3 Days gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Uganda.

3 Days gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Uganda.

A 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi, Uganda is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience that allows you to connect with nature in a unique and profound way. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure offers a plethora of highlights that make it worth every penny.

One of the most remarkable aspects of gorilla trekking is the opportunity it provides to witness the endangered mountain gorillas up close. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, as well as Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, are the only places in the world where these incredible creatures can be found. The trek can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the location where the gorillas spent the previous night.

During the trek, visitors are given a strict one-hour timeframe to observe and interact with the gorillas. To ensure the safety and well-being of both tourists and gorillas, it is advised to maintain a minimum distance of 7 meters from the animals. This proximity allows for a truly immersive experience, where you can witness their behavior, interactions, and even capture stunning photographs.

To partake in the gorilla trekking activity, tourists must obtain a permit, which can be purchased through a tour operator. The cost of the permit varies depending on the location. In Uganda, the permit costs $800, while in Rwanda, it is priced at $1500. It is important to note that the demand for permits often exceeds availability, so it is advisable to book in advance.

Proper preparation is essential for a successful gorilla trekking experience. As the activity takes place in a forested area, it is recommended to bring rain gear, a packed lunch, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants. These items will ensure your comfort and protection throughout the trek. Before setting out, tourists are given a briefing on the history and information about the gorillas and their habitat, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of this unique species.

At the end of the trek, participants are awarded a trekking certificate as a symbol of their accomplishment and recognition for their contribution to conservation efforts. It is a testament to the invaluable experience they have had and the memories they have made.

The 3-day gorilla trekking safari includes various components to make your journey seamless and enjoyable. This encompasses the gorilla trekking permit, a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle, accommodation, all meals, an English-speaking driver guide, park entry fees, and internet access. However, it is important to note that visas, air tickets, insurance, extra drinks, laundry, and personal expenses are not included in the package.

While gorilla trekking offers a remarkable experience, it is essential to consider personal suitability and safety. This activity is not recommended for individuals with high blood pressure, those over 70 years old, people weighing over 209 lbs (95 kg), pregnant women, individuals suffering from altitude sickness, those with back problems, recent surgeries, pre-existing medical conditions, wheelchair users, and children under 15 years of age.

Embarking on a 3-day gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi, Uganda is an adventure of a lifetime. It provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature, immerse yourself in the beauty of the forest, and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for these magnificent creatures. So, pack your bags, prepare yourself for an incredible journey, and get ready to make memories that will last 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

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.