3 Day Budget Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda

This 3-day budget gorilla trekking safari takes you from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to Uganda’s mountain gorillas. It is designed for travellers who want a short, affordable and well-organised gorilla safari without losing the quality of the experience. The safari includes a scenic road transfer through western Uganda, one full gorilla trekking experience, lodge accommodation and return travel to Kampala or Entebbe. It is suitable for solo travellers, couples and small groups looking for a practical Uganda gorilla safari within a limited timeframe. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a strong value option compared to Rwanda because Uganda permits are lower, while the experience still gives visitors an unforgettable hour with a habituated gorilla family. Uganda gorilla permits for foreign non-residents are listed at USD 800 in the current UWA tariff period.

Safari Highlights

• Duration, 3 days and 2 nights
• Start point, Kampala or Entebbe
• Destination, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Main activity: gorilla trekking
• Best for budget travellers, solo travellers, couples and small groups
• Accommodation, budget or midrange lodge
• Transport, 4×4 safari vehicle with driver guide
• Departure Point: AA Safaris and Tours Ltd Offices

 Detailed itinerary

Day 1, Transfer from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi

After breakfast, your driver guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe and begin the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. The drive takes you through roadside towns, farmlands and rolling landscapes. You will make a stop at the Equator for photos before continuing to Mbarara for lunch. After lunch, proceed through the highlands of southwestern Uganda towards the Bwindi area. Arrive in the evening, check in at your lodge and relax as you prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking experience. Accommodation at  Gorilla Closeup Lodge.

Day 2, Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. During the briefing, you will be assigned a gorilla family and guided on the rules to follow in the forest. You will then enter Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with ranger guides and begin the trek through thick rainforest. Trekking time can vary from about 2 to 7 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located on that day. Once the gorillas are found, visitors are allowed to spend one hour watching them. This is the highlight of the safari, giving you time to observe their feeding, movement, social behaviour and family interaction at close range. After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation. If time allows, you may add an optional community walk around the Bwindi area.

Day 3, Return to Kampala or Entebbe

After breakfast, begin the return journey from Bwindi to Kampala or Entebbe. You will travel through the scenic highlands and make a lunch stop in Mbarara. Depending on your final arrangements, your guide can drop you at your hotel in Kampala, Entebbe or at Entebbe International Airport for an evening flight. This marks the end of your 3-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari.

What Is Included in the 3 Day Gorilla Safari

Inclusions

• Gorilla trekking permit
• Ground transport in a safari vehicle
• Professional English-speaking driver guide
• Accommodation for 2 nights
• Meals as listed in the itinerary
• Park-related transfers
• Bottled drinking water during the journey

What Is Not Included

Exclusions

• International flights
• Uganda visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Optional community visits
• Porter fees
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Extra drinks and laundry