This 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is the perfect choice for travelers looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience that will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty and diversity. You will have a chance to witness one of the most endangered and majestic creatures on the planet in their natural habitat.
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa that boasts of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and incredible biodiversity. It is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, as well as other amazing wildlife such as elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, zebras, and over 1000 bird species. Uganda has 10 national parks that offer a variety of attractions and activities for visitors, from game drives and boat safaris to hiking and cultural tours.
One of the most popular and rewarding activities in Uganda is gorilla trekking, which involves hiking through the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to find and observe a group of habituated mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is a unique and thrilling experience that allows you to get up close and personal with these gentle giants, who share 98% of their DNA with humans. You will have the opportunity to watch them feed, play, groom, and interact with each other, as well as learn about their behavior, ecology, and conservation.
Our 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is ideal for those who want to combine this amazing adventure with other highlights of the country. This itinerary we will provide you with a detailed guide on what to expect from a 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda, including:
- A day-by-day itinerary of the 3-day safari, including arrival and departure information
- An explanation of what gorilla trekking entails and how to obtain permits
- A description of the accommodation and facilities available near the gorilla trekking areas
- An overview of the wildlife and nature that can be encountered during the trek
- Accommodation and Facilities
- Local Communities and Cultural Experiences
- Practical Tips and Essential Information
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Here is our itinerary of a 3 day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda:
3 Day Gorilla Trekking Safari Itinerary
- Day 1: Transfer or drive from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There will be a brief stop at the equator line for photography.
- Day 2: Undertake Mountain Gorilla trekking About 3-6 hours trekking time, with 7 other trekkers in a group and a maximum of 1 hour in the presence of the Mountain Gorillas.
- Day 3: Transfer/drive back to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport.
Day 1:Transfer or drive from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Have an early breakfast before setting off on your adventure from Entebbe international airport or Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for your 3 days Uganda gorilla trekking safari. A professional Uganda safari guide from Masai Mara Holidays will meet you for a transfer to the Park. For the almost 550km drive to Bwindi National Park, you will be driven on a 4×4 wheel safari vehicle on a fairly tarmacked road along Kampala- Masaka- Mbarara-Kabale highway.
Along Kampala – Masaka highway, there will be a stopover at the Equator line in Kayabwe for a photo moment and geographical experiments on how water swirls in opposite directions in the Northern and Southern hemispheres at the Equator line. Continuing to the southern hemisphere for your Uganda gorilla tour, you have lunch en route at Mbarara town. Driving further to western Uganda, the rolling terraced hills of kigezi highlands and the long-horned Ankole cattle are part of what will constitute your scenic drive. On arrival at your preferred accommodation facility, your driver-guide ensures check-in for dinner and a night’s rest at the hotel or lodge. This will mark the end of your first-day gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi.
Drive Time: 8-10 hours
Day 2: Undertake Mountain Gorilla trekking About 6-8 hours of trekking time
This is your long-awaited day for the Uganda Mountain Gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi forest. After early morning breakfast, your Masai Mara Holidays driver guide will pick you up from the accommodation facility for a drive to the gorilla trekking sector headquarters. At the headquarters, briefing on the tracking etiquette starts before 8:00 am local time. During the briefing, a total of 8 tourists are allocated a single gorilla family to trek according to fitness levels.
Each gorilla safari Uganda trekker then receives a trekking stick and heads to the jungle in company of the park rangers and guides, Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is unpredictable because of the movement behaviors of the gorillas and therefore the activity lasts about 6-8 hours. These hours are spent in search of the gorillas however only 1 hour has spent the presence of these gentle giants. At the end of this memory-filled 1 hour, you return to the park headquarters where you receive a Uganda gorilla trekking tour certificate. Later after that, you meet with your safari driver-guide for a drive to your lodging facility.
Besides the gorillas, Bwindi forest is also rich in a variety of African civet and the African golden cats, butterflies, endemic bird species, monkeys such as the red-tailed, Le’host, blue and black and white colobus monkeys, forest hogs, duikers, flowering plant species such as the brown mahogany which is a threatened plant species in the Park and so much more which you will sight as you take your nature walks through the scenic trails of the mighty jungle while on your 3 gorilla trekking safari.
