Our 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari takes you to the southwestern part of the country to see the amazing mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable national. The tour also includes the Batwa Cultural experience where you will get to meet the Batwa pygmies of Uganda. The Batwa were the original inhabitants of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest before the government evicted them and turned the forest into a national park. The government thought that by evicting them, it would stop illegal logging, poaching and create room for gorilla conservation. The eviction and resettlement was not a complete success because the Batwa were not compensated. They also failed to adapt to life outside the forest. Most remain very poor while the mortality rate shot up as they got introduced to new diseases. The Batwa also had to learn how to live with tribal groups they had avoided for centuries.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World heritage site and occupies an area of 331km². Most of the park is covered with tropical rain-forests, lowland and montane forests. Within these forests are unique flora and fauna. There are 459 mountain gorillas in the park, 348 species of birds, over 163 tree species, chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, L’hoest monkeys, Colobus monkeys, forest elephants, giant forest hogs, golden cats, stripped jackals and civets. In 2010, Bwindi was voted as one of the best bird watching destinations in Africa. The key species to look out for are the African green broadbill, the African harrier hawker, the crowned hornbill and much more.
Although birds thrive in Bwindi, the real attraction are the mountain gorillas. The mountain gorilla is an endangered primate as listed by the International Union of Conservation for Nature (IUCN). Only 1006 mountain gorillas remain in the wild as discovered in the last gorilla census of 2018. Bwindi is home to about half of them. The rest are found in Mgahinga National Park, the Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in Congo. Bwindi has 50 gorilla families and 13 lone males. Of the 50 families, only 20 groups are habituated and open to tourism or what is known as gorilla trekking.
The increasing number of mountain gorillas is very good news to primatologists and gorilla conservation Agencies because from the 1940 to 1980s, the world saw a gradual decline in the overall population of 
mountain gorillas due to instabilities (civil wars) which spread to their natural habitats. The number of mountain gorillas reduced to about 300 individuals creating great concern among wildlife conservationists. The arrival of Dian Fossey to study mountain gorillas in the 1960’s was a turning point to their conservation. Her work was acknowledged, encouraged and funded by government/wildlife conservation organizations. Her research gave them the data and knowledge about the gorilla habituation process which allowed for the later introduction of gorilla tourism/trekking. Gorilla trekking brought in tourism money and immediately changed the perception of communities living with the gorillas. They realized that they could benefit from having the primates alive and safe.
Bwindi Impenetrable National park was the first to introduce gorilla trekking in 1991. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi involves walking long hours into the forest in search of gorillas. Our 3 days gorilla tour in Uganda starts in Entebbe or Kampala. You might also consider the 1 day Uganda gorilla tour starting from Kigali or the 3 days Rwanda gorilla tour. At $700, gorilla permits in Uganda are relatively cheaper.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up and drive to Bwindi impenetrable national park
Our driver will pick you up from the airport in Entebbe and start the long journey to Bwindi through Kampala city. The Journey from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi takes between 9 to 10 hours. This is 
quiet long but Uganda is the “Pearl of Africa”. If you love nature and beautiful landscape, then you will not be bored or fall asleep because there is so much to see. The first major stop is at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe for photography. The equator crossing is where the earth’s northern hemisphere meets the southern hemisphere. You can spread both of your legs on the different hemispheres and call yourself among the lucky few on earth who have done it. As you continue towards Bwindi, you will pass through several owns and districts. Watch out for the markets, people tending to their gardens and the amazing long horned Ankole cattle.
Western Uganda has arguably the best scenery and you will experience this while in the Kigezi region. And I shouldn’t forget to mention beautiful sightings of lakes, birds, rivers, forests, branches of the great East African Rift Valley and the Rwenzori mountains. The driver will ensure that he stops at several points along the way to allow you admire any interesting landmarks. Lunch will be taken in Mbarara at the Igongo Cultural Centre. Finally, you will reach Bwindi Impenetrable forest late in the Afternoon in time to shower, refresh, take a short walk around the lodge and sleep.
Dinner and overnight will be at Gorilla Mist Camp (Luxury) and Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Budget and Mid-range)
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking – Batwa cultural encounter
The driver will pick you up after breakfast to go and attend the early morning briefing at the park headquarters. The briefing covers various topics including what to expect, the history of the forest, what 
to pack and how to manage your one hour with the primates. This is also the time when your passport and gorilla permit will be verified. After being allocated one of the gorilla groups, you will be led into the forest to look for the primates. Only 8 people may track a gorilla group in a day. The first task is to get to the starting point and this depends on the gorilla group you are assigned. If the starting point is close to the park offices, you will only need to walk. However, if it is far off, you will be taken by car. Things are done differently these days. An advance team of trackers is sent before the sun rises to identify the exact location of the gorillas. This advance team is in constant communication with your Guide by radio and lets him/her know which route to follow.
