5 Days Uganda - Gorilla Galore Tour

The 9-hour drive from Entebbe or Kampala to the untamed wilderness of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a long but very scenic drive over winding roads through stunning nature, countryside and bustling villages. The closer you get to Bwindi, the narrower the road gets as it starts winding through dense, mountainous forest. This is where all sorts of animals start showing their noses, with possible sightings of monkeys, zebras and antelope. Get ready for your incredible encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas the next day!

Accommodations:
Silver - Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga Sector)
Gold - Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Rushaga Sector)
Platinum - Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo Sector)

This is the day you have been waiting for! With a bit of luck, you will come eye to eye with the most amazing creatures in this jungle - the gorillas. Depending on where your hotel is located, you will do your trekking in the Rushaga or Nkuringo sector. Prepare to be impressed!

Activities:

Mountain gorilla trekking in Rushaga (southern sector)
The Rushaga sector in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to eight gorilla families, some of which are still unaccustomed to human presence. During a mountain gorilla trekking tour, you can hike along challenging trails, spending either an hour with the habituated groups or, at an extra cost, up to four hours observing the less familiar giants in their natural habitat. This once-in-a-lifetime experience, where you can watch the gorillas eat, play, and be guarded by the silverback, will leave you in awe and may even bring tears of joy to your eyes. Please note that gorilla trekking is conducted in groups of up to 8 people, requires proper hiking shoes, and typically lasts 2 to 4 hours. Also, since this is a very popular activity which needs both a permit and a guide, it has to be booked separately and well in advance.

Mountain gorilla trekking in Nkuringo (southwestern sector)
The Nkuringo sector, located in the southwestern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is one of the most challenging sectors for trekking due to its high altitude. From here, you have a great view of the Congolese Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira, you can see the Virunga volcanoes, and you can easily connect to Lake Mutanda and Lake Mulehe. Please note that participants must be at least 15 years old, treks last 2–4 hours, require proper hiking shoes and are conducted in groups of up to 8 people, though gorilla sightings cannot be guaranteed. Also, gorilla trekking is an extremely popular activity, which requires both a guide and a permit. Our tip: book and plan this unique experience well in advance.

Accommodations:
Silver - Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga Sector)
Gold - Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Rushaga Sector)
Platinum - Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo Sector)

As you drive back to Entebbe, you again pass through the villages with their lively marketplaces and the outstretched countryside with tea and coffee plantations, smooth green hills and the occasional wildlife waving you goodbye. After several days of sheer adventure, even the ride back to Entebbe is an experience to enjoy!

Accommodations:
Silver - Karibu Guesthouse Entebbe
Gold - Protea Hotel Entebbe
Platinum - Protea Hotel Entebbe

This is your last day! Unfortunately, it's time to catch your flight home from Entebbe International Airport. Sad to leave...? Not to worry! We can easily add a few days of safari to your holiday, or extend it with a few days on the shores of Lake Victoria for some whitewater rafting or other exhilarating activities!