3 days Uganda Gorilla trekking

3 day Uganda Gorilla safaris and everything you need to know. This trip is suitable for solo travellers, families and groups.

Take a 3 day safari to Uganda and experience the beauty of the gorillas in their natural habitat. You’ll get to observe these majestic creatures in their native environment and learn about their behavior and the threats they face. You’ll also get to explore the local culture and experience the stunning landscapes of Uganda. A 3 day gorilla safari is an unforgettable experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.

“There is more meaning and mutual understanding in exchanging a glance with a gorilla than with any other animal I know.” — Sir David Attenborough

What is a Uganda mountain gorilla trekking safari?

Uganda mountain gorilla trekking safari is an amazing experience that allows you to get up close and personal with the endangered mountain gorillas of Uganda. Trekking through the lush and dense jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you will be able to witness the unique and remarkable behaviors of these majestic primates in their natural habitats, and even interact with them. As you witness their daily activities and observe their fascinating behaviors, you will gain a greater appreciation and understanding of these incredible creatures. Trekking with a knowledgeable and experienced guide, you will be able to learn more about the mountain gorillas, their habitats, and the conservation efforts that are currently underway to protect them. Uganda mountain gorilla trekking safari is an unforgettable experience that will leave you truly awe-struck and could be the experience of a lifetime.

Uganda Mountain gorilla facts:

Uganda is home to the critically endangered mountain gorilla. These gorillas are found in the eastern part of the country in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mountain gorillas are one of the two subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla and the most endangered of all gorillas, with a population of only 880 individuals. They are distinguished from other gorillas by their longer hair and more upright posture. Mountain gorillas are generally peaceful animals and live in social groups of up to 30 individuals. They are mainly herbivorous, eating leaves, stems, bamboo, and fruits. They have an average lifespan of 35-40 years in the wild. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect mountain gorillas from poaching and loss of habitat due to deforestation.

This tour is your opportunity to experience Uganda in a way not many ever do. 

Our 3 days of Uganda gorilla tracking gets you up close and personal with these gentle giants in Uganda and Rwanda. We operate our gorilla tours responsibly, taking care not to disturb the gorilla families. We keep a respectful distance, although it’s not unusual for an inquisitive gorilla to move closer to tourists.

Best time to go: Also all year round!

Tip: Beat the rush and experience the lush, wet season in Uganda – with fewer tourists and easier-to-obtain gorilla permits! But if you’re looking for prime trekking conditions, the dry seasons, from January to February and June to September, are the way to go.

Obtaining a gorilla permit early:

Ready to go on an adventure of a lifetime? Secure your gorilla trekking permit at least 6 months in advance to ensure you get the best possible deal! Uganda’s gorilla permits cost $700 for non-residents, $500 for foreign residents and UGX 250000 for East African residents. Get in touch with us now for more info – don’t miss out on your once-in-a-lifetime experience!

3 day Uganda gorilla trek Summary

• Day 1: Kampala – Bwindi Forest
• Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
• Day 3: Drive Back to either Kigali or Kampala

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from Kampala in the early hours for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to enjoy an exciting gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda.

Have lunch on the way and soak in the picturesque drive, and you have the right to stop the car at any point to take photos.

Arrive at your accommodation in the late afternoon, where you can select your desired accommodation ranging from high-class, mid-range, budget, or tented accommodations close to the gorillas.

Dine at your accommodation and relax the remainder of the evening as you prepare for a thrilling mountain gorilla tracking experience the following day – you are, after all, sleeping within an African rainforest which is the home of half of the world’s population of endangered mountain gorillas. Overnight at Silverback Bwindi Lodge / Buhoma Community bandas (FB).

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking

After a hearty breakfast, head over to the Headquarters of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for an orientation, meeting the guides and splitting into groups based on the gorilla trekking Uganda group you will be tracking.

Be prepared for an adrenaline-pumping experience of the Gorillas in the Mist. Hiking through this mysterious and wonderful forest promises lots of exciting sights as you make your way to see the Mountain Gorillas. The wildlife – from other primates, butterflies, mammals and birds – will be incredibly beautiful and add to this incredibly special experience.

The tracking/trekking might involve some strenuous climbing and hiking, but when you come face to face with the serene yet powerful Mountain Gorillas, watching them just a few metres away, observing the group, the baby with the mothers and the gorillas undertaking their daily routine right before your eyes is an incredibly humbling experience. You won’t find any mountain gorillas living in the zoo, only within this small area of Africa where some of the remaining mountain gorillas can be seen.

Thanks to many efforts, this population is thriving and thriving within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and visitors get the opportunity to see them up close.

After that, head back to Uganda Safaris Park headquarters and depending on your energy levels and the time, take a village walk to see the traditional lifestyle.

3 days Uganda Gorilla trekking guidelines:

Before embarking on your thrilling gorilla trek.

A limit of 8 guests can visit a group of accustomed mountain gorillas in a day. This decreases behavioural disruption to the gorillas and the danger of their presentation to human-borne ailments. Make sure you wash your hands before you head out to the gorillas.

Physical fitness:

An exciting and fun excursion to view mountain gorillas in Uganda necessitates that you be physically fit and most notably, keep your physical fitness before setting out on an actual trek.  A gorilla trek in Uganda can take around 2-6 hours and it involves hiking through the thick vegetation and steep slopes while searching for mountain gorillas.

On the way to the gorillas:

• Please always keep your voices down so you can have a fun, engaging, and exciting experience in the forest. Look out for the amazing birdlife and other wildlife!
• Make sure to take whatever you bring into the forest back out with you – don’t leave any rubbish behind.
• Then, you’ll be taken to where the guides saw the gorillas the day before. After that, you’ll follow their trail to find them – keep an eye out for their nesting sites along the way!

When you are with the gorillas:

• A 7-meter (21-foot) distance should try to be observed at all times from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
• You must stay in a tight group when you are near the gorillas.
• Keep your voice down at all times. However, it is okay to ask the guide questions.
• Do not smoke, drink or eat when you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
• Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guide’s example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk.
• Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures move slowly and carefully.
• Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
• The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit early.
• After the visit keep your voice down until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.

General health guidelines:

• Remember that mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following guidelines are aimed at minimizing the risk your visit might pose to the Gorillas:
• Respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.
• If you are feeling ill, or you are carrying a contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternate visit will be arranged for you, or you will be refunded your money.
• If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
• Always stay 7 meters (21 feet) away from the gorillas. This is to protect them from catching human diseases.
• Do not leave any litter (eg. food wrappers) in the park; foreign items can harbour diseases or other contaminants.
• If you need the toilet while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig a hole with his panga. Make sure the hole is 30 cm deep and fill it in when you are finished.

What to bring on your 3 days Uganda Gorilla trek :

• Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes.
• Put on earplugs for those who feel uncomfortable with the jungle sounds.
• Carry a packed lunch and enough drinking water.
• Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather is unpredictable) and insect repellent.
• Bring a photo of a film camera. Using a flashlight is not permitted

With the above tips, we wish you a memorable visit to see gorillas in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, a country with lots of captivating experiences.