3 Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari from Entebbe

Our 3 Day Bwindi gorilla trekking safari from Entebbe Introduces you to Bwindi impenetrable national park, a UNESCO world heritage site, and home to 459 gorillas, which is an increase from 400 as of the 2018 census. These 459 gorillas are categorized into 50 gorilla groups or families, of which only 21 are currently habituated for tourism. In some gorilla groups, you will find more than one silverback in which case it implies the other silver-backs had to submit to his leadership or break away and start their own families. The trip combines the spectacular views of the Volcanoes and the incredible tracking of the mountain gorillas. Visiting Bwindi gives you the opportunity to experience the African tropical rain forest and its inhabitants, who include the animals and the local people. You also get a feel of the different communities and their cultures as well as the unending waving of hands and smiles from the children. You will have a visit to a few crater lakes such as Mutanda, the Batwa and have a memorable encounter with the endangered Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi also contains other species of animals with their counts estimated at 310 butterflies, 200 trees, 51 reptiles, 88 months, 120 mammals, and 350 bird species. There are also several other primate species, such as chimpanzees, L’Hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, vervet monkeys, and red tail monkeys.

Safari highlights

• Gorilla trekking
• Community walks to visit (The Batwa pygmies, tea picking, local coffee processing, local gin brewing, visiting the traditional medicine man, a visit to Bwindi community hospital, and a visit to the women’s group, “Ride for a woman”)
• Buying local crafts
• Award of gorilla trekking certificates

Safari itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi impenetrable National Park

Our driver-guide will meet you at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe and transfer you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a 9 hours journey. This journey will take you by the road where you will have a stopover at the equator along the Masaka-Mbarara highway for photographs before proceeding. You will have spectacular views of the terraces on the rolling hills and scenic views of Lake Mutanda as you take photos.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking experience in Bwindi forest

Have an early breakfast and transfer to the park offices/visitor information center by 7:30 am for briefing and eventual allocation of gorilla group to trek. Hike through the rainforest accompanied by a ranger guide and trackers, in search of the mountain gorilla family allocated for trekking. The walking can be challenging at times, but when you catch a glimpse of the humongous silverback with his family, any discomforts will quickly be forgotten. The lead guide keeps providing information about trees, birds, butterflies, and other wildlife in the forest until you reach the gorilla family allocated for tracking. The gorillas are located in different parts across the forest and therefore, the time taken to find one group varies from a few minutes to several hours depending on the location and movement of the Gorillas. Once with the gorillas, you will be allowed to observe them for an hour. At the end of the trek, you will return to the park headquarters and information Centre to be awarded your trekking certificates. You will then meet the driver guide and transfer back to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Day 3: Transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable to Entebbe or Kampala

After breakfast, you will transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable to Entebbe or Kampala with a Stopover at Lake Mutanda as you enjoy scenic views of the surrounding areas and waters upon arrival in Kampala or Entebbe you will be transferred to the airport for your flight or to your lodge for Overnight.

Trip includes

• Gorilla permits at Bwindi/Park entrance fee
• Certificates after trekking
• Hot or packed lunches on transfer days
• Bottled water in car
• Professional guide/ driver allowance
• Ground transportation in a 4×4 safari car
• Accommodation
• All meals at the lodges
• Airport transfers (pick and drop off)

Trip excludes

• International Air ticket and visa fees
• Beers and Wine (alcoholic drinks)
• Laundry expenses and craft shopping
• Travel insurance
• Tips
• Pre and post-safari accommodation

When to book a gorilla trekking tour

It is usually advisable to book this trip 6 months in advance to allow us ample time to secure the gorilla permits.

Best time to do gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Bwindi is open for gorilla trekking all year long, but the best times to go are from June to August and December to February. At these times, the forest trails are drier and therefore less slippery. Also, your chance of a dry gorilla viewing experience is higher during these months.

The top 8 activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are;

• Gorilla Trekking. This tops the list of the top 8 activities in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Gorilla Habituation.
• Bird watching.
• The Batwa cultural experience.
• Forest walks/hiking.
• Mountain biking.
• Buhoma community walks.
• Lake Mutanda visit.