Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari - 4 Days
4 Days / 3 Nights
Uganda
Private Groups
$2,800per person
Overview
Trek into the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an intimate encounter with endangered mountain gorillas. Uganda is home to over half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population, and Bwindi offers the most authentic gorilla trekking experience in Africa. This focused safari takes you deep into one of Africa's oldest rainforests, where you'll spend a magical hour with a habituated gorilla family. A life-changing wildlife encounter that directly supports gorilla conservation.
This carefully crafted safari offers the perfect balance of game drives, authentic bush experiences, and luxurious comfort. Stay in exclusive tented camps positioned in prime wildlife areas, ensuring you're always at the center of the action.
Destinations on this Safari
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Day by Day
Depart from Entebbe or Kampala early morning for the drive to southwestern Uganda. This scenic 8-10 hour journey takes you through the heartland of the Pearl of Africa - rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional villages. Stop at the Equator for photographs and the famous water experiment demonstrating the Coriolis effect. Continue through the dramatic landscapes of Kabale, the 'Switzerland of Africa', before descending to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This ancient rainforest, estimated at 25,000 years old, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to approximately half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Evening briefing at your forest lodge about tomorrow's trek.
The day you've been waiting for! After an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for registration and briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You'll be assigned to one of Bwindi's habituated gorilla families based on your fitness level - treks can range from 2-8 hours depending on gorilla location. Enter the impenetrable forest with your armed ranger guides, trekking through dense vegetation, bamboo thickets, and steep terrain. The moment you encounter a gorilla family is utterly magical - spend one precious hour observing these gentle giants as they feed on wild celery, groom each other, and play. Watching a silverback up close, feeling his power and intelligence, is a transformative experience. Return to your lodge for a celebratory dinner.
Today offers two compelling options. For an additional gorilla encounter, a second trekking permit can be arranged (additional cost) to visit a different gorilla family - each group has unique dynamics and personalities. Alternatively, embark on the Batwa Experience - a profound cultural journey with the indigenous forest-dwelling Batwa people. Once the forest's original inhabitants, the Batwa were relocated when Bwindi became a national park. Join former Batwa hunters as they demonstrate traditional hunting techniques, medicinal plant knowledge, and fire-making skills passed down through generations. Visit their sacred forest sites and listen to ancient songs. This experience directly supports Batwa community development. Afternoon nature walk through the forest edge spotting birds and primates.
After a leisurely breakfast with final views of the misty Bwindi forest, begin your return journey to Entebbe or Kampala. The drive offers different perspectives of Uganda's stunning countryside. Stop at roadside craft markets to purchase gorilla carvings, banana fiber crafts, and vibrant African textiles. Visit a local community project supporting former poachers turned conservationists. Arrive in Entebbe/Kampala in the evening for your departure flight, or extend your safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park to experience tree-climbing lions and the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel. Your gorilla trekking certificate is a treasured memento of this once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
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