After an early breakfast at Buhoma Lodge, you will travel to the Park Headquarters in Bwindi Forest to meet your guides for the day. Accompanied by experienced rangers and trackers, your group will begin the gorilla trek, navigating the dense rainforest along steep mountain slopes. Trekking can range from 45 minutes to eight hours at high altitudes, under the African sun, and is physically demanding—but the reward is extraordinary.
When you finally encounter the mountain gorillas, the moment is both humbling and exhilarating. Spending an hour quietly observing these gentle giants is an unforgettable encounter that is carefully managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Each gorilla family is visited by a single group of no more than eight guests per day, accompanied by a head ranger, security personnel, and trackers.
Optional porters, drawn from local communities, may assist during the trek, providing additional support while contributing directly to local livelihoods. Gorilla sightings are not guaranteed, though success rates exceed 95%, making this a rare and remarkable wildlife interaction.
Should time and energy allow, the afternoon may be spent on a guided Buhoma Community Village Walk, visiting traditional homes, local schools, and banana breweries, or meeting village elders and medicinal healers. This three-to-four-hour walk is tailored to your interests, offering a meaningful connection with the community while following scenic village trails.
Guests are advised to wear long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt over a t-shirt, with sturdy hiking boots and long socks tucked over the trousers or into gators. A day bag with waterproofs, two to three litres of water, and a packed lunch is essential. Photography is permitted, though flash is strictly prohibited.
Accommodation for the night remains at Buhoma Lodge on a full board basis, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with house drinks included (excluding premium brands). All transfers and activities described in the itinerary, including the packed lunch for the trek, are included, ensuring a seamless day immersed in the heart of Bwindi.