Day By Day

3-Day Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Highlights:

• Scenic drive through Uganda’s countryside
• Equator crossing photo opportunity
• Local markets and cultural landscapes

Itinerary Details:

After an early breakfast, your professional safari guide will pick you up from Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in Kampala. Begin your journey southwest through Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale—a route dotted with banana plantations, roadside markets, and terraced hillsides.

You’ll stop at the Uganda Equator monument for a photo and brief orientation, followed by lunch en route in Mbarara. Arrive at your lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Drive Time: 8–9 hours (or 1–1.5 hours by domestic flight to Kisoro + 2-hour drive)

Accommodation Options:

• Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Luxury: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs

Suggested internal links: How to Get to Bwindi Top Gorilla Lodges in Bwindi

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Forest

Highlights:

• Once-in-a-lifetime encounter with a mountain gorilla family
• Trek through dense rainforest guided by expert trackers
• Optional Batwa community walk in the afternoon

Itinerary Details:

After an early breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the Bwindi National Park headquarters by 7:30 AM for a comprehensive briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. You’ll be assigned to a gorilla family group and begin your trek into the forest, guided by armed rangers and experienced trackers.

Depending on the location of the gorilla group, the trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, covering uneven terrain and dense undergrowth. Once you locate the gorillas, you'll spend up to 1 hour in their presence, observing their behavior, interactions, feeding habits, and even eye contact.

This is one of the most moving wildlife encounters in the world, and it's a privilege shared by only a few thousand people each year.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you may opt for a guided cultural walk to visit the Batwa pygmy community, learning about their traditional forest-based lifestyle and local crafts.

What to Bring:

• Hiking boots, gloves, waterproof jacket, long-sleeve clothes
• Insect repellent, snacks, and 2L drinking water
• Camera (no flash allowed), and trekking poles if needed

Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost: USD $700 (included in safari package)

Suggested internal links: Gorilla Trekking Tips and Preparation Batwa Cultural Experience in Bwindi

Day 3: Return to Kampala or Entebbe

Highlights:

• Scenic return journey through the highlands
• Stopovers for souvenirs or photography
• Optional domestic flight available

Itinerary Details:

After breakfast at the lodge, you’ll begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe, with stopovers for lunch and souvenirs along the way. Alternatively, for travelers with limited time, a domestic flight from Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrip can be arranged at an extra cost.

You’ll arrive in the evening for drop-off at your hotel or airport, concluding your incredible 3-day Bwindi gorilla trekking adventure.