Day 3: Transfer/drive back to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport
After a beautiful night in the foothills of the gorilla land, you embark on the road drive back to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport for a departure flight. You will have lunch en route and can purchase any craft materials at several souvenir shops along the way to always remind you of your Bwindi gorilla trekking safari. Our Masai Mara Holidays guide ensures you get to your preferred end of 3 days gorilla trekking safari destination safely.
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Gorilla Trekking Experience in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is one of the most thrilling and rewarding wildlife experiences in the world. It involves hiking through the dense and misty Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. You will be guided by experienced rangers who will track and locate a habituated gorilla family for you to observe and photograph.
To go gorilla trekking in Uganda, you need to obtain a permit in advance, which costs $700 per person. The permits are limited and sell out quickly, so it is advisable to book them at least six months before your trip. You can book your permit through a reputable tour operator or directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
There are 19 habituated gorilla families in Uganda, distributed in four sectors of Bwindi: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Each sector has its own characteristics and attractions, and you can choose which one suits your preferences and fitness level. You can also visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which has one habituated gorilla family that sometimes crosses the border to Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is not an easy activity, as it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours, depending on the location and movement of the gorillas. You will need to be physically fit and mentally prepared for the challenge. You will also need to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, carry enough water and snacks, and follow the instructions of your guide.
What to Expect from Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you speechless and amazed. However, it is also important to have realistic expectations and respect the rules and guidelines that are meant to protect both you and the gorillas.
Here are some things to expect from gorilla trekking:
- You will need to keep a distance of at least 7 meters from the gorillas at all times.
- You will not be allowed to touch, feed or disturb the gorillas in any way.
- You will not be allowed to use flash photography or make loud noises around the gorillas.
- You will not be allowed to go gorilla trekking if you are sick or have any contagious disease.
- You will need to follow the instructions of your guide and rangers at all times.
Accommodation and Facilities
One of the most important aspects of planning a gorilla trekking safari is choosing the right accommodation. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can find a variety of options near the gorilla trekking areas, ranging from luxury lodges to budget campsites.
Some of the most popular accommodation options include:
- Buhoma Lodge: This is a luxury lodge located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering stunning views of the forest and comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms, solar power, and Wi-Fi. The lodge also provides delicious meals, complimentary massages, and laundry services.
- Gorilla Safari Lodge: This is a mid-range lodge situated in Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering spacious cottages with private balconies, fireplaces, and hot water. The lodge also has a restaurant, bar, lounge, and gift shop.
- Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge: This is an eco-friendly lodge located in Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering cozy rooms with African decor, solar lighting, and hot showers. The lodge also has a garden, library, and craft shop.
- Mgahinga Community Campground: This is a budget option located near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, offering basic tents with shared facilities. The campground also has a restaurant, bar, and community center.
We recommend that you choose your accommodation based on your comfort level, location preference, and availability. You can also check online reviews and ratings to get an idea of what to expect from each option.
Wildlife and Nature
The main attraction of our 3 Day gorilla trekking safari is, of course, the mountain gorillas. These are endangered primates that live only in the forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. They are highly intelligent and social animals that live in family groups led by a dominant silverback male.
To see them in person is a rare and rewarding experience that will leave you in awe of their beauty and behavior. You will have the chance to spend an hour with them, observing them as they feed, play, groom, and interact with each other. You will also learn about their ecology, history, and threats from your guide.
But gorillas are not the only wildlife that you can encounter during your safari. You can also see other notable animals and bird species that inhabit the same forests. Some of these include:
- Elephants: These are the largest land mammals in the world and can be seen in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. They are herbivorous animals that feed on grasses, leaves, fruits, and bark. They are also very social and form strong bonds with their family members.
