Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the rare mountain gorillas.
Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Entebbe or Kigali Airport, followed by a scenic drive through Uganda’s lush country side. En route to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — you’ll pass terraced hillsides, tea plantations, and lively rural villages. Expect photo stops and cultural encounters along the way. Depending on your arrival route, lunch is either en route or at the lodge. Arrive in Bwindi by late afternoon, check in to your lodge nestled in the forest, and prepare for the next day’s unforgettable gorilla trek. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Rise early for the highlight of your safari — tracking endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. After a briefing at the park headquarters, you’ll set off into the jungle with expert guides and trackers. The trek can take 2–6 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location. Once located, you’ll spend up to one awe-inspiring hour observing the gorillas feed, play, and interact. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter. After the trek, return to the lodge for a hot lunch and time to relax or explore the surrounding community.
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic return drive back to Entebbe or Kigali. Depending on your route, you may stop at the equator line for photos or enjoy a quick cultural visit along the way. Arrive in the city by late afternoon for your international flight or onward connections. If your flight is late in the evening, a day room can be arranged for rest and refreshment. This marks the end of your unforgettable 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.
Select your comfort level. All packages include full-board lodging near Bwindi Forest, en-suite rooms, meals, and private safari transport with driver-guide.
Comfort Level | Recommended Lodges | Price (Per Person) |
---|---|---|
Budget | Buhoma Community Rest Camp | $1,165 |
Midrange | Rushaga Gorilla Camp | $1,260 |
Luxury | Buhoma Lodge | $2,920 |
The best time to go for a gorilla tour is during the dry seasons, which are June to September and December to February. During these months, the forest trails are less muddy and more accessible, making trekking easier and more enjoyable. However, gorilla tours are available year-round, and sightings are excellent in all seasons.
You should book your gorilla tour at least 3 to 6 months in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons (June–Sept or Dec–Feb), as gorilla permits are limited and sell out quickly. Booking early ensures permit availability and better accommodation options. Simply contact your tour operator with your preferred travel dates, and they will guide you through securing permits, lodging, and transportation.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended for gorilla trekking, as the hike can involve steep slopes, dense vegetation, and uneven terrain. Treks can last from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the gorilla location. However, porters are available to assist, making the experience manageable for most healthy individuals.
For the gorilla trek, pack light but practical gear. Essentials include:
This is typically a private tour, meaning you’ll travel with your own group and dedicated driver-guide throughout the trip. However, during the actual gorilla trek, you'll join a small group of up to 8 people, as required by park regulations.
Yes, you can customize the tour by adding other activities such as chimpanzee tracking, game drives, boat safaris, cultural visits, or even extending your stay to explore more of Uganda or nearby countries like Rwanda or Kenya.
Interested in this 3-Day gorilla adventure? Submit your travel preferences to receive a personalized quote.