3 Days Gorilla Trekking

Q: What is the Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is an official document issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) that allows a visitor to take part in a guided trek to see a habituated mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The permit grants you one full hour with the gorillas once they are located and also covers park entry, ranger guides, security, and conservation fees. In Uganda, the gorilla trekking permit currently costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. Due to high demand and limited daily slots, permits must be booked in advance through a licensed tour operator or directly from UWA.

Q: Does this tour involve a lot of difficult or strenuous hiking?

Gorilla trekking can involve moderate to strenuous hiking, depending on where the gorilla family is located on the day of the trek. The terrain in Bwindi is steep, forested, and sometimes muddy, which can make the hike challenging. Treks may last 1 hour to up to 6 hours. However, the difficulty level varies, and the rangers do their best to assign gorilla groups based on your fitness level. Porters are also available to help carry bags and provide support, making the experience manageable for most reasonably fit travelers.

Overview

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About This Tour

The 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour with Go Primate Safari takes you deep into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a rainforest that holds almost half of all mountain gorillas left in the world. The trek is guided by expert rangers who help you track a gorilla family through the thick jungle. When you finally find them, you spend one special hour watching them eat, play, and care for their young. Their gentle behavior and human-like expressions make this one of the most powerful wildlife moments on earth.

This tour starts and ends in Entebbe or Kampala and includes a scenic drive through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, with a stop at the equator for photos. Tourists choose this trip because it offers a rare chance to meet wild mountain gorillas, explore a UNESCO World Heritage rainforest, and enjoy a safe, well-planned safari in a short amount of time. It is a simple, meaningful, and unforgettable African adventure.

Trip Highlights

One full hour with a mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Scenic road trip from Entebbe/Kampala with an equator stop for photos.
Guided trek through one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Comfortable lodges and a well-organized experience handled by Go Primate Safari.
Countryside road trip in an open-sided 4×4 vehicle and pop-up roof 4×4 vehicle

Arrival :

Arrival in Entebbe, Kampala Uganda

Our team from Go Primate Safaris picks you up from Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in Kampala/Entebbe.
Accommodation before the tour can be arranged at an extra cost.

Day 01 :

Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Heart of the Gorillas).

Morning – Pick-up:
Your driver-guide meets you at your hotel or airport, and the journey to Bwindi National Park begins. The drive takes 8–10 hours, but it is one of the most beautiful road trips in Uganda. Expect rolling hills, green plantations, and lively local villages along the way.

Afternoon – Equator Stop & Lunch:
You stop at the Kayabwe Equator line before Masaka city for photos and fun experiments, then continue to Mbarara for lunch. After lunch, the scenery becomes even better as you approach the highlands and see the Virunga mountain ranges in the distance. Your driver will gladly stop for photography whenever you need.

Evening – Arrival & Overnight:
You arrive at your lodge in Bwindi, enjoy dinner, and rest ahead of your big day with the gorillas.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Accommodation Options:

Budget: Rushaga Havens Lodge / Bakiga Lodge / Ride 4 A Woman
Mid-Range: 4 Gorillas Lodge / Gorilla Leisure Lodge / Buhoma Havens Lodge
Luxury: Gorilla Heights Lodge / Buhoma Lodge / Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge / Kiho Lodge

Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Drinks: Drinking Water

Day 02 :

Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Bwindi Forest

Morning – Briefing:
After an early breakfast, your guide takes you to the park headquarters by 6:30am. Rangers brief you about the trekking rules and assign you a gorilla family to track. Trekking can take 1 to 6hours depending on where the gorillas are that day.

Trek & Gorilla Encounter:
When you find your gorilla family, you spend one full hour (1hour) observing them. Watch them feed, play, groom, and care for their young. You are free to take photos and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime moment. After the trek, return to the headquarters to receive your gorilla trekking certificate.

Evening:
Return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and a peaceful night surrounded by forest sounds.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Accommodation: Same as Day 1

Meals: All meals included
Drinks: Drinking Water

Day 03 :

Return to Kampala or Entebbe – End of Tour

Morning – Departure:
After breakfast, you begin the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. Enjoy views of the Kigezi rolling hills and the terraced farms of the Bakiga people.
Afternoon – Equator Stop:
You stop again at the Equator for photos, souvenir shopping, or a short relaxation break before continuing the journey.
Evening – Drop-off:
You arrive in Kampala/Entebbe in the evening. If you are flying out, it is best to book a night flight to avoid rushing.
Main Destination: Entebbe
Accommodation: End of tour (no accommodation provided)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Drinks: Mineral Water

End of Tour
Additional accommodation and airport drop-off can be arranged on request.

Tour Plan

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What is the Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda?

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is an official document issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) that allows a visitor to take part in a guided trek to see a habituated mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The permit grants you one full hour with the gorillas once they are located and also covers park entry, ranger guides, security, and conservation fees.

In Uganda, the gorilla trekking permit currently costs $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens. Due to high demand and limited daily slots, permits must be booked in advance through a licensed tour operator or directly from UWA.

What are the primary languages spoken in Uganda?

Uganda is a multilingual country with over 40 local languages, but the primary languages spoken nationwide are:

English – the official language used in government, education, and business.
Swahili – the second official language, widely used by security forces and increasingly spoken in towns and border areas.
Luganda – the most commonly spoken local language, especially in Kampala and central Uganda.

Other regional languages such as Runyankore-Rukiga, Luo (Acholi), Ateso, and Lugbara are also widely spoken in their specific regions.

Does this tour involve a lot of difficult or strenuous hiking?

Gorilla trekking can involve moderate to strenuous hiking, depending on where the gorilla family is located on the day of the trek. The terrain in Bwindi is steep, forested, and sometimes muddy, which can make the hike challenging. Treks may last 1 hour to up to 6 hours.

However, the difficulty level varies, and the rangers do their best to assign gorilla groups based on your fitness level. Porters are also available to help carry bags and provide support, making the experience manageable for most reasonably fit travelers.

What extra clothing should I pack for the mountain excursions?

For gorilla trekking and mountain excursions in Uganda, it is important to pack clothing suitable for humid, wet, and forested conditions. Recommended items include:

Lightweight, quick-dry clothing – long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to protect against insects and thorny plants.
Rain jacket or poncho – Bwindi is a rainforest, and rain can occur any time.
Warm layers – fleece or a light sweater for cooler mornings and evenings.
Sturdy hiking boots – waterproof with good grip for slippery and uneven terrain.
Hat, gloves, and gaiters – for sun protection, warmth, and keeping mud or insects off your legs.

Comfortable, layered clothing is key since temperatures and conditions can change quickly during the trek.

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