3 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda

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