3-day Uganda gorilla trekking to see gorillas in Bwindi national park. Situated at the extreme south of Uganda, Bwindi Forest can be accessed from Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla tours. From Entebbe airport, Bwindi National Park is located 8 – 10 hours drive and 3-4 hours by road from Kigali in a good and comfortable 4×4 safari car. This park is set in Kabale, southwestern Uganda and spans up to 321sq.kms comprising of largely rainforest. Its establishment in 1991 was primarily to offer refuge to mountain gorillas plus other creatures and protect their habitat.

Gorilla treks in Bwindi National Park usually commence in anyone of the 4 trekking regions; Ruhija sector, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Buhoma region. Each of these areas comprises of gorilla families which are open for trekking.

Your 3 days Uganda gorilla safari will either begin from Entebbe or Kampala capital city with pick up by one of our company representatives and will cover about 8-10 hours or start your journey from Kigali Airport or place of residence through the Katuna or Chanika border which is about 3-4 hours’ drive. The other option is for you to fly from Entebbe Airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kihihi/Kisoro airstrip then connect to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Activities to do on 3 days Uganda gorilla safari

  • Gorilla trekking
  • Batwa experience

Brief itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 2: Gorilla trekking and Batwa encounter

Day 3: Drive back to Entebbe/Kampala

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Start your 3 days Uganda gorilla excursion with a tasty cup of Uganda tea or coffee and after, drive southwestwards to Bwindi National Park. Take the Kampala to Masaka to Mbarara to Kabale route which may take you about 8 to 10 hours and along the way; you will have a stopover at the Equator for photo taking and in Mbarara to have lunch at Igongo cultural center or Agip Hotel.

Drive via Ishaka-Bushenyi while enjoying exceptional view of expansive tea plantations at Igara and through Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, spot out the rare tree climbing lions relaxed on tree branches and several elephants, buffaloes. Connect to Bwindi National Park to check in at the lodge of your choice.

Accommodation options:

  • Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge, Buhoma Lodge
  • Midrange: Bakiga Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp
  • Budget: Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp, Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park

After an early morning breakfast, gather at anyone of the 4 trailhead depending on where you gorilla permit directs you to for briefing on guidelines for gorilla trekking. You will be assigned to one gorilla family to track in a group of 8 visitors. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park consists of 20 families and they include Mubare gorilla group, Habinyanja family, Katwe and Rushegura gorilla group in Buhoma; Kyaguriro, Oruzogo, Mukiza and Bitukura in Ruhija; Nkuringo, Bushaho and Christmas in Nkuringo area; Kutu gorilla family, Mucunguzi, Nshongi, Mishaya, Busingye, Kahungye, Bweza, Rwigi and Bikingi group in Rushaga. At 8:00am, you will hit the jungles to search for you gorilla family and this may take 2-6 hours and maximum of 1 hour is given to you to explore the behaviors of gorillas, take photos.

In the afternoon, you can decide to embark on Batwa community walk to interact with Batwa pygmies, learn about their traditions, cultures or simply relax at the lodge.

Accommodation options

  • Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge, Buhoma Lodge
  • Midrange: Bakiga Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp
  • Budget: Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp, Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 3: Drive back to Entebbe or Kampala

Following breakfast, check out from your lodge in Bwindi National Park and then drive back to Kampala or Entebbe.

3 days Uganda gorilla safari includes

  • Gorilla trekking permit ($600 per person)
  • Batwa cultural experience
  • Accommodation 2 nights and meals
  • Transport in 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Fulltime English speaking driver guide
  • All activities in the travel plan

3 days Uganda gorilla safari excludes

  • Personal/medical insurance
  • Personal expenses-such as cigarettes, tips, laundry services, airfares, accommodation and extra activities outside itinerary and others.