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 Gorillas & Lake Bunyonyi Safari
Our 3 day Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi safari starts and ends in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. First, you join a short city tour and visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Then, you cross into Uganda to track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Finally, you relax on Lake Bunyonyi, a scenic lake with 29 islands and terraced hills.
Trip overview
Bwindi is home to about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. It also shelters several other primate species, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a result, gorilla trekking here is one of the great wildlife moments on Earth.
After the trek, the pace slows down. Lake Bunyonyi is a calm, beautiful place to rest. In addition, it is rich in history and birdlife, so a canoe trip between the islands makes the perfect ending to your trip.
Tour highlights
- Learn about Rwanda’s history at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi.
- See the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo and the Virunga volcanoes.
- Spend one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in Bwindi.
- Paddle a canoe between the islands of Lake Bunyonyi.
- Hear the story of Punishment Island from your guide.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Kigali city tour and transfer to Bwindi
After an early breakfast, your driver-guide takes you on a short tour of Kigali. First, you visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial. Here, you learn about the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, when almost a million people lost their lives in a very short time. Afterwards, you have lunch in town.
Next, you begin a 4–5 hour drive north towards Bwindi. The route crosses the Cyanika border. On the way, you stop at the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Then, you pass Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and enjoy views of three Virunga volcanoes: Sabyinyo, Muhabura and Gahinga. Finally, you reach Bwindi in south-western Uganda and check in for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
Buhoma Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge / Chameleon Hill Lodge – Luxury
Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Bakiga Lodge / Gorilla Valley Lodge – Midrange
Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge / Buhoma Community Rest Camp / Broadbill Forest Camp – Budget
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
Start the day with an early cup of coffee. Then, head to the park headquarters for the gorilla trekking briefing at 7:30am. There, Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers explain the dos and don’ts of spending time with gorillas. Afterwards, the rangers lead you into the forest to find your gorilla family.
The trek can take from one to four hours. Once you find the gorillas, you have one hour with them. Relax, listen to them grumble to each other and watch how they behave. You will also marvel at the sheer size of the silverback. And of course, take plenty of photos.
When you finish, you return to the park headquarters for a picnic lunch. Later in the day, you drive to Lake Bunyonyi for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
Bunyonyi Overland Camp / Supreme Adventure Park – Budget
Arcadia Cottages / Bunyonyi Eco Resort – Midrange
Bunyonyi Bird Nest Lodge – Luxury
Day 3: Explore Lake Bunyonyi and return to Kigali
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast as the sun rises over the water. Lake Bunyonyi has 29 islands and is one of the most beautiful places in Uganda. It is rich in history, and birds sing all around the shore. Some people even call this area the “Switzerland of Africa”.
After breakfast, you climb into a safe canoe with your guide. Then, you paddle between the islands while the guide shares their history, especially the story of Punishment Island. This trip lasts roughly 3–4 hours. Afterwards, you have lunch and check out. Finally, you drive 4–5 hours back to Kigali for your evening flight.
Who this short gorilla safari suits
This trip is ideal if you are based in Rwanda or flying into Kigali, but want to trek gorillas in Uganda. It also suits travellers with only a few days to spare. However, the gorilla trek needs a fair level of fitness, because the forest trails are steep and often muddy. So, read our gorilla trekking rules and fitness guide before you go.
Best time for a 3 day Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi safari
You can trek gorillas in Bwindi all year. Still, the drier months of June to September and December to February usually make hiking easier. In the wet season, trails get slippery. On the other hand, the forest looks lush and green, and there are often fewer visitors. For more detail, see our guide to the best time for gorilla trekking.
Tips for your trip
- Book your permit early. Gorilla permits are limited. Also, the Uganda Wildlife Authority sets the price and changes it from time to time, so we will confirm the current rate when you enquire.
- Bring your passport. You cross the Rwanda–Uganda border on day 1 and again on day 3.
- Wear good boots and long sleeves. They help on steep, muddy trails.
- Pack a rain jacket. Bwindi is a rainforest, so showers are common.
For a full checklist, read what to pack for gorilla trekking.
Extend or combine your trip
Want more time by the lake or in the forest? Then, our 4 day Bwindi gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi safari gives you an extra day. Alternatively, you can add chimps on the 5 day gorillas and chimps tour from Kigali. You can also browse all our gorilla trekking tours in Uganda.
Every Roots Tours & Travel trip is tailor-made. Just tell us your dates, group size and interests. Then, we will send you a free itinerary for your 3 day Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi safari.
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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