Your safari begins with a warm welcome at Entebbe International Airport or a pickup from your hotel in Kampala. You will then embark on a scenic drive through the southwestern region of Uganda toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to over half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. The journey to Bwindi is long yet breathtaking, winding through rolling hills, lush farmlands, and small villages that offer a glimpse into rural Ugandan life.

Along the way, you will stop for lunch at a popular spot in Mbarara, one of the largest towns in the region. For travelers who enjoy photography, you’ll have opportunities to capture the famous “Little Switzerland of Africa” landscape, including the beautiful Kigezi highlands. Once you arrive at your lodge near Bwindi in the late afternoon, you can relax and prepare for the main adventure the next day.

The highlight of your safari awaits on the second day, starting early in the morning after breakfast. You will head to the Bwindi park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers who will guide you on trekking etiquette, safety tips, and environmental guidelines. Bwindi’s rangers are knowledgeable and experienced, ensuring both your safety and the well-being of the gorillas.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is an immersive experience that can take anywhere from one to six hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family assigned to your group. Navigating through the dense, misty forest requires moderate physical endurance, but the effort is rewarding. As you get closer, the forest quietens, and with a hush, you finally come face-to-face with these gentle giants. Observing a family of gorillas—led by a dominant silverback—interact, play, and feed in their natural habitat is an emotional and unforgettable experience. You’ll have an hour to observe and photograph them while maintaining a respectful distance as advised by the rangers.

After your encounter, you’ll trek back to the park headquarters where you’ll receive a trekking certificate. The afternoon is for relaxation or optional community activities, such as visiting the Batwa pygmy community to learn about their traditional forest lifestyle, music, and dances.

On the final day, enjoy breakfast at your lodge and then set off on the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. The drive back allows for more scenic stops, and you may want to purchase handmade souvenirs from local crafts shops along the way as mementos of your time in Uganda. You’ll arrive in the city in the late afternoon or early evening, marking the end of your incredible 3-day gorilla trekking adventure.