3 days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 3-day gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This exciting safari takes you deep into the misty jungles of southwestern Uganda, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Along the journey, you travel through scenic landscapes, vibrant towns, and the famous Equator line. You enjoy comfortable accommodation at Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, guided treks led by expert rangers, and an intimate encounter with the majestic gorillas. This short but thrilling safari offers the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and culture—ideal for travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience in the Pearl of Africa.

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Your adventure begins early in the morning when your professional driver-guide warmly welcomes you and picks you up from Entebbe International Airport. Afterward, you receive a short safari briefing and then start a full-day scenic drive toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda.

Throughout the 8- to 9-hour journey, you enjoy breathtaking scenery and cultural encounters. You travel through the bustling towns of Masaka and Mbarara and pass lush countryside landscapes dotted with banana plantations and grazing long-horned Ankole cattle. Along the way, you stop at the Equator line in Kayabwe to take memorable photos and watch the fascinating Coriolis water demonstration—an experiment showing how water swirls in opposite directions in each hemisphere.

As you continue your scenic drive, you pass through the beautiful Kigezi Highlands, known for their terraced hillsides and misty valleys. Eventually, you arrive at Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, your home for the next two nights. The lodge sits near the southern gate of Bwindi and offers stunning forest views and comfortable en-suite cottages. Upon arrival, you check in, enjoy a hot meal, relax in the tranquil surroundings, and prepare for the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience that awaits you the next day.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After you enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge and pack your lunch, you head to the nearby Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. At the park headquarters, Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers conduct a pre-trek briefing, explaining gorilla behavior, trekking guidelines, and what to expect in the forest.

After the briefing, rangers assign you to a habituated gorilla family, and you begin your trek into the thick, mist-covered jungle. The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movement that day. As you hike through steep trails, muddy paths, and dense vegetation, skilled trackers and armed rangers guide you throughout the journey.

Once you find the gorilla family, you spend an unforgettable hour observing and photographing them as they feed, play, and interact. The experience feels spiritual and humbling, offering a rare connection with one of humanity’s closest relatives.

After this once-in-a-lifetime encounter, you enjoy your packed lunch in the forest. Later in the afternoon, you may rest or choose optional activities such as a community walk, a visit to the nearby Batwa pygmy community, or simply relaxing and soaking in the serene forest views. You end the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Return to Kampala or Entebbe

After you enjoy a leisurely breakfast and check out from the lodge, you begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe, carrying lasting memories of your extraordinary gorilla trekking adventure. Along the way, you travel once again through Mbarara, where you pause to savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant or hotel.

As the journey continues, the scenic drive gives you time to reflect on your rare wildlife encounter and the breathtaking beauty of Uganda’s highlands. Eventually, you approach Entebbe in the late afternoon or early evening. Finally, your guide drives you to your hotel or the airport for your departure flight, gracefully concluding your three-day journey into the wild heart of Africa.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch