Overview
Spending an hour with a family of mountain gorillas is one of the most moving wildlife encounters on Earth. This five-day safari takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half the world’s mountain gorillas, breaking the journey with a night at Lake Mburo National Park.
Three nights at Bwindi give you a relaxed trekking day and time for a community walk with the Batwa people. To save the long drive back, you fly from Kihihi to Entebbe at the end. Your gorilla permit is included.
Route
Highlights
- Gorilla trekking permit included
- An hour with a mountain gorilla family
- Batwa community experience
- Zebra and boat trip at Lake Mburo
- Scenic flight back to Entebbe
Activities
- Guided walking safari
- Boat trip
- Horse riding
- Gorilla trekking
- Gorilla habituation experience
- Nature walks
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1:
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake MburoYour guide collects you from your hotel in Entebbe in the morning for the drive to Lake Mburo (about 4 hours). After lunch, enjoy a game drive among zebra, impala and eland, followed by a boat trip on the lake to see hippos and waterbirds at sunset.
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Day 2:
Journey to Bwindi
Bwindi Impenetrable ForestAfter breakfast, continue by road from Lake Mburo to Bwindi (about 5 hours). Arrive at your lodge on the forest edge in time to hear the evening chorus of birds and the rainforest settling for the night.
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Day 3:
Mountain Gorilla Trek
Bwindi Impenetrable ForestAfter an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing, then set off with rangers and trackers into the forest. The trek may take from one to several hours through steep, green terrain. When you find the gorillas, spend a magical hour watching the silverback, mothers and playful youngsters at close quarters — an experience few people ever forget.
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Day 4:
Batwa Experience & Forest Walk
Bwindi Impenetrable ForestSpend the morning with the Batwa people, the forest's original inhabitants, learning about hunting, medicinal plants and traditional music. In the afternoon, walk to a waterfall on the forest edge, looking for monkeys and colourful birds.
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Day 5:
Bwindi to Entebbe
Bwindi Impenetrable ForestEnjoy a final early-morning activity and breakfast, then transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Entebbe. You will be met on arrival and transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey, or to a day room on request.
Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.
Accommodation
This itinerary is priced with mid-range accommodation. Every property is chosen for its location, guiding and service; final properties are confirmed at booking and we can upgrade or adjust any night.
- Lake MburoTented camp overlooking Lake Mburo1 night
- Bwindi Impenetrable ForestForest lodge with gorilla-trek access3 nights
Meals: Full board on safari; breakfast and dinner in cities and at the beach
What's included
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as listed (or similar, subject to availability)
- Meals as listed in the day-by-day itinerary
- All national park, reserve and conservation fees
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- All government taxes and levies
- 24-hour in-country support from our Nairobi office
- Domestic and light-aircraft flights as described in the itinerary
- One mountain gorilla trekking permit per person (currently USD 800)
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance (required)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Drinks other than drinking water, unless stated
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs
- Optional porters on gorilla and chimpanzee treks (around USD 20 per trek)
Travel information
Best time to travel
June to August and December to February are the driest months. Trekking is possible all year.
What to pack
- Neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing (khaki, olive, beige)
- A warm fleece or jacket for early mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards
- Insect repellent and personal medication
- Soft-sided duffel bag — light aircraft allow around 15 kg per person
- Waterproof hiking boots and gaiters for forest treks
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Gardening gloves for gripping vegetation
- Long-sleeved shirt and long trousers
Experiences on this safari
Frequently asked questions
Is this a private safari?
Yes. This itinerary runs privately for your own group, with your own vehicle and guide. It can start on any date, and we can adjust the route, pace and accommodation to suit you.
What does the price include?
The guide price from USD 2,350 per person is based on two people sharing mid-range accommodation in the low season. It includes accommodation, the meals and activities listed, park fees and transfers. Prices vary by season and group size; we confirm an exact quote when you enquire.
Is there a luggage limit on the flights?
Yes. Light aircraft and some domestic flights allow around 15 kg per person including hand luggage, packed in soft-sided bags. We can store extra luggage for you.
When should I book my gorilla permit?
As early as possible — ideally three to six months ahead for June to September and December to February. We purchase permits as soon as you confirm your booking.
What is the gorilla habituation experience?
A special permit that allows up to four hours with a gorilla family still being habituated, alongside researchers. It currently costs USD 1,500 per person and is offered in the Rushaga sector.
Gallery
Enquire about this safari
Every date is available on request. Tell us when you would like to travel and we will send a tailored quote — adjustments welcome.
