3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari at Bwindi National Park
Visit the kingdom of mountain gorillas! This spectacular national park is the proud home of roughly half the world’s gorilla population, proving why gorilla safaris in Uganda are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Learn about and see these rock stars of the forest in their natural habitat, explore the traditions and culture of the local people. This trip is the perfect addition to Uganda and Rwanda safaris.
Tour Highlights
>> Glimpse these rare creatures in the wild and observe their human-like interactions up close
>> Learn the meaning of adventure on this Uganda trekking tour through the rainforest with experienced local guides
>> Explore the green expanse of ancient rainforest and its abundance of wildlife
>> Try your hand at coffee-making, hiking, or canoeing on Lake Mutanda
>> Learn about the local community with visits to their villages and the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Museum
>> Make the most of your time with short (but scenic) connections from Kigali to Bwindi National Park
3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari at Bwindi National Park
BOOK NOW
- Small-Group Tours
- Socially Conscious Ethos
- Competitive Pricing
CONTACT US
Trip Details
Please inquire about the budget accommodation price; this is our mid-range accommodation tour
DEPARTURE TIME
Anytime between 7:00 am to 12:00 pm (Kigali, Rwanda timezone)
MEETING POINT
We offer pick-up from the following places for this experience:
- Kigali International Airport (on day 1), Rwanda
- Your guesthouse in downtown Kigali, Rwanda
- Please inquire for information on a custom pick up
AVAILABILITY
Monday to Sunday, year-round
DURATION
3 days
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Moderate – uphill trekking
GROUP SIZE
1 to 6 persons
INCLUDED
- Meals: 2 x breakfasts, 2 x dinners, 2 x lunches
- Accommodation for two nights in a mid-range lodge
- One gorilla trekking permit per person
- Transport in a 4×4 vehicle and fuel
- Admission to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
NOT INCLUDED
- Optional activities (see tab 4)
- Visas and other costs of personal nature
- Porter fees, gratuities, travel insurance, and medical expenses
- Any other costs not listed in the itinerary
- Admission to Lake Mutanda
WHAT TO BRING
- Hiking boots
- Garden gloves
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Long-sleeved shirt/blouse
- Cameras and extra batteries
- Hat/cap and sunglasses
- Pair of binoculars
- Flashlight (torch)
- Mosquito repellent
- Other items to include: zoom lens for wildlife shots and energy bars/bites
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
- Age restriction: 15-80 years old
- A valid passport is required on the day of travel
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible
- We advise against people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions participating on this tour
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
GOOD TO KNOW
Depending on the availability of gorilla permits, we may propose trekking gorillas at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali, Rwanda to Bwindi National Park, Uganda
We will pick you up at Kigali Airport or downtown Kigali and drive you to Bwindi National Park. The scenic drive to Uganda will go through Rwanda’s northwestern town of Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, another popular spot for mountain gorilla tracking. We will then circle around the mountains to cross over into Uganda via the Cyanika or Katuna border posts. The trip continues through the nearby towns of Kisoro or Kabale, both are small towns nestled into the luscious greenery at the feet of the Virunga Mountains and the hills adjacent to Lake Bunyonyi respectively. We will wind through the mountain roads to our final destination — Bwindi, arriving early afternoon. Spend the afternoon as you wish and choose from our array of optional activities such as hiking through the luscious hills, visiting the local Batwa community, learning about the area’s largest industry with a coffee-making tour, or paddle at sunset on a canoe trip on the idyllic Lake Mutanda, with the mountains as your backdrop.
Meal plan: Dinner
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Today is the main event, our Uganda gorilla trek! You will embark on a full-day adventure to track the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park. This national park is the home to roughly half the world’s population of mountain gorillas, making it THE destination for tracking. The trek will commence with a short briefing on gorilla trekking rules to ensure the safety of guests and the protection of these animals in their natural habitat. You will then start the trek into the impenetrable forest to encounter the gentle giants of Bwindi National Park. This is a true adventure and part of the excitement is finding the gorillas. Follow the guides as they make paths through the thick vegetation until the special moment that you encounter these majestic creatures. It is a truly unique experience and will surely be one of the standout moments of your trip. After the gorilla trek, head back downhill and return to the lodge to relax, eat dinner, and to enjoy well-earned night’s rest.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Kigali/Rwanda
On day three, you depart Bwindi National Park for Kigali, as we end the trip. But not so fast. Make the most of your morning in this UNESCO World Heritage Site by choosing another optional activity before traveling back to Rwanda. See tab 4 for our list of optional activities.
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
Lodges & Accommodation
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Mutanda Lake Resort
- Rushaga Gorilla Camp
- Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
- Lake Chahafi Resort
We will choose from one of these lodges according to availability.
Optional Activities
- Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- The Batwa Trail Cultural Tour inside Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Visit the Batwa Community in the Village
- Canoe Trekking at Lake Mutanda
- Coffee-Making Experience
- Mabungo Community Village Tour in Kisoro
See our Local Experiences page for more information on each activity.