As you find your way in the thick forest, the Guide will share information about the park, the different species of plants, birds and primates. Feel free to ask the Guide and Rangers questions about the things you do not understand. Once you encounter the primates, you will only be allowed one hour with them. 
Use the time to observe them eat, play, groom and breastfeed. The dominant silverback will be observing your movements. With that in mind, stay calm, keep a distance, do not touch an infant or stare directly into the eye of a gorilla. Do not forget to take great photos of yourself with the primates. After one hour of interaction with the gorillas, you will be lead out of the forest and back to the starting point for your certificate of participation. Our company Guide will take you back to the lodge for lunch and rest. Once you have rested for a while, the driver will take you for the Batwa Cultural Experience were you will be entertained with songs, dance and drama. You will also get to visit their community and learn a lot about their culture from the elders. After your encounter with the Batwa pygmies, you will go back to the lodge for relaxation.
Dinner and overnight will be at Gorilla Mist Camp (Luxury) and Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Budget and Mid-range)
Day 3: Travel back to Kampala for departure
This will be the last day of your trip. The driver will pick you up from your room depending on your departure flight. If you have a late flight or planning to stay in Entebbe/Kampala, the driver will allow you to rest for a while. The journey back to Kampala will be long but with stops at the Igongo Cultural Center, the Buganda Royal Drum Makers and Kampala city. You will be dropped off in a hotel or at the airport in Entebbe.
End of Tour
Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
The safari includes: –
- Accommodation for 2 nights with meals included
- Gorilla permits
- The Batwa experience
- A safari van with and experienced Guide
- Water and meals while traveling
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
The tour cost will exclude air ticket, travel insurance, liquor and souvenirs/gifts.
Tips for gorilla trekking
If you have a heavy bag or camera, hire a porter. It can be tiring to carry a heavy load instead of focusing on observing the forest, birds, plant, butterflies and the gorillas. Porters can be hired at the starting point for only $15. For the most comfortable experience, go with good hiking boots, an insect repellent, sunscreen, a rain jacket, gators, gloves, snacks and drinking water.
Remember to prepare well in advance if you not very fit. Take walks around your home area. Also prepare mentally to deal with unexpected rains, thorns and insects. It is important to consider giving tip to the park Rangers and Guides if they do a great job of ensuring you have a great experience.
All persona allowed for gorilla trekking must be 15 years and above. Arrival accommodation/dinner is not included in the quoted itinerary but we can include it if requested. All travelers should process their visa on their own at the airport or using an online portal. A yellow fever card is a requirement for international tourists when entering into Uganda.
Lodges and Hotels
Bakiga Lodge: This is a non-profit midrange lodge located in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi forest. The lodge is built close to the starting point for gorilla trekking and on top of a valley overlooking the beautiful Bwindi forest. Bakiga lodge is owned by the community through the Bakiga Community Project. This Non-Governmental organization is a registered charity in the United Kingdom. The lodge has six family cabins and 2 tents. All are self-contained with a bathroom, showers and free Wi-Fi. Other amenities include a restaurant, a bar and a central fireplace. The lodge organizes forests walks, birding, cultural performances and visits to their community projects. Book with this lodge because they are non-profit and give back to the community.
Gorilla Mist Camp: This luxury lodge is also situated in Ruhija sector and close to the gorilla trekking starting point for 3 gorilla groups (Kyaguliro, Oruzogo and Bitukura). Gorilla Mist Camp is built in an area with remarkable beauty with beautiful views of the Virunga Volcanoes. It is a private lodge and is owned by a local entrepreneur. Each room has electricity, a balcony, a mosquito net, a bathroom and free Wi-Fi. Other amenities include a fireplace, a lounge area, a restaurant, a library, parking space, laundry service and bar. Book with this lodge is you are interested in higher end facilities and service.
Rushaga Gorilla Camp: As the name suggests, the lodge is located in the Rushaga sector of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is one of the most popular lodges in Bwindi and offers 20 mid-range and budget rooms. All rooms are self-contained with a balcony, Television, bottled water, bathroom, toiletries, slippers, a working desk and with morning breakfast. Other offerings include a restaurant, free parking, free Wi-Fi, a terrace, laundry facilities, luggage storage, a garden and a meeting room.
