This 7-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Circuit – The 7-day Bwindi gorilla trekking circuit is one of the best and most rewarding safaris that many travelers to Uganda would like to experience. The safari begins with a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, formerly a zoo, followed by a transfer to a hotel and then onward to the Buhoma sector passing through Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Later, you will proceed to the Nkuringo sector to visit different gorilla families, then continue to the Rushaga sector and finally to the Ruhija sector before transferring back to Kampala with a stopover at the Equator for lunch and photos before heading to the airport for your flight back home.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe, Visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (Former Zoo), and Transfer to Your Hotel
Your driver guide will pick you up from the airport upon arrival and provide a brief overview of the journey. The briefing will summarize the guidelines for your safari before driving to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, formerly known as the Entebbe Zoo. Here, you will see various animals such as lions, hyenas, Uganda kobs, snakes, pythons, and bird species like the shoebill stork. After the visit, you will drive to your booked hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Transfer to Buhoma Sector – North of Bwindi National Park
Wake up early for breakfast at the hotel, then head to the Buhoma Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. You will pass the Equator monument in Mpigi for a short stopover and photography. Arrive at your lodge in the late evening for relaxation and dinner.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Nkuringo Sector
Wake up early for breakfast, then drive to the park headquarters for payments and briefing before heading to the starting point where a park ranger will lead you to the Buhoma Sector for gorilla trekking. This sector, located in the northern part of the park in Kanungu district, is the most visited.
The trek can last from 1 to 7 hours depending on the gorillas’ movements. You will have an extra hour to observe and photograph them. Afterward, return to the office for your trekking certificate, then drive to the Nkuringo Sector and check in at your lodge for meals.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Experience and Transfer to Rushaga Sector
Wake up early for breakfast, then drive to the Nkuringo Sector in the southern part of the park. This sector, established in 1997, is home to four gorilla families. Attend a briefing before starting your 1-7 hour trek to find the gorilla family. Spend an hour in their presence, then return to the office for your certificate before driving to the Rushaga Sector for an overnight stay at your lodge.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking Adventure and Transfer to Ruhija Sector
To stay on schedule, wake up early for breakfast and drive to the Rushaga Sector, known for its habituated gorilla families, including up to eight groups. Trekking here is similar in duration to other sectors. Spend an hour with the gorillas, receive your trekking certificate, and proceed to the Ruhija Sector for evening meals and an overnight stay.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Ruhija and Leisure
Start your day with breakfast at your lodge before gorilla trekking in the Ruhija Sector, which is home to four habituated gorilla families. The trek can last 1-7 hours depending on their movements. Spend an hour with the gorillas, take photos and videos, then return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Day 7: Transfer Back to Kampala with a Stopover at the Equator for Lunch, Photos, and an Experiment
On the final day of your safari, enjoy a delicious breakfast and begin the drive back to Kampala city. Stop at the Equator in Kayabwe for lunch and photography. Continue to Entebbe Airport for your flight back home.
