The 3 days Bwindi Gorilla Tour is a fantastically perfect package for tourists interested in encountering the Mountain Gorillas on a budget or at a reduced cost. Mountain gorilla trekking is commonly done in Rwanda and Uganda but given the more affordable price of gorilla permits in the latter, budget and midrange travelers would opt for this exciting 3 days Bwindi Gorilla Tour.
Situated in the south-west of the Pearl of Africa, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was gazetted in 1991 and presently its 321 square kilometer area offers shelter to at least half of the World’s remaining Mountain gorilla population. The 3 days Bwindi Gorilla Tour allows you to meet some of the Mountain gorillas that live in well-defined gorilla groups that are visited by only 8 persons per day (for already habituated families) and spend one hour interacting with them.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is different from the three remaining gorilla trekking destinations (Volcanoes, Virunga and Mgahinga National Parks) because it is divided into regions (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo) that offer haven to the 20 habituated gorilla groups that include Mubare, Rushegura, Habinyanja and Katwe in Buhoma region, Oruzogo, Bitukura, Kyaguliro and Mukiza in Ruhija region, Christmas, Bushaho and Nkuringo in Nkuringo region as well as Mishaya, Nshongi, Busingye, Kahungye, Rwigi, Mucunguzi, Bikingi, Bweza and Kutu in Rushaga region. For your 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Tour, you will start from Kampala, pass through Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and finally Bwindi and by the end of the third day, you will agree that it’s the best safari of a lifetime.
What to expect during the 3 days Bwindi Gorilla Tour
• One hour encounter with one of the 20 habituated gorilla groups.
• A chance to see the buffaloes, elephants, zebras, Rothschild giraffes, impalas, Topis,, and bushbucks in Lake Mburo or Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Uganda Equator experience.
• Exciting journey while transversing different destinations.
• Transport by one of our customized safari vehicles.
Itinerary highlights of the 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Tour
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in the deep jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 3: Depart from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Kampala.
Detailed program for the 3 days Bwindi Gorilla Tour
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You will be picked at 7:00 am for your 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Tour to begin the journey through the renowned Kampala-Masaka road and to make the trip as exciting as possible, there will be several breaks. Break briefly (for 30 minutes) at the Uganda Equator for a chance to stand at the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time and to prove this, several experiments will be conducted.
Also take photos then continue with the journey until Lyantonde Town where you will branch off at the UWA signpost for Lake Mburo National Park where you will drive through for a chance to see the zebras, Rothschild giraffes, warthogs, impalas, Topis, buffaloes, and Defassa waterbucks among others. Continue for about 30 kilometers until Mbarara Town (Agip Motel) for lunch.
From Mbarara Town, this journey will lead you to Bushenyi district, one of the coolest and lush districts in Uganda known for growing tea and this trip will allow you see some of the tea plantations grown on hilly areas. Also be mesmerized by the large banana plantations then connect to Kasese where you will pass through Queen Elizabeth National Park to see buffaloes, elephants, Uganda kobs and the elusive tree-climbing lions in the southern sector. Connect to the Buhoma region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the gorilla trek.
Check-in at the pre-booked Safari Lodge to freshen up, have dinner and rest to allow your body rejuvenate for the next day.
Meal plan: Lunch and Dinner.
A place to stay:
• Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp or Bwindi View Bandas.
• Midrange: Silverback Lodge, Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp or Engagi Lodge
• Luxury: Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Springs Camp
Journey time: 8-9 hours.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in the deep jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After eating your breakfast, dress for the day’s activity and get your trekking gear set. Move to the Park headquarters at 7:00 am for a briefing on trekking etiquette. The ranger will take you through what you need/need not do while trekking and when in the presence of these great apes and once this is done, you will be assigned into the different gorilla groups (with a maximum of 8 persons). Start the trek slowly while identifying key attractions in the jungle that spice up your experience and depending on the location of the gorilla group and your pace of movement, you will be ushered to the group that will be undoubtedly excited to finally meet you.
Let your non-flash camera start rolling but also pay keen attention to the ranger who will be providing information on the behavior of individual Mountain gorillas and their general characteristics. The allocated one hour with them may not be enough but will offer all you need to know about them.
Descend to the Park Headquarters to receive your trekking certificate as proof that you were one of the few lucky individuals to have trekked the endangered Mountain gorillas then back to your place of stay for a hot mouth-watering meal and relax after the long tiring day.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner.
Place to stay:
• Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp or Bwindi View Bandas.
• Midrange: Silverback Lodge, Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp or Engagi Lodge
• Luxury: Buhoma Lodge/Mahogany Springs Camp
Day 3: Depart from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Kampala.
This doesn’t mark the end of your excitement for the 3 days Bwindi Gorilla Tour but rather the continuation of what you were enjoying. Have breakfast and check-out of the Lodge to return to Kampala and have the first stop in Mbarara Town then another at Mpambire Drum makers to see how Drums are locally made. Arrive Kampala in the evening.
End of your 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Tour
Your 3 days Bwindi Gorilla Tour package includes;
• A gorilla permit.
• Drive with our customized 4WD vehicle.
• A full-time English speaking guide.
• Meals including en-route.
• Relevant Government taxes.
• 2 nights’ accommodation in Luxury, midrange or budget accommodation facility.
• Bottled water.
• Stopovers and other destinations added to the itinerary.
Your 3 days Bwindi Gorilla Tour package excludes;
• Airfares.
• Ugandan Visa.
• Personal expenses such as tips, souvenirs, beverages, laundry fees, and telephone bills.
• Optional activities not included in the itinerary.
Gorilla trekking guidelines
• Maintain a distance of 7 meters when viewing the mountain gorillas.
• Trekkers have to be 15 years and above.
• Tourists are allowed to spend only one hour with the mountain gorillas.
• Avoid visiting the mountain gorillas when you have flue/cold, cough or any other infectious disease.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke during the trek or in the presence of the mountain gorillas.
• Flash photography is prohibited.
• Avoid open coughing or sneezing while in the presence of the mountain gorillas but if you are to do so, use a handkerchief and turn your mouth away.
• Do not litter the Park during trekking.
• Human waste should be buried at least 30 centimeters deep.
• Avoid making noise while trekking or when in the presence of the mountain gorillas.
What to pack for your 3 days Bwindi Gorilla Tour
• Passport, visa and air ticket.
• Gorilla permit.
• Wide-brimmed hat.
• Long-sleeved shirts.
• Safari pants.
• Rain Jacket/ or poncho.
• Gardening gloves.
• Strong waterproof hiking boots.
• Waterproof backpack.
• Swimsuit.
• Non-flash camera.
• Pair of binoculars.
• Energy giving snacks.
• Cotton socks.
• Sunglasses.
• Toiletries such as hair gel, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair combs, and lip balm among others.
• Insect repellants.
• First aid box.
Other sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Rushaga.
• Ruhija.
• Nkuringo.
Related Gorilla Tours
3 days gorilla habituation experience
2 days Gorilla Trekking Bwindi
4 days Gorilla and Ngamba Chimps Tour