4-Day Luxury Gorilla Safari in Uganda: Bwindi

Arrive in Entebbe, where an Africa Geographic representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in and taking some time to refresh, you can enjoy a walk to the nearby Entebbe Botanical Gardens – a lakeside haven filled with vibrant blooms, lush greenery, ancient trees, and groups of beautiful pied colobus monkeys. In the evening, you'll return to the lodge for dinner and receive a brief overview of the next day's itinerary before retiring to your room for a restful night.

Overnight at Hotel Number 5 or similar.

Meals: Dinner

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for a light aircraft flight to Kihihi Airstrip (approximately 1 hour). Upon arrival, a Greenway Nature Tours representative will meet you and take you to your lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as Uganda’s most diverse forest, Bwindi is one of East Africa's richest ecosystems, home to over 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, 200 butterfly species, and 160 types of trees. The park also hosts about half of the world's endangered mountain gorilla population, making it a vital conservation area. Once you reach your lodge, you’ll have time to relax and unwind.

Next, you’ll head out for the Batwa Cultural Experience. The Batwa, known as “the Keepers of the Forest,” have called Bwindi Impenetrable Forest home for thousands of years. They once lived off the forest, hunting small animals with arrows and nets, and gathering plants, berries, and fruits. Their homes were simple huts made of leaves and branches, and they moved frequently in search of food.

However, in 1992, when Bwindi was designated a national park and World Heritage Site to protect its endangered mountain gorillas, the Batwa were evicted. Without land or compensation, they became refugees in a world without forests. Many Batwa tragically died during these early years of displacement, and the survival of their culture was at risk. In 2001, medical missionaries purchased land and established programs to help improve the tribe’s living conditions. Together with the Batwa, they built homes, schools, hospitals, and clinics, and focused on water, sanitation, and income-generating projects.

Today, these efforts are continued by the Batwa and local staff through the Batwa Development Program (BDP). After this enlightening experience with the Batwa, you’ll return to your lodge for relaxation and an afternoon to relax. For those who are feeling adventurous, you can explore the stunning Bwindi trails on a mountain biking excursion.

Overnight at Buhoma Lodge or similar

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

This morning, embark on a thrilling trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to see the mountain gorillas. The journey through the dense forest can be challenging—wet, muddy, and at times uncomfortable, with altitudes reaching nearly 2000 meters above sea level. The terrain is rugged and often humid, making it a physically demanding experience. However, the excitement of encountering a habituated gorilla family, led by a majestic silverback, more than makes up for the effort. You’ll have the chance to get remarkably close to these gentle creatures, and your visit will last for an unforgettable hour. Afterward, return to your lodge and take in the stunning views as you unwind.

In the late afternoon, you have the option to visit a coffee farm supported by Gorilla Conservation Coffee, a social enterprise that works with local farmers living near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This initiative pays a premium price for the coffee while also making a donation to support vital health and conservation efforts through Conservation Through Public Health. Gorilla Conservation Coffee trains farmers to enhance the quality of their coffee and increase production, all while encouraging forest preservation to help protect Uganda’s mountain gorillas. The coffee brand itself is named after Kanyonyi, the legendary silverback from the Mubare family.

Overnight at Buhoma Lodge or Similar

After a relaxing morning at your leisure, you'll enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to Kihihi Airstrip. There, you'll board a light aircraft for your return flight to Entebbe. A Greenway Nature Tours representative will greet you upon arrival and guide you to the international terminal for your outbound flight. If your flight is later in the day, just let us know, and we’ll be happy to arrange a day room nearby or create a customized final-day itinerary to make the most of your last moments in Uganda. There are plenty of options to choose from!

Meals: Breakfast