5 Days Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari – Detailed Itinerary 2025

Overview

The 5 Days Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari offers an immersive journey into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, combining mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, cultural encounters, breathtaking highland scenery, and guided forest walks.

This itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking a deeper wildlife experience beyond the standard gorilla trek, with professional guides, comfortable lodges, and seamless transfers across Uganda’s most remarkable landscapes.

Highlights of This 5-Day Gorilla Safari

1. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with one full hour of interaction.

2. Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with scenic volcano views.

3. Cultural encounters with Batwa communities and highland villages.

4. Photography opportunities across the Kigezi Highlands, Lake Bunyonyi region, and volcanic landscapes.

5. Wildlife diversity, including primates, forest elephants, rare birds, and colorful butterflies.

6. Scenic drives from central Uganda through Ankole cattle country and terraced southwestern mountains.

7. Comfortable safari lodges, delicious meals, and experienced English-speaking safari guides.

Day 1: Pickup in Entebbe/Kampala and Scenic Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Your safari begins with a morning pickup by your professional guide, followed by a full briefing about the journey ahead.

The drive toward southwestern Uganda is long but rewarding, passing through lush agricultural plains, rolling banana plantations, classic long-horned Ankole cattle farms, and expansive savannah landscapes.

Travellers enjoy a memorable stop at the Uganda Equator for photos, coffee, and handicraft shopping.

The journey continues into the breathtaking Kigezi Highlands—famously known as the Switzerland of Africa—where misty valleys, terraced mountain slopes, and deep green forests dominate the horizon.

Arrival at the lodge is in the late afternoon, where you check in, enjoy a warm dinner, and relax in the cool high-altitude air as you prepare for your gorilla trek.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – The Ultimate Primate Encounter

After an early breakfast, you transfer to the park headquarters for a mandatory briefing about gorilla behavior, trekking rules, and safety procedures.

Rangers then assign visitors to specific gorilla families depending on fitness level and interest. The trek itself is a powerful journey through dense tropical jungle, moss-covered trails, waterfalls, and towering giant trees that define one of Africa’s oldest forests.

The moment you find the gorilla family is truly life-changing; you spend one full hour observing the silverback, playful juveniles, nurturing mothers, and the quiet social interactions that define their daily life.

Photographers capture incredible close-up moments, while wildlife lovers deeply appreciate the emotional connection. After the trek, return to your lodge to rest.

Later in the day, you may take part in a Batwa cultural experience, where local forest-dwelling communities share traditional songs, dances, and survival skills once used in the rainforest.

Day 3: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Volcano Views and Highland Landscapes

After breakfast, you take a scenic 2–3 hour drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the larger Virunga Volcanoes ecosystem.

The journey reveals another angle of Uganda’s beauty, featuring untouched mountain ranges, volcanic cones, and serene lakes.

Mgahinga is smaller than Bwindi but equally magical, known for its dramatic backdrop of the three Virunga volcanoes—Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabinyo, and Mount Muhabura.

You arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing, enjoying the chilly air, and taking in panoramic mountain views.

Travellers may opt for a guided forest walk or a community tour or simply unwind around the lodge’s fireplace before dinner.

Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking – Optional Volcano Hikes or Cultural Encounters

After a hearty breakfast, you head to Ntebeko Visitor Center for briefing before starting the golden monkey tracking adventure. These lively primates are fast, playful, and incredibly photogenic, living high in the bamboo forests of the Virunga range.

The trek is moderate and offers spectacular views of volcanic slopes and deep forest. Once the monkeys are located, you enjoy up to one hour observing them as they jump, groom, feed, and interact within their colorful troops.

After tracking, travellers have several optional activities, including a rewarding hike up Mount Sabinyo, a canoe ride on Lake Mulehe, or participation in the historic Batwa Trail Experience, which shares stories of ancient forest life, hunting traditions, and sacred sites.

The evening is spent at your lodge enjoying dinner and relaxation.

Day 5: Return to Kampala or Entebbe – End of the Gorilla Safari

Your final safari day begins with breakfast before starting the scenic journey back to Kampala or Entebbe.

The return drive passes through the sweeping farmlands and cultural centres of southwestern Uganda, offering one last glance at the landscapes that define this region.

A lunch stop in Mbarara breaks the journey before continuing to the central region, where you arrive in the evening and transfer to your hotel or the airport.

This marks the end of your unforgettable 5 Days Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari, filled with adventure, discovery, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

5 Days Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari – Cost Breakdown 2025 Rates

Prices are per person, including all permits.

Budget Package

• 1 person: $1,850

• 2 persons: $1,450

• 3–6 persons: $1,350

Midrange Package

• 1 person: $2,250

• 2 persons: $1,850

• 3–6 persons: $1,650

Luxury Package

• 1 person: $3,300

• 2 persons: $2,750

• 3–6 persons: $2,550

Safari Cost Includes

• Gorilla trekking permit ($800)

• Golden monkey tracking permit

• All accommodation (4 nights)

• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

• 4×4 customized safari vehicle

• Professional English-speaking guide

• Bottled drinking water

• Park entry fees

• All transfers

• Government taxes

Cost Excludes

• International flights

• Uganda entry visa ($50)

• Travel insurance

• Alcohol, soft drinks & tips

• Optional activities (Sabinyo hike, Batwa Trail, canoeing)