Bwindi's Gorillas
Gorillas & Big Five 4 days Charm & Character

Bwindi's Gorillas

In the impenetrable forest of Bwindi, face to face with the last mountain gorillas on the planet.

26 years of local expertise4.7/5 (36 reviews including 36 Google)

Duration

4 days

Ideal seasons

Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec

Style

Guided tour

Comfort

Charm & Character

Travelers

Couple, Solo, With friends, Honeymoon

The spirit of travel

If you have limited time in Uganda and want to make the most of it to experience the mountain gorillas of Bwindi, then this program has been designed for you.

Thanks to a scenic flight, you will save precious time and enjoy stunning views of Uganda's majestic landscapes: dormant volcanoes, dense forests and lush hills will unfold beneath you

You will travel directly to the Bwindi Mountains region, where an unforgettable encounter with these gentle primates awaits you. Accompanied by experienced trackers, you will follow their trail through luxuriant vegetation, for an unforgettable face-to-face with these peaceful giants.

A concentrated program, designed for busy travelers who don't want to sacrifice any of the essentials.

The stages of your journey

D1
EntebbePapyrus Guesthouse
D2–3
Parc national de Bwindi Ichumbi Gorilla lodge
D4
Departure

Highlights

Scenic flight over the sumptuous landscapes of Ouganda
Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi
Meeting with the Communities of the Park

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Arrival in Entebbe, on the shores of Lake Victoria

Upon your arrival in Entebbe, you discover from the air Lake Victoria and the islets dotting its waters.

Your driver welcomes you at the airport and accompanies you to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free, for you to settle in and enjoy this first stage in Ouganda.

Papyrus Guesthouse
Jour 2
D2

Flight to Bwindi Forest

Entebbe → Kisoro

1h10350 km

After breakfast, you are transferred to Entebbe airport for your flight to Kisoro, in southwestern Ouganda. Departure is scheduled for 7:45 AM, with arrival at 8:55 AM.

During the journey, you will be able to observe Ugandan landscapes from the air, between mountains, hills, terraced crops and tropical forests.

Upon arrival in Kisoro, your lodge driver welcomes you and takes you to the Bwindi Forest.

After lunch, you set off on foot to discover the surrounding villages.

Please note: gorilla permits are issued for different sectors of Bwindi Park. The sector and gorilla group visited are determined on the morning of the trek, so accommodation and travel times may vary depending on permit availability.

Ichumbi Gorilla lodgeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 3
D3

Meeting the Mountain Gorillas in the Impenetrable Forest of Bwindi

At the first light of dawn, mists gently rise from the peaks covered in lush vegetation. You are at the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, sanctuary of mountain gorillas.

Accompanied by an experienced guide and trackers, you will set off on foot in search of these emblematic primates. Vegetarian and lovers of humid forests, gorilla groups typically consist of between 8 and 20 individuals, led by a dominant silverback male that can reach 250 kg and measure up to 1.70 m. Calm and peaceful, these great apes observe you while feeding within their vegetated habitat.

Ichumbi Gorilla lodge
Jour 4
D4

Last Moments in Uganda

Departure

After breakfast, you leave your lodge and head to the landing strip at Kisoro.

Kisoro → Departure

2h350 km

You then embark on your return flight to Entebbe. Departure is scheduled for 9:10 AM, arriving at 11:25 AM.

Upon arrival in Entebbe, you continue your journey with your international return flight to Europe.

Breakfast

Price per person

This trip can be tailored to your preferences

This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.

Not included

  • International flights
  • Meals not mentioned in the above program
  • Alcoholic and recreational beverages
  • Tips
  • The visa
  • Personal expenses
  • "High Season" Supplement between December 20 and 31

Included

  • Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
  • All meals from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on day 4
  • Entebbe airport transfer by our English-speaking driver guide
  • Airport transfers by minibus from Entebbe airport to the lodge/hotel and vice versa
  • Transfers in vehicle from the Kisoro airstrip lodge to the lodge and vice versa and also from the lodge to the starting point for gorilla trekking
  • Aerolink flights EBB-KISORO and KISORO-EBB
  • Mineral water in the car and during treks
  • Entries and activities in the parks
  • Gorilla permits: $700

Practical Information

Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.

The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.

See our specific terms of sale for full details.

In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:

  • Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
  • Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
  • Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total

We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.

The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Uganda for a tourist stay. As entry requirements may change, we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.

Passport

To enter Uganda, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).

Visa

Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada must obtain a visa to enter Uganda. This visa can be obtained in two ways:

  • online, before departure, via the official East African Visa portal or the Uganda online visa (e-Visa),

  • on arrival, at the border post or Entebbe International Airport (visa on arrival), subject to availability and current conditions.

The standard tourist visa permits a stay of up to 90 days. An extension can be requested from the Ugandan immigration services before the visa expires.

The authorities may also request:

  • a departure ticket from the country (return or onward flight),

  • proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,

  • a confirmation of accommodation reservation.

East African Tourist Visa

There is also an East African tourist visa allowing you to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with a single visa. This multiple-entry visa is valid for 90 days and can be particularly advantageous for travelers wishing to explore several countries in the region.

This visa must be requested online before departure and entry into the designated zone must be made through one of the designated entry points.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Presentation of an international yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow booklet) is mandatory to enter Uganda. This certificate must be obtained at least 10 days before entry into the country and is valid for life.

Without this document, the Ugandan authorities may refuse entry into the country or impose vaccination on arrival.

Health

In addition to yellow fever, several health precautions are recommended before traveling to Uganda:

  • malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended, as malaria is present throughout the country,

  • updating routine vaccinations (tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and B, typhoid) is advised,

  • it is recommended to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.

Traveling with Children

Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay and a valid visa.

In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.

Other Nationalities

Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Uganda in their country of residence.

To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and medical expense coverage abroad.

Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.

CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!

Choose the plan that best suits you:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire

Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures is available on the insurer's website.

Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.

Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insurance

Frequently asked questions

An e-visa is required and must be applied for online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory. Processing takes 72 hours. Before booking, check with the consular authorities of your destination for specific conditions applicable to your nationality.

Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.

You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.

For a quality tailored trip, budget between €200 and €350 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers, permits and activities. International flights (€800-1,200 return) are additional. The gorilla permit at Bwindi (USD 800) is the major expense.

Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.

Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to match travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.

It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.

In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.

Payment is generally made in two installments.

Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.

Charles, English-speaking advisor in the heart of Lake District Africa
26years of expertise

Let's talk about your adventure — Southwest Highlands

English-speaking advisor in the heart of Lake District Africa, based in Entebbe

“
Uganda often surprises travelers. You come for the big wildlife, then you leave remembering mostly the landscapes, the smiles, and the energy of the country.

— Charles

APST Guarantee Secure Payment 24/7 Assistance★ 4.7/5