3 Days Gorilla Trekking Uganda from Entebbe or Kampala

3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari Tour in Uganda from Entebbe or Kampala

The 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari Tour in Uganda from Entebbe or Kampala offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Uganda’s tropical wilderness, where you’ll come face to face with the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This short but immersive safari is perfect for travelers who want to maximize their time without sacrificing the essence of adventure.

Starting from Entebbe International Airport or the bustling capital Kampala, the tour takes you through scenic landscapes, traditional homesteads, rolling hills, and lush valleys toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda. With expert guides, comfortable lodges, and a life-changing wildlife encounter, this itinerary delivers one of the most powerful and personal safari experiences Africa has to offer.

Why Choose this 3-Day Gorilla Safari from Entebbe or Kampala?

While gorilla trekking from Kigali offers shorter drive times, many travelers still prefer to begin their journey from Entebbe or Kampala, especially if Uganda is their main destination or if they’re combining gorilla trekking with other safaris such as Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, or Kibale Forest.

This route also provides a deeper connection with Uganda, allowing travelers to witness the rural countryside, interact with locals, and enjoy the steadily changing landscapes that stretch from central Uganda into the Albertine Rift Valley and Virunga highlands.

Destinations Covered: Bwindi or Mgahinga

Both destinations offer world-class gorilla trekking:

  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and 20+ habituated gorilla families. The park has four gorilla trekking regions: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.

  • Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Uganda’s smallest national park, located in the Virunga Volcanoes, with one habituated gorilla family (Nyakagezi), golden monkeys, and stunning volcanic scenery.

3 Days Gorilla Trekking Itinerary from Entebbe or Kampala

Day 1: Travel from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi or Mgahinga

Your journey begins early morning with pickup from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. After a briefing by your safari guide, you’ll set off southwest toward Bwindi or Mgahinga. The drive takes 8 to 10 hours, depending on your lodge’s location.

Despite the long journey, the drive is incredibly scenic, passing through major towns such as Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale or Kisoro, with views of lush rolling hills, banana plantations, roadside markets, and cultural homesteads.

Lunch is enjoyed en route, typically in Mbarara, Uganda’s largest town in the western region. From here, the terrain becomes more mountainous as you approach the Virunga highlands.

Optional Stopovers:

  • Equator Crossing – Stop at Kayabwe to take photos and learn about the equator line.

  • Igongo Cultural Centre – A great place to have lunch and explore cultural exhibitions.

Arrival at your lodge will be in the late afternoon or evening. Check-in, relax, and enjoy dinner while preparing for the next day’s gorilla trek.

Travel Time: 8–10 hours by road
Accommodation Options: Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, Mount Gahinga Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi or Mgahinga

Wake up early and enjoy a hearty breakfast. At 7:00 AM, you’ll be transferred to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. The briefing includes information about gorilla behavior, safety rules, and what to expect during the trek.

You’ll be assigned to a gorilla family group (max 8 tourists per group), depending on your fitness level and preferences. The trek may last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas.

Once you locate the gorilla family, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour in their presence — observing silverbacks, mothers caring for their young, juveniles playing, and the overall complex social structure of these endangered primates.

The experience is deeply emotional and humbling. Afterward, you return to the starting point, receive your trekking certificate, and head back to the lodge for lunch and rest.

In the afternoon (optional), you may choose a cultural visit to the Batwa pygmy community, a guided nature walk, or simply relax and enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and forests.

Trekking Duration: 2–6 hours
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Return Drive to Kampala or Entebbe

After an early breakfast, start your drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. You’ll retrace your journey through the picturesque countryside, with another stop for lunch in Mbarara. You can make a second stop at the Equator Line for last-minute souvenirs or photos.

You’ll arrive in Kampala or Entebbe in the late afternoon or evening. Drop-off at your hotel or directly at Entebbe International Airport if your flight is scheduled for later in the night.

Travel Time: 8–10 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Optional: Fly-In Option to Bwindi

For travelers who wish to avoid the long drive, there’s an option to book a domestic flight from Entebbe to Kisoro (for southern Bwindi and Mgahinga) or Kihihi Airstrip (for Buhoma in northern Bwindi). Flights take approximately 1.5 hours and save a full day of road travel. Your safari operator can arrange airport pickups to your lodge.

Practical Tips for the 3-Day Gorilla Safari

  • Book your gorilla permit early: Uganda gorilla permits cost $800 and must be reserved months in advance, especially in high season (June–Sept & Dec–Feb).

  • Carry your vaccination card: Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory.

  • Be physically prepared: Trekking involves hiking steep, sometimes muddy trails. Porters are available and highly recommended.

  • What to pack:

    • Waterproof hiking boots

    • Long pants and long-sleeved shirts

    • Rain jacket and gloves

    • Hat and sunglasses

    • Insect repellent and sunscreen

    • Daypack, water bottle, snacks

    • Camera (no flash)

  • Tipping: Guides, rangers, and porters highly appreciate tips as part of local tourism support.

Best Time to Go

Uganda is a year-round gorilla trekking destination, but the dry seasons are best for easier hiking:

  • June to September

  • December to February

During the rainy months (March–May and October–November), treks are still possible, but trails are muddy and challenging. The scenery is greener and more dramatic during these months.

The 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari Tour in Uganda from Entebbe or Kampala is an inspiring adventure that combines scenic travel, wildlife conservation, and deep personal connection with nature. Whether you’re visiting Bwindi’s ancient rainforest or Mgahinga’s volcanic slopes, gorilla trekking remains one of the most emotional and awe-inspiring wildlife experiences on earth.

This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a short, focused safari that delivers maximum impact in minimal time. With proper planning, expert guidance, and a sense of adventure, you’ll leave Uganda with memories that last a lifetime.