3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Experience

Pick Up from Kampala and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Your 3-day gorilla trekking adventure commences early in the morning with a warm welcome from the Terenga Safaris team at your Kampala or Entebbe accommodation. Dressed professionally in the company’s uniform, your driver-guide will greet you with a briefing to outline the itinerary, safety protocols, and essential tips for the days ahead. This initial interaction sets the tone for a journey marked by professionalism, care, and respect for both guests and the environment.

By 5:30 AM, you will embark on the scenic road transfer towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, situated in southwestern Uganda. Although the journey spans approximately 500 kilometers and can take up to 8-9 hours, it is interspersed with planned breaks to stretch, refresh, and enjoy Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes. The route takes you through the heart of Uganda’s lush countryside, featuring rolling hills, terraced farmlands, tea plantations, and traditional villages.

Your 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Experience driver-guide will ensure stops at hygienic restrooms, safe picnic areas, and vantage points for capturing photographs of the verdant scenery and local wildlife that occasionally crosses the roadside. These breaks not only enhance comfort but offer opportunities for cultural exchange, such as sampling roadside fruit stalls or observing rural farming practices.

Upon arrival near Bwindi, you will be welcomed at the gorilla tracking briefing center, where park officials will introduce you to the rules and expectations for the upcoming trek. Here, you’ll be paired with your experienced ranger guides, who are integral to navigating the dense forest and locating the gorilla families.

Finally, you will transfer to your accommodation within or near Bwindi Forest, selected for comfort and proximity to the trekking starting points. Simple yet cozy lodges equipped with private bathrooms and hot showers will provide a restful environment after your long day of travel.

Dinner will be served at the lodge, allowing you to relax and prepare for the exhilarating gorilla trekking scheduled for the following morning. This first day successfully blends travel, orientation, and preparation to set a strong foundation for the adventure ahead.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Meals & Drinks: All meals included; all drinks included except premium wines and liquors

Gorilla Trekking Safari and Resting

Day two is the heart of the 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Experience safari—the day dedicated to the extraordinary mountain gorilla trekking experience. After a wholesome breakfast at your lodge, you will prepare a packed lunch to carry with you during the trek. It is important to bring adequate hydration and suitable trekking gear, including sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved clothing, insect repellent, and a raincoat due to the humid rainforest climate.

Your guide will escort you to the park headquarters, where you will join other trekkers for an informative briefing conducted by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. This briefing covers essential safety guidelines, conservation ethics, and what to expect during the trek, including how to behave around the gorillas and how to minimize disturbance.

The trekking begins as you follow narrow animal pathways carved through the dense forest undergrowth. The Bwindi Forest is famously thick and nearly impenetrable, alive with the sounds of exotic birds, butterflies, monkeys, and other wildlife. Though the terrain can be challenging—with steep inclines, muddy patches, and slippery rocks—your guides will assist with navigation and support.

The time to locate the gorillas varies greatly depending on the group’s movements. Treks typically last between 2 to 6 hours, demanding both physical stamina and patience. As you approach the gorillas’ vicinity, you will notice signs of their activity: broken branches, feeding sites, and fresh footprints.

Once found, you will be granted a precious one-hour encounter with the gorillas. This hour is spent observing their social behaviours—silverbacks defending their family, mothers nurturing infants, and playful juveniles learning their environment. The gorillas’ intelligence and gentle nature create an emotional and humbling connection for all visitors.

During the encounter, photographers will have ample opportunity to capture close-up images of these magnificent creatures, while conservationists and enthusiasts can learn more about ongoing efforts to protect them. Due to health concerns, all trekkers are required to wear face masks and maintain a respectful distance.

After the trek, you will return to the park headquarters, where transport will be waiting to return you to your lodge. Here, you can relax, enjoy a hot shower, and share stories with fellow travelers over dinner. The afternoon is free for rest or optional short walks in the surrounding area, offering a chance to reflect on the profound gorilla experience.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Meals & Drinks: All meals included; all drinks included except premium wines and liquors

Transfer Back to Kampala/Entebbe International Airport

After an early breakfast, the final day of your 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Experience safari begins with a peaceful drive back to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport, marking the conclusion of your 3-day gorilla trekking experience. The journey, roughly 8-9 hours depending on traffic, retraces your route through Uganda’s beautiful landscapes, offering one last opportunity to absorb the stunning natural vistas and rural life.

Your driver-guide remains attentive to your comfort throughout the trip, providing stops at appropriate intervals for refreshments, restroom breaks, and photo opportunities. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be flexibility to explore Kampala briefly or visit local markets for souvenirs.

It is highly recommended to schedule an evening or late-afternoon international flight to accommodate travel time and avoid rushing through your journey. For guests requiring accommodation before their outbound flight, Terenga Safaris can arrange comfortable lodging in Kampala or near the airport.

This day serves as a time for reflection on the profound experiences of the past two days—the close encounter with mountain gorillas, the immersion in Uganda’s wilderness, and the connections made with this remarkable country.

As you are dropped off at the airport, the memories of your 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Experience wildlife adventure linger, leaving you with stories to share and a desire to return to the Pearl of Africa.

Main Destination: Kampala/Entebbe International Airport

Accommodation: None (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks: All meals included; all drinks included except premium wines and liquors