3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Your safari begins with a private journey from Entebbe or Kampala towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda. As you travel away from the city, the landscape changes to rolling hills, green countryside and forested highlands.

Your professional safari guide will manage the journey and recommend suitable stops along the way depending on your interests and available time. On arrival in the Bwindi area, check into your selected lodge and relax after the journey. Your guide will also brief you about the following day’s gorilla trekking experience and help you prepare for this unforgettable forest adventure.

Overnight: Bwindi area

Meals:  Lunch and dinner, as specified in your confirmed quotation

Accommodation: Selected lodge category

Day 2 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today is the highlight of your safari — mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

After breakfast, you will proceed to the designated gorilla trekking point for a briefing before entering the forest with experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and trackers. The search for your habituated gorilla family takes place in the natural rainforest, where the terrain can be steep, muddy and challenging in some areas.

The duration of the trek varies depending on the location and movement of the gorilla family. It may take several hours of walking through the forest before the trackers locate the group you are visiting. Your ranger and trackers will guide you throughout the trek and help you follow the appropriate guidelines when approaching the gorillas.

Once the gorilla family has been located, you are permitted to spend  one hour observing the gorillas. This is a special opportunity to watch their natural behaviour, take photographs and experience these remarkable animals at close range while following the instructions of your ranger.

After the viewing experience, you will begin the trek back through the forest to the trailhead. Return to your lodge for relaxation, and depending on your interests and the available time after the trekk, an optional nature or community experience can be arranged.

Overnight: Bwindi area

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner as specified in your confirmed quotation

Activity: Mountain gorilla trekking

Day 3 – Return to Entebbe or Kampala via the Equator

After breakfast, check out from your lodge and begin your return journey from Bwindi towards Entebbe or Kampala.

Enjoy the changing landscapes of south-western Uganda as you travel towards the central region. Depending on your onward travel arrangements and available time, your guide will make suitable stops along the way.

One of the highlights of the return journey is a stop at the Uganda Equator in Kayabwe. Here you will have time to take photographs at the Equator crossing, stretch your legs and explore the local craft shops and visitor area. The Equator is a popular stopover for travellers heading to and from Uganda’s western and southern tourism destinations. 

After the Equator experience, continue towards Kampala or Entebbe. If you are connecting to an international flight from Entebbe International Airport, the day’s journey will be planned around your confirmed flight time.

Upon arrival in Entebbe or Kampala, you will be dropped off at your agreed location, hotel or Entebbe International Airport, marking the end of your 3-day Bwindi gorilla trekking safari.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch as specified in your confirmed quotation

Stopover: Uganda Equator, Kayabwe

End of safari: Entebbe or Kampala

Customize This Safari

This itinerary is a strong starting point rather than a fixed formula. Bush Shrike Adventures can adjust the accommodation level, add or remove nights, include domestic flights where suitable, adjust the starting or ending point, add birding or photography time, or combine the safari with additional destinations in Uganda or Rwanda.

Your gorilla trekking permit is included in this safari, while any additional activities or extensions can be added according to your interests, travel dates and availability.