Family Safaris
8-Day Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife family tour
Our 8 day Uganda family safari packs the very best of the Pearl of Africa into one easy, well-paced trip.
3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari
Our 3 day Bwindi gorilla trekking safari is the quickest way to meet mountain gorillas from Kampala or Entebbe. Your trip to Uganda is not really complete without the full gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. If you are looking for a challenge, you have found it. The trek involves a lot of hiking, so you need to be physically fit.
Trip overview
On day 1, you drive southwest through rolling hills to Bwindi. Then, on day 2, you trek into the forest to spend an hour with a gorilla family. Finally, on day 3, you drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, with a stop at the Equator on the way.
Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. Moreover, it is home to almost half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. As a result, it is one of the best places on earth to see them in the wild.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, our guide picks you up at around 7:00 am from Kampala or Entebbe and briefs you on your tour. Then, you travel in a comfortable, secure touring vehicle to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. The journey takes about 9–10 hours, and we stop for lunch in Mbarara. Along the way, you pass rolling hills with terraced gardens of Irish potatoes. You arrive in the late afternoon for an overnight stay at the lodge.
Driving time: ± 9 hours
Accommodation: Gorilla Valley Lodge
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
You have an early breakfast at around 6:30 am. Then, with a packed lunch, you head to the park headquarters. There, you join other trackers for a briefing on the gorilla trekking rules. Next, you trek with your guides through thick creepers and undergrowth to find the gorillas. This can take about 1–8 hours.
Please note that gorilla trekking can be strenuous, so a moderate level of fitness is required. Once you find the gorillas, you have one hour to watch them and take photos. Afterwards, you return to the headquarters. There, you receive a certificate in recognition of your support for the conservation of these endangered mountain gorillas.
If you still feel energetic, you can join an evening community walk. It is a chance to experience local life and meet the welcoming people of the area as the day winds down.
Accommodation: Gorilla Valley Lodge
Day 3: Back to Kampala
The final day of your adventure begins early in the morning, as you drive back towards Kampala or Entebbe. We have lunch in Mbarara. After passing through Masaka, you can also stop at the Equator to take photos, buy souvenirs and enjoy tea or coffee. Afterwards, we drop you at a guesthouse or hotel of your choice in Kampala or Entebbe. If you are continuing your holiday or flying home, we take you straight to Entebbe airport for your onward flight.
Driving time: ± 9 hours
What is included and price per person
INCLUDED:
- 4WD vehicle and fuel
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation mentioned
- Small first aid kit
EXCLUDED:
- Drinks & personal snacks
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal medical and travel insurance
- Gorilla Permit ($800)
- Community walk
Price Per Person:
2 Pax – $709
3 Pax – $574
4 Pax – $464
5 Pax – $432
6 Pax – $382
7 Pax – $371
Highlights of this Bwindi gorilla trek
- One hour with mountain gorillas. Above all, you watch a gorilla family feed, play and rest.
- An ancient rainforest. Walk through the thick, misty forest of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- A trekking certificate. In addition, you receive a certificate for supporting gorilla conservation.
- Scenic drives. Enjoy rolling hills and terraced farms on the way to Bwindi.
- The Equator. Finally, stop for photos and a coffee on the line that splits the globe.
Who this trip suits
This short trip is ideal if you have limited time in Uganda but still want to see gorillas. For example, it works well at the start or end of a business trip or a longer holiday. However, the trek can be tough. You may walk for several hours on steep, muddy slopes, so you should be reasonably fit.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is open to visitors aged 15 and over. Also, the drive on days 1 and 3 is long. So, if you would like more time to rest, you can add an extra night or combine the trip with Lake Bunyonyi.
Best time for gorilla trekking in Bwindi
You can track gorillas in Bwindi all year round. Even so, the drier months are usually the most popular. During this time, forest trails are firmer and hiking is a little easier. On the other hand, the wetter months bring lush scenery and often fewer visitors. Rain can fall at any time in a rainforest, though, so always pack a rain jacket. To plan your dates, read our guide to the best time to see gorillas.
Tips for your gorilla trek
- Book your permit early. Permits are limited, especially in the busy months.
- Wear waterproof boots. Good grip is essential on wet, steep trails.
- Bring garden gloves. They protect your hands from nettles and thorns.
- Hire a porter. A local porter carries your bag and also supports the community.
- Follow the rules. Keep your distance, stay quiet and do not trek if you feel unwell.
- Pack water and snacks. Treks can be short, but some last most of the day.
The gorilla permit is excluded from the tour price above. Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and the rate can change from time to time. Therefore, we will confirm the current price when you enquire. You can also read more about Uganda gorilla permits.
Extend your Bwindi gorilla trekking safari
Bwindi is easy to combine with other parks in the southwest. For instance, you can add a relaxing lake stay on the 4 day Bwindi gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi safari. Alternatively, you can add tree-climbing lions and a Kazinga Channel boat trip with our Queen Elizabeth wildlife tour. For the full picture, see our guide to gorilla trekking across Uganda.
Every trip with Roots Tours & Travel is tailor-made. So, just tell us your dates and group size. Then, we will plan your 3 day Bwindi gorilla trekking safari and send you a free itinerary.
Book Now
Not sure where to start? Chat with our safari specialists. We’ll help you find the perfect adventure.Every great journey begins with a conversation. Let’s plan yours.
Contact Us
- info@tourwithroots.com
- +256 776 83 1722
- +256 200 905 219
- Universal Apartments, Spine Road - Naalya - Kampala(U)
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