3-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari in Bwindi Forest – Pricing and Itinerary
Overview:
Begin a 3-day Uganda gorilla safari with an 8–10-hour drive from your hotel in Entebbe, Kampala, or another agreed location to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Located in southwestern Uganda near the borders of Congo and Rwanda, Bwindi is a vital habitat for the endangered mountain gorillas. With only 460 mountain gorillas left globally, this forest is a top destination for gorilla trekking.
During this 3-day trip, you’ll explore the dense jungles of the Virunga Mountains, home to mountain gorillas—the largest primates on the planet. These remarkable animals, with their strong arms, broad hands, and thick fur adapted to high-altitude climates, provide a unique wildlife encounter. Observing them in their natural setting is an experience unlike any other, even compared to the famous safaris of Serengeti National Park.
This gorilla trekking package is designed to accommodate all types of travelers, whether budget-focused, mid-range, or luxury-oriented. Beyond gorilla trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest also offers chances to see other primates like chimpanzees, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and occasionally forest elephants. Birdwatchers and nature lovers can also enjoy the variety of birds and butterflies.
Additional activities include visits to local communities, birdwatching, forest walks, and evening campfires.
Tour Highlights:
- Scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in western Uganda
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- Nature walks and cultural interactions
Itinerary:
Day 1: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Your 3-day Uganda gorilla safari starts with a meeting with your G.S. Uganda travel guide, who will explain the tour details. You’ll then travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Equator for photos and an interesting demonstration. Enjoy lunch in Mbarara town before continuing through the scenic Kigezi Highlands, known for its terraced fields and rural villages. Arrive at Bwindi in the evening.
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation: Pre-booked gorilla safari lodge (full board)
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Pygmy Cultural Visit
Today is the main event—gorilla trekking! Start early with a hearty breakfast and head to the park headquarters by 7:30 AM for a briefing on gorilla behavior, trekking rules, and safety tips. You’ll be assigned a gorilla family to track and set off with experienced rangers into the dense forest.
The trek can be demanding, lasting between 2 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. You’ll traverse steep, slippery, and muddy terrain, but the effort is rewarded when you find a gorilla family. Spend an hour observing these gentle giants, taking photos, and learning about their behavior.
After the trek, return to the park headquarters to receive your gorilla trekking certificate, a symbol of your contribution to gorilla conservation. In the evening, relax by a campfire or join a cultural walk to visit the Batwa pygmies, the forest’s original inhabitants, who will share their traditional way of life.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Buhoma Community Bandas, Bwindi View Bandas, Virunga Hotel (Kisoro)
- Standard: Buhoma Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Gorilla Resort Camp, Nkuringo Camp Site Cabins
- Mid-Range: Lake Kitandara Camp, Engagi Lodge, Travelers’ Rest Hotel (Kisoro)
- Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Lodge (Kisoro), Trekkers Tavern
Meals: All included
Day 3: Return to Kampala or Entebbe
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the trip back to Kampala or Entebbe Airport. The drive takes you through the beautiful Kigezi Highlands, often called the “Switzerland of Africa.” Stop for lunch in Mbarara and shop for souvenirs along the way. Arrive in the evening, with optional visits to Entebbe Botanical Gardens or a walk along Lake Victoria’s shores before transferring to the airport for your departure.