This 1 Day Uganda Gorilla Tour takes tourists for an amazing gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park. Bwindi is the prime gorilla safari destination with almost half of the total population of mountain gorillas. The safari either starts in Kisoro, Kabale or Kigali in Rwanda which If arriving from Kisoro or Kabale, the journey to the starting point is about 1 to 2 hours. Visitors coming from Kigali will have to endure a 3-hour journey Rushaga, Nkuringo or Buhoma sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable forest. Bwindi impenetrable national park is nestled in the Kigezi highland region of south western Uganda – also known as “the Switzerland of Africa”. The park is covered with mainly tropical and montane forests and has a total surface area of 331km². It is the biggest natural mountain gorilla habitat in the world. It is just not large in size but also has half of the total population of the mountain gorillas in the world. Bwindi was made a full national park in 1991 with a mission to protect the mountain gorillas whose numbers were decreasing due to loss of habitat, poaching and human diseases in the area.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority got more involved in protecting the park and managing tourism related activities. Buhoma was the first area for gorilla trekking before the activity spread to all the other three sectors of Rushaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and general tourism in the park has led to greater awareness about the importance of the primates to the local communities and the eco-system. This awareness has greatly contributed to gorilla conservation and preserving the forest. It is why the overall population of mountain gorillas keeps growing in the park. Bwindi now has 50 gorilla families and about 13 lone individuals in the wild. Of the 50 gorilla groups, 20 are habituated and set aside for research and the gorilla trekking experience.
Gorilla permits in Uganda are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. This is the organization responsible for the managing and protecting the national parks in Uganda. However, the most convenient method is to book the permit through a tour operator. A gorilla permits in Uganda costs $700 and this makes Bwindi impenetrable national park a cheaper gorilla safari destination compared to Rwanda permits are sold at $1500.
Detailed Itinerary
You will wake up when it’s still dark (about 5am) and travel straight to the park headquarters for the briefing about gorilla trekking. It is important to carry lunch and also hire the services of a porter to help you with your equipment and any heavy bags. After the briefing, you will be led by the park ranger to the starting point of the trek. You will either walk or drive to the starting point depending on the gorilla group you are assigned. When you reach the starting point, you will get into the jungle and begin searching for the primates. The park Rangers will ensure that the activity is very interesting by sharing information about the plants, birds, forest and the different individuals making up the gorilla group you would be tracking.
In about 1 to 4 hours, you will find the gorillas in their feeding area. Expect to be welcomed by the powerful but calm grunts of the dominant silverback. You will be struck by the massive structure of the 
silverback and his ability to lead his group using charisma. The other members of the group will be feeding, playing around, grooming and resting. This is the perfect time to take as many photos as you can. After an hour of action packed moments, you will be led back to the starting point by the park Rangers. Expect to get your personal certificate of participation before meeting our Guide who will take you back to Kisoro, Kabale or Kigali in Rwanda. If you are interested in a longer and more convenient gorilla safari, you can check out our 2 days Uganda gorilla tour or the 3 Days Bwindi gorilla safari package.
End of safari
What is Included?
The 1 day Uganda gorilla tour includes: –
- Gorilla permits for $700
- Lunch and drinking water
- Ground transportation with vehicle fuel and a Driver
The 1 day Uganda gorilla safari excludes accommodation the day before or after the tour facilities (but can be organized on request), air tickets, visa fees, travel insurance and other personal things like wines, gifts and tips.
Lodges to Consider
Buhoma Community Haven Lodge: Located at a hill near the Buhoma sector office, Buhoma community haven lodge is an annex of the cheaper mid-range Buhoma community lodge. It was built with funding from a group of Americans in 2014 to offer luxury accommodation facilities in the area but 
while supporting the local communities in Buhoma. The lodge is owned and managed by the local people in Buhoma. It is a small establishment with only 3 rooms which include 2 double cottages and a family one. The interior of the lodge was designed by Ugandan artists. Everything is set up to give tourists a sense of living in the African wilderness but with great comfort. All the cottages are self-contained with a bathroom, toilets, working desks, sofas and comfortable beds. The dishes are first class and come with desserts and a drink. The lodge packs lunch for clients going out for gorilla trekking. They also have laundry services, a spa center and a bar. Buhoma lodge is an excellent luxury lodge for those who are interested in supporting the local community indirectly. The profits are channeled to the local community projects to improve their livelihoods.
Broadbill Forest Camp: Broadbill forest camp is located on the eastern boundaries of Bwindi impenetrable national park. The lodge offers a self-contained room with basic services like a shower, a bathroom, a bed, a working table and breakfast in the morning. It was established to target travelers on a tight budget and also to be one of the leading organizers or birding in the area. Bwindi impenetrable national park is also one of the best birding destinations in Uganda and the lodge gets its name from one of the endemic species in the park, the African green broadbill. From your balcony at the lodge, you can catch sight of numerous birds flying up in the air or hanging on trees especially in the morning.
Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge: This is a 12 roomed accommodation facility with amazing views of the lake Mulehe. It has self-contained family, single and double rooms for guests to choose from. Visitors are always rewarded with a cool breeze while relaxing or taking a meal from their private balconies. Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge offers services like wireless internet, a bar, a restaurant and laundry services. They offer rates with meals incorporated. It’s strategic location between Bwindi and Mgahinga gives it an advantage over other lodges in the area. It is excellent for those who are visiting both national parks for gorilla trekking, mountain hiking and golden monkey tracking. Although it is considered a mid-range hotel, it is one of the best hotels in Mgahinga and Bwindi. Most guests wish they had spent more time because of the quality of services and amazing scenery.
