Overview
This three-day budget gorilla trek is the most affordable way to see mountain gorillas in Uganda. You travel by road from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, trek with a ranger to a habituated gorilla family, and return to Kampala on day three, with the gorilla permit, transport, guide and simple accommodation included.
The trek lasts from one to six hours depending on where the family has moved, and you spend one hour with the gorillas. The long drive makes this a tiring trip, so it suits travellers who value the gorilla encounter above comfort and want to keep the cost down. Porters can be hired on the day.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (3 days)
DRIVE TO BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
You drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along a scenic road through terraced hills and tea estates, about 8 to 9 hours from Kampala or about 4 hours from Kigali via the Cyanika border. You arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon and are briefed on gorilla trekking and what to pack. Overnight in a simple lodge or camp near Bwindi. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING IN BWINDI
After early breakfast you report to the park headquarters for the Uganda Wildlife Authority briefing and are assigned to a habituated gorilla family. The trek takes 1 to 6 hours through dense forest led by trackers. You spend one hour with the gorillas, then hike back to the lodge for lunch. Porters can be hired locally to carry your bag. In the afternoon you can visit a Batwa community or a village walk. Overnight in a simple lodge or camp near Bwindi. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
RETURN TO KAMPALA OR ENTEBBE
After breakfast you drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, about 9 to 10 hours with a lunch stop, arriving in the evening. You are dropped at your hotel or at Entebbe airport. If you need an earlier arrival we can arrange a flight from Kihihi airstrip to Entebbe at extra cost. Meals: breakfast and lunch.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Uganda and ends in Uganda.
Airport Information
Entebbe International Airport (Uganda) is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.