Expect to see two families of mountain gorillas during this 4-day double gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi National Park. For double the memory, it is a double encounter. The largest population of mountain gorillas is currently hosted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, situated in southwestern Uganda at the base of the massive Virunga chain of mountains.
Since the area is typically hilly, some level of fitness is required. The gorilla trekking experience lasts from one to eight hours in the morning, plus an additional hour for photography and time spent with the apes. Optional activities include cultural tours.
Safari Details
Day 1: Pickup and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
On this day, our driver guide will meet and greet you at the pickup location. After that, enjoy some juice while the driver guide briefs you and checks your paperwork. Then, set off on a 9–11-hour scenic drive through the picturesque countryside, home to lush flora, grazing longhorn Ankole cows, traditional African homes, and more. En route, enjoy a meal and beverages.
Arrive at your lodge late in the day and check-in. The wonderful safari adventure with the gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park begins after dinner and a rest.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Start the day with breakfast, then get dressed in your trekking gear and pack your lunch, camera, binoculars, and other items. Proceed to the park headquarters for the pre-trekking briefing. The ranger guides will assign you to gorilla families to track, explain the dos and don’ts of trekking, and accompany you through the jungle to find the apes.
Although challenging, your perseverance and effort will be rewarded. Track them by following the direction they were last seen during the previous search.
While on the hunt, you may encounter several other rare bird species, primates, and forest creatures. After locating your gorilla relatives, spend an hour photographing them, observing mothers with their offspring, the silverback leading the group, and more. After the hour, break for lunch in the wilderness before returning to the lodge to relax. Dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep conclude the day.
Day 3: 2nd Gorilla Trekking and Optional Cultural Adventure
A new gorilla group and a new day. Start with a delicious breakfast at the lodge, then head to the park headquarters for another pre-tour briefing with your packed lunch. Today, you’ll track a different gorilla family, each with distinct traits from those you saw the previous day. Mountain gorillas share approximately 98% of human DNA and physical resemblance.
Spending time with them is safe as you learn about the unique characteristics of each primate family. Gorillas are active in the morning, foraging until they rest around 6:30 p.m.
Track the apes for 1–7 hours and spend an hour with them, taking photos and enjoying their forest habitat, depending on your hiking pace and their movements. After the hour, return to the lodge for lunch in the forest. You can then opt for an optional Batwa pygmy culture tour. Former forest dwellers, the Pygmies guide visitors, entertain with dances, village walks, and more. Dinner and a good night’s sleep conclude the day.
Day 4: End of Safari
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before driving to Entebbe International Airport or Kampala. Stop for lunch and photos at the Equator in Mpigi district before continuing to your designated drop-off location.
