- +255788928888
- info@africanheart.com
- Arusha, Tanzania
- Visit Germany website: www.africanheartsafaris.de
The journey into the wild begins with a scenic drive through the impenetrable forest as you prepare for the exciting adventure, full of excitement and a lifetime experience.
Pre-Trek Briefing.
Morning briefing: The UWA guide will provide an overview of the trek, safety guidelines, and what to expect. Trekking groups formed: You’ll be assigned to a group of 8 people, accompanied by guides, rangers, and porters.
The Trek.
Hiking through the forest: Trek through the dense, misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Steep terrain and muddy paths: Be prepared for challenging terrain, including steep areas and river crossings, so get ready. It’s fun, though!
Guides and trackers: Experienced guides and trackers will be in charge and ready to lead you through the forest, using their expertise to locate the gorillas.
Encountering the Gorillas.
First glimpse: When you finally encounter the gorillas, you’ll be amazed by their majesty and gentle nature. It’s an emotional encounter that makes it unforgettable.
Observing from a distance: Maintain the recommended distance to avoid disturbing the gorillas.
Photography and Observation: Enjoy taking photos and observing the gorillas’ behavior, but avoid using flash or making loud noises.
Post-Trek Certificate of Participation:
Receive a certificate commemorating your gorilla trekking experience.
Thank you for supporting conservation. Feel proud knowing that your trekking fees support conservation efforts and local communities.
Reminders to Note
Physical fitness preparation: Gorilla trekking takes about 3 hours, so ensure you’re physically prepared.
Gorilla’s time: Maintain a safe distance, avoid feeding them, and follow the guides’ instructions to stay safe.
Safety and health: Follow guidelines to minimize the risk of disease transmission and ensure a safe experience.
By knowing what to expect, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Uganda, the pearl of Africa.
What’s Included?
What’s Excluded?
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you will be picked up by your guide/driver and transferred to your hotel in Kampala. The following morning, you’ll begin your transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (approximately 8–10 hours of driving time, or you can take a domestic flight to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrip). If traveling by road, you’ll have a stopover at the Equator line in Kayabwe to experience the equator and take photos. Afterward, continue your journey through rolling hills, tea estates, and village landscapes on your way to your lodge at Bwindi.
In the Evening: Arrive at your accommodation near Bwindi. Check-in, unpack, and relax while waiting for dinner. After dinner, prepare for tomorrow’s adventure of trekking to see the gorillas.
Accommodation: Gorilla Safari Lodge (Luxury), Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Camp Site, and Trekkers Tavern (Midrange), and Bwindi View, Buhoma Community, and Ruhija Backpackers (Budget)
Meal Plan: Dinner
Morning: Wake up early for breakfast and prepare for the trek. Be ready with bottled drinking water, a raincoat (in case you’re visiting during the rainy season), and a packed lunch provided by the lodge. You’ll head to the UWA headquarters for a briefing from UWA staff. Afterward, groups of 8 people maximum will be formed, each accompanied by a guide to embark on the guided gorilla trek. You’ll hike through the dense forest to locate a habituated gorilla family. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing and photographing them in their natural habitat, watching their behavior and appreciating the conservation efforts.
Afternoon: Return to the lodge for lunch. Relax or enjoy a guided nature walk in the forest to spot birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
Evening: Enjoy dinner and relive stories of your gorilla sighting.
Accommodation: Gorilla Safari Lodge (Luxury), Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Camp Site, and Trekkers Tavern (Midrange), and Bwindi View, Buhoma Community, and Ruhija Backpackers (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Morning: After breakfast, take a tour of the Batwa Pygmy village to learn about their forest-dwelling existence, culture, and heritage. You’ll find this community both interesting and entertaining.
Afternoon: Explore the neighboring villages or enjoy a guided trek to Munyaga Waterfall for a refreshing plunge. Alternatively, you can go birdwatching (Bwindi boasts over 350 bird species).
Evening: Relax at the lodge or enjoy a cultural performance by local dancers.
Accommodation: Gorilla Safari Lodge (Luxury), Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Camp Site, and Trekkers Tavern (Midrange), and Bwindi View, Buhoma Community, and Ruhija Backpackers (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Morning: After an early breakfast, you’ll depart and drive to Entebbe International Airport. If you’re taking a flight, you’ll be transferred to the airport for a local flight.
Afternoon: Stop for lunch on the way and enjoy the scenic views.
Evening: Arrive in Entebbe/Kampala. If time allows, make a stop at a marketplace or craft gift shop on the way to the airport for departure.
Accommodation: Gorilla Safari Lodge (Luxury), Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Camp Site, and Trekkers Tavern (Midrange), and Bwindi View, Buhoma Community, and Ruhija Backpackers (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Gorilla Permits: Book a gorilla trekking permit in advance (USD 800).
Health: Ensure you receive a yellow fever vaccination and take malaria prophylaxis.
Fitness Level: The trekking is demanding, so be prepared to encounter steep and muddy terrain. Mental preparation is also important.
Packing: Bring sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, long-sleeved shirts, a camera, and bug spray.
Tour Cost Includes the Following:
Return transfer from Kigali International Airport to lodge
Return transfer from lodge to gorilla tracking area
All meals at your accommodation as mentioned above
Accommodation as listed in the program
Packed lunch for the gorilla tracking
1 gorilla permit per person (USD 800)
Excludes the Following:
All expenses of a personal nature (e.g., drinks, laundry, optional activities, souvenirs, etc.)
International airfares and entry visas
A porter during the gorilla tracking (someone who carries your backpack)
Government tax and park fees increase
Tips and gratuities to rangers, driver/guide, porter, hotel staff, etc.
Personal (medical/travel) insurance
Solo Traveler.
Per person sharing.
Please share details and any preferences
Please share details and any preferences
