3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour from Kampala: Includes $800 permit

Mountain gorillas in one concentrated push: three days from Kampala to the forest and back

A 3-day tour from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda, where you trek into the forest to spend one hour with a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat. The tour includes an 8–9 hour drive from Kampala with stops at the equator, two nights' accommodation, the $800 gorilla trekking permit, an English-speaking driver guide, and return transport to Kampala or Entebbe. A briefing at park headquarters prepares you for the trek, and small groups are assigned to specific gorilla families. The rest of each day is free.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Early breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Stop at the equator for photos
• Stop for lunch
• Arrive at Bwindi National Park
• Overnight at Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

• Early breakfast
• Briefing at park headquarters
• Divide into trekking groups
• Trek to gorilla family
• Observe and photograph gorillas for one hour
• Return to lodge
• Relax or optional activities
• Overnight at Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Day 3: Return to Entebbe or Kampala

• Breakfast and check out
• Travel back to Entebbe or Kampala
• Optional sightseeing or activities
• Arrive in Entebbe or Kampala

The experience

The drive from Kampala to Bwindi takes most of the first day, roughly 8 to 9 hours, with a stop at the equator for photographs and lunch. You'll arrive at Rushaga Gorilla Lodge in the late afternoon and overnight there. The second day is the trek itself: after an early breakfast, you head to park headquarters for a safety briefing, then set out in a small group assigned to one gorilla family. The trek duration and terrain vary depending on where the gorillas are that day. Once you locate them, you have one hour to watch and photograph them before returning to the lodge. The afternoon and evening are yours to rest or explore nearby.

On the final day, you check out after breakfast and begin the return journey to Kampala or Entebbe, with optional stops along the way depending on your flight time. The tour includes drinking water, WiFi on board, meet-and-greet services, and an air-conditioned vehicle throughout. Your driver guide speaks English and can assist with any questions about the park, the gorillas, or the region.

What’s included

• Gorilla trekking permit.
• two nights' accommodation at Rushaga Gorilla Lodge.
• private air-conditioned transportation with driver guide.
• drinking water and WiFi on board.
• meet-and-greet services.
• park headquarters briefing and safety guidelines.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to5h before

AgesAdult (36 to 39 years) · Senior (40 and older) · Youth (16 to 35 years) · Child (11 to 15 years) · Infant (1 to 10 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 28 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 6 days before the start.Between 2 and 6 days before the start, 50% refund.After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Eco Adventure Safaris

Is this one for you?Three days is the minimum to reach Bwindi from Kampala and back with time for the trek itself, so this tour suits travelers with a tight window who don't want to spend extra days in transit. If you have more time, a longer itinerary allows for additional activities or a second gorilla trek.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (16 to 35 years); Child (11 to 15 years); Infant (1 to 10 years).

How long is the actual gorilla trek once we find the family?

Once your group locates the gorilla family, you have one hour to observe and photograph them in their natural habitat before returning to your accommodation.

What is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park like?

Bwindi, located in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, is one of the most diverse forests in East Africa. It's a dense forest where lowland and montane habitats meet, with thick ground cover of herbs, vines and shrubs. The terrain that makes gorilla trekking challenging but rewarding.

Does the tour include the gorilla permit?

Yes, the $800 gorilla trekking permit per person is included in the tour price, along with accommodation, transport, and your driver guide.

What happens on the days we're not trekking?

The first day is spent traveling from Kampala to Bwindi, with a stop at the equator. The third day is your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe, with optional activities possible along the way depending on your flight departure time.

Is pickup from Kampala included?

Yes, your driver guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe on the first day and return you there at the end of the tour.