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A mountain gorilla eating beside a tree trunk in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Mountain gorilla resting in thick vegetation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda A mountain gorilla resting among leaves in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. A close-up of the face of a mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Forested hills and mountains in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.
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Uganda · Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari

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  • Duration3 days, 2 nights
  • Start & endKampala or Entebbe
  • Travel stylePrivate, tailor-made
  • Activity levelModerate to challenging
  • Altitude1,160 to 2,607 m
  • Minimum age15 years

Overview

Face to Face with Mountain Gorillas

Step into the ancient forests of southwestern Uganda for an unforgettable encounter with the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects almost half of the world’s mountain gorillas.

This three-day safari combines the thrill of gorilla trekking with breathtaking landscapes and an opportunity to experience the warmth and culture of communities surrounding the forest.

Best forAdventure SeekersCouplesPhotographers
DestinationsBwindi Impenetrable National Park

Highlights

  • Mountain gorilla trekking: Experience one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife encounters.
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Explore an ancient rainforest recognised for its exceptional biodiversity.
  • Gorilla photography: Capture unforgettable moments while following responsible wildlife-viewing guidelines.
  • Forest adventure: Trek through diverse vegetation and challenging but rewarding terrain.
  • Scenic landscapes: Enjoy the dramatic hills and beautiful countryside of southwestern Uganda.
  • Community experiences: Connect with communities living around Bwindi.
  • Culture & traditions: Where selected, experience local music, dance, storytelling and crafts.
  • Conservation & livelihoods: Discover the connection between tourism, forest conservation and community wellbeing.

Itinerary

Day by Day

3 days · 2 nights
Open a day to see it on the map
  • Tour durationAbout 9 to 10 hours
  • Tour distanceAbout 500 km
  • AccommodationLodge or camp near Bwindi
  • MealsLunch & dinner

Begin your journey with an early morning departure from Kampala or Entebbe towards southwestern Uganda and the beautiful highlands surrounding Bwindi. The road takes you through Uganda’s scenic countryside and rural communities, with views of rolling hills, plantations, forests and local settlements. You stop for breakfast or refreshments along the way, and again for lunch en route.

The landscape keeps changing as you approach the southwest, until you arrive at your lodge near your selected gorilla trekking sector. Relax and prepare for the next day’s trek, then enjoy dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the peaceful forest.

  • Tour durationTrek of 2 to 8 hours
  • AccommodationLodge or camp near Bwindi
  • MealsBreakfast, lunch & dinner

Today is the highlight of your safari: an extraordinary journey into the ancient Bwindi forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. After an early breakfast at the lodge, you transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and guides, who explain the gorilla trekking guidelines and responsible visitor behaviour.

You then trek through the dense forest, walking through beautiful rainforest vegetation while searching for your assigned gorilla family and taking in the sounds, sights and atmosphere of one of Africa’s most remarkable forests. During your allocated viewing time you observe the gorillas in their natural habitat, from their social interactions, feeding and grooming to their movements through the forest, and capture photographs while respecting the park’s photography and wildlife guidelines.

After the encounter you trek back to the park headquarters, where you are awarded a certificate on reaching the starting point, and return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Depending on your interests and available time, you can enjoy an optional community or cultural experience: meet local community members, discover aspects of life around Bwindi, enjoy traditional music, dance, storytelling or local crafts, and learn how tourism contributes to conservation and community livelihoods. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge.

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  • Tour durationAbout 9 to 10 hours by road
  • Tour distanceAbout 500 km
  • MealsBreakfast & lunch

Enjoy your final morning in the beautiful Bwindi region before beginning your journey back to Kampala. After breakfast at the lodge, take in the views of the surrounding hills and forest and, where time allows, enjoy a final short community or cultural visit.

Then check out and begin the journey back, stopping for lunch along the way and continuing through Uganda’s scenic countryside to arrive in Kampala in the evening. Your 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari comes to an end with unforgettable memories of Uganda’s mountain gorillas, ancient rainforest and local communities.

This itinerary is a guide. Driving times depend on road and weather conditions, and your trekking sector is confirmed when we secure your permit.

Before you go

Tour Details

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  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Accommodation for 2 nights
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Uganda Wildlife Authority park entry fees associated with the trekking experience
  • Services of Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides during gorilla trekking
  • Gorilla trekking briefing
  • Community or cultural experience where specified
  • Drinking water during the safari
  • All activities specified in the itinerary
  • International flights
  • Uganda entry visa
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic and other personal beverages
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Porter services, unless requested
  • Activities not specified in the itinerary
Day 2Community or cultural experienceMeet local community members and discover life around Bwindi, with traditional music, dance, storytelling or local crafts.
Day 3Community or cultural visitA final short visit before the drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, where time allows.

