Experience one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife encounters on this 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour with Verdant Safaris. This short Uganda safari is designed for you to explore the beautiful landscapes of south-western Uganda and venture into the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. You will travel through the scenic countryside, characterised by rolling hills, green plantations, local communities and dramatic highland landscapes. The highlight of the journey is gorilla trekking, where you will walk through the rainforest accompanied by experienced guides and trackers while searching for these remarkable primates in their natural habitat. Once you find the gorillas, you will have a memorable opportunity to observe their behaviour from a respectful distance while following the official trekking guidelines. Despite being a short safari, this itinerary provides an unforgettable introduction to Uganda’s mountain gorillas and the natural beauty of the Pearl of Africa.
Day 1: Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe as you embark on a scenic journey towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda. The journey takes you through some of Uganda’s most beautiful countryside, with rolling hills, cultivated farmland, tea plantations, villages and bustling roadside trading centres along the way. You will have lunch en route and continue towards the Bwindi region, enjoying the changing landscapes as you gradually approach the highlands. Depending on the route and weather conditions, you may have opportunities to stop at scenic viewpoints and take photographs of the spectacular countryside. As you approach Bwindi, the landscape becomes increasingly mountainous and lush, signalling your arrival at the habitat of the endangered mountain gorillas. You will arrive at your lodge later in the afternoon or evening, check in, enjoy dinner and receive a briefing about the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation options: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is the highlight of your 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour as you venture into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience. You will wake up early, have breakfast and transfer to the appropriate park headquarters for registration and a detailed briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority guides. After the briefing, you will begin your trek through the ancient rainforest, following forest trails while experienced guides and trackers search for your assigned habituated gorilla family. The duration of the trek can vary considerably because the gorillas move freely through the forest, and the terrain can include steep, muddy or uneven sections. Along the way, you will enjoy the remarkable biodiversity of Bwindi, with towering trees, ferns, vines, birds, butterflies and other forest species adding to the experience. Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend the permitted viewing time observing their natural behaviour while maintaining the required distance and following your ranger’s instructions. After the trek, you will return to your lodge for lunch and well-deserved relaxation, with the remainder of the afternoon available for you to rest or enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Accommodation options: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Bwindi to Kampala or Entebbe and Departure
After breakfast, you will check out from your lodge and begin your journey from Bwindi towards Kampala or Entebbe, marking the final day of your gorilla trekking safari. You will travel through the picturesque landscapes of south-western Uganda, passing terraced hills, farms, villages and local communities along the way. The journey gives you another opportunity to appreciate the spectacular scenery that surrounds Bwindi and the wider Kigezi highlands. You will have lunch en route before continuing towards Kampala or Entebbe, with suitable stops made along the way depending on your schedule and flight time. If your international flight is scheduled for later in the evening, you may make a short stop at the Uganda Equator crossing for photographs and souvenirs, provided sufficient time is available. Your Verdant Safaris driver will carefully monitor your travel schedule and ensure that you arrive at Entebbe International Airport in good time for your departure. Your 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour ends at the airport, leaving you with unforgettable memories of walking through Bwindi Forest and encountering Uganda’s magnificent mountain gorillas.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)
Tour Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Uganda.
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle throughout the tour.
- Services of an experienced English-speaking safari driver-guide.
- Fuel and transportation as specified in the itinerary.
- Two nights’ accommodation in Bwindi.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Mountain gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park entrance fees.
- Services of Uganda Wildlife Authority guides and trackers during gorilla trekking.
- Transportation to and from the gorilla trekking starting point.
- Uganda Equator stop, where time and the flight schedule permit.
- Bottled drinking water during the journey.
- All applicable government taxes and service charges.
Tour Exclusions
- International flights to and from Uganda.
- Uganda entry visa.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Gorilla trekking porter fees.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and telephone charges.
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages.
- Tips and gratuities for your driver-guide, trackers, lodge staff and other service providers.
- Souvenirs, crafts and personal shopping.
- Optional activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional accommodation before Day 1 or after Day 3.
- Personal photography equipment and related expenses.
- Any services not specifically listed under the inclusions.