3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Mountain Gorillas Batwa Experience

Nine hours tracking gorillas through the forest, then learning how the Batwa hunt and make fire

A 3-day private guided tour from Kampala into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to trek mountain gorillas, with nature walks, bird watching and a Batwa community experience. Day one is the transfer from Kampala or Entebbe airport with a stop at the equator; day two is the gorilla trek and Batwa visit; day three returns you to Kampala. A live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French or German leads the tour, and hotel pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Park

• Meet guide in Kampala or Entebbe
• Stop at the equator for photos
• Have lunch with local food
• Drive via Mbarara and Lake Mburo
• Arrive at Bwindi accommodation
• Register and have welcoming drink
• Relax and discuss next day plans

Day 2: Gorilla trekking and Batwa experience

• Wake up and have breakfast
• Drive to Uganda wildlife office
• Register and attend briefing
• Join group and start gorilla trek
• Use porters to carry belongings
• Explore forest and spot wildlife
• Return and get certified
• Have hot lunch and relax
• Participate in Batwa community walk
• Learn Batwa fire making and hunting

Day 3: Return transfer to Kampala

• Wake up and have breakfast
• Pack belongings and load car
• Drive back to Kampala
• Stop for lunch in Mbarara
• Continue to Kampala or Entebbe
• Receive appreciation and farewell

The experience

The tour starts early from Kampala or Entebbe airport and follows the road south through Mbarara, skirting Lake Mburo National Park on the way to Bwindi. You stop at the equator for photos and lunch, then continue into the misty forest where you overnight at Rushaga Gorilla camp. The drive itself is part of the journey: your guide explains the landscape and the region as you travel, and the road winds through the scenic hills that frame the park.

Day two is the gorilla trek. You wake early, have breakfast, and head to the Uganda Wildlife Office for a briefing. You're placed in a group of eight with a ranger guide, and porters carry your lunch, cameras and gear for the trek ahead. The hike through the forest takes an average of nine hours and covers beautiful hills. Along the way you'll see birds, butterflies and plant species. After you locate and spend time with a gorilla family, you return to the designated area to be certified, then head back to camp for a hot lunch. In the afternoon, you engage in the Batwa experience: local community walks where you learn how the Batwa make fire and hunt for food, and you participate in those activities.

Day three is the return to Kampala or Entebbe airport. After breakfast, your guide ensures all your belongings are packed, and you drive back through the forest and local communities. You have lunch in Mbarara and continue to your drop-off point. Bottled water is provided throughout the tour.

What’s included

• Bottled water throughout the tour.
• live guide in your choice of English, Spanish, Italian, French or German.
• hotel or airport pickup from Kampala or Entebbe.
• overnight accommodation at Rushaga Gorilla camp.
• gorilla trekking permit and ranger guide.
• Batwa community experience with participation in traditional activities.
• all meals and transport during the 3 days.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 07:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (15 to 90 years) · Under 15: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Pieland Gorilla Safaris

Is this one for you?Book this if you're flying into Kampala or Entebbe and want a private 3-day gorilla trek with pickup and drop-off included, or if you prefer to communicate with your guide in a language other than English.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

How long does the gorilla trek itself take on day two?

The gorilla trek takes an average of nine hours, covering the forest and hills in search of the gorillas. Porters carry your lunch, snacks, cameras and other belongings so you can focus on the trek.

What exactly happens during the Batwa community experience?

The Batwa experience includes local community walks where you learn how the Batwa make fire and hunt for food. You participate in these activities, not just watch them.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel or the airport?

Hotel pickup is included in the tour. If you're arriving at Entebbe International Airport, the guide will meet you there to start the journey to Bwindi.

What stops happen on the drive from Kampala to Bwindi on day one?

You stop at the equator for photography and lunch on the way south. The route passes through Mbarara, known for its cattle and milk production, and skirts Lake Mburo National Park before reaching Bwindi.

Is there a minimum age for this tour?

The minimum age is 15 years old. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though the gorilla trek itself is a full-day activity in the forest.