Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park
Gorilla encounters in Bwindi National Park – Observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Uganda is a land of emerald forests, misty highlands, and some of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife. This short journey is all about one unforgettable experience: tracking the endangered mountain gorillas in the ancient rainforest of Bwindi.
You’ll begin with an easy overnight in Entebbe before flying to the highlands of Kisoro, where you’ll be met and transferred to the serene Nkuringo Lodge, your base for the next three nights. Each day brings a chance to trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, encountering gorillas in their natural habitat, guided by expert trackers who ensure a safe and respectful experience. Between treks, enjoy forest walks, birdwatching, and moments of relaxation at the lodge, soaking in the breathtaking scenery that makes Bwindi so special.
This carefully paced itinerary allows you to focus on the wonder of gorilla encounters, while providing space to relax, reflect, and fully absorb the magic of Uganda’s rainforest. Your journey concludes back in Entebbe, carrying memories of a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Experience The Highlights
Itinerary Overview
Quick Summary
|
Day |
Description |
Accommodation |
|
Day 1 |
Arrival in Entebbe |
Entebbe Forest Lodge |
|
Day 2 |
Entebbe – Kisoro – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest |
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge – Luxury Forest Suite |
|
Day 3 |
Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest |
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge – Luxury Forest Suite |
|
Day 4 |
Batwa Tribe Visit and Birding |
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge – Luxury Forest Suite |
|
Day 5 |
Nkuringo – Kisoro – Entebbe |
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrival and Overnight in Entebbe
Arrive in Entebbe as per your international flight and transfer to your lodge. This is a gentle landing day, time to unwind, enjoy the lakeside setting, and ease into Uganda.
- Accommodation: Entebbe Forest Lodge
- Meals: D
Day 2: Entebbe – Kisoro – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Entebbe → Kisoro → Nkuringo
After an early breakfast and hotel check-out, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for our flight to Kisoro.
On arrival at Kisoro Airstrip, meet our driver–guide and continue to the village edge for a short briefing.
From here, we may walk through the village and smallholder plots to Lake Mutanda, then settle into a dugout canoe for a gentle 1–2 hour paddle across the lake, unhurried, scenic, and wonderfully peaceful.
After landing, take a short walk back to your vehicle and drive on to Nkuringo (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes).
This afternoon, explore the local village or simply relax at the lodge and soak up the superb views.
- Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge – Luxury Forest Suite
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Begin the day with a breakfast made from fresh local ingredients, served with sweeping forest views. Then set out on your first gorilla trek through the dense rainforest.
Spend the day tracking one of the mountain gorilla families, observing their fascinating behaviours, taking photographs, and learning about conservation efforts.
Return to the lodge in the afternoon for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a drink in the elevated lounge and let the forest sounds lull you into a peaceful night.
- Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge – Luxury Forest Suite
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Batwa Tribe Visit and Birding
Batwa Tribe Visit and Birding
Morning (optional): Nombe Pocket Forest Birding
Set out early to the Nombe pocket forest—once part of Bwindi and still wonderfully wild. Trails have been cut, access is manageable, and the birding is superb. Plus we wander through local village area and observe the locals as they go about their normal daily routines. Prefer an easier pace? The lodge grounds also offer outstanding birding. Alternatively, wander into the village for a friendly chat with locals, or simply relax and soak up the views.
Afternoon: Buniga Forest Trail & Batwa Cultural Experience
Join a guided walk on the Buniga Forest Trail and spend time with the Batwa community—“Keepers of the Forest.” Learn about traditional forest skills, stories, music and the community’s deep stewardship of this ancient landscape. It’s an insightful, respectful encounter that adds rich context to your time in Bwindi.
- Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge – Luxury Forest Suite
- Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Nkuringo – Kisoro – Entebbe
Nkuringo → Kisoro → Entebbe
After an early breakfast and hotel check-out, transfer to Kisoro for your return flight to Entebbe International Airport for onward flights.
- Accommodation: N/A
- Meals: B
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Accommodation on This Tour
Accommodation overview: Where you will be staying on this tour.
Entebbe Forest Lodge
Entebbe, Uganda
Entebbe Forest Lodge offers a unique retreat nestled within a dense tropical forest on a secluded peninsula along Lake Victoria.
The lodge harmoniously blends luxury with nature conservation, featuring eco-designed wooden cabins elevated on stilts to preserve the surrounding environment.
