A 3-day gorilla trekking safari is one of the most intense and rewarding wildlife experiences you can have in East Africa. Most itineraries are built around either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, with Bwindi being the most popular due to its higher number of habituated gorilla families.
Day 1: Transfer to the Gorilla Trekking Destination• Early morning departure from Kampala or Entebbe • Travel by road (8–10 hours) or optional domestic flight to Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airstrip • Scenic drive through rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural countryside
En route highlights:• Stop at the Equator Line Uganda for photos • Lunch in Mbarara
Evening:• Check-in at your lodge near the park • Dinner and briefing about the next day’s trek
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience• Early breakfast and transfer to park headquarters • Pre-trek briefing by rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority
The Trek:• Duration: 2 to 6 hours depending on gorilla location • Terrain: Dense forest, steep slopes, muddy trails
Once you find the gorillas:• Spend 1 magical hour observing them in their natural habitat • Watch behaviors like feeding, grooming, and play
What makes this special:• You’ll likely encounter the Mountain Gorilla—a critically endangered species • Groups are led by a dominant silverback
Afternoon:• Return to lodge for relaxation • Optional activities: o Community visit to the Batwa People o Nature walks or cultural experiences
Day 3: Return to Kampala / Entebbe• Breakfast at leisure • Start return journey • Optional stopovers for crafts or sightseeing • Drop-off in Kampala or Entebbe
Safari Includes• Gorilla trekking permit (issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority) • All ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle • Professional English-speaking driver/guide • Accommodation (2 nights) • All meals (Full Board: breakfast, lunch, dinner) • Bottled drinking water during travel • Park entry fees • Ranger and guide fees during trekking • Pick-up and drop-off (Kampala/Entebbe)
Safari Excludes• International flights • Visa fees for Uganda • Travel insurance (highly recommended) • Tips and gratuities (guide, lodge staff, rangers) • Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, drinks not included in meals) • Optional activities (Batwa visit, nature walks, etc.) • Porter fees during trekking (optional but recommended)
Optional Upgrades• Domestic flights to Kihihi Airstrip or Kisoro Airstrip (reduces travel time) • Mid-range or luxury lodges • Extension to Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife safari
What to Pack• Waterproof hiking boots • Rain jacket (Bwindi is a rainforest) • Long-sleeved clothing • Insect repellent • Gloves (for handling vegetation) • Camera (no flash photography)