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3-Day Meet Face to Face with the Gorillas

Overview

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, dating back over 25,000 years.

This whistle-stop trip is built for primate lovers with limited time. Join a small group, travel by 4WD vehicle, and be guided by local experts to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Pickup is available from either Entebbe, Uganda, or Kigali, Rwanda, making this an easy add-on for travellers visiting either country. Travellers who want more time around Bwindi and a fuller exploration of Uganda’s parks should look at our 4-Day Best of Gorilla Tracking.

Tour Highlights

  • Flexible pickup from either Entebbe, Uganda, or Kigali, Rwanda
  • A stay at Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda's most scenic lakes with twenty-nine islands
  • A small-group format travelling by 4WD vehicle with local expert guides
  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with up to a full hour in their presence
  • An optional Kigali Genocide Memorial visit for travellers departing via Rwanda

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Group price (per person)

Rates Per Person

$1,300 per person when 1 person travels alone

$1,100 per person when 2 persons travel together

 


For a more accurate estimate, contact us with your specific requirements and budget. We'll send a detailed quote based on your itinerary, group size, and preferred level of comfort.

See what's included in this price

Places you'll visit

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Pickup and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

You are collected from either Kigali or Entebbe International Airport and driven to Lake Bunyonyi, widely considered the most beautiful lake in Uganda, with twenty-nine islands and water safe for swimming. Take an island tour and visit the lakeside communities before settling in for the night.

Distance: Road transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, approx. 7-9 hours from Entebbe or 3-4 hours from Kigali

Activity: Travel day, optional island tour on arrival

Accommodation: Lodge or resort on Lake Bunyonyi

Meals: All meals included, drinking water provided

Day 2

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park

An early morning drive takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a face-to-face encounter with the gentle giants of the forest. This memorable trek can take anywhere from three to eight hours depending on the gorillas’ movements that day. After tracking, transfer back to Lake Bunyonyi to relax with some of the best lake views in Uganda.

Distance: Full-day gorilla trek, duration varies with gorilla location

Activity: Gorilla trekking

Accommodation: Lodge or resort on Lake Bunyonyi (second night)

Meals: All meals included, drinking water provided

Day 3

Drive Back to Entebbe or Kigali

A morning drive returns you to Entebbe or Kigali depending on your departure point. Travellers heading to Rwanda can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial along the way, while those heading to Entebbe stop at the Equator for photographs.

Distance: Road transfer back to Entebbe or Kigali, approx. 7-9 hours or 3-4 hours respectively

Activity: Travel day, optional stops

Accommodation: N/A, end of safari

Meals: Breakfast

What's included

  • Park fees (non-resident rates)
  • One gorilla permit per person (non-resident)
  • All activities unless labelled as optional
  • All accommodation unless listed as an upgrade
  • A professional driver-guide
  • All transportation unless labelled as optional
  • All taxes and VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfers
  • Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
  • Drinks as specified in the day-by-day itinerary

Not included

  • International flights to and from your home country
  • Additional accommodation before and after the tour
  • Tips for your driver-guide and lodge staff (guideline: USD 10 per person per day)
  • Personal items such as souvenirs, travel insurance and visa fees
  • Any government-imposed increases to taxes or park fees

Frequently asked questions

Can I start or end this trip in Rwanda instead of Uganda?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are both available from either Entebbe International Airport in Uganda or Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, making this an easy fit for travellers visiting either country.

How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?

The trek involves walking on uneven, sometimes steep and muddy forest terrain, and can take anywhere from three to eight hours round trip depending on the gorillas' location that day. Reasonable fitness, sturdy closed shoes and trekking poles (available locally) are recommended.

Is 3 days enough time for a gorilla trekking trip?

Yes, this itinerary is built specifically for travellers with limited time, fitting the full trekking experience into a tight but workable schedule. Travellers who want more time to explore Uganda's parks should consider a longer itinerary instead.

How are gorilla permits handled?

One gorilla permit per person, at non-resident rates, is included in the tour price and booked well in advance, since daily permit numbers are limited at Bwindi.

What's included in the price?

The price covers park fees for non-residents, one gorilla permit per person, all activities unless labelled as optional, all accommodation unless listed as an upgrade, a professional driver-guide, all transportation unless labelled as optional, all taxes and VAT, roundtrip airport transfers, and the meals and drinks specified in the day-by-day itinerary. International flights, additional accommodation before or after the tour, tips and personal items such as souvenirs, travel insurance and visa fees are not included.

What about visas and travel insurance?

Most nationalities can obtain a Uganda or Rwanda tourist visa online before travel, and a regional East Africa visa covering Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda is also available. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended given the remote forest terrain involved in trekking.

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