Guests can indulge in modern comforts while being immersed in the tranquillity of the forest, waking up to the symphony of birdsong and enjoying panoramic lake views.
The main building, situated at the forest's edge, provides a restaurant, bar, and lounge with a cozy fireplace, all overlooking terraces, a swimming pool, and open lawns that lead to a spectacular drop to Lake Victoria.
The lodge offers a range of activities, including guided nature walks, birdwatching, kayaking, and visits to nearby chimpanzee sanctuaries.
Committed to sustainability, Entebbe Forest Lodge actively engages in forest conservation efforts and supports local biodiversity, working closely with local communities and conservation organizations to promote responsible tourism practices.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Room Type: Luxury Forest Suite
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, located in the park's southern section of Bwindi, provides superb accommodation and a base for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
The multi-award-winning eco-lodge offers mid-range to luxury forest escapes, offering multiple options for travellers, including private garden cottages, family villas, and luxury suites, nestled on a forested ridge with bewildering views of the rural landscape.
Luxury Forest Suite
The Forest Suites (approximately 77 square meters) have expansive windows with panoramic views of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, oversized beds, a private lounge and veranda providing ultimate privacy, and the presence of a private Butler servicing the suite. Maximum of 2 adults per room.
Price Includes
Gorilla permit per person
1 night Accommodation in Entebbe Forest Lodge
3 nights accommodation at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Full Board)
Land transport and airport transfers (Entebbe/Kisoro Airports)
Professional English-speaking driver-guide in a 4×4 Custom Safari Cruiser (4-6 seater)
Domestic return flight between Entebbe and Kisoro Airports
Batwa Pygmy cultural experience
Drinking water in the vehicle (1 litre per person per day)
Local taxes
Price Excludes
International flights
Visa fees
Optional Activities
Personal expenses
Premium drinks
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
All items not listed as specifically included
All rates are based on current taxes, fees, and costs. We reserve the right to change our rates without prior notice if base fees, taxes, and expenses change.
Why African Signature
Curated Destinations
The Right Place We don’t do "everywhere." We focus on the corners of Africa where the fences are down and the wildlife is still truly wild. From the floodplains of the Zambezi to the dry pans of the Kalahari, we only send you to regions where the land is vast enough to get lost in and the sightings are worth the journey.
Tailored Experiences
The Ground Level Safari isn't just about sitting in a vehicle. It’s about the crunch of grass under your boots on a walking safari, the silent glide of a boat through a reed bed, or the patience of sitting at a waterhole for three hours. We design your days around the rhythm of the animals, not the schedule of a hotel.
Sustainable Stewardship
The Real Impact Travel here has to mean something. We partner with people who are actually on the front lines—the ones running anti-poaching units, protecting habitat, and ensuring local communities see the value in keeping these lions and elephants alive. Your trip is what keeps those boots on the ground.
Do You Have Questions About This Tour?
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Travel Insurance
Protect your investment and don’t forget Travel Insurance! This is mandatory for all our bookings.
In addition to trip cancellation and interruption, most travel insurance plans include coverage for trip delay, missed connection, lost or delayed baggage, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation with repatriation of remains. 24-hour assistance services are included to help the traveller with things such as emergency medical assistance, lost baggage tracking, emergency cash transfer, emergency or last-minute travel arrangements, assistance with replacing lost travel documents and much more.
Why Buy a Travel Insurance Plan? Because Travel Mishaps Occur Every Day! No matter how hard you try, there are some things you just can’t plan for:
If a family member gets sick. If your baggage is lost. If your trip is delayed. Your passport is lost or stolen. If the weather prevents your travel. You need to see a doctor for a sudden injury – your health insurance may not be valid overseas, and medical evacuations can be really expensive. If you miss a flight connection (- e.g. only 80% of US flights arrive on time) You don’t want to lose all your money if you have to cancel your trip. Sometimes, even expert travellers need a little help.
Whilst we will provide you with a Temporary Membership to the Flying Doctor’s Emergency Evacuation scheme in Tanzania, this has to have a corresponding international insurance to cover hospital and emergency cover when you land at the nearest available medical facility.
Please be sure that the travel insurance that you have is right for you!
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If you have any questions, please feel free to ask our concierge in the bottom right corner. They will assist you or put you in contact with one of our African Specialists.
