Gorilla Trekking

Uganda

Gorilla Trekking

Uganda

  • Daily departures
  • Entebbe, Uganda
  • Entebbe, Uganda

Step into the misty forests of Bwindi for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with endangered mountain gorillas. An unforgettable, intimate wildlife experience.

This 3 day Gorilla Trek in southwestern Uganda is a magical journey into the dense jungles of East Africa.

There are few wildlife encounters as exciting as coming eye to eye with the largest, and most charismatic, of the great apes.  Closely related to humans, mountain gorillas share 98% of our DNA. Being close to a family of wild mountain gorillas in the deep misty jungle of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is utterly magical. Nothing can ever prepare you for such an experience watching their astonishingly human-like expressions and their extraordinarily gentle demeanour. The chance to spend one hour with these gentle creatures is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with one of the rarest animals on Earth.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to over half the world’s endangered mountain gorillas and has 17 habituated groups for gorilla trekking. Gorilla viewing is subject to the availability of permits, and visitors to each group are restricted to just 8 guests. Uganda, ‘the Pearl of Africa’, is a country of diverse landscapes, with open savannah, thick rainforest, and spectacular mountain scenery. Its National Reserves and protected areas are home to a unique range of wildlife including over 1000 bird species and varied flora and fauna. But Uganda is most famous for being one of the last refuges for critically endangered mountain gorillas, and the opportunity for tracking these wonderful creatures. Gorilla tourism in Uganda generates income that is channelled back into gorilla conservation and also benefits the local communities – helping to prevent human-wildlife conflict.

Highlights

Breathtaking Flight: Start your adventure with a scenic flight from Entebbe to Kihihi/Kisoro, offering stunning aerial views of Uganda’s landscapes.

Warm Local Welcome: Upon arrival, a knowledgeable guide will greet you, providing insights and assistance throughout your journey.

Gorilla Trekking: Embark on a thrilling gorilla trek in the dense Bwindi Forest, led by experienced guides and armed rangers. Witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience.

Cultural Connection: Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting a nearby village, gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s traditions and way of life.

Seamless Departure: Conclude your adventure with a convenient transfer to the airstrip for a return flight to Entebbe, leaving you with lasting memories of your time in Bwindi Forest.

  • Bucket list encounter with mountain gorillas
  • Lush vegetation in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • See endemic birdlife and beautiful butterflies

Pricing

USD2,966

Limited single rooms available (surcharge applies).

Group Size

Max. 8

Trip Dates

Daily departures

Starting Point

Entebbe, Uganda

Ending Point

Entebbe, Uganda

Included

  • Domestic flights Entebbe – Kihihi – Entebbe
  • 2 nights premium accommodation.
  • 2 x breakfast, 2 x lunch, 2 x dinner
  • 1 Gorilla trekking permit per person
  • National Park fees
  • All activities specified in the itinerary (unless clearly labeled as optional).

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance (mandatory)
  • Premium drinks
  • Any personal expenses and optional activities
  • Tips & gratuities

Independent arrival at Entebbe international airport in Uganda.  After completing your immigration formalities, you will check in for the 07:00 am, or 10:15 am, or 12:30 pm flight  (1.5 – 2 hour flight) to Kihihi airstrip, where you will be met by your guide who will provide you with local information and assistance throughout your trip. You will then transfer to your lodge. Lunch is included (depending on arrival time).  Later in the day you may like to visit the local Batwa Pygmy community to learn more about the local history, food, and culture of Bwindi (optional, extra cost). On this two-hour tour, you will be guided around the community where you will meet a local healer, learn how they brew alcohol from banana leaves, and interact with the locals. This activity can be booked upon check-in at the lodge and is paid directly to the community which receives 100% of the proceeds.

Check into your beautiful lodge. The main lodge building is perched on a hillside, offering spectacular views of Bwindi from its panoramic terrace. Each of the 12  luxurious suites has its own private terrace with magnificent panoramic views over the grounds, river, and surrounding areas. There is 24/7 power in all the rooms. All rooms have large en-suite bathrooms with a gorgeously designed open terracotta shower.

 

After an early breakfast, you will set off to the park headquarters with your packed lunch. Your lodge is just a short 2-minute drive or 10-minute walk from Park headquarters.  At around 7:30 you will be briefed and allocated a gorilla group to trek, depending on your physical ability and preference. You will be given tips and a chance to share your expectations, plus ask any questions you may have about the gorilla trekking activity that you are about to embark on.  

You will set off no later than 8:30 am, accompanied by your guide and armed rangers, climbing through the dense forest before eventually finding the gorillas and spending one magical, life-changing hour, up close and personal with them. After observing their behaviour, and taking photos you’ll return to the Park Headquarters for your certificate that confirms that you have been gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Tracking in the Bwindi Forest requires stamina and a high level of fitness, and may take most of the day; climbing through the dense forest before eventually finding the gorillas and spending one magical, life-changing hour, up close and personal with them. After observing their behaviour, and taking photos you’ll return to the Park Headquarters for your certificate that confirms that you have been gorilla trekking in Uganda.  

 Back at your lodge a massage to soothe any aching muscles may be in order. (optional, extra cost).

Breakfast at the lodge, then transfer to the airstrip for either the 10.55 am or 14.05 pm flight out of Kihihi back to Entebbe.

International airfares are not included.

Australian and New Zealand passport holders require a visa to visit Uganda. E-visas can be obtained before departure. For other nationalities, please check with your nearest Embassy.

Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Uganda.

There is a limited number of Gorilla Permits issued each day, and they must be booked in advance. Permits cost US$800 per person per trek and are non-refundable. Permit prices are subject to change without notice.

We are happy to arrange extra nights accommodation if you wish to spend longer in Uganda.

We are happy to arrange extra nights accommodation if you wish to spend longer in Uganda.

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Gorilla Trekking

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USD2,966

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  • Best price when you book direct
  • Interest-free payment options
  • Flexible cancellation policy
  • Solo traveller friendly

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