Uganda · Private or group · Mid-range primate safari
One day with mountain gorillas
The shortest overland gorilla safari: drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, spend a day trekking to a habituated mountain gorilla family, then return to Kampala or Entebbe.
Price on request
The journey in brief
The experience
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda protects steep, forested hills where around half of the world's mountain gorillas live. Several gorilla families have been habituated to visitors.
This three-day safari focuses entirely on one trek. The drive to and from Bwindi is long, but it is the most direct way to see gorillas from Uganda's capital.
A gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Up to an hour with a habituated gorilla family
Views of south-western Uganda's hills
Gorilla permit arranged with your booking
The route
Entebbe / Kampala
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Entebbe / Kampala
Entebbe / Kampala → Bwindi Impenetrable National Park → Entebbe / Kampala
Day by day
This is a sample itinerary. We confirm the exact route, timings and lodges with your quote, and your guide adjusts each day around road and wildlife conditions.
Day 1 / Entebbe / Kampala → Bwindi
Meet your driver-guide at Entebbe or in Kampala for the drive south-west across the equator and through farmland and hills to Bwindi, arriving in the evening.
Day 2 / Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early ranger briefing, set off into the forest with your group to find the gorilla family you are assigned to. Once you find them, you spend up to an hour watching them feed, rest and interact.
Day 3 / Bwindi → Entebbe / Kampala
Breakfast, then the drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, arriving in the evening.
Where you stay
Lodges for this safari are agreed with you after you enquire, based on your dates, preferences and availability.
Bwindi · 2 nights
Accommodation pattern: Mid-range · Overnight at the lodge.
This safari is priced for your exact dates. Lodge rates, park fees and availability vary through the year, so we confirm a written price once we know your dates and party size.
Prices can depend on travel dates, party size, accommodation availability and changes to park fees. All terms are confirmed in writing before you book.
The details
This is the usual scope of this safari. Your written quote lists exactly what is included for your trip.
Before you travel
Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in limited numbers for each habituated family and day. We confirm availability before you book, and your trekking date is fixed to your permit.
Treks start with a ranger briefing in the morning. Walking time varies from about one hour to most of the day, depending on where the family has moved, over steep and muddy terrain. Once the gorillas are found, your time with them is limited, usually to one hour.
Gorilla trekking has a minimum age set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, currently 15 years. Rules also apply if you are unwell, as gorillas can catch human illnesses. Ask us about current requirements before you book.
Waterproof walking boots, long trousers and sleeves, gardening-style gloves for grabbing vegetation, a rain jacket, water and snacks. Local porters can be hired at the trailhead and are a great help on steep ground.
Check passport validity and entry requirements for every country on your route with official government sources before you travel.
Ask a travel-health professional about vaccinations and malaria precautions, and take out travel insurance that covers your activities.
Questions travellers ask
No. Rangers track habituated gorilla families daily and most treks find their group, but these are wild animals in dense forest and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Reasonably fit. Treks can involve several hours of steep, muddy walking at altitude. Your group is matched to a family whose likely trek suits you where possible, and porters can carry your daypack.
Often, yes. Tell us what you would like to change and we will confirm what is possible for your dates.
Prices for this safari depend on your dates, party size and accommodation availability, so we quote for your exact trip.
We reply with availability, any suggestions for your dates and a written quote. Nothing is booked until you have agreed the quote and booking terms.
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The next step
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will check availability and send a written quote; nothing is booked until you agree.
Use Plan My Safari to send your dates, travellers and preferences for this safari. It takes about two minutes.
Still deciding?
If this safari is close but not quite right, describe your ideal trip and we will suggest a route.
3 days · Uganda
Price on request