Not included in the price unless your confirmed itinerary lists them.

Gorilla trekking runs all year. The drier months, December to February and June to September, usually make the trails easier underfoot. The rest of the year is greener and quieter, with more rain on the trails.

  • Gorilla permits should be secured in advance and are subject to availability.
  • Bwindi has four gorilla trekking sectors. Your lodge and trekking location are matched to your confirmed permit.
  • Trekkers must be 15 or older.
DifficultyModerate to challenging
Trekking time2 to 8 hours

Treks last between 2 and 8 hours on steep, sometimes muddy forest trails, at altitudes between 1,160 and 2,607 m. Porters can be hired locally to carry your bag and help on the slopes.

  • Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
  • Long trousers and long-sleeved tops
  • A light rain jacket
  • Gardening gloves for gripping vines
  • Insect repellent and a hat
  • A small daypack and a camera without flash

Most visitors need a visa for Uganda. Check your own requirements well before you travel, and speak to your doctor about recommended vaccinations and malaria prevention.

Gorilla permit fees support the national park, its rangers and the communities around it. Visits are limited to one hour with a habituated gorilla family, in a small group, and visitors keep their distance as the park rules require.

Guest reviews

What Our Guests Say

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A must have experience!
I recently went on a couples tour and it is a wonderful experience throughout. Our tour guide extended great hospitality and was very knowledgeable on many topics while giving the tour. He gave very interesting facts the entire tour, there was never a dull moment. I would highly recommend for anyone looking to have a similar experience.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sarah A 
 
 
 
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It was such a Blast
Amazing experience with Bespoke Safaris (U) Ltd. The guide was professional, friendly, and made our trip smooth from start to finish. Everything was well organized, and his knowledge and hospitality made exploring Murchison Falls even more special. I Highly recommend them for anyone looking for a memorable safari experience.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Nomad06633789421 
 
 
 
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Low cost, local tours by young Ugandans who are knowledgeable and committed.
I was visiting Acholi in March and my Ugandan colleagues recommended Bespoke Safaris and dropped me off at the park where I had booked a low cost hotel for myself and my Bespoke guide in the hotel in the park. I only had 2 days. The guide drove up from Kampala and met me that evening. He was extremely knowledgeable about he park and animals I could see, I only had one day and had to be back in Kampala that night. We set off that evening and again at 0530, I had a safari tour car to myself and he ensured I saw everything, antelope, monkeys, lions, cheetah, giraffe, hippos, elephants and more. He was extremely knowledgeable, we seemed to be first everywhere, he knew all the other guides and they supported each other in ensuring we all had the best experience. He then drove me back to Kampala. What I really liked was that this is a young Ugandan owned and managed company and I felt I was supporting young entrepeneurs as well as having a great experience. I will use them again and see more of this beautiful country.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Brian T 
 
 
 
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A Trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kazinga Channel,Hot Springs, ETC
Adventuring with Bespoke Tours and Travel-SMC LTD wasn’t just a tour but also an astounding experience,Our driver James was such an amicable man and well familiar with vast options of where and when I should tour, I visited several places including Queen Elizabeth National Park, saw , Lions,,Leopards, Elephants,,etc .The Twin lakes , The hot springs , Kazinga Channel with aquatic animals like Crocodile ,etc. He chose the best hotels for us with the best Menu and our safety was always his first priority . I highly recommend their service
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Bernard M 
 
 
 
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We wanted to highly recommend this amazing company! Our experience working with them was outstanding. During our planning phase everything went extremely well. We worked with James Mutabazi, He was able to promptly respond to our questions and requests. Every single detail was handled extremely well. He made our dreamed itinerary a reality. James made our trip unforgettable. The hotels, transportation, driver,at the same time our guide , the food and environmental calmess and activities exceeded our expectations! We learned so much during our trip that we are still processing all the information we received and all the experiences we lived. Thank you for making our trip to the "pearl of Africa" a remarkable one Uganda being home, it still has a special place in my heart and mind. Thanks to Beskope tours and travel company
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Ramprasad N 
 
 
 
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Fantastic service and Great memories
We just wanted to take a moment to thank you for organizing such a memorable and smooth trip for us. Everything was well-planned — from the accommodations and transportation to the sightseeing spots and local experiences. We truly enjoyed every moment of our journey

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