Five days is enough to trek Bwindi’s gorillas properly without rushing the transfer days either side of it — a genuine rest day on arrival to recover from travel, the trek itself, and a relaxed final day before heading back to Entebbe. This itinerary stays entirely within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, making it the most focused single-park gorilla trip we run.
Detailed Itinerary
Entebbe to Bwindi
Transfer from Entebbe International Airport by road (roughly 8–9 hours) or scheduled light aircraft into Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip. Check into your lodge with an evening trekking briefing.
Rest Day and Village Walk
A deliberately unhurried day to acclimatise before the trek. Optional guided village walk or a Batwa cultural experience near your sector, or simply rest at the lodge.
As above
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Briefing at park headquarters by 7:30am, family assignment based on fitness and location, then the trek itself — 30 minutes to six hours through dense rainforest — followed by a strict one hour with your assigned gorilla family.
As above
Recovery Day, Forest Nature Walk
A gentler guided nature walk on established Bwindi trails — genuinely different pace from the trek, good for birding and forest ecology without the demand of tracking a moving family.
As above
Return to Entebbe
Road transfer back to Entebbe, timed against your onward flight.
Permits & Costs
| Gorilla trekking permit (Uganda) | $800 per person |
| Porter (optional, recommended) | $15–20 per trek day |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers with limited time who want gorilla trekking without adding a second park, or anyone wanting a genuinely unhurried pace with proper rest either side of the trek itself.
Tour Includes
- Travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Gorilla trekking permit
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
Tour Excludes
- International flights
- Visas
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
Choosing a Bwindi Sector
This itinerary can run from any of Bwindi’s four sectors — Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga or Nkuringo — and we confirm which one based on where permits are available for your specific dates. Buhoma is the most established with the widest lodge choice; Ruhija sits highest and coolest; Rushaga has the most habituated families; Nkuringo is the most remote and physically demanding. We’ll talk through which fits your priorities during planning.
What to Pack
Sturdy broken-in hiking boots, long trousers and sleeves, a rain jacket regardless of season, and gardening-style gloves for grabbing vegetation on steep sections. A porter, hired for a modest fee at the trailhead, is genuinely worth it — both practical help on demanding terrain and a direct way to support the local trekking economy around Bwindi.
Which sector will I trek from?
We confirm this once permits are secured for your dates — availability varies sector to sector, and we’ll match it to your lodge choice and fitness level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why include a rest day before the trek?
Many travellers arrive after long-haul flights; a full day to recover before a physically demanding trek genuinely improves the experience.
Can this be extended to add a second park?
Yes — see our 7-Day Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari, which adds Queen Elizabeth and Kibale to this same Bwindi base.
Ready to Plan This Trip?
Tell us your dates and we’ll confirm permits and lodges within one business day. Get in touch to start planning.