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.
NOTE: For guests wishing to add gorilla trekking to their Kenya safari there is a daily scheduled flight from the Maasai Mara to Entebbe which operates between 1 June and 30 September.
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Price Excludes
Independent arrival at Entebbe international airport in Uganda. After completing your immigration formalities, you will check in for your 1.5 hour flight to Kihihi airstrip where you will be met by your guide who will transfer you to Bwindi. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to the world’s largest population of rare mountain Gorillas.
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.
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.
After 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. Upon arrival at the gorilla trekking starting point, you will be briefed and allocated a gorilla group to trek depending on your physical ability and preference. You will then follow your ranger guide, 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 good level of fitness and may take most of the day, but observing the gorillas in their natural habitat is awe inspiring.
Back at your lodge a massage to soothe any aching muscles may be in order. (optional, extra cost).
Breakfast at the lodge and then transfer to the airstrip for either the 10.55 am or 14.05 pm flight out of Kihihi back to Entebbe to connect with your onward flight.
International airfares are not included. We are happy to recommend a travel agent to book your flights.
Australian and New Zealand passport holders require a visa to visit Uganda. E-visas can be obtained before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of departure from Tanzania/Zanzibar.
Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Uganda.
There are 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 highly recommend combining your gorilla trek with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania for more amazing wildlife encounters. Contact us for some suggestions.
