3-day Bwindi gorilla trekking safari
- 2
- Nights
- 3
- Days
- Destinations
- Uganda & Rwanda
Journey overview
With only three days, this itinerary keeps the plan simple: drive to Bwindi, trek the gorillas, then return to Kampala or Entebbe. The road journey is long in both directions, so this is best for travellers who have limited time and are comfortable spending much of Day 1 and Day 3 in the vehicle. The middle day is reserved for the forest rather than being crowded with extra activities.
Itinerary
3 days of guided travel, planned by our safari team from arrival to departure.
Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is a full day's drive from Kampala or Entebbe, so departure needs to be early. The route passes tea and banana-growing areas, rolling hills and rural communities, with an Equator stop and lunch in Mbarara before the final climb through terraced hills and forested slopes. By the time you reach the lodge, the useful thing to do is rest. Check in, have dinner and prepare your daypack and clothing for the following morning's trek.
- Activity highlights
- Scenic drive through Uganda's countryside
- Stop at the Equator for photos and souvenirs
- Budget
- Ride 4 a Woman Guesthouse
- Mid-range
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Luxury
- Buhoma Lodge
Lunch · Dinner
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The forest day starts with the 7:30 AM briefing at park headquarters. Rangers cover safety, trekking rules and the day's group assignments before departures begin at about 8:00 AM. The search can last between 2 and 8 hours depending on where the gorilla family is located, with steep or muddy trail sections possible along the way. Finding the gorillas changes the pace completely. You then spend the permitted hour observing and photographing the family under ranger guidance, without assuming any particular behaviour or photographic moment. Lunch and rest follow at the lodge, with an optional Batwa community visit later if time and energy allow.
- Activity highlights
- Guided gorilla trekking experience
- Optional visit to the Batwa community
Same as Day 1
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Return to Kampala or Entebbe
The long drive back begins after breakfast, with lunch again around Mbarara. If the Equator stop was missed on the outward journey, it can be used on the return instead. Arrival is expected in the evening, either at your Kampala hotel or Entebbe Airport depending on your onward plans.
- Activity highlights
- Scenic return drive with photo stops
- Optional stop at the Equator
Breakfast · Lunch
Inclusions & exclusions
Included
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Park entrance fees
- All accommodations as per itinerary
- Meals as indicated
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle and English-speaking driver/guide
- Bottled drinking water
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, drinks)
- Optional activities (Batwa visit, etc.)
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