Uganda Safari Tour for Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Habituation
Overview
Uganda Safari Tours – Gorilla Trekking & Gorilla Habituation Experience
Discover one of Africa’s most profound wildlife encounters Uganda Safari Tour for Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Habituation and the exclusive Gorilla Habituation Experience in the pristine rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; Uganda is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, offering travelers a rare opportunity to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat while supporting conservation and local communities.
Gorilla Trekking Experience
Gorilla Trekking is Uganda’s most iconic wildlife activity. Guided by experienced park rangers, guests hike through dense rainforest to locate a habituated gorilla family and spend up to one unforgettable hour observing their behavior at close range.
Highlights:
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Small trekking groups for an intimate experience
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Professional ranger-guided hikes
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Strong conservation and eco-tourism impact
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Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness levels
This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter within a classic safari itinerary.
Gorilla Habituation Experience (Exclusive & In-Depth)
The Gorilla Habituation Experience offers a deeper and more immersive encounter, allowing guests to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family as researchers and trackers gradually prepare them for tourism.
Highlights:
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Extended time with gorillas (up to 4 hours)
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Insight into gorilla behavior, research, and conservation
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Guided by scientists, trackers, and expert rangers
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Ideal for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and repeat safari travelers
This rare experience is available only in selected areas of Bwindi and provides unparalleled access and learning.
Combine with a Complete Uganda Safari
Gorilla experiences can be seamlessly combined with:
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Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
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Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
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Boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel
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Cultural encounters and community visits
We design tailor-made Uganda itineraries ranging from short gorilla-focused trips to comprehensive East Africa safari combinations.
5 days of a once in a lifetime experience across Uganda including the magical experience of trekking the majestic gorilla Uganda Safari and Gorilla Trekking Itinerary
Tour Plan
DAY 1: Arrival and Travel to Queen Elizabeth NP
Arrive Entebbe (early), pick up from Airport/hotel and transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP.
We hope that your flight is scheduled for an early (not past 10am) landing in Entebbe. Your safari will start from Entebbe International Airport where the assigned driver-guide will receive you and then depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park – one of Uganda’s most frequented tourist destinations. The park features diverse ecosystems called home by a variety of wildlife species – ten primate species (including Chimpanzees), more than 600 bird species, and classic big game. You will stop for lunch en-route then proceed into the beautiful Queen Elizabeth NP, arriving late afternoon/evening and check into the accommodation and relax.
Accommodation: Irungu Safari Lodge (Budget Level) | Meals: Lunch, Dinner | Drive Time: Approx. 7 hours
Be up early, have breakfast and proceed for the Chimpanzee Trekking in the Kyambura gorge. The gorge is home to habituated Chimpanzees plus other primates including Baboons, Monkeys and also bird species. Today, you will spend the early part of the day trekking Chimpanzees here. Thereafter, return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch. After lunch go out for an afternoon/evening game viewing and be on the lookout for Cape Buffalos, herds of Elephants plus Lions, Leopards (though hard to spot) among others.
Alternatively, you could choose to go for a 2-hour boat trip (at an extra USD 30 pp) on the Kazinga Channel that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. During the trip, the sight of wildlife including giant Hippos, Elephants and Crocodiles among others will fascinate you. You will also see many varieties of birds at the water shores. Return to the accommodation for relaxation, dinner and the overnight stay.
Accommodation: Irungu Safari Lodge(Budget Level) | Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Have breakfast then set off for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park – famously known for its resident tree-climbing Lions. The chance of spotting these Lions is about 70% though sometimes they are hard to spot (most especially when they are down in the grassland looking for prey). Hoping you get the chance to spot them, the sight will be spectacular!
Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With a strenuous day ahead, you check in your accommodation, relax as you prepare for the Bwindi Gorilla Trekking experience the following day.
Accommodation: Broadbill Forest Camp(Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drive Time: 5-6 hours.
Have breakfast and move to the rangers’ post. You will receive a briefing from a ranger/guide on the dos and don’ts during trekking. Thereafter, you will enter the Bwindi Forest for your adventure. The beauty of this rain forest is spectacular! The area offers dramatic steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. The time taken and the terrain vary with the movements of these great primates. Once you have located a Gorilla group, you will be allowed an hour in their presence. The thrill of spending time observing these gentle but endangered giants is unforgettable. Return to the accommodation, check out and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is framed by lush, green-terraced hills that reach a height of 2,200 – 2,478mt but it’s the 29 islands of various shapes and sizes scattered across the water that make it most magical — you could admire them all day.
Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort(Mid-range Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drive Time: Approx. 2-3 hours.
You will have a relaxed breakfast with spectacular views of the Bunyonyi little islands just right in front of you. Thereafter, you will hit the road for the return to Entebbe (arriving in the late afternoon/evening) for your flight out.
Accommodation: Recommended on Request | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Drive Time: Approx. 8 hours.
