Uganda Gorilla Encounter - 5 Days

Young gorilla encounter, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

“This was an experience of a lifetime! Trekking through the dense forest and finally coming face to face with these magnificent creatures was beyond words.”

Kick off your 5 day Uganda Gorilla Encounter with a relaxing night in Entebbe before flying to the remote Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After settling in, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime full day trek through the forest’s lush terrain to meet the incredible mountain gorillas up close. Spend unforgettable moments with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, guided by expert trackers. Finish your adventure with a return flight to Entebbe, reflecting on an experience that will stay with you forever.

Choose between two accommodation grades - Standard and Upgrade. Alternatively mix and match accommodation from each grade to create your perfect adventure.

Interactive itineraries for each accommodation grade can be viewed below.

Entebbe - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - Trekking to see the Mountain Gorillas

Interactive standard itinerary

Interactive upgrade itinerary

Detailed itinerary

After breakfast you will be transferred to Entebbe Airport for your flight to Kihihi (approximate flying time: 1 hour, 35 minutes; 15kg luggage allowance). You will be met on arrival at Kihihi Airstrip and transferred to your lodge where you will be welcomed by the friendly staff and have the rest of the day to enjoy the lodge and lush surroundings.

The next morning you will be transferred from your lodge to Buhoma Tracking Point. From the Buhoma area, you may trek gorillas in the Buhoma region or Ruhija. If you are trekking in Buhoma, you will meet your gorilla guides (from Uganda Wildlife Authority) for the pre-trek briefing, which usually starts at 08:00. Depending on which family you are allocated to on the day, you will either start walking from the briefing point or be transferred by vehicle to the alternative start point. The gorilla families live in different areas of the forest.

**Please note: If you are trekking in Ruhija, it is an approximately two hour drive to get to the start point. You will, therefore, depart early from the lodge. Note there is an additional cost for the transfer to Ruhija should permits be issued there, which will be advised at the time of booking.

Today will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare wildlife encounter. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rainforest on the mountain slopes.

The opportunity to come within metres of these magnificent creatures, sharing in their daily lives and experiencing their day-to-day activities, is an experience you won't soon forget! Mountain gorillas are extremely rare, with only an estimated 880 remaining in the wild.

Gorilla trekking may be fairly strenuous with treks ranging from 30 minutes up to four-six hours, at high altitudes. Mountain gorillas are wild animals and, as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, viewing success rates are about 98%.

Following your trek, return to your accommodation and, if time allows, take an optional guided afternoon forest or community walk.

Stay at:
Standard - Buhoma Lodge or similar
Upgrade - Bwindi Lodge or similar

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