4-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Short Break from Kampala
What your day looks like
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Independent Short Break to Uganda, centred around an extraordinary encounter with one of the world’s most endangered species — the mountain gorilla. With expert local trackers, included permits and carefully arranged logistics, this journey offers a rare and responsible way to experience Uganda’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes at your own pace. Hike through the dense, misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as birdsong and jungle life surround you, until the first powerful yet gentle presence of a gorilla family emerges from the foliage. Spend a precious hour observing their interactions, expressions and quiet strength, then continue your adventure with a game drive through Lake Mburo National Park, where zebras and antelope roam open plains. Along the way, connect with local communities, pause at the equator for a memorable photo, and reflect on an experience that is as humbling as it is unforgettable.
The experience, in brief
- Take an Ugandan independent break to meet the rare mountain gorilla.
- Hike through dense jungle with a local tracker, spotting birds, frogs, and butterflies.
- Enjoy the unforgettable reward of seeing mountain gorillas after a challenging trek.
Your day, step by step
Kampala
Wildlife Safari at Lake Mburo National Park. Ki kati! Welcome to Uganda. Your adventure begins straight away at 9 am this morning at your joining point hotel. You’ll be picked up to make your way to Lake Mburo National Park. The flora of this park is acacia woodland, different from most other parks in East Africa, which means its fauna is also different. It's the best place in the country to see the gigantic eland antelope and has about 68 different species of mammals, including zebras, impalas, buffalo, leopards, hyenas, and jackals. There are five lakes within the park, home to hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds, while the papyrus swamps provide cover for the sitatunga antelope and red, black, and yellow papyrus gonolek. This small park is less well-known among tourists, so it's much quieter than some of the more famous East African parks. When you arrive, head out on a game drive through the park before settling into your accommodation in Mbarara. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Kampala
Lodge (1 night)
Kanungu District
Nature Walks at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This morning, rise early and make your way towards the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Famous for its remarkable biodiversity, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to many endangered species, including roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.
Kampala
Leisure. The afternoon is free to check out some of the local sights. The optional village visit takes you to Mikozi Village, where you can become acquainted with the Ugandan countryside, visit the local markets, speak with a traditional Ugandan healer and enjoy a drink or two at the local bar before returning to your lodge in Rushaga.
Kampala
Accommodation: Lodge (1 night)
Kanungu District
Wildlife & Eco Tourism at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Travel into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to see the mountain gorillas this morning. Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable and may reach altitudes of almost 2000 m above sea level. The terrain is by no means easy, so it can be strenuous and often humid, but the sheer thrill of coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. We can usually get very close to the mountain gorillas, who are placid and gentle. Once a trekking group encounters one of the gorilla families, your visit with the gorillas will last one hour.
Kampala
After, retire to your lodge and soak up the incredible views.
Kampala
Relaxation & Fun. Today is a long travel day as you make tracks back to Kampala, stopping along the way to take photos at the equator and enjoy a picnic lunch. Your trip will come to an end with you reach your hotel at approximately 5 pm. If you’d like to organise extra accommodation, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.
What to know before booking
Included
4WD Safari Vehicle
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothing - Comfortable footwear - Water - Camera - Cash for personal expenses
Meeting & Pickup
Star Point: Fairway Hotel, Kafu Road, Uganda End Point: Fairway Hotel, Kafu Road, Uganda
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 15 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By PE