey, along with forest hogs and duikers. Take the opportunity to appreciate the unique plant life, including threatened species like the brown mahogany, as you wander through the park’s scenic trails during your nature walks.
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Buhoma Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge
- Midrange: Silverback Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Camp
- Budget: Buhoma Community Camp, Gorilla Valley Lodge
Day 3: Return Journey to Kampala or Entebbe
On your final day, you’ll enjoy lunch en route back to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport. Along the way, feel free to stop at souvenir shops to purchase local crafts, allowing you to bring a piece of your Bwindi gorilla trekking safari home with you. Your safari guide will ensure a safe and comfortable journey to your final destination.
Transportation Options for Your Safari:
By Road:
The drive from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes approximately 8-9 hours, covering a distance of around 499 kilometers. An alternative route is available via Kampala, Fort Portal, and Kasese, which allows for a scenic drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you might catch a glimpse of the famous tree-climbing lions.
By Air:
Chartered flights can be arranged from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kihihi Airstrip, with a flight time of about 1 hour and 49 minutes. After landing, your safari driver-guide will meet you for a scenic drive to the park.
What to Pack for Your Gorilla Trekking Safari:
- Jungle boots for comfort and protection
- Heavy jackets for cooler temperatures
- Rain gear for unexpected weather changes
- Light clothing for trekking
- Hand gloves to guard against stinging insects
- A head cap for sun protection
- Binoculars (optional) for bird watching
- Insect repellent to keep pesky bugs at bay