3 Days Gorilla Trekking Self Drive Tour in Uganda
Have an in-depth exploration of the endangered mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat by reserving the 3 days gorilla trekking self-drive tour in Uganda that introduces you to the rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park straddles between elevation 1160 and 2607 meters, occupying an area of about 331 square kilometers. It hosts not only mountain gorillas but also chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, 220 butterfly species, 350 bird species including the African green pigeon, Ruwenzori Apalis, Regal Sunbird, purple breasted sunbird, western green tinkerbird, African green broadbill, Chaplin’s flycatchers, cream banded swallowtail; elephants and many reptiles.
Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lets you explore anyone of its four major tracking sectors; Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo or Rushaga. Currently, about 20 habituated are available in Bwindi and they include Bitukura, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Oruzogo, Busingye, Kahungye, Bweza, Nkuringo, Mishaya, Nshongi, Kyaguriro, Mubare, Katwe, Christmas, Kutu, Mucunguzi, Bushaho, Bikingi, and Mukiza. Your tour begins and ends in Kampala.
Highlights of the 3 days gorilla trekking self-drive tour Uganda
• Gorilla trekking
• Stopover at Uganda crossing
• Batwa cultural experience
• Travel in 4×4 self-drive safari vehicle
Brief itinerary
Day 1: Leave Kampala for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 2: Mountain gorilla trekking and Batwa cultural experience
Day 3: Drive back to Kampala
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Leave Kampala for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Begin your gorilla trekking self-drive tour in Uganda with a tasty breakfast at your hotel or place of residence and later, meet your safari leader for a briefing on what you should expect on this tour. After, leave the hotel for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, about 8 to 10 hours’ drive in a good 4×4 self-drive safari Toyota Land Cruiser. You will make a stopover at Uganda Equator crossing for photo taking and at Igongo Cultural Center for lunch. Proceed your self-drive trip to Bwindi to check-in at the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Where to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge
Mid-range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Day 2: Mountain gorilla trekking and Batwa cultural experience
On the second day, your gorilla trekking self-drive safari tour still starts with a hefty breakfast and after, with some packed lunch or snacks and bottled drinking water get to park headquarters for a briefing on guidelines for gorilla trekking. At 8:00 am after you have been assigned to a gorilla family to trek, the park ranger will escort you to search for mountain gorillas and the whole adventure may last for you 2-6 hours. Once you come across a gorilla family, you have an hour of magical encounter, photo taking and then return to the lodge.
Trekking with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can last for you 2-6 hours however, this usually depends on your physical wellness, nature of the habitat and where the gorillas are. Your afternoon or evening will be spent in the Batwa Community where you will have amazing interaction with the Batwa pygmies.
Where to stay in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge
Mid-range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Day 3: Drive back to Kampala
Have breakfast in the morning and later, drive back to Kampala/Entebbe with en-route lunch.
End of your 3 days gorilla trekking self-drive tour in Uganda
Tour inclusions
• Game drives
• Boat cruise
• 2 nights and meals
• Bottled drinking water
• Transportation in 4×4 self-drive safari vehicle
• Relevant government taxes
Tour inclusions
• Tips
• Telephone calls
• Alcoholic drinks
• Cigarettes
• Uganda visa
• Personal insurance
• Laundry services