5-Day Double Gorilla Trek Uganda Safari

Your Uganda gorilla trekking safari begins with a scenic drive from Entebbe or Kampala toward southwestern Uganda. The journey takes you through lush countryside, terraced hills, and traditional villages, offering a glimpse into rural Ugandan life. Stop for lunch en route before continuing to the misty forests of Bwindi.

Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, surrounded by pristine rainforest. Enjoy a relaxed evening, safari briefing, and overnight stay in preparation for your first gorilla trek.

Accommodation:

Luxury: Bwindi Lodge / Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Midrange: Mahogany Springs / Silverback Lodge

Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp / Bakiga Lodge

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a detailed gorilla trekking briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You’ll then enter the forest in search of a habituated gorilla family — a trek that may take between 2 to 6 hours depending on the group’s location.

Once found, you’ll spend one magical hour observing the gorillas as they feed, play, groom, and interact in their natural habitat. This deeply moving encounter is often described as one of Africa’s most powerful wildlife experiences. Return to the lodge for lunch and a relaxed afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Same lodge as Day 1

Today is deliberately unhurried, allowing your body to recover while you absorb the atmosphere of Bwindi. Optional activities include a guided forest walk, birdwatching, or a cultural visit to nearby Batwa or Bakiga communities to learn about traditional forest life and conservation efforts.

This rest day is an important part of the itinerary, ensuring you are refreshed and ready for your second gorilla trek.

Overnight: Same lodge as previous nights

After breakfast, return to the park headquarters for your second gorilla trekking safari. Where possible, you’ll be assigned a different gorilla family, offering a contrasting experience in terrain, group behavior, and photography opportunities.

This second trek often feels even more rewarding, as you move with confidence through the forest and notice details you may have missed the first time. Return to the lodge in the afternoon to celebrate your achievement and enjoy a well-earned evening of relaxation.

Overnight: Same lodge

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and begin your return journey to Entebbe or Kampala. Lunch will be served en route, with an optional stop at the Equator crossing for photos and souvenirs. Arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, marking the end of your 5-Day Double Gorilla Trek Uganda Safari.