3-Day Gorilla Trekking Adventure from Kampala

3-Day Gorilla Trekking Adventure from Kampala

If you’re looking for a short yet unforgettable adventure, a 3-day gorilla trek from Kampala is the perfect option. This tour takes you to Uganda’s stunning Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both famous for their populations of endangered mountain gorillas. The trek is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience that can be done either by road or by a domestic flight.

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect from your 3-day gorilla trek from Kampala:

Day 1: Travel from Kampala to Bwindi or Mgahinga

• Morning Departure: Leave Kampala early, either by road or flight, depending on your preference.

• Travel Time: The road trip to Bwindi or Mgahinga takes around 8–9 hours. If flying, expect a 1–2 hour flight to the nearby Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips.

• Arrival: Once you arrive at your lodge or accommodation near the park, take some time to rest and prepare for the trekking experience the following day.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience

• Early Start: Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to the park headquarters.

• Briefing: A professional guide will give you a briefing on the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking.

• Trekking Begins: You’ll be assigned to a specific gorilla family, and the trek can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the terrain and the location of the gorilla group.

• Meeting the Gorillas: Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have one hour to observe them, take photos, and enjoy the incredible experience of seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

• Return to Lodge: After the trek, return to your accommodation to relax and unwind after the exciting day.

Day 3: Return to Kampala

• Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your lodge.

• Journey Back: Check out from your accommodation and begin your return journey to Kampala. Expect the drive to take approximately 8–9 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Alternative Travel: If you flew into the park, you can also take a domestic flight back to Kampala.

• Arrival in Kampala: You’ll arrive in Kampala by late afternoon or evening, completing your 3-day gorilla trekking adventure.

Important Information

• Gorilla Trekking Permits: Gorilla trekking requires permits, which should be booked in advance due to limited availability.

• Tour Operator: It’s advisable to book your trip with a reliable Uganda tour operator who can help arrange permits, transportation, accommodation, and provide expert guidance throughout your journey.

This 3-day gorilla trekking tour offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Uganda’s wilderness, giving you the rare opportunity to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural environment.

How to Reach Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking Tours Starting from Kampala

Getting to Bwindi by Road from Kampala

The journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park from Kampala depends on which sector of the park you’ll be trekking in. The drive from Kampala to Bwindi typically takes around 8-9 hours.

• Northern Sectors (Ruhija & Buhoma): To reach the northern sectors, take the Kabale-Kisoro Road. Look for signs from the Uganda Wildlife Authority to guide you to the designated sector for your trek.

• Southern Sectors (Rushaga & Nkuringo): For the southern sectors, turn off the Kabale-Kisoro Highway at Muko to access the trailheads at Rushaga and Nkuringo.

Getting to Bwindi by Air from Kampala

For a faster option, you can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield (just outside Kampala) to Kisoro Airstrip for access to the southern sectors (Rushaga & Nkuringo) or to Kihihi Airstrip for the northern sectors (Ruhija & Buhoma). Domestic airlines like AeroLink and Fly Uganda operate both scheduled and chartered flights.
Once you arrive at the airstrip, your tour operator can arrange for your transfer to your lodge for a seamless experience.

About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is one of only four parks in the world that are home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The other parks include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the DR Congo.
Bwindi is one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse forests, with:

• 350 bird species

• 310 butterfly species

• 200 tree species

• 51 reptiles

• 88 moth species

• 120 mammal species

Besides the mountain gorillas, Bwindi is home to other primates like chimpanzees and L’Hoest’s monkeys. The global population of mountain gorillas is around 1,064, and approximately half of these reside in Bwindi. The park is home to more than 15 habituated gorilla families open for trekking, with 8 permits available per group each day.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

The best time to visit Bwindi for gorilla trekking is during the drier months, from January to February and June to early September. These months make it easier to travel to the park and offer better visibility for trekking, as the vegetation is less dense and easier to navigate.

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

When preparing for your gorilla trek, comfort and protection from the environment are key. The forest trails can be muddy, and there are uphill sections that may be steep and challenging. Here’s a packing list for your trek:

• Comfortable hiking boots with socks

• Long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect against undergrowth

• Insect repellent

• Torch/flashlight with spare batteries

• Wet wipes

• Water bottle

• Camera and lenses for capturing moments

• Gardening gloves (for gripping vegetation during the trek)

• Sandals/comfortable shoes for post-trek relaxation

• Hat and sunscreen

• Rain jacket for unpredictable weather

• Sweater/fleece for chilly mornings

• Swimwear (if your lodge has a pool)

• Binoculars for bird and game watching

Why Book Your 3-Day Quick Gorilla Trek from Kampala with Trek Africa Expeditions

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize gorilla trekking tours in Uganda, ensuring you have a memorable experience. Whether you’re looking for a budget, mid-range, or luxury package, we offer customized safari options that include all necessary permits and accommodations.
Our highly-rated service on TripAdvisor reflects our commitment to customer satisfaction. Our team of expert consultants is here to answer all your questions and guide you through every step of the booking process.
We offer gorilla tours not only in Uganda but also in Rwanda and DR Congo. Let us help you plan the perfect gorilla trekking experience!
Contact us today for more information about booking your 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Tour from Kampala.