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3 daysGorilla FocusModerate
3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Express
The fastest way to meet Bwindi's mountain gorillas. Drive south from Kampala, trek with a habituated family, and return refreshed.
Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Overview
Three days is the shortest realistic Bwindi trip — long enough for one full gorilla trek, short enough to bolt onto a wider East Africa itinerary. We drive south the day before so you start trekking fresh, time the briefing for the early ranger meet, and pair you with a habituated family that suits your group's pace. Most travellers are back at the lodge by mid-afternoon, with the rest of the day for hot showers, photo sorting, and the porch view.
Where you’ll go
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Kampala → Bwindi
Early pickup from Entebbe or Kampala. Drive south through Mbarara and the Kigezi highlands, with a stop for lunch at the Equator. Arrive at the lodge in time for sundowners and a permit briefing for tomorrow's trek.
- Meals:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Mid-range lodge near Bwindi (Buhoma, Ruhija, or Rushaga sector)
- 2
Gorilla trek + Bwindi
Breakfast at 6:00, then transfer to the park headquarters for the 8:00 ranger briefing. Tracking can take anywhere from 1–7 hours; you spend exactly one hour with the gorilla family. Return to the lodge for a late lunch, evening community walk if energy allows.
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Lodging:
- Same lodge as Day 1
- 3
Bwindi → Kampala (or Kigali)
Leisurely breakfast, then the long drive back to Kampala (10 hours) or transfer to Kigali (4 hours) for an evening flight. We can also drop at Kihihi airstrip for a charter flight back to Entebbe (extra cost).
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch
Like the shape of this trip?
We can run it as-is or tailor it. Tell us your dates and we'll come back with a quote within 24 hours.
What’s included
- 1 gorilla trekking permit ($800 value)
- All park entry fees
- Private 4x4 with fuel and driver-guide
- All accommodation (twin/double sharing)
- All meals as listed in itinerary
- Bottled water in vehicle
- Airport transfers in Kampala/Entebbe
Not included
- International flights
- Uganda visa ($50 e-visa)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Porter for the trek (~$20)
- Tips for guides and rangers
- Drinks at lodge bar
- Personal expenses
Best time to visit
- Jun–Sep (drier, busiest)
- Dec–Feb (drier, busy)
- Mar–May & Oct–Nov (low season, fewer crowds, slippery trails)
Fitness & difficulty
Moderate. You should be comfortable walking 4–8 hours over uneven, often muddy terrain at altitudes of 1,500–2,500m. Hiring a porter ($20) is highly recommended — it supports the local community and saves your knees.
Want to swap a lodge or extend a day?
Almost every trip we run is adjusted in some way. Tell us what you’re thinking — no commitment yet.
How booking works
- 1
Free quote, no deposit
Send us your dates and group size. We come back within 24 hours with a tailored itinerary and a quote.
- 2
We hold your permit
Once you’re ready, we secure your UWA gorilla permit in your name before collecting a deposit. No optimistic dates.
- 3
30% deposit, 70% on arrival
A 30% deposit confirms the trip. The balance is due 30 days before departure (or on arrival for last-minute bookings).
- 4
Free changes up to 30 days out
Cancel or reschedule for free up to 30 days before departure. Inside that window, permit fees are non-refundable but we’ll work with you on the rest.
What guests say
“Solo female traveller from London. Felt safe the entire trip, my driver-guide was unflappable, and they paired me with the most patient porter when I tweaked my ankle. They held my permit before I’d even paid.”
Aisha O.
London, UK
3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Express
Frequently asked
See all FAQs →How fit do I need to be to trek gorillas?
Reasonably fit. The trek is 2–8 hours through hilly, often muddy forest at 1,500–2,500m altitude. We pair you with a gorilla family that suits your fitness — easier families live closer to the trailhead, harder ones deeper in. Hiring a porter ($20) is highly recommended.
How long does a trek take?
Anywhere from 1 to 7 hours of walking, plus exactly one hour with the gorilla family once they’re found. Most travellers are back at the lodge by mid-afternoon. The trackers radio your guide as soon as they’ve located the family.
What if it rains?
You trek anyway — it’s a rainforest, the rain is the point. Light showers are normal. We supply gardening gloves, and a good rain jacket and hiking boots are on the pack list. Gorillas don’t care about the weather.
What is the best time to go?
Drier months are June–September and December–February. Trails are firmer, but permits sell out 4–6 months ahead. The green season (March–May, October–November) is lush, quieter, and lodges are softer on price — sightings are equally common.
Is there a minimum age?
Yes. The Uganda Wildlife Authority requires trekkers to be 15 or older. There’s no upper limit — we regularly trek with travellers in their 70s.
What should I pack?
Sturdy waterproof boots (broken in), long trousers, a rain jacket, a daypack, gardening gloves, sunscreen, insect repellent, and 2L of water. We send a complete pack list when you book — and you can rent gloves and gaiters at the trailhead if you forget.
Are there health requirements?
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory and you must show the certificate at the park gate. Anti-malarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended. You cannot trek if you’re visibly unwell — bring a backup day if you’re flying in tight.
What is your cancellation policy?
Permits are non-refundable once issued by UWA — that’s our cost, not a markup. Lodges and transport components are refundable up to 60 days out, partially refundable up to 30 days. Trip insurance with cancellation cover is required.
UWA-licensed
Tour operator
AUTO member
Assoc. of Uganda Tour Operators
Permits in your name
Held before any deposit
Local Ugandan team
Guides, drivers, cooks
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The fine print
- Rates are per person in USD, based on twin/double sharing. Single supplements are quoted on request.
- Gorilla permits are subject to UWA availability — peak season (Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb) books out 4–6 months ahead. We confirm availability before any deposit.
- Itineraries may be adjusted by the operator due to weather, road conditions, or wildlife movement. Any change is discussed with you first.
- Travel insurance is mandatory. We can recommend providers but do not sell policies.