3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Bwindi Uganda – Starting from Kigali or Entebbe

3 Days Uganda gorilla trekking in Bwindi starts in Kigali Rwanda or Entebbe/Kampala Uganda. Starting and ending in Rwanda offers a shorter drive. It involves visiting the Batwa pygmies for a cultural experience. The Batwa pygmies were the original inhabitants of the Bwindi impenetrable forest park before they were relocated outside the park to pave way for mountain gorilla conservation.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is found along Uganda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and next to the Virunga National Park. The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its biodiversity and importance to overall ecology. It is a water catchment area that feeds off numerous rivers and lakes. Bwindi forest covers an area of 124 square miles of lowland and montane forest. These vast forests are home to 163 tree species, 348 species of birds and 120 of mammals. Among the mammals in the park are chimpanzees, civets, elephants, giant forest hogs, golden cats, Colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, stripped jackals and mountain gorillas. The key bird species are the cream-banded swallowtail and African green broad-bill. Half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas are found in Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. The other half are found in Virunga National Park in Congo and the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Bwindi is the only park where both chimpanzees and mountain gorillas are found. There are currently 15 habituated gorilla groups open to gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Bwindi is special from all the other mountain gorilla parks because visitors can take part in a 3 days gorilla habituation experience. This experience gives visitors more time with the primates and in the company of very knowledgeable international researchers.

The mountain gorillas in Bwindi have been found to feed on more fruit than those in Virunga National Park. If you are familiar with some facts about mountain gorillas by now, you will agree that Silverbacks rarely climb tries. Well it turns out that it isn’t always true. Mountain gorillas in Bwindi climb trees more frequently than those in Virunga national park (including the large silverbacks). Whereas gorillas in Virunga make their nests on the ground, those in Bwindi have been found to build some of theirs on short sturdy trees. Mountain gorillas in Bwindi are also more mobile. This is attributed to the fact that they feed a lot on seasonal fruits.

Though the overall population of mountain gorillas are growing and are now over 1000, they remain endangered. Protecting them is very important because Mountain gorillas have not been known to survive in captivity. An attempt was made to keep them in enclosed facilities in the 1970’s but no infant survived. None of the adult gorillas survived for long in captivity. Only lowland gorillas have been found to thrive in captivity. Because of their fragile nature and economic value, mountain gorillas are highly protected. Like we already mentioned, the government of Uganda evicted the Batwa pygmies away from Bwindi and Mgahinga national park just to create more room for the mountain gorillas.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest offers visitors 17 gorilla families to choose from. One group in Rushaga sector of Bwindi has been earmarked for the mountain gorilla habituation experience. You can check out the shorter 2 day gorilla trekking Uganda package.

Tour Overview

The main activities during this 3 days Uganda gorilla tour are: –

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Visit to the Batwa Pygmies cultural village
Opportunities to stop along the way including at the Igongo cultural Centre or Equator crossing
Observing beautiful scenery along the road.

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up and Transfer to Bwindi National park

Pickup will be from your hotel in Kigali Rwanda or Entebbe/Kampala Uganda. The pickup is early in the morning (after breakfast). There will be several stops to enjoy the scenery and have lunch. If you start the tour in Kigali Rwanda, you will be offered a chance to take part in the famous Kigali City Tour. This tour includes visiting the genocide memorial centre, artisan shops, the main city market and other points of interest depending on time. The drive from Kigali to Bwindi takes 4 hours.

If you start from Entebbe or Kampala in Uganda, the journey would take 8 to 9 hours depending on the sector you would be doing the tracking. The driver will ensure that you stop at the equator crossing and the Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara Once you get to Bwindi, refresh, shower and enjoy the evening with friends around the hotel.

Dinner and overnight at Mahogany Springs, Four Gorillas Lodge or Gorilla Leisure Lodge for Luxury accommodation. The mid-range Lodge is Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge while Bakiga Lodge is Budget.

Day 2: Trekking with Uganda Gorillas – Batwa Pygmies visit
Briefing for gorilla trekking takes place at 7:30am and is conducted by the Warden and his team of Rangers at the park offices. All gorilla trackers must be at the park by this time and attend the briefing which is an overview of what to expect during the gorilla trekking. A gorilla safari in Bwindi forest offers you several gorilla groups to choose from. The Rangers will take into consideration your overall fitness. Gorilla tracking is challenging but you will find the experience awesome once you see the primates. It is always amazing to watch a family of mountain gorillas. You could spend hours just watching the little ones roll around and play. Mountain Gorillas are very playful and curious – don’t be surprised if they come too close to you. While with the gorillas, its important to listen to instructions from your guide. Never make sudden movements while with mountain gorillas.

After spending one hour with the gorilla family, you will be led back to the starting point where our Guide/Driver will be waiting to take you back for lunch at your hotel. You will head out to visit the Batwa Pygmy cultural community in the afternoon. As noted earlier, the Batwa originally lived in the forest but often had conflicts with the gorillas. The government decided to relocate them elsewhere to allow for smoother gorilla conservation activities.

Dinner and overnight at Mahogany Springs, Four Gorillas Lodge or Gorilla Leisure Lodge for Luxury accommodation. The mid-range Lodge is Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge while Bakiga Lodge is Budget.

Day 3: Transfer back to Kampala for departure

You will wake early to take breakfast as you wait for the drier to start the journey to Kigali or Kampala Uganda. If for some reason you didn’t have the Kigali City tour or stop at the Equator crossing, this will be the time to do so. The driver will ensure that you are get in Kigali or Entebbe in time for your departure flight or be dropped off at your hotel.

End of Tour

Practical Guide

Minimum trekking gear you need:
Good hiking boots, gators, thick cotton gloves, a light raincoat, light snacks and drinking water.

N.B: Porters are available for hire at the starting point. Many of these porters were once poachers and have now been given a change to earn some money to keep them away from harming the animals in the park. They will help you carry extra heavy luggage and equipment.

For optimal trekking adventure

Be fit enough
Wear the right footwear for the difficult terrain
Plan for the rain
Carry enough drinking water and light snack
Motivate the guides and wardens by giving tip. A tip of $15 is recommended.

Quote Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Quote Includes

Full time private safari vehicle (according to your itinerary).
A Full-Time Private Driver/Guide.
Fuel for your safari.
Gorilla Permits.
Bottled drinking water per day.
All activities in the itinerary.
Pickup and drop-off at your desired location in Kampala or Entebbe.
Cultural / community visit to the Batwa.

Excludes
International & local flights, visas, personal costs like tipping, beverages, wines, Personal Insurance.

Important Notes:

Itinerary does not include Accommodation and Dinner for the the day before the tour or after completion (But can be arranged).
Minimal Age for gorilla trekking is 15 years.
No discount on children Except if sharing room with their parents.
Visitors should ensure that they have checked the visa and inoculation requirements. (Please ensure you check all transit points visa information).
It is a requirement to have a yellow fever immunization card to enter Uganda.
Online Visa Application is necessary before travel. (This depends on the nationality in respect with the country being visited. Verify the information accordingly).