3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda

Day 1 : Pick up and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport or from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe, your safari guide will greet you and begin the scenic 8 to 10 hours drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Uganda Equator for photos and a brief shopping experience at the craft stalls. Continue your journey with a traditional Ugandan lunch in Mbarara, where you can sample local dishes like matoke and posho. The journey continues through Uganda’s stunning mountainous landscape, with lush hills and forests leading into Bwindi, a haven for endangered mountain gorillas. Arriving at your lodge near the park, you will have dinner and unwind in this tranquil environment, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Impenetrable Forest.

Day 2 : Gorilla Trekking and evening Batwa community visit

On Day 2, after an early breakfast, your guide will escort you to the park’s headquarters for a briefing on the rules of gorilla trekking. You'll be divided into small groups and assigned to a gorilla family to track, based on your physical ability and the location of the group that day. The trek itself will take you through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the terrain is often steep, muddy, and dense with vegetation, making the hike both challenging and rewarding. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by the sounds of the forest, with birds chirping and the rustling of trees as you make your way through the jungle, accompanied by your knowledgeable park ranger who will provide interesting insights into the forest ecosystem.

Once you find the gorillas, you'll be able to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat, observing their behavior from a safe distance. Watching the gorillas feed, play, or interact with each other is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience, giving you the rare chance to witness these gentle giants in their natural environment. After this exhilarating encounter, you’ll enjoy a packed lunch in the forest or return to your lodge for a more substantial meal.

In the afternoon, your adventure continues with a visit to the Batwa community, the indigenous people who once lived within the forest as hunters and gatherers. The Batwa, also known as the "Pygmies", will welcome you with a traditional dance and song, and you will have the opportunity to learn about their fascinating cultural practices, such as how they survived in the forest by hunting with bows and arrows and using plants for medicinal purposes. You may also witness how they build shelters from natural materials and make tools from the forest. This cultural experience provides insight into their ancient way of life and the transition they’ve made since being relocated from the forest. After this immersive cultural experience, you’ll return to your lodge, where you can unwind and enjoy a delicious dinner while reflecting on the day’s experiences.

Day 3 :Transfer to Entebbe to catch your flight

After breakfast, you’ll begin your journey back to Entebbe for your return flight or hotel drop-off. The drive offers more stunning views of Uganda’s rolling hills, lush forests, and scenic valleys. You will stop for lunch in Mbarara or another nearby town, where you can savor more local dishes. Upon reaching Entebbe, you may have time for a brief visit to Lake Victoria, where you can enjoy a relaxing view of the world’s second-largest freshwater lake. Before you are dropped off at Entebbe International Airport for your departure.

Whether you are heading back home or extending your stay, you will leave with unforgettable memories of your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and the incredible experiences with mountain gorillas and Batwa culture.