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.
4 Days Bwindi Gorillas & Lake Bunyonyi Safari
Our 4 day Bwindi gorilla safari is a real Uganda adventure that mixes thrilling wildlife with calm lakeside scenery. First, you track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Then, you relax by Lake Bunyonyi, often called the Switzerland of Africa, with its 29 islands and cool breeze.
Trip overview
The safari starts and ends in Kampala. On day one, you drive south-west via the Equator and Mbarara to Bwindi. On day two, you trek the gorillas and visit local communities. Next, on day three, you move to Lake Bunyonyi for a canoe trip. Finally, on day four, you return to Kampala.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, our professional guide picks you up from your hotel in Kampala. Then, you drive to south-west Uganda via Masaka. On the way, you make two stops. First, you stop at the Equator to take photos and buy souvenirs. Next, you stop in Mbarara for lunch.
Afterwards, you drive through rolling hills with large banana plantations and the stunning terraced Kigezi highlands. As a result, the journey offers wonderful views of many different landscapes. When you reach the park, you check in at your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation:
Chameleon Hill Lodge / Buhoma Lodge – Luxury
Bakiga Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp – Midrange
Buhoma Community Rest Camp / Broadbill Forest Camp – Budget
Day 2: Gorilla tracking and cultural encounter in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, you leave the lodge with a packed lunch. Then, you report to the park headquarters for a briefing at 8:30am. Uganda Wildlife Authority guides explain the rules for gorilla trekking. After that, the rangers lead you into the forest.
The trek starts where the gorillas were last seen the day before. Alternatively, the trackers follow broken branches. Depending on how far the gorillas have moved, it can take two to four hours. Once you find them, you spend time with these close relatives, who share about 98% of our DNA. Meanwhile, you watch them interact and learn about their behaviour. Afterwards, you return to your lodge.
Later, you refresh and then visit nearby communities to see how local people live. In particular, you meet the Batwa, an indigenous people who spent most of their history as forest hunters and gatherers. Finally, you enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation:
Chameleon Hill Lodge / Buhoma Lodge – Luxury
Bakiga Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp – Midrange
Buhoma Community Rest Camp / Broadbill Forest Camp – Budget
Day 3: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi
After an early cup of coffee, you set off for Lake Bunyonyi near Kabale. It is one of the deepest lakes in Africa and a great place for birders. In fact, the name Bunyonyi means ‘place of many little birds’ in the local language.
On arrival, you take a sunset canoe trip on the lake. From the water, you see birds, lakeside communities and some of the 29 islands. So, keep your camera ready. Afterwards, you have lunch. Then, in the evening, you visit nearby communities to experience village life in the area.
Accommodation:
Bunyonyi Overland Resort – Budget
Bunyonyi Safari Resort / Arcadia Cottages – Midrange
Bird Nest Resort @ Bunyonyi – Luxury
Day 4: Return to Kampala
Birdsong wakes you for a hearty breakfast in the early morning sun. Then, you check out of the lodge and drive back to Kampala, with lunch on the way. You arrive in Kampala in the evening, full of happy memories.
End of the 4 day safari.
Highlights of this 4 day Bwindi gorilla safari
This short trip combines adventure and relaxation. Here are the main highlights:
- Mountain gorillas. Trek a habituated family in Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Batwa culture. Meet the forest’s first people and hear their story.
- Lake Bunyonyi. Paddle among islands on a calm sunset canoe trip.
- The Equator. Stop for photos where the hemispheres meet.
- Kigezi highlands. Enjoy terraced hills and sweeping views on the drive.
Who this safari suits
This safari suits travellers with limited time who want to see gorillas from Kampala. It also suits couples and friends who like a relaxing end to an active trip. However, the gorilla trek needs a fair level of fitness, and the drive from Kampala is long. So, if you would rather fly or start in Rwanda, ask us about other options.
Best time to go
Gorilla trekking runs all year in Bwindi. Even so, the drier months from June to September and December to February are the most popular. During these months, trails are usually firmer. On the other hand, the wetter months bring green scenery and fewer visitors. See our guide to the best time for gorilla trekking for more detail.
Tips for your trip
A little preparation helps you enjoy every moment. Here are some tips from our guides:
- Book your permit early. Gorilla permits are limited and sell out.
- Pack for wet forest. Bring boots, a rain jacket, gloves and long sleeves.
- Hire a porter. Porters carry your bag and support local families.
- Bring a warm layer. Evenings in the highlands can feel cool.
Permit prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and change from time to time. Therefore, we will confirm the current rate when you enquire. Our gorilla trekking packing list has more ideas.
Extend or combine your trip
You can easily add more to this itinerary. For example, you can start with zebras and impalas on our 2 day Lake Mburo safari, which lies on the same road. Alternatively, add tree-climbing lions on the 3 day Queen Elizabeth wildlife tour. Every trip with Roots Tours & Travel is tailor-made. So, tell us your dates and interests, and we will send you a free plan for your 4 day Bwindi gorilla 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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