4 Days – Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari
4 Days / 3 Nights Days
Kampala, Uganda → Entebbe or Kampala, Uganda
Trekking
Moderate
Why Choose This Safari?
Few wildlife experiences match the chance to meet mountain gorillas in the wild. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, established in 1991 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, is home to half of the world’s population of the endangered mountain gorillas. Its steep, forested slopes are the setting for a guided trek with park ranger guides, which may take three to eight hours depending on how quickly you reach the gorillas. Bwindi is one option. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, established in 1991, is the other, set among three inactive volcanoes, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo, with altitudes from about 2,227 to 4,127 metres. Your time in the forest is complemented by a village walk with the people of Buhoma.
Safari Highlights
- We may have to re-route the itinerary or accommodation in similar Lodges/TentedCamps in case of non – availability
- Upgrades are available eg To Luxury Accommodation Safari
- Tour above can be customized based on your needs or requirements
Destinations to Travel
Kampala · Mbarara · Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Buhoma) · Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (alternative) · Entebbe
Itinerary
Day 1 — Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
At 6:00 am your driver collects you from Kampala and heads west. You stop for lunch in Mbarara and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with Mgahinga Gorilla National Park as the alternative. You arrive at the gorilla reserve in time for dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge.
Day 2 — Gorilla Trekking
After an early breakfast you drive to the park headquarters for a briefing from the park ranger guides at 7:30 am. The trek starts at 8:00 am and takes you through steep forest along several animal trails. The highlight is time with the gentle, endangered mountain gorillas. The trek may last three to eight hours, depending on how soon you reach the gorillas. You return to your lodge for lunch, then have dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 3 — Buhoma Village Walk and Forest Options
After breakfast you set out for a village walk and community tour in Buhoma. The walk begins with your guide at Buhoma Community Rest Camp and shows you how the people who live around Bwindi Impenetrable Forest live and make a living. It is also a direct way to support the local community. Other walks in the forest, to waterfalls, primates and birds, are available at extra cost. You have all meals and an overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 4 — Bwindi to Kampala or Entebbe
After breakfast you check out and drive to Mbarara for lunch, then continue to Kampala and Entebbe for your onward departure. The international flight is not included.
What's Included
Rate Includes
- Flying Doctors - Emergence air rescue from any point of the safari circuit
- Arrival and departure Airport Transfers
- All Park Entry fees
- 1 Gorilla Permit per person in Bwindi
- Full board accommodation on tour
- Service of an English speaking driver guide
- Transport based on excellent Vehicle rebuilt for safari to give nice game viewing
- Mileage is built in the price
- Driver's Salary and allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver
- Community Tours
- Complementary bottle of water daily
- Government taxes
Rate Excludes
- Extras at the lodges i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry, Internet etc.
- International flight
- Departure tax
- Tips to drivers (highly recommended)
- Visa, Travel Insurance (we can help arrange of them)
- Easter, Christmas & New Year’s supplements may apply
Best Time to Go
The gorilla trek can be taken all year round. In general, the drier months from June to August and from December to February are often the most comfortable for trekking, as the trails are less muddy. Bwindi is a forest, so rain can fall in any month, and the steep trails can be slippery after wet weather. Our team can advise on the best dates for your trip.
Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the safari start and end, and how long does it last?
It starts with a 6:00 am pickup in Kampala and ends in Entebbe or Kampala on Day 4. The safari lasts four days and three nights, with the gorilla trek on Day 2 in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Are we guaranteed to see the gorillas?
No. The trek may last between three and eight hours, depending on how soon you reach the gorillas. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the trek is led by park ranger guides.
Can we choose Mgahinga instead of Bwindi?
Yes. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an alternative, with three volcanoes and a smaller gorilla population. The Buhoma village walk on Day 3 is specific to Bwindi, so a community tour would need to be arranged separately for Mgahinga.
Is the gorilla permit included?
Please ask our team whether the gorilla permit is included in your rate before you book.
Do we need a visa for Uganda?
Most visitors need a visa for Uganda, and the fee is not included in the rate. Please check the current requirements for your nationality before you travel.