Bwindi Gorilla Express

One hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family, once the trackers find them. Reaching them can take much of the morning, because the family moves through dense forest from day to day. In that hour you can watch silverbacks, mothers with infants and young gorillas playing in the branches. With a second permit booked in advance, you can trek again on day three.

Reasonably fit. The forest trails are steep, dense and often muddy, and the length of the walk depends on where the family is that day. You follow rangers and trackers through thick undergrowth. Regular hill walking before you travel makes a real difference, and good boots and a walking stick help on the slopes.

Both work. The drive is about 450 kilometres and eight to nine hours through the Kigezi Highlands, leaving Entebbe very early. A one-hour domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip saves most of that day. The same choice applies on the way back: flying gets you to Entebbe by midday, driving by evening.

All three nights are at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, on the edge of the forest. Staying in one place means you unpack once and stay close to the start of the trek. You come back to the lodge after trekking, and the afternoon of day three is free to rest there.

It begins with a 7:30 AM briefing at park headquarters, where rangers explain how the trek works. You then walk into the forest with rangers and trackers, following fresh signs until you reach the gorilla family. After your hour with them, you walk back out and return to Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge for the rest of the day.

It's a guided forest walk with members of the Batwa community, who lived in these forests for generations. They share traditional hunting techniques, their knowledge of medicinal plants and forest songs. It runs on day three as the alternative to a second gorilla trek, and the afternoon is free at the lodge.

Yes, if you pre-book an extra gorilla permit. The second trek on day three visits a different gorilla family, so it rarely feels like a repeat. Permits have to be secured in advance, so tell our team early if you want two treks. We can also add days if you'd like more time in the forest.

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt and gardening gloves for gripping vegetation, plus a rain jacket, since the forest is often wet and muddy. Carry water, snacks and your camera in a small daypack. Check current Uganda visa and health entry rules before you travel; we'll advise when you enquire.

The Bwindi Gorilla Express is 4 days and 3 nights. The day-by-day itinerary on this page shows where you go and stay each day.

This trip visits Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

It is rated moderate: a reasonable level of general fitness is enough.

It runs for groups of 2 to 12 travellers.

Included: One mountain gorilla trekking permit (Bwindi), Accommodation and meals as shown in the day-by-day itinerary, Private 4x4 vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide, Park entry fees for the parks visited, Bottled water in the vehicle and All transfers and transportation in the itinerary.

Not included: International flights, Visa fees, Travel insurance (recommended), Alcoholic beverages, Tips and gratuities for guide and lodge staff, Personal items and souvenirs, Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary and A second gorilla trek or the Batwa cultural trail (optional, day 3).