4 Days Bwindi Double Gorilla Trekking Safari
Tracking gorillas once is a great feat. Doing it twice changes how you see these animals. This four-day safari takes you into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for two separate treks. You will visit two different gorilla families in two different sectors of the park. This trip is built for travelers who want maximum time with mountain gorillas without feeling rushed.
Safari Highlights
Seeing two different mountain gorilla families
Trekking in both Buhoma and Rushaga sectors
Standing at the Equator line for photos
Enjoying scenic drives through rural hills
Sleeping in comfortable forest lodges
Why Choose a Double Gorilla Trek?
Most visitors only buy one permit. They see one family and leave. A double trek gives you a deeper view of gorilla habits. Every gorilla family acts differently. Some families rest in the trees. Others stay 
active on the ground. By doing two treks, you get different photo chances. You also get a backup day in case it rains heavily on your first trek. This reduces the risk of a ruined trip.
Comparing Buhoma and Rushaga Sectors
This trip takes you to both the northern and southern edges of the forest. Buhoma is the oldest trekking area. The trails here are less steep. It has a relaxed feel and many luxury lodges. Buhoma is very popular because the driving distance from other parks is shorter. Rushaga sits in the south. The hills are steeper here. However, Rushaga holds the highest number of habituated gorilla families. It also has views of the Virunga volcanoes on a clear day. Walking through both areas gives you a full picture of the forest terrain. You get to compare the thick northern trees with the high southern ridges.
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Bwindi Forest
Your driver will pick you up early from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. The pickup time is usually around six in the morning. You will travel west in a 4×4 vehicle. The drive takes about nine hours. We 
will stop at the Equator for photos and a short break. You can stand in two hemispheres at once. We will then drive to Mbarara town. You will have a hot lunch at a local food spot here. After lunch, the drive continues through rolling green hills. You will pass banana farms and small trading centers. The road eventually turns to dirt as you get closer to the forest. You will arrive at the Buhoma sector of Bwindi in the late afternoon. You will check into your lodge. You can take a hot shower and eat dinner. Rest early to prepare for the big hike.
Day 2: First Gorilla Trek in Buhoma
You will wake up at six in the morning for breakfast. Your driver will take you to the Buhoma park headquarters. Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers will brief you on forest rules. You will learn how to behave around the gorillas. Next, you will walk into the forest with armed rangers and trackers. The Buhoma sector has older trails. The walking here is slightly easier than in other areas. The hike can take two to six hours, depending on where the gorillas are sleeping. You will cross small streams and walk under thick tree canopies. Once you find them, you get exactly one hour to watch them. You will see them eat leaves, play with babies, and rest. You must stay quiet and avoid sudden movements. After the trek, you will return to your lodge. You will eat lunch and pack your bags. Your driver will then transfer you to the Rushaga sector. The drive takes a few hours. You will check into your new lodge for the night.
Day 3 Second Gorilla Trek in Rushaga
Today starts with another early breakfast. You will go to the Rushaga park headquarters for your second briefing. Today, you will track a completely different gorilla family. The steep hills of Rushaga 
make this hike more demanding than Buhoma. The thick trees require sturdy boots and good balance. Your trackers will cut a path through the bush using machetes. You will climb muddy slopes and walk through dense vines. When you reach the gorillas, you will notice different family habits. You might see a larger silverback. You might see more active infants. You get another full hour with this new family. You can take photos and watch them interact. You will then hike back to the starting point. You will return to your lodge to relax. You can sit on your balcony and look at the forest. You will eat a warm dinner and share stories about the two treks.
Day 4 Return Journey to Kampala
You will eat breakfast at your lodge and check out. Your driver will start the long journey back to Kampala. You will see misty hills in the morning light. The drive takes you through the Kigezi highlands. People call this area the Switzerland of Africa due to its steep, terraced hills. We will stop for lunch in a local town along the way. You will arrive in Kampala or Entebbe by late afternoon. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel. If you have a flight, they will drop you off at the airport. This marks the end of your double trekking safari.
Recommended Lodges in Bwindi
Luxury Lodges
In Buhoma, you will stay at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp or Buhoma Lodge. These properties offer 
hot showers, large beds, and excellent food. In Rushaga, we use Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Four Gorillas Lodge. These lodges provide premium service and beautiful forest views.
Mid-Range Lodges
If you want comfort without high prices, we use midrange options. In Buhoma, we book Buhoma Community Haven Lodge or Silverback Lodge. In Rushaga, we prefer Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge. They offer clean rooms and private bathrooms.
Budget Lodges
For travelers saving money, we provide simple and clean rooms. In Buhoma, you will stay at Buhoma Community Rest Camp or Bwindi View Bandas. In Rushaga, we use Rushaga Gorilla Camp or Broadbill Forest Camp. These places have basic beds and shared or simple private rooms
Uganda Wildlife Authority Permit Rules and Costs
A gorilla permit is a legal ticket required to enter the forest. A permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents. This price grants you one hour with the gorillas. Since this is a double trek, you will need two permits. The total permit cost is $1600 per person. Visitors must be at least 15 years old. You must keep a 7-meter distance from the animals at all times. If you feel sick, you cannot enter the forest. Gorillas can catch human colds and flu. The park rangers have the right to turn you away if you are sick. You must also bury human waste in a deep hole. You cannot leave trash in the forest. These rules keep the gorillas safe and healthy
What is Included
Two gorilla trekking permits per person
Round-trip transport in a 4×4 vehicle
English-speaking driver
Three nights of lodging
All meals during the trip
- Drinking water in the vehicle
What is Excluded
International flights
Entry visas
Alcoholic drinks
Tips for drivers and rangers
- Personal travel insurance
What to Pack for the Trek
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Long trousers to protect against thorns
Long-sleeved shirts
A lightweight rain jacket
Gardening gloves for grabbing branches
A hat and sunglasses
Insect repellent
- A small backpack for water and cameras
