3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi – Uganda
Summary of the 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Tour in Uganda
- Day 1: Travel from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National park for Gorilla Tracking
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking day. Other primates can be seen such as black and white Colobus, Red tailed monkeys, Baboons, Blue monkey etc. and birding
- Day 3: Transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe/Kigali
- Gorilla trekking best time to go in Uganda is usually in the dry seasons: December-January and June-August.
- The price of Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is $700
- Bwindi is a home to over 350 Gorillas, 350 Bird species
- Other activities can be included such as Wildlife Game drives in Queen Elizabeth/Murchison falls/Lake Mburo, Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Mutanda tour, etc
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Meet and greet and journey to Bwindi impenetrable National park
Meet our company representative from your hotel/residence or at our office in Wakiso. This is your driver guide, very knowledgeable and has a great driving experience.
Make use of him by asking anything you want to know about the safari to Bwindi, Tracking, the encounter with the mountain Gorillas, Accommodation and any other information about Uganda and current affairs.
On the way, we will have a stopover at the Equator, stretch with an optional experimental movement of water (clockwise and anticlockwise) between the South and the Northern hemispheres.
We can also have a coffee/ tea cup and then proceed to Mbarara “the land of milk” for lunch, evidenced by the presence of the long horned cattle along way.
After lunch we continue, and rest at our lodge which is either close or in the Bwindi forest.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking / Gorilla Tracking Day
The long awaited day is here. After breakfast early in the morning, transfer to the gorilla trekking starting point. Here you will be briefed on the safety precautions, how to act in presence of the gorillas, dos and dont’s of gorilla trekking and then you will be allocated a Gorilla group the you will track in the forest. (8 people per gorilla group)
Accompanied by forest rangers, the adventure into the impenetrable forest begins. You will embark on the trail to track the gorillas. The trek goes through thick forests, high or down the mountains, rivers and valleys. The trek can be between 1 hours to 7 hours before finding the gorillas.
The trackers that go earlier than you in to the forest are responsible to locate the gorillas. Then in turn inform the rangers that are with your group the actual location and you follow this trail to meet the gentle giants.
On finding the gorillas, you will spend a maximum of 1 hour observing or 3 hours if your are on a Gorilla Habituation Experience. See them feed, young ones play as others relax. After the hour, trek back out of the forest where you driver will be waiting for you to drive back to the hotel.
Gorilla Trekking: 1-7hours
Meals: Full Board
Day 3: End of the 3 day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi
After the morning breakfast, we checkout of the lodge leaving Bwindi forest and we embark on our route back to Kampala /Entebbe. We get a hot lunch stop in Mbarara and then drive through Lake Mburo National park.
On a lucky day we can spot Zebras and impalas. We can stop at Mpambire drum making village on Masaka road for Souvenirs then continue to our destination.
End of our 3 day Uganda Gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi
Accommodation (Hotels and Lodges around the Tourist Sites)
The accommodation depends on your Budget. Here is a list of Lodges around the Tourist site.Route to Bwindi Impenetrable from Kampala
What You need to pack on the 3 day Gorilla Trek Uganda safari in Bwindi
Just like Rwenzori Mountain trekking, gorilla trekking also requires these items when tracking the gorillas.
- Water bottle: Gorilla trekking can be very tiresome and you need to refill your tank as the trek goes on. It is advisable to park a few water filtration tablets before you come for the trek.
- Hiking Boots: You will need good waterproof comfortable shoes. Some times it rains during the trek, so skid proof shoes can come in handy.
- Rain Jacket: You are advised to carry rain jacket because if rains very often in Bwindi Impenetrable forest
- Snack: You can carry a light snack to give you some energy during the walk in the forest
- Trouser and Shirts Bwindi forest is covered with thick undergrowth, therefore light trousers and long sleeved shirts are advised.
- Socks: You will have to tuck in the trousers into the socks to avoid insects crawling inside.
- Gloves: You will need Gardening gloves because you will be grabbing tree branches, leaves, name it, and some can be thorny.
- Camera: Carry a good camera (no flash ) to capture this lifetime experience
- Hat
Resources
Gorilla Trekking Frequently Asked Questions
Does the rain affect gorilla trekking?
Whether it rains or not, gorilla trekking will take place. However it is recommended to carry rain gear and trekker shoes so that movement becomes easier.How long does it take to meet the gorillas?
Gorilla trekking can take a period of 30 minute to 8 hours. This depends on the location and movements of the gorillas.What is the maximum number of people on a gorilla trekking group?
A maximum of 8 people in a group are allowed to trek and meet the gorillas.How much time do I have when i meet the gorillas?
When you meet the gorillas, you are allowed a maximum of 1 hour. You can take pictures however, note that flash is not allowed.How close can i get to the gorillas?
You are allowed a distance of 7 meters in presence of the mountain gorillas. You are not allowed to touch the mountain gorillas though there are rare cases when the gorillas touch humans. When this happens, you should not panic and you should know that the gorillas are always in control.Are mountain gorillas dangerous?
These animals are very gentle and they seem to ignore tourists in their presence. However, do not take this for granted. You a not allowed to make any rush movements, do not block the way between a mother and baby.How physically fit should i be before trekking?
You should be in good physical condition. If you are sick or do not feel well, then it is recommended that you should not do the trekking. Trekking can be tiresome and sometimes it can take the whole day, therefore being physically fit comes in handy.How can I ease my self during gorilla trekking?
In case you want to ease your self, you should dig a hole of about 30 centimeters deep, and then cover the hole right after.Mountain Gorilla trekking Rules and Regulations
More information on Gorilla trekkingSummary of the 3 days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi National park
Related Itineraries
