This 4-day gorilla adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers an extraordinary chance to encounter two different gorilla families within the forest. You will discover the unmatched beauty as you hike through the mist covered forest for a full hour with a habituated group during a classic gorilla trekking experience. The gorilla family relationships, playful juveniles, the silverback deep chest beats will give you a life time experience. You will then participate in an extended gorilla habituation experience the following day offering four hours with a semi-habituated group. You’ll also have an opportunity to engage with the Batwa community, one of Uganda’s oldest indigenous tribes, and enjoy scenic landscapes, including the stunning Lake

Highlights

• Mountain gorilla trekking with a one-hour encounter
• Gorilla habituation experience (up to 4 hours with gorillas)
• Cultural visit to the Batwa community
• Scenic views of southwestern Uganda and Lake Bunyonyi
• L’Hoest monkeys and rich biodiversity in Bwindi Forest

Begin your journey with an early morning Kigali City tour before the transfer to the border to cross to Uganda. Enjoy the beautiful countryside as you drive towards the lush rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive offers scenic views of Uganda’s countryside, rolling hills, and roadside villages. You’ll make a lunch stop in Mbarara, a vibrant town where you can stretch your legs and perhaps do some light shopping. Afterward, continue the drive to Bwindi, passing beautiful terraced hills and farmlands.
Upon arrival at the park, check into your selected lodge, relax, and enjoy the evening sounds of the forest before dinner.

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury: Gorilla Leisure Lodge or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

After an early breakfast, you will be picked up from the lodge to head to the park headquarters with your packed lunch or snack and enough drinking water for the day. Here, you will attend a pre-trek briefing where experienced rangers will explain gorilla trekking etiquette and assign you to a gorilla family group.
Your first trek into Bwindi’s thick vegetation begins an unforgettable experience that can last from 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ movement. Once your group is located, you will spend one magical hour observing their interactions, family dynamics, and almost-human behavior. It’s a profound wildlife encounter that offers great photographic moments and personal reflection.
After returning to your lodge to freshen up, you may choose to relax or go on a community walk to visit the Batwa people forest-dwelling hunter-gatherers and one of Uganda’s most marginalized groups. Discover their traditional lifestyles, cultural songs, dances, and crafts during this immersive experience. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation Options:Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or Gorilla Leisure Lodge

On day 3, you will enjoy a rare and extended encounter with mountain gorillas through the Gorilla Habituation Experience. As you did the previous day, you will start with an early breakfast and then transfer to the park headquarters for another briefing. Unlike regular trekking, this activity allows you to accompany researchers and rangers as they spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group, which is still in the process of getting used to human presence.
This hands-on conservation activity provides deeper insight into gorilla behavior, family dynamics, and the scientific work behind their protection.
After this immersive experience, you’ll return to your lodge, have lunch or a packed meal, and then transfer to the tranquil Lake Bunyonyi, often referred to as the Switzerland of Africa due to its picturesque scenery.
On arrival, check into your accommodation, unwind by the lake, and enjoy a quiet evening with dinner and overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options: Acadia Cottages, Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Begin your day with a refreshing breakfast while taking in the peaceful views of Lake Bunyonyi. Before departing, enjoy a scenic boat ride across the lake’s calm waters, gliding past some of its 29 islands and observing birdlife and local fishermen at work. The lake’s surrounding terraced hills make for beautiful photo opportunities.
After the boat trip, you will begin the journey back to Kigali with lunch en route. Expect a few optional scenic or souvenir stops along the way. Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, marking the end of your unforgettable double gorilla trekking and habituation safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch