3 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda
Safari Overview
3 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda
This 3-day gorilla trekking tour in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! You’ll travel from Kampala (the capital city) or Entebbe (where the main airport is) to the beautiful forest of Bwindi, where mountain gorillas live. The drive takes about 8 to 9 hours. It’s a long trip, but you’ll see amazing views of the countryside—green hills, farms, small towns, and smiling people along the way.
You will also have a stopover at the Equator, a fun and famous landmark where you can take cool photos, grab a snack, buy souvenirs, and learn how water spins differently in each hemisphere! Don’t like long drives? No problem! You can also fly to the trekking area. It’s faster and more comfortable, but it costs more. Many people also choose to start and end their trip in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Why? Because Kigali is only a 3 to 6-hour drive from the gorilla parks in Uganda—shorter than coming from Kampala. But here’s the best part: Uganda’s gorilla permit is much cheaper—$800 per person, compared to $1,500 in Rwanda!
No matter how you get there, seeing a wild mountain gorilla up close is an incredible moment. You’ll walk through misty forests, hear birds and monkeys in the trees, and then—suddenly—you’ll be face to face with one of the world’s rarest animals. After an hour spent observing the gorillas in their natural habitat, you’ll head to the peaceful Lake Bunyonyi. Known as the “Place of Little Birds,” the lake offers stunning views, calm waters perfect for canoeing or boat cruises, and a chance to relax surrounded by nature.
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Trip highlights
- See wild gorillas in the thick Bwindi Forest
- A fun road trip through green hills and friendly villages
- Relax or ride a canoe on Lake Bunyonyi
- Equator experiences
- Gorilla Habituation Experience (Optional)
- Kiga dance workshop and cooking Class (optional)
What's included
- Gorilla trekking permit (non-resident)
- Park entrance fees
- All mentioned activities (unless marked optional)
- Accommodation (as listed in the itinerary)
- Professional English-speaking guide/driver
- Ground transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All meals (as mentioned each day)
- Drinking water throughout the trip
- Taxes and government VAT
3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Itinerary
Day By Day
Day 1: Travel from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi
Your adventure begins today! In the morning, you will be picked up by your friendly Choose Uganda Safaris guide—either from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe, or directly from Entebbe International Airport if you are arriving on the day of travel.
After a warm welcome and a short trip briefing, you will set off on a scenic road trip to southwestern Uganda, the lush home of the majestic mountain gorillas. The drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes approximately 8 to 10 hours, but it is filled with ever-changing landscapes and local color that make the trip feel like an adventure in itself.
As you leave the busy city behind, the road winds through vibrant roadside markets, bustling towns, and traditional rural villages. The scenery becomes increasingly beautiful the further you go, with views of lush rainforests, sparkling crater lakes, banana and coffee plantations, and rolling countryside. Around midday, you will stop in the lively town of Mbarara for lunch at the popular Igongo Cultural Center—a traveler favorite in western Uganda.
Here, you can enjoy a hearty meal, choosing from delicious local Ugandan dishes or continental options. If time permits, you may also take a quick visit to the Igongo Museum, which offers an insightful look into the culture and history of the Ankole people. Exhibits include traditional clothing, royal artifacts, farming tools, and historical stories that bring Uganda’s past to life.
After lunch, you will continue southwest through the picturesque highlands of Kigezi, often called the “Switzerland of East Africa” for its breathtaking terraced hills and cool, misty mountain views. As the sun begins to set, you will finally arrive in the magical surroundings of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biologically diverse forests on the continent. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge and settle in for the evening. Take time to relax, breathe in the crisp forest air, and prepare for the incredible gorilla trekking experience that awaits you the following day.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Ride 4 A Woman
Middle class: Gorilla Mist Camp
Semi-luxury: Haven Lodge Buhoma
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
Exclusive: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
Include Meals
- Lunch – along the way
- Dinner at the lodge
Day 2: The great gorilla trekking & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Today is the big day—gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the top wildlife experiences in Africa! In the early morning, you will head to the park headquarters for a short briefing. Then, you will start your trek through the dense forest, guided by expert rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
You will follow fresh signs like gorilla nests, droppings, broken twigs, and chewed bamboo, as you search for a family of mountain gorillas. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 7 hours, depending on where the gorilla family is that day. The hike can be challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
When you finally come face to face with a silverback gorilla, calmly watching over his family, it’s a moment you’ll never forget. You’ll spend one full hour quietly observing them—watching them eat, play, and interact in their natural home. After the trek, you’ll return to the park offices, where you’ll receive a gorilla trekking certificate—a special souvenir of your once-in-a-lifetime experience.
In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to the peaceful and scenic Lake Bunyonyi, just a short drive from Bwindi. The lake is known for its cool weather, beautiful terraced hills, and over 29 islands scattered across its calm waters. Lake Bunyonyi is the second-deepest lake in Africa and is free of dangerous animals like hippos or crocodiles, so it’s safe for swimming.
At Lake Bunyonyi, you can enjoy a canoe ride or boat cruise to explore the islands—each one has a story! One of the most famous is Punishment Island, where unmarried pregnant girls were once left as punishment. The lake is also great for bird watching, with over 200 bird species that give the lake its name—“Bunyonyi” means “place of little birds”. The calm waters, fresh air, and peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect place to relax after your trek. You’ll spend the night at Lake Bunyonyi, surrounded by nature and the calm waters.
Optional: Gorilla Habituation Experience
Instead of the regular trek, you can choose a Gorilla Habituation Experience in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi. This unique activity lets you spend up to 4 hours with a wild gorilla family that is still getting used to human presence. You will join researchers and trackers to learn how gorillas are gradually habituated—a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at conservation in action. Only four people per day are allowed on this experience.
Optional: Ride 4 A Woman Activities
If you prefer a cultural day, you can stay at Ride 4 A Woman, a wonderful community project that supports local women through training and jobs. Here, you can join a Kiga Dance Workshop, where you will learn traditional dances with local women, enjoying music, movement, and a real taste of Ugandan culture. Or, you can choose a cooking class where you pick fresh vegetables from the garden, cook local dishes like matoke, G-nut sauce, and goat meat, and enjoy your meal around the campfire with your hosts. You will also make Imondha, a local drink made from millet, sorghum, honey, and water.
Accommodation Options:
Simple: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Middle class: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Luxury: Birdnest Resort
Include Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 3: Travel Back to Entebbe for your departure flight.
After breakfast, you will begin the journey back to Entebbe or Kampala. The drive covers about 450 kilometers and takes roughly 7 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. As you leave the peaceful hills of southwestern Uganda behind, you will carry with you unforgettable memories of the rare mountain gorillas.
Along the way, you will stop at the famous Equator Line for a fun and educational break. Here, you can step right across the imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It’s a great spot for photos, so don’t forget your camera! At the Equator, you can also take part in simple science experiments like watching water swirl in different directions on each side of the line—a cool demonstration of the Coriolis effect.
Near the Equator, there are souvenir shops where you can pick up unique crafts, local artwork, and keepsakes to remind you of your Ugandan adventure. You’ll also enjoy lunch nearby, with a chance to taste some local dishes. After your Equator stop, the journey continues through vibrant towns and green landscapes until you arrive in Entebbe by early evening. You should plan to book a flight departing after 7:00 pm to ensure you have plenty of time to check in and relax before your departure.
Accommodation: Not Included
Include Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
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