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Tour Overview

  • Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
  • Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Southwestern Uganda)
  • Activity: Gorilla trekking (with permit)
  • Style: Mid-range safari (comfortable lodges, not luxury)
  • Group size: Private or small group

Day 1: Entebbe/Kampala → Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

  • Drive time: 8–9 hours by road (approx. 500 km) OR optional 1-hour flight to Kihihi/Kisoro airstrip.
  • Route highlights: Scenic drive via the Equator line, rolling hills, tea plantations, and terraced farmlands.
  • Lunch: En route (Mbarara town stop).
  • Evening arrival: Check-in at a mid-range lodge near Bwindi.

Recommended mid-range lodges:

  • Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga sector)
  • Bakiga Lodge (Ruhija sector)
  • Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge (Nkuringo sector)

➡️ Meal plan: Lunch & Dinner included

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi

  • Early breakfast at the lodge.
  • Transfer to park headquarters (7:00 AM): Registration & briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority.
  • Gorilla trekking (2–6 hours): Trek through dense rainforest with guides and rangers. Trekking time depends on gorilla family location (medium fitness required).
  • Gorilla encounter (1 hour): Spend one magical hour observing gorillas – watching them feed, groom, and play.
  • Packed lunch provided during trek.
  • Return to lodge: Relax, optional cultural experience with Batwa community in the evening.

Important details:

  • Gorilla permit cost: $700 per person (medium season, UWA official rate).
  • Trekking times: Can range from 2–6 hours depending on gorilla movement.
  • Weather: Bwindi is tropical rainforest; expect cool mornings (10–15°C), daytime 20–25°C, and occasional rain year-round. Best trekking months: June–September, December–February (drier).

➡️ Meal plan: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Bwindi → Kampala/Entebbe

  • Breakfast at lodge.
  • Drive back to Kampala/Entebbe (8–9 hours).
  • Lunch en route at Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara.
  • Drop-off at hotel in Kampala or Entebbe International Airport (evening flight recommended after 8:00 PM).

➡️ Meal plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Inclusions

✔ Gorilla trekking permit ($700 pp)
✔ Park entry fees
✔ 2 nights mid-range lodge accommodation
✔ Meals as indicated (FB except Day 1 starts with lunch)
✔ Professional safari driver-guide
✔ 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel
✔ Bottled drinking water in car

Exclusions

✘ International flights
✘ Uganda visa ($50)
✘ Travel & medical insurance
✘ Tips, personal expenses, alcohol

✅ This itinerary balances affordability and comfort, with mid-range lodges, ensuring guests enjoy an authentic gorilla trekking adventure without going ultra-luxury.