3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – From Kigali or Entebbe
Price based on 2 people sharing this safari from KIgali $1695 per person
Overview:
This 3-day gorilla trekking safari takes you deep into Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The tour starts and ends in either Kigali, Rwanda or Entebbe/Kampala, Uganda, with Kigali offering the shortest drive time. In addition to the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, the tour includes a cultural encounter with the Batwa pygmies, the indigenous forest dwellers of Bwindi, who were relocated to allow for gorilla conservation efforts.
Safari Highlights
● Track endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest
● Visit the Batwa pygmies for a cultural immersion
● Choose your starting point: Kigali (Rwanda) or Entebbe/Kampala (Uganda)
● Optional Kigali city tour or stopovers at Equator Crossing and Igongo Cultural Centre
● Enjoy scenic drives through southwestern Uganda or northern Rwanda
● Stay in comfortable luxury, mid-range, or budget accommodation options
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pickup and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in either Kigali (Rwanda) or
Entebbe/Kampala (Uganda). From Kigali:
● The drive from Kigali to Bwindi is approximately 4–5 hours.
● You’ll have the option to take part in a Kigali City Tour, which includes visits to:
○ The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre
○ Local craft markets
○ The main city market
○ Cultural and historical sites (depending on time)
● Enjoy scenic views of the Rwandan countryside before crossing the Cyanika or Katuna border into Uganda.
From Entebbe/Kampala:
● The journey is longer, taking about 8–9 hours depending on the Bwindi sector you’re visiting.
● En route, you’ll stop at:
○ The Equator crossing for photo opportunities
○ The Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara for lunch and a brief tour of the museum
Upon arrival at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, check into your lodge, unwind, enjoy the serene forest surroundings, and prepare for your gorilla trek the next day.
Accommodation Options:
● Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge / Four Gorillas Lodge / Gorilla Leisure Lodge
● Mid-range: Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
● Budget: Bakiga Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Batwa Cultural Experience
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters by 7:30 AM for a pre-trekking briefing. The Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers will guide you through the rules, safety protocols, and what to expect during the trek.
● Gorilla groups are assigned based on your physical fitness level and preferences.
● Trekking can take 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location.
● Once found, you’ll spend one magical hour observing these incredible primates in their natural habitat.
● Watch the silverbacks lead their families, mothers care for their infants, and juveniles play with boundless curiosity.
Note: Bwindi is unique as the only park in the world where both chimpanzees and mountain gorillas coexist. It also offers the option of a 4-hour gorilla habituation experience (available upon prior request).
Batwa Cultural Visit (Afternoon):
In the afternoon, embark on a guided cultural walk with the Batwa pygmies—the forest’s original inhabitants. Learn about:
● Their traditional forest life
● Hunting and gathering techniques
● Medicinal plants and rituals
● Storytelling, dance, and music
This visit offers insights into the challenges they face after relocation and their efforts to preserve their cultural identity.
Accommodation Options:
● Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge / Four Gorillas Lodge / Gorilla Leisure Lodge
● Mid-range: Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
● Budget: Bakiga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Transfer Back to Kigali or Kampala
After breakfast, begin your journey back to either Kigali or Entebbe/Kampala for your departure.
● If you missed the Kigali City Tour or Equator stop on the first day, your driver will make time for it today.
● You will be dropped off at the airport or your hotel, depending on your travel plans.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Important Safari Information
● Gorilla permits are required and must be secured in advance due to limited availability.
● Bwindi hosts over 17 habituated gorilla families across four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
● Gorilla trekking is moderately strenuous; suitable for visitors in reasonable physical shape.
● The mountain gorillas in Bwindi are known for tree climbing behaviors—unlike their counterparts in Rwanda and Congo.
● Mountain gorillas are critically endangered and do not survive in captivity, making this experience a rare privilege.
Optional Add-Ons
● Upgrade to the Gorilla Habituation Experience (4-hour encounter)
● Add extra days for Lake Bunyonyi relaxation, Queen Elizabeth National Park, or
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
End of Safari
Safari Includes:
● Ground transport in 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
● Professional English-speaking driver/guide
● Park entrance fees and gorilla permits
● All meals as per itinerary
● Accommodation for 2 nights
● Bottled drinking water
Not Included:
● International flights
● Visas
● Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
● Tips and gratuities
● Personal travel insurance
● Optional activities not listed
Name of contact Persons:
1. Susan Nyanzi
2. Jessica Nakibuule
Our Email: gorillatrekkingsafaris@gmail.com
Reservations Email: gorillatrekkingsafaris@gmail.com
Business Name: Adrove Safaris UG Limited
Website: https://gorillatrekkingsafaris.co.uk
Telephone numbers: +256703493685
+256782617841
N.B: This is the trip we would like to feature and recommend.
