Day 1 – Journey from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Your adventure begins early in the morning as you depart from Kampala or Entebbe, driving southwest through Uganda’s picturesque countryside. The route takes you past rolling hills, tea plantations, and traditional homesteads, offering a glimpse into the daily rhythm of rural Uganda. You’ll stop at the Equator line for a memorable photo opportunity and continue through Mbarara for lunch before proceeding toward the mist-covered hills of Bwindi.

As you approach the park, the terrain becomes steeper and greener — the air cooler and fresher. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies within the Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa” for its rugged beauty. Upon arrival at your lodge, you’ll unwind while listening to the forest’s evening chorus of crickets and birds, preparing for the next day’s once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Recommended Lodges:

• Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp or Buhoma Lodge

• Mid-range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or Gorilla Mist Camp

• Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge or Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 2 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

This is the highlight of your safari — the day you meet the mountain gorillas. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You’ll be assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families and set off into the dense jungle with a guide and trackers. The trek can take anywhere between one and six hours depending on the gorillas’ movements, but every step through the forest’s tangled vegetation, moss-covered trees, and bird-filled canopies brings you closer to an extraordinary moment.

When you finally encounter the gorillas, all fatigue disappears. You’ll stand just a few meters away, observing their powerful yet peaceful behavior — the silverback’s watchful eyes, the mothers nursing their young, and juveniles playfully swinging from branches. You’ll spend up to one hour in their presence, a magical experience that words can scarcely describe.

After trekking, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later in the afternoon, you can opt for a cultural visit to the Batwa community — the forest’s original inhabitants. They’ll share traditional songs, dances, and stories of their ancestral connection to the forest.

Day 3 – Return Journey to Kampala or Entebbe

After breakfast, enjoy one last view of the forest as mist floats through the treetops. You’ll then begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe, stopping for lunch en route and arriving in the evening. The drive offers time to reflect on your trek and the profound encounter you’ve had with one of the planet’s most endangered creatures.