What You Need to Know: This 3-day private safari goes from Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for one gorilla trek, by road or by a short flight. It costs from US$2,246 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range lodges, including the US$800 gorilla permit (US$600 in April, May and November).
Is the 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari Right for You?
It is a gorilla trip and nothing else: ideal as an add-on to a Kenya or Tanzania safari, or a business trip to Kampala.
| This trip suits you if… | Consider another trip if… |
|---|---|
| You only want the gorillas, and have three days | You want more of Uganda: see the 7-day Uganda safari |
| You don't mind a long drive, or will fly | You prefer short transfers: Rwanda's 3-day gorilla trip starts 2.5 hours from the park |
| You want the lower Uganda permit price | You want chimpanzees too: see the 8-day Uganda safari |
The 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari Route at a Glance
Two nights at Bwindi, with the trek on the middle day.
| Day | Route | Travel | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi | Drive 9–10 hours, or fly 1.5–2 hours | Bwindi |
| 2 | Gorilla trekking in Bwindi | Gorilla trek 2–6 hours | Bwindi |
| 3 | Bwindi to Kampala or Entebbe | Drive 9–10 hours, or fly 1.5–2 hours | — |
3-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari Itinerary, Day by Day
Most guests drive in and fly out, or fly both ways, to save a day on the road.
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Day 1: Kampala or Entebbe to Bwindi
Pickup from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe at about 6:00 for the drive south-west through Masaka and Mbarara into the green hills of Kigezi, arriving at Bwindi in the evening. To save the day, take a scheduled flight from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip, about 1.5–2 hours, and a short drive to your lodge.
Drive 9–10 hours, or fly 1.5–2 hoursBwindiBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
Meet the rangers at about 7:00 for the briefing, then walk into the forest with your group of up to eight to find your assigned gorilla family, and spend one hour with them.
Gorilla trek 2–6 hoursBwindiBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 3: Bwindi to Kampala or Entebbe
Drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, arriving in the evening, or take the morning flight from Kihihi or Kisoro to Entebbe.
Drive 9–10 hours, or fly 1.5–2 hoursDepartureBreakfast
What You Can See on the 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest protects about half of the world's mountain gorillas, in more than 20 habituated families spread across four trailheads: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. The forest also holds chimpanzees, l'Hoest's monkeys and more than 350 bird species, including many found only in the Albertine Rift.
How Much Does the 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari Cost?
From US$2,246 per person, for 2 travelers sharing at mid-range lodges, with the private vehicle and driver-guide, accommodation and meals as listed, park fees and permits included. This is a starting price: your final price is the one in your written quotation, worked out for your dates, group size and lodge level.
| Permit | Price per person (2026) |
|---|---|
| Uganda gorilla permit | US$800 |
What changes the price
- Group size: the vehicle and guide are shared, so the price per person falls as your group grows
- Lodge level: budget lodges lower it, and luxury lodges and tented camps raise it
- Season: lodges charge more from June to October and at Christmas; Uganda's gorilla permit falls to US$600 in April, May and November
- Flights: the optional flights to and from Bwindi are quoted with your trip
Park fees and permits on this route
| Park, permit or fee | 2026 rate |
|---|---|
| Bwindi gorilla permit (Uganda Wildlife Authority) | US$800 per person, US$600 in April, May and November; includes park entry |
What the 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari Price Includes
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle and English-speaking driver-guide
- 2 nights' accommodation at the level you choose, with meals as listed in the itinerary
- All park entry and conservation fees, and government taxes
- Uganda gorilla permit (one each per person)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Not included
- International flights
- Optional flights, such as a fly-in instead of a long drive
- Visas
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation
- Tips for your guides, rangers and porters
- Drinks, laundry and personal items
- Porters on the trek (hired at the trailhead)
How the 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari Compares with Our Other Trips
Our Uganda safaris compared:
| Trip | Days | From (per person) | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bwindi gorillas | 3 | US$2,246 | Gorilla trek only |
| Queen Elizabeth and Kibale | 4 | US$2,178 | Chimps and savannah |
| Murchison and Kidepo | 5 | US$2,410 | Remote savannah, no primates |
| Uganda highlights | 7 | US$4,424 | Falls, chimps, savannah, gorillas |
| Kibale to Lake Mburo | 8 | US$4,906 | Chimps, gorillas, Lake Mburo |
| Grand Uganda | 10 | US$5,870 | Everything, at an easier pace |
All our Uganda safaris are private and can be combined with a Kenya, Tanzania or Rwanda trip.
How to Book the 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari
| When you cancel | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more before arrival | 100% |
| 30–59 days | 90% |
| 15–29 days | 60% |
| 10–14 days | 25% |
| Less than 10 days, or a no-show | No refund |
What Else to Read Before You Book
In Uganda this trip is run on the ground by trusted local partner operators. We plan and book it, send one written quotation, and stay your contact from arrival to departure.
This page covers what is particular to the 3-Day Uganda Safari. The parts that work the same way on our other trips are explained once, in these guides:
- Uganda safaris: permits, the trekking day, fitness and the rules.
- East Africa safaris: borders, flights and the East Africa Tourist Visa.
- Tipping on safari: how much to give your driver-guide and lodge staff.
- Booking and cancellation terms: deposit, payment and refunds.
Common Questions About the 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari
How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?
Reasonably fit. Treks last from under an hour to six hours on steep, often muddy slopes at altitude. Porters and walking sticks make a big difference, and rangers try to match groups to fitness. The minimum age is 15.
Which Bwindi sector will we trek in?
It depends on permit availability for your date: Buhoma in the north is closest to Kihihi airstrip; Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south are closer to Kisoro and Rwanda. We book the lodge to match the sector.
How much does the 3-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari cost?
From US$2,246 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range lodges, with park fees and permits included. Your written quotation gives the final price for your dates, group and lodge level.
The Bottom Line
Three days is enough for one gorilla trek in Bwindi, especially if you fly. Book the permit as soon as your date is set.
Send us your dates, the number of travelers and your lodge level through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and we will reply with a written quotation.