How much does a gorilla permit cost in Uganda?

As of 2024-2026, a mountain gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $800 for foreign non-residents.

Can I start the 3-day Bwindi tour from Kigali?

Yes, starting in Kigali, Rwanda is a popular option as it reduces the driving time to Bwindi to approximately 4-5 hours compared to 9 hours from Entebbe.

3 Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda

A 3 day Bwindi gorilla trekking safari is one of the best short Uganda safari options for travellers who want to see mountain gorillas without taking a long holiday. This tour takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to habituated gorilla families, forest trails, local communities and some of Africa’s most memorable primate encounters. The safari can start from Entebbe, Kampala or Kigali, depending on your flight route and travel style. Starting from Entebbe gives you a scenic Uganda road journey through the Equator, Mbarara and the Kigezi highlands. Starting from Kigali offers a shorter drive to the southern Bwindi sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. On the trekking day, you join Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers for a guided walk into the forest. Once your assigned gorilla family is located, you spend one hour watching them feed, rest, groom and move through their natural habitat. This package is suitable for first-time gorilla trekkers, couples, small groups and travellers adding Uganda to a wider East Africa safari.

Safari Highlights

3-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla permit booking support through Uganda Wildlife Authority
One hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family
Start from Entebbe, Kampala or Kigali
4×4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver guide
Choice of Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija or Nkuringo sector
Scenic drive through the Equator, Kigezi highlands or Kigali route
Budget, midrange or luxury lodge options near the trekking sector
Optional porter support during the gorilla trek
Best for short Uganda safaris and East Africa add-on trips

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Transfer from Entebbe or Kigali to Bwindi Forest

Your guide will meet you early in the morning for your transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. If starting from Entebbe or Kampala, the journey heads west across Uganda. You will stop at the

Equator for photos and a simple water experiment that shows the change between the northern and southern hemispheres. Continue to Mbarara for lunch before driving into the Kigezi highlands, where the landscape changes to rolling hills, terraced farms and winding roads .The drive takes about 8 to 10 hours. If starting from Kigali, the journey is shorter, about 4 to 5 hours. You drive through Rwanda’s countryside, often called the land of a thousand hills, before crossing into Uganda through Cyanika or Katuna border. This route gives quicker access to the southern sectors of Bwindi. You will arrive at your lodge in the afternoon. This gives you time to settle in, enjoy the cool forest air and prepare for the trekking experience the next day. Accommodation is arranged near your assigned trekking sector, such as Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija or Nkuringo. Options include Bakiga Lodge for budget, Gorilla Mist Camp for mid-range, or Gorilla Safari Lodge for luxury, depending on availability.

Day 2, Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Experience and Forest Hike

After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the park headquarters for your gorilla trekking briefing. You must arrive by 7:30 am. Rangers from Uganda Wildlife Authority will explain the trekking guidelines, safety rules and what to expect in the forest. You will be assigned to a group of up to eight visitors and allocated a specific gorilla family. The trek begins as you enter the forest with guides and trackers. The duration can range from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas.

The terrain includes steep slopes, dense vegetation, muddy trails and uneven ground, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Once the gorillas are located, you will spend one hour observing them. You may see a dominant silverback, females caring for infants, and younger gorillas playing or feeding. Visitors are required to keep a distance of about 7 metres and flash photography is not allowed. After the experience, return to the lodge for relaxation. Depending on your energy level, an optional community walk can be arranged in the nearby villages.

Day 3, Return to Entebbe, Kampala or Kigali

After breakfast, begin your return journey. If returning to Entebbe or Kampala, the drive takes about 8 to 10 hours with a stop for lunch along the way. You may also stop for souvenir shopping at craft markets. If returning to Kigali, the drive takes about 4 to 5 hours, making it a more convenient option for travellers with same-day flights. For departure planning, late evening flights are recommended when returning to Entebbe due to the longer distance from Bwindi. Kigali is better suited for a shorter travel time after trekking. Your guide will drop you at the airport or your preferred location, marking the end of your 3-day Bwindi gorilla trekking safari.