All inclusive 3 Days Gorilla trekking Safari – From $400/PP Sharing
This ultimate 3 Days Gorilla trekking safari takes you through the magical journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park the home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The entire safari offers hassle free travel, affordable accommodation facilities with personalized luxurious needs and services for the unforgettable adventure in the wilderness
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After your breakfast you will be picked by your driver guide from your accommodation facility and briefs you about the safari highlights, after wards you are to start off the journey to the south western part of Uganda passing through the rolling hills, tea plantations and stunning land scape.
You will have a stopover at Kayabwe in Mpigi district at the Equator Here, you will have photography moment then perform the water experiment and buying of different souvenirs at the nearby handicraft shops.
You will then proceed to the Igongo Cultural Center for enroute lunch this hidden gem is almost twelve kilometers from Mbarara Town while you are here take a quick look around the center’s museum which has a lot to say about the western history.
Afterwards continue with the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on arrival you will check in to the hotel enjoy dinner and overnight stay
Meal plan: Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Accommodation options:
Luxury: Gorilla Leisure lodge, Buhoma Lodge.
Mid-range: Ichumbi gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Mist Lodge
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Trekkers Havern
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Visiting Batwa Pygmies
After having the early breakfast at the lodge ensure to take all the essentials you need for gorilla trekking experience, the driver guide will pick you up and head to the park headquarters for briefing session about the rules and regulation governing the gorilla trekking activity your gorilla trekking permit is also verified at that time.
You will then be divided into groups of 8 people per group and assigned armed ranger and guides you will then begin your trek in to the stunning dense forest.
The trek takes almost 1-6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family once you find them, you will spend a maximum of one magical hour watching them feeding themselves and playing, so be sure to carry your camera take photos for lasting memories.
Afterwards you will trek back to the park headquarters where you will be awarded a certificate for participating in gorilla trekking and then meet up with your driver guide to be drove back to the lodge for relaxation
Later in the evening you can opt to visit Batwa cultural community who will perform to you their cultural dances and songs as well as demonstrate their different ways of their living hence a rewarding opportunity in the pristine environment.
Have dinner and Overnight stay at the lodge.
Meal plan: Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Accommodation options:
Luxury: Gorilla Leisure lodge, Buhoma Lodge.
Mid-range: Ichumbi gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Mist Lodge
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Trekkers Haven
Day 3: Transfer back to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport
After a relaxed breakfast, check out from the lodge and commence your return journey back to Kampala. Lunch will be enroute at Agip motel You will then proceed to Kampala or drop off at the airport to catch up with your flight back home or to the next destination.
Meal plan: Half board (breakfast and lunch)
INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSION
INCLUSIONS
Park entrance fees
Accommodation Facility
Meals
Gorilla Trekking permit
Community Visit
Full-time English-speaking guide/driver
Pick-up and drop-off
4×4 wheel drive safari vehicle
Drinking water throughout the trip
EXCLUSIONS
International flights and visas
Optional activities not included in the itinerary
Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, etc.)
Travel insurance
Additional Accommodation.
Tips
3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari Costs:
The below prices for 3 day Gorilla Safari in Bwindi are based on budget accommodation/lodges that are shared in the itinerary.
Number of Pax. | Price per Person in USD |
Sole Traveler | $ 1,520 |
Group of 2 Pp | $ 1,375 |
Group of 3 Pp | $ 1,330 |
Group of 4 Pp | $ 1,280 |
Group of 5 Pp | $ 1,250 |
Group of 6 Pp | $ 1,115 |
Note: The gorilla safari costs shared are not finals and can be adjusted based on clients’ interests and preferences especially for accommodation facility and extra activities. The pricing are based on two people sharing and one single supplement. A Gorilla Permit is also included on the fares.
Key Essential tips to consider for your 3 Days Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda
Gorilla trekking permit
You cannot trek without an official permit issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). We can assist booking tthis for you and this is quoted for in the 3 days Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda itinerary.
The Cost: 1hour gorilla trekking permits for Foreign Non-Residents are $800 USD during peak months. If you are trekking during the low/green season months (April, May, or November), UWA offers a discounted rate of $600 USD.
Match Your Lodge to Your Sector: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four distinct trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Ensure your accommodation is in the exact same sector as your permit. Booking a lodge in Buhoma with a permit in Rushaga requires a grueling, 4-hour mountain drive starting at 4:00 AM which is tiring.
Essential Packing Checklist
The mountain rainforests are humid, steep, and famously unpredictable. Even in the dry season, a downpour can happen at any moment.
Item | Why You Need It |
Sturdy Hiking Boots | Must be waterproof with deep tread/good grip. Brand new shoes will give you blisters on the steep terrain; break them in beforehand. |
Long Sleeves & Trousers | Essential for protecting your skin against stinging nettles, sharp branches, and insects. Tuck your trousers into your socks to prevent safari ants from crawling up. |
Tough Gardening Gloves | A lifesaver. You will frequently need to grab onto roots, vines, and thorny branches for balance on slippery slopes. |
Lightweight Rain Poncho | Keep it at the top of your daypack. Bwindi lives up to its “Impenetrable” and rainy reputation. |
Surgical Mask | Mandatory when approaching the gorillas. To protect them from human respiratory droplets, you must wear a clean mask during your one hour of contact. |
Physical Fitness & On-the-Trail Logistics
Prepare for a tough terrain: You could find your assigned gorilla family in 45 minutes, or it could take 6 hours of tense climbing through the steep rainforest at altitudes up to 7,500+ feet.
Hire a Porter: At the park headquarters briefing, you will have the chance to hire a local porter (usually $15USD). These will help carry your backpack and physically pull or steady you on steep, slippery mud walls. Hiring a porter is also a direct, impactful way to support the community surrounding the park.
Health Restrictions: Mountain gorillas share roughly 98% of human DNA and lack immunity to our common illnesses. Ensure you carry with you a mask that you will use all time while with the gorillas.
Maximizing the 3 Day Itinerary Drive Time
Expect Long Drives: Driving from Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi takes roughly 8 to 10 hours each way. Day 1 and Day 3 will be almost entirely spent on the road.
Alternative Flight Option: we can customize the trip so that you avoid a full day on the road by booking domestic scheduled flight (e.g., Aerolink) from Entebbe to Kihihi airstrip (for northern Bwindi) or Kisoro airstrip (for southern Bwindi.
The 10 Meter Rule: When you finally encounter the gorillas, always maintain the required 10 meter (32-foot) distance. Keep your voice to a whisper, avoid sudden movements, and never use a camera flash