Day 1 · Arrival
Arrive Entebbe International Airport. Meet your Mwanzo guide, safari briefing, overnight near Lake Victoria or Kampala.
Uganda safari · 3 days
3-Day Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi with Batwa and Lake Bunyonyi
From $2,210 per person, 2 sharing · Solo, couples & groups · Serah Foundation on every booking
This 3 day gorilla trekking Uganda package adds a Batwa cultural experience and time at Lake Bunyonyi to your trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It is the most complete three-day Bwindi circuit we run for first-time visitors, with a private vehicle, guide and permit arranged by Mwanzo Tours. Solo travellers, couples and groups are welcome, and every booking supports Serah Foundation.
Book this 3-day gorilla trekking trip in Bwindi with Mwanzo Tours, a UTB-licensed Kampala tour operator. It is one of our Uganda safari packages for 2027, and you can compare other routes in our Uganda tours and safaris or the full package list. If you want the trek on its own, see the 3-day gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi. Check availability or read the safari planning guide.
Why this safari?
Gorilla trekking plus Batwa cultural encounter and Lake Bunyonyi recovery, the most complete three-day Bwindi circuit we run for first-time Uganda visitors.
Who is this safari for?
Culture-curious first-time gorilla trekkers, couples, and small, private groups wanting forest trek plus community encounter, age 15+ for gorillas.
Physical difficulty
Moderate to strenuous. Forest trek 1 to 6 hours at altitude; porter recommended in all sectors.
Best time to go
Year-round trekking; June to September and December to February are driest. April, May, November offer $600 UWA promotional permits. Book peak dates 3 to 5 months ahead.
Your safari vehicle
Private pop-up roof 4×4 (Land Cruiser or equivalent) with UTB-licensed guide (English, German, Dutch, French, Italian or Spanish), water and charging.
Your lead planner
Itinerary reviewed by Anthony Kiweewa, gorilla permits secured weekly from Kampala. Field guides include Daniel (25 years Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi) and Maria (women's journeys).
Gorilla permits: $800 peak / $600 promotional months, full permit cost guide · UWA official tariffs.
Wildlife & experiences you can expect
- Mountain gorillas (habituated families)
- Batwa cultural forest experience
Serah Foundation, where your booking goes
Every Mwanzo safari contributes to Serah Foundation, a registered community organisation supporting education, health outreach, and livelihood programmes in communities bordering Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth. We publish what your booking supports; this is not a vague "community fee."
On this safari
Scenes from Mwanzo departures, your route uses the same guides, vehicles, and lodge standards.
Traveller reviews
Independent ratings from guests who booked gorilla and wildlife safaris with Mwanzo Tours.
Related planning guides
Day-by-day itinerary
Sample route, customised to your dates, lodges, and fitness.
Day 2 · Bwindi
Pre-trek briefing. Full-day mountain gorilla trek, 1 to 6 hour forest hike, one hour with a habituated family. Certificate on completion.
Day 3 · Departure
Transfer to Entebbe (or Kigali if routed). Day room if evening flight. Farewell from your Mwanzo team.
Highlights
- Mountain gorilla trekking with habituated families
- Batwa cultural experience in the Bwindi region
- Relaxation at scenic Lake Bunyonyi
- Time in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Time in Lake Bunyonyi
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with guide (English, German, Dutch, French, Italian or Spanish)
Parks & regions
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Lake Bunyonyi
Typically included
- Gorilla permit included when stated in quote ($800 UWA fee)
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle & UTB-licensed guide (English, German, Dutch, French, Italian or Spanish)
- Park entrance & conservation fees
- Accommodation as quoted (mid-range or premium)
- Meals as per itinerary (B/L/D)
- Drinking water in vehicle
- Airport transfers on arrival & departure days
- Serah Foundation contribution on every booking
Not included
- International flights & Uganda visa
- Travel insurance is not included; guests arrange their own.
- Gorilla/chimp permits unless stated in quote
- Tips, personal expenses & alcoholic drinks
- Optional activities not in itinerary
Example lodges (named in your quote)
Exact property confirmed in writing before you travel, representative mid-range and premium options:
Mid-range
| Bwindi | Buhoma Haven Lodge or Rushaga Gorilla Camp |
| Queen Elizabeth | Elephant Plains Lodge or Bush Lodge |
| Kibale | Kibale Forest Camp or Turaco Treetops |
| Murchison | Pakuba Safari Lodge or Fort Murchison |
Premium
| Bwindi | Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp or Mahogany Springs |
| Queen Elizabeth | Mweya Safari Lodge or Kyambura Gorge Lodge |
| Kibale | Primate Lodge Kibale or Kyaninga Lodge |
| Murchison | Paraa Safari Lodge or Baker's Lodge |
Booking & payment
Deposit
Typically 30% on booking to secure gorilla/chimp permits and lodges. Permits are non-refundable under UWA rules, we explain this before you pay.
Balance
Due 60 days before departure unless agreed otherwise. Bank transfer or card. EUR/USD quotes available for European travellers.
Cancellation
Tiered policy in our booking terms. Travel insurance with cancellation cover strongly recommended.
Your money
Full breakdown in our payment reassurance guide, what is held and when permits are purchased.
Common questions
How much does a 3-day Uganda safari cost?
From $2,210 per person, 2 sharing. Final quote depends on lodges, group size, and permit inclusion.
Can I book gorilla trekking Uganda as a solo traveller?
Yes. Mwanzo Tours runs private departures for solo travellers, couples, and groups, no forced large bus groups.
Does Mwanzo secure gorilla permits?
Yes. We purchase Uganda Wildlife Authority permits on your behalf once a deposit is received. Peak season requires 3 to 6 months lead time.
Is this Uganda safari package customisable?
Every itinerary is tailored to your dates, fitness, and lodge preference. The day-by-day route shown is a proven template.
What is included in Uganda gorilla trekking packages?
Typically: permit (when quoted), 4×4 transport, UTB-licensed guide, lodges and park fees.
Can I do gorilla trekking in Bwindi in three days?
Yes. This 3-day trip is built around a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a Batwa cultural experience and time at Lake Bunyonyi. Our 3-day Bwindi tour without the culture and lake add-ons is a simpler 3 day gorilla safari Uganda option.
How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?
You need reasonable fitness rather than athletic training. Gorilla trekking can take from one to several hours on steep, muddy forest paths, and rangers set a steady pace. A porter, at about US$10, can carry your bag and help you on slippery sections. Tell us about any health concerns and we will suggest the best option.
How do I book this 3-day gorilla trip?
A 30% deposit confirms your booking, and the balance is due 60 days before departure. Once the deposit clears, we buy your Uganda Wildlife Authority permits in your name. To start, message us on WhatsApp +256 789 487 378 or email info@mwanzotoursuganda.com with your dates and group size, and we reply with a written quote.
Is travel insurance included?
No. Travel insurance is not included in our quotes, so please arrange your own cover before you travel, ideally including medical evacuation. Our from-prices are per person on 2 sharing and exclude international flights. We list exactly what is included and excluded in your written quote, so you can compare like for like.
Enquire about this safari
We reply within 1 business day. No obligation, your written quote confirms lodges, permits, and final price.
Prefer WhatsApp? +256 789 487 378 · See deposit & cancellation policy
Itinerary reviewed by Anthony Kiweewa · Meet your planner · Booking terms