3-Day Uganda Gorilla Tracking Trip to Bwindi National Park

3-Day Uganda Gorilla Tracking Trip to Bwindi National Park.

This 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Tracking Trip to Bwindi National Park the top destination for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Bwindi National Park has the highest population of mountain gorillas in Uganda, with 459 individuals, and about 19 families have been habituated for the gorilla tracking adventure.

You will track down a family of gorillas by penetrating through the dense jungles of Bwindi Forest and going up and down the rugged highlands. Upon finding the gorillas, you will spend one hour with them. Coming face to face with these massive yet gentle giants is one of the most memorable wildlife encounters!

The 3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Travel to Bwindi National Park

You will be picked up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe at 7 am and driven to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. The drive from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi is about 8 hours long. You will make a stopover along the way for a lunch break.

Bwindi National Park is divided into four gorilla tracking regions: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each region has a different number of habituated gorilla families, and permits are issued based on these regions. You will base in a particular region and track the gorillas there, with accommodation booked depending on which region still has permits available.

• Journey time: 8 hours
• Meal plan: Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation options:
  • Luxury: Bwindi Lodge
  • Midrange: Buhoma Haven Lodge
  • Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 2 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park

You will transfer to the park office at 7 am to meet the park guides/rangers for a briefing about the dos and don’ts while in the park. Gorilla families will be allocated to tourists before heading into the dense Bwindi jungle for the trekking adventure.

Time For Trekking

The time to find the gorillas varies from a few minutes to several hours, depending on their location and movements. If you prefer a nearer group, you can request our driver-guide to speak with the park guides. Advance park trackers locate the gorilla families early in the morning and inform the park offices of their initial location. The park guides have an idea of the location of different gorilla groups, but note that gorillas start moving to feed upon arising. A shorter distance could turn into a longer trek and vice versa. Porters will be available for hire at $15 to carry your daypack and assist you in challenging spots along the trek.

After finding the gorillas, you will be allowed 1 hour with them. You will then return to the lodge and relax for the rest of the day.

• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Travel Back to Kampala/Entebbe

After breakfast, you will check out and travel back to Kampala/Entebbe. You will stop at the Uganda Equator line for pictures and curio purchases.

• Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch

What to Carry for the Gorilla Trip to Bwindi

• Good hiking shoes
• Gaiters
• Long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt to protect the skin from stinging nettles and thorny plants
• Rain jacket
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Hat

Trip Includes

• Gorilla tracking permit
• Transportation (car, tour driver & fuel)
• Bottled water in the car
• Accommodation for two nights
• All meals

Trip Does NOT Include

• Tips
• Insurance
• Extras at the lodge (e.g., laundry, phone, premium drinks)