3-Day Bwindi Forest Gorilla Trekking Safari Uganda

Planning a trip to see mountain gorillas often feels like a puzzle. You might worry about the long 9-hour drive from Entebbe or the stress of securing a permit before they sell out. Many travelers fear they will book the wrong sector and end up on a hike that is too steep for their fitness level. This stress can take the joy out of your dream trip. Waiting too long means missing out on the $800 permits, which are limited to just eight people per gorilla family each day. If you choose the wrong route, you might spend more time in a car than with the primates. Our 3-day Bwindi forest gorilla trekking safari solves these problems. We handle the permit booking through the Uganda Wildlife Authority for you. We offer a Kigali Connection to cut your driving time in half. Whether you want a gentle walk in Buhoma or a challenging hike in Rushaga, we match the trek to your needs.

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Quick Trip Summary

Choosing Your Route: Entebbe vs. Kigali Connection

Most people think they must start their Uganda safari in Entebbe. If you land at Entebbe International Airport, the drive to Bwindi takes about 8 to 9 hours. This route is beautiful. You will cross the equator and see the rolling hills of Mbarara. However, there is a better way for those who dislike long car rides. You can fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. From Kigali, the drive to the southern sectors of Bwindi (Rushaga or Nkuringo) takes only 4 to 5 hours. This includes the border crossing at Cyanika or Katuna.

Field Guide, Moses: “I always tell my guests, if you want to see the countryside, start in Entebbe. If you want to save your energy for the forest, start in Kigali. Crossing the border is simple if you have your East African Tourist Visa.”

Understanding Bwindi Sectors: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is not just one forest block. It has four distinct sectors. Where you stay depends on where your permit is booked.

Buhoma Sector (Northern Bwindi)

Buhoma was the first area opened for tourism in 1993. It sits at a lower altitude, making the treks generally less steep. It has the most luxurious lodges. If you prefer a shorter hike and a bit more comfort, this is your best choice.

Rushaga Sector (Southern Bwindi)

Rushaga has the highest number of habituated gorilla families. It is also the only place where you can do the “Gorilla Habituation Experience.” This allows you to spend four hours with the gorillas instead of one. The hills here are steep, but the views are worth it.

Ruhija and Nkuringo Sectors

Ruhija is high up and cold. It is a favorite for bird watchers. Nkuringo offers the most physical challenge. On a clear day in Nkuringo, you can see the Virunga Volcanoes in the distance.

Detailed Itinerary 

Day 1: The Journey to the Gorilla Highlands

Your guide will meet you early in the morning. If we start in Entebbe, we head west. We stop at the Equator for photos and a water experiment. Lunch is usually in Mbarara town. As we enter the Kigezi highlands, the roads begin to wind through terraced farms. If we start in Kigali, we drive north through the land of a thousand hills. We cross into Uganda and reach your lodge by mid-afternoon. This gives you time to sit on your balcony with a cup of Ugandan coffee and listen to the forest sounds.

Day 2: The Gorilla Encounter

This is the day you have been waiting for. After an early breakfast, we drive to the park headquarters. You must be there by 7:30 am for the briefing. Rangers will explain the rules. They will tell you to keep a 10-meter distance and to never use flash photography. You will be assigned to a group of eight. Then, you enter the forest. The hike can take two hours or six. You will walk through thick vines and over mossy logs. When the trackers find the family, the forest goes quiet. You will see the silverback first. He is massive, weighing up to 400 pounds. You might see mothers grooming their infants or juveniles swinging from branches. You have exactly one hour to watch them.

Day 3: Farewell to Bwindi

After breakfast, we begin the return journey. If you are heading to Entebbe, we will stop for lunch and souvenir shopping. If you are heading to Kigali, we cross back over the border in time for your flight.

What’s Included / Excluded

Included

• Pick up and drop off Kampala/Entebbe
• Gorilla trekking permits
• Accommodation (2 nights)
• 4X4 safari vehicle & Fuel
• Full-time English-speaking driver/guide
• All meals during transfers and at the lodge
• Bottled mineral water while on safari
• Park entry fees

  Excluded

• Tipping for guide/hotel staff/rangers
• Uganda Visa fees and international air tickets
• Optional activities of your choice
• Personal expenses like laundry, phone calls, beer, insurance cover, extra meals and drinks, etc

Managing Your Gorilla Permits and Costs

As of July 2024, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) set the permit price at $800 for foreign non-residents. This price includes park entry fees and the rangers who protect you in the forest. We handle the entire permit process. You do not need to contact the government yourself. We check the dates, reserve the slots, and pay the 100% fee required to secure your spot. Once confirmed, we send you a scanned copy of your permit. Note that permits are non-refundable, though they can sometimes be rescheduled if you fall ill.

What to Pack

• Hiking boots

• Long-sleeved clothing

• Rain jacket

• Insect repellent

• Snacks & water bottle

• Camera (no flash)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit?

The dry seasons are June to August and December to February. The trails are drier and easier to walk. However, you can trek all year round. In the rainy season, the forest is green and beautiful.

How fit do I need to be?

You do not need to be an athlete. However, you should be able to walk for several hours on uneven ground. If you are worried, we can hire a porter for you. For about $15, a local porter will carry your bag and give you a hand on the steep parts.

Is it safe?

Yes. You are always accompanied by armed park rangers. They are there to protect you from wild elephants or buffalo, though encounters with these are rare.