- Golden monkeys: These are endangered primates that live only in the Virunga Mountains region. They are small and agile animals that feed on bamboo shoots, fruits, insects, and fungi. They are also very playful and curious creatures that can be seen in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
- Forest hogs: These are wild pigs that live in dense forests. They are omnivorous animals that feed on roots, tubers, fruits, insects, eggs, and carrion. They are also nocturnal and elusive animals that can be spotted in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
- Bird species: There are over 350 bird species recorded in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and over 180 bird species recorded in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Some of the most remarkable ones include the African green broadbill, the Grauer’s swamp warbler, the Rwenzori turaco,
the blue-headed sunbird,
and the regal sunbird.
Local Communities and Cultural Experiences
Another aspect of our 3 Day gorilla trekking Uganda that makes it unique and meaningful is the opportunity to interact with local communities and learn about their culture. Gorillas are not only important for the environment, but also for the people who live near them. They have a deep cultural significance and a strong connection with the local communities.
One of the ways that you can experience this is by visiting the Batwa community. The Batwa are indigenous people who used to live in harmony with the gorillas in the forests. They were hunter-gatherers who relied on the forest for their food, shelter, medicine, and spirituality. However, they were evicted from their ancestral lands when the national parks were created to protect the gorillas.
Today, they live in marginalized conditions and struggle to preserve their culture and identity. You can visit them and learn about their history, traditions, and customs. You can also witness their skills in making crafts, music, and dance.
Another way that you can experience the local culture is by attending a cultural performance or experience that may be included in your safari. Some of these include:
- Buhoma Community Village Walk: This is a guided walk that takes you through the village of Buhoma, where you can see how the local people live, work, and entertain themselves. You can also visit a local school, a banana brewery, a traditional healer, and a craft shop.
- Nkuringo Cultural Centre: This is a community-based organization that offers various cultural activities, such as cooking classes, basket weaving workshops, storytelling sessions, and drumming lessons. You can also enjoy a traditional meal and a dance performance by the local children.
- Mgahinga Community Development Organization: This is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the livelihoods of the local people through sustainable tourism. They offer various cultural tours, such as visiting a blacksmith, a pottery maker, a herbalist, and a honey producer. You can also participate in a cultural dance or a community project.
By engaging with the local communities and cultural experiences, you will not only enrich your 3 Day gorilla safari, but also contribute to the social and economic development of the people who share their land with the gorillas.
Practical Tips and Essential Information
Before you embark on your 3 Days gorilla trekking safari, there are some practical tips and essential information that you should know to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. Here are some of them:
- Visa requirements: To enter Uganda, you will need a valid passport and a visa. You can apply for an online visa through the Uganda Electronic Visa Application System. You will need to pay a fee of $50 USD and upload a passport photo and a yellow fever vaccination certificate. You will also need to select “Tourism” as your purpose of visit and “Ordinary” as your visa type.
- Health precautions: To protect yourself from diseases and infections, you will need to get vaccinated against yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, meningitis, rabies, and tetanus. You will also need to take anti-malarial medication before, during, and after your trip. You should also carry insect repellent, sunscreen and first aid kit.
- Safety measures: To ensure your safety during your safari, you should follow the rules and regulations of the national parks and the guides. You should also respect the gorillas and keep a distance of at least 7 meters from them. You should not touch them, feed them, or make loud noises or sudden movements around them. You should also wear a face mask to prevent transmitting any diseases to them.
- Packing list: To prepare for your trekking adventure, you should pack appropriately for the weather and terrain. You should bring comfortable hiking shoes or boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirts,
a rain jacket or poncho, a hat or cap, and gloves. You should also bring binoculars, a camera, extra batteries, and memory cards. You should also carry enough water, snacks, and lunch for the trek. - Tour operator: To book your 3 Day gorilla trekking safari, you will need to hire a reputable tour operator who will arrange everything for you, from transportation to accommodation to permits. You should choose an ethical company that supports conservation efforts and community development. You can check online reviews and ratings to find the best option for you.
A 3 day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is more than just a wildlife encounter. It is an immersive experience that will connect you with nature, culture, and yourself. It is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will leave you with lasting memories and stories to tell.
If you are interested in this amazing opportunity, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We will help you plan your dream safari
and make it happen.
