AMAZING 3 DAY BWINDI GORILLA TREKKING AND LAKE BUNYONYI SAFARI

Our 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla trekking and Lake Bunyonyi safari package is tailored to offer our visitors an extra ordinary and amazing experience while visiting the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga in Uganda.

This specialized primate trip involves an encounter with the beautiful mountain gorillas in Rushaga or Ruhija sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National park before proceeding to Lake Bunyonyi the second deepest lake in Africa for relaxation, canoeing, nature  walks and community visits.

Bwindi Impenetrable National park is found in south western Uganda districts of Rubanda, Kisoro and Kanungu and is 512 miles away from Kampala or Entebbe International Airport. It is approximately 9-10 hours drive from Entebbe International Airport by road and 2 hours flight from Entebbe Airport to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip.

Bwindi impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its incredible and reach biodiversity and home to half the population of mountain gorillas in the world.

Over 19 mountain gorilla families have been habituated and opened up for trekking. Another two mountain gorilla families have been put aside for a four-hour experience popularly known as gorilla habituation experience. An Encounter with habituated mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable National Park is arguably one of the most exciting and memorable wildlife experiences one can dream of.

Besides mountain gorillas in this dense and natural forest which is our main attention featured in our 3 days Bwindi gorilla trekking and Lake Bunyonyi Safari, Bwindi impenetrable National Park is to over 200 species of trees, about 310 of butterflies, 120 of mammals and 51 of reptiles some of which are endemic to this forest. Over 10 primate species including wild and unhabituated chimpanzees call the Bwindi forest home. For bird lovers, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a birders paradise with over 350 species recorded by birding specialists.

After mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you will drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most beautiful lakes in Uganda. Lake Bunyonyi which derives its name from (many little birds in the local language) has over 29 Islands spaced on this lake.

While at lake Bunyonyi, you will have an opportunity of relaxing at the lake side, swim, do nature walks, do biking or visit the local community including the Batwa if you so wish.

Detailed Itinerary : 3 Days Bwindi gorilla trekking and Lake Bunyonyi Safari

Day 1: Pickup from Kampala Cityor Entebbe Airport – Transfer to Bwindi

Encounter Africa Safaris Guide will pick you up at a pick point in Kampala or Entebbe international Airport at 7:00 am and after briefing you about this tour, he/she will start your 3 days Bwindi gorilla trekking and Lake Bunyonyi Safari drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On this tour, you will have stopovers at the equator crossing for photography and a cup of hot coffee or tea. Lunch will be in Mbarara city where you will have a chance of tasting local dishes if you so wish.

The journey from Kampala/ Entebbe to Bwindi impenetrable National Park is long but if your nature lover or a person who likes observing new places, you will be deeply impressed by the landscape, people, road side fruit and vegetable markets, the Ankole long horned cattle, the kigezi rolling hills and valleys among others.

Dinner and Overnight at Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge (Budget and Mid-range) and Four Gorillas Lodge(Luxury).

Day 2:  Mountain Gorilla trekking at Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi transfer

After an early morning breakfast your driver guide will drive you to the park headquarters for the mandatory briefing which starts at 7:30am. The briefing conducted by UWA park rangers covers every detail you need to know about Bwindi, the dos and don’t while with the mountain gorillas.

You and other 7 people will be assigned a mountain gorilla family based on your overall fitness and interest. You will then head out to different starting points depending on the gorilla family you are allocated lead by a well-trained park ranger and security detail. We encourage you to hire a porter for about $15 to carry some of your backpacks and equipment.

Gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can take between 30 minutes to three quarters of the day depending on the location of the gorilla family you will be assigned. During the trek, you will likely encounter rich tropical forest with amazing biodiversity. While on this 3 days Bwindi gorilla trekking and Lake Bunyonyi Safari, watch out for the forest birds, smaller and resident primates and insects.

Once you find the gorillas, you will be allowed a maximum one hour with them while observing their behavior and taking videos and photographs. Make sure you follow the gorilla trekking rules which require you to keep a distance of around 7 meters from the nearest gorilla individuals. Never be attempted to touch any mountain gorilla individual– especially a baby gorilla to avoid attacks from mother or Silverbacks. Keep calm at all times while following guidelines set by your ranger guide.

Once your time with the mountain gorillas has elapsed, you will be led by your ranger guide back to the starting point and awarded a certificate of recognition and participation. You will then re unite with your driver guide who will drive you back to your lodge for relaxation, hot lunch and checkout. In the afternoon or evening you will be driven to Lake Bunyonyi for evening relaxation and overnight

Overnight at Bunyonyi Overland  (Budget), Bird Nest Overseas (Mid-range) and
Bunyonyi Birdnest Lodge (Luxury).

Day 3: Activities on Lake Bunyonyi

You will wake up to amazing scenery characterized by beautiful sunrise, birds calls and breathtaking views of the lake Bunyonyi. request for your breakfast which may be served from outside so that you can enjoy the lake views.

Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale District is one of Uganda’s popular tourist destination simply because of the beautiful scenery. There a variety of activities you can choose from including, birding watching, nature or community walks, cave exploration tours, mountain biking, visiting the local communities including the elusive Batwa, or visiting the nearby schools and community project for volunteer work.

The most popular activity on Lake Bunyonyi without doubt is canoeing which allows you to visit the various islands on this lake. One of the popular Island is the “Punishment Island” which has a rich history of the Bakiga. It is believed that about 80 years ago, girls who got pregnant before marriage were brought on this Island and left abandoned here to die. It is also believed and told that some of these girls where quietly rescued eventually by their boyfriends.

NOTE: Encounter Africa Safaris recommends that most of these activities be done as soon as you arrive here so that you set aside this day for the long drive to Kampala/ Entebbe.

Once you are done with the activities on Lake Bunyonyi, you will revert back to the lodge for checkout and thereafter start the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe making it the end of our 3 Days Bwindi gorilla trekking and Lake Bunyonyi Safari.

Inclusions and exclusions

1. Bwindi Gorilla permits
2. Selected activities in Lake Bunyonyi
3. Safari vehicle and services of a safari driver guide
4. Entebbe Airport transfers
5. Accommodation and all meals
6.  Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
7. Bwindi Park entrance fees

The trip Excludes;

1. International Air tickets and Uganda visas
2. Alcoholic drinks
3. Tips to driver guides, park rangers, porters and Lodge staff
4. Any expenses deemed of personal in nature
5. Accommodation in hotels before and after the trip

Logistics and Costs Consideration for 2026-2027

• Gorilla Permits: As of 2026-2027, the gorilla permit price in Uganda is $800 for foreign non residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 for African Citizens and $80 for East African citizens of Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and DRC.
• Encounter Africa Safaris recommends that you book your gorilla permit well in advance to avoid shortage of last-minute panic.
• Aiports  and Starting Point Options:
  • From Entebbe City/Airport/Kampala: This is the tradition route which is approximately 9–10 hour drive.
  • From Kigali Airport(Rwanda): This 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla trekking tour can start and end in Kigali thus providing a much shorter 4–5 hour drive, which many travelers prefer to reduce travel time.
• Estimated Tour Price per person: Total package costs (including permits, transport, and lodging) typically range from $1,200 to $1,650 for mid-range options. Please note that this cost defers from one Lodge to another or tour operators. Please get in touch with Encounter Africa Safaris for great discounts available for you.