Gorilla Encounter
The shortest sensible route to an hour with a mountain gorilla family.
- Duration
- 5 days, 4 nights
- Parks
- Bwindi Impenetrable, Lake Mburo
- Vehicle
- Private 4x4 and guide
- Pace
- Moderate
Bwindi is a long way from Kampala, and rushing the journey is the most common mistake. This route breaks the drive at Lake Mburo in each direction, which turns two brutal days into four comfortable ones and adds a second park at almost no cost in time. The trek itself sits in the middle, rested and unhurried.
Highlights
- One hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family in Bwindi
- Lake Mburo as a genuine stop rather than a roadside break
- A full rest day before the trek, which matters more than people expect
- Optional Batwa community visit near Bwindi
Who this suits
Travellers for whom gorilla trekking is the whole point of the trip.
Pace. Moderate. Two driving days, one demanding trek day, two easy ones.
Day by day
Drive times are realistic rather than optimistic, and every one includes the stops.
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Day1
Kampala to Lake Mburo
An easy first day. Arrive in time for an evening game drive among zebra and impala, and an early night.
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Day2
Lake Mburo to Bwindi
South and west through the hills, with the landscape climbing and greening as you go. Arrive at Bwindi in the afternoon with time to settle before the briefing tomorrow.
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Day3
Gorilla trekking
Briefing at around 8am, then into the forest with a guide and trackers ahead of you. The walk may take one hour or most of the day. You are then given one hour with the family. Porters are available and worth hiring.
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Day4
Bwindi to Lake Mburo
A slow start after yesterday, then the road back east. Optional Batwa community visit before departing if you would like it.
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Day5
Return to Entebbe
A short boat trip or walking safari at Lake Mburo if time allows, then the drive to Entebbe for your flight.
Accommodation is described by standard rather than by name. We confirm the exact properties with you in writing before you pay anything, and we tell you if a preferred property cannot accommodate a halal meal request.
Halal dining and prayer on this route
Arranged in advance for this specific itinerary, not added on request.
Halal dining
Lodges around Bwindi are small and menus are set, so halal meals are confirmed well in advance. Trekking days run long and unpredictably, so a packed halal meal travels with you.
Prayer
Fajr is prayed at the lodge before the briefing. The trek has no fixed end time, so we discuss combining and making up prayers with you beforehand, and your guide will stop where the terrain allows.
What is and is not included
Both stated in full, so there are no surprises later.
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a raised roof, and a window seat for everyone
- A dedicated English-speaking driver-guide throughout
- Airport transfers from and to Entebbe International Airport
- Accommodation as described, on the board basis confirmed at booking
- Halal meals arranged at every property, and packed meals on full activity days
- Prayer mats and a qibla compass in the vehicle, and planned prayer stops
- Drinking water in the vehicle throughout
- All national park entrance fees for the parks on your itinerary
- Game drives, boat cruises and guided walks as listed in the day-by-day plan
Not included
- International flights to and from Entebbe
- Uganda visa or East Africa Tourist Visa fees
- Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits — secured on your behalf and quoted at the official rate current when you enquire
- Travel and medical insurance, which we ask every traveller to hold
- Personal expenses, laundry and telephone charges
- Tips for your guide, porters and lodge staff
- Any activity marked optional in the itinerary
- Internal flights, where you choose them over a road transfer
CLIENT: confirm this inclusion list matches what you actually sell before the site goes live.
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