Gorilla trekking Bwindi uganda

6 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda & Cultural Tour | Bwindi

Tour pricing from $2,991USD per person (group of 12) to $4,215USD per person (2 travelers)

To confirm your booking, a 40% deposit is required along with the included gorilla trekking permit fee of $825 USD per person, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The permit is mandatory for all gorilla treks in Uganda and is arranged by Back to the Source Tours on your behalf. Full pricing by group size is in the interactive table below.

About This 6-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Tour

This 6-day Gorilla Preservation and Community Experience Tour offers an unforgettable blend of wildlife, culture, and connection, perfectly curated for travelers seeking meaning beyond the journey.

From the moment you arrive in **Entebbe**, you are guided through a seamless itinerary that includes a **scenic domestic flight to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest**, where you spend 4 immersive days surrounded by misty jungle, rich traditions, and warm local hospitality. The highlight is a once-in-a-lifetime **mountain gorilla trekking adventure** in **Bwindi Impenetrable National Park**, where you stand face-to-face with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, an encounter both humbling and exhilarating.

Beyond the forest, you engage with vibrant local communities through hands-on experiences: a cultural visit with the **Batwa people**, the Indigenous guardians of the forest, and optional activities with the **Ride-4-A-Woman** initiative including basket weaving, cooking classes, mountain biking, and storytelling. These interactions offer deeper insight into rural Ugandan life and directly support local livelihoods.

The journey ends with a return to **Entebbe**, including optional excursions to **Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary**, a **Mabamba Swamp** birding tour in search of the iconic **Shoebill Stork**, and a chance to explore the cultural and historic richness of **Kampala**, rounding out a journey filled with lasting memories.

Apply for your Uganda visa at: immigration.go.ug/services/tourist-visa

The direct website to applying for your Uganda visa: immigration.go.ug/services/tourist-visa

6 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda & Cultural Tour | Bwindi

Pearl of Africa · Uganda

6-Days: Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Immersion

What Does This Journey Cost?

Select your group size below. The more you travel together, the more value every traveler gains. All pricing reflects upper mid-range estimates, per person, in USD.

Upper Mid-Range Estimates. These figures are a planning guide only. Final pricing is confirmed at booking and may vary based on travel dates, availability, and seasonal demand. Back to the Source Tours will provide a personalized quote upon inquiry.

2 PAX

$4,215.23

per person

4 PAX

$3,582.56

per person

6 PAX

$3,374.78

per person

8 PAX

$3,184.66

per person

10 PAX

$3,075.08

per person

12 PAX

$2,991.59

per person

Traveling as a pair gives you the most exclusive, personalised experience this journey has to offer.

All prices are upper mid-range estimates in USD and subject to change based on travel dates, availability, and seasonal demand. A confirmed quote will be provided upon booking inquiry.

All pricing is based on double occupancy, two travelers sharing one room whether single or twin beds. Solo travelers are warmly welcome; a single supplement applies and typically ranges from $500 to $700 depending on tour dates. Back to the Source Tours organizes groups of up to 12 travelers for maximum impact, and larger groups can also be accommodated.

Escape to an African Paradise

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by a representative from Back to the Source Tours for a warm welcome and assistance through arrival formalities. A short private transfer will take you to your selected hotel, where you can relax and settle in after your journey.

Once comfortable, you will receive a personal briefing on the days ahead, outlining your itinerary, key highlights, and any final details. Should time permit, there will be opportunities to enjoy the charm of Entebbe and its surroundings at a relaxed pace.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel or a recommended restaurant in town, then unwind for a restful night in preparation for the adventures to come.

This evening is also a good moment to confirm any optional activities you would like to arrange for your time in Bwindi, and your Back to the Source Tours guide will be happy to assist with any questions.

Things to Do in Entebbe Uganda: Best Experiences for 1 to 3 Days
Things to Do in Entebbe Uganda: Best Experiences for 1 to 3 Days

Best things to do in Entebbe Uganda: Ngamba Island chimps, Mabamba Swamp Shoebill, botanical gardens, and Lake Victoria. [...]

Day 2: Flight to Bwindi + Optional Community Encounters

This morning, you’ll board a scenic domestic flight to Kihihi Airstrip, soaring above Uganda’s breathtaking rural landscapes. Upon arrival, your Back to the Source Tours guide will greet you and accompany you to your lodge in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you’ll be based for the next few nights. Our guide will handle all the registration logistics while you enjoy your orientation.

6 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda & Cultural Tour | Bwindi

6 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda & Cultural Tour | Bwindi

Ride-4-A-Woman Bwindi Uganda: Women's Community Initiative Near Gorilla Forest
Ride-4-A-Woman Bwindi Uganda: Women’s Community Initiative Near Gorilla Forest

Ride-4-A-Woman near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: how this Uganda nonprofit empowers women through weaving and cultural tourism. [...]

After lunch and settling in, and if energy allows, you’ll have the chance to engage with local women-led empowerment initiatives through our trusted partners in the community. Choose from a variety of meaningful, hands-on experiences such as: Basket weaving workshops, Tailoring and sewing demonstrations, Firewood cooking classes, Mountain biking through the village, Traditional dance and storytelling performances, and/or Visit to a woman’s home for shared cultural exchange

Your participation in these activities directly supports local livelihoods and helps preserve traditional culture, making your trip deeply impactful on both a personal and community level.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking – A Day You’ll Never Forget

Today marks one of the most unforgettable experiences of your journey, tracking the mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you will gather at the park headquarters for a detailed briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. The morning begins with a warm cultural welcome, featuring traditional song and dance performed by members of the local community.

With your assigned porter and expert trackers, set off into the dense forest, following trails through mist-covered hills and ancient vegetation in search of one of Bwindi’s habituated gorilla families. The trek can range from three to six hours depending on the gorillas’ movements, but every step is rewarded with sights and sounds unique to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When you finally meet the gorillas, you will spend a full hour in their presence, watching them feed, play, and care for their young, an encounter that leaves a lasting impression.

6 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda & Cultural Tour | Bwindi

After returning to your lodge, enjoy a well-deserved rest or take advantage of optional afternoon activities. You may visit nearby community or conservation projects, or join a guided walk to the scenic waterfalls of the Buhoma region. If you prefer, you can simply relax and save some of these experiences for the following day, ensuring your time in Bwindi is both memorable and unhurried.

Mountain gorilla silverback Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Uganda gorilla trekking

Mountain gorilla family Bwindi Forest Uganda Back to the Source Tours

Gorilla trekking Bwindi Uganda mountain gorilla eating rainforest

Gorilla trek Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda wildlife safari

Mountain gorilla close encounter Bwindi Uganda gorilla trekking safari

Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guide gorilla trek Bwindi forest

Young mountain gorilla Bwindi Uganda 3-day fly-in safari tour

Mountain gorilla group Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Uganda primate safari

Young mountain gorilla Bwindi Uganda 3-day fly-in safari tour

Gorilla trekking filming Bwindi Uganda Arturo Islas Allende Back to the Source Tours

Young mountain gorilla Bwindi Uganda 3-day fly-in safari tour

Bwindi-Mountain-Gorilla-Back-to-the-Source-Tours

Day 4 – Batwa Community Visit & Cultural Activities

This morning, immerse yourself in one of Bwindi’s most meaningful cultural experiences, a guided visit to the Batwa community, the forest’s original inhabitants. Known as the “keepers of the forest,” the Batwa lived for generations within Bwindi’s dense jungle, hunting, gathering, and living in complete harmony with nature.

Led by Batwa elders and storytellers, you will walk through a recreated forest village and gain a first-hand understanding of their traditions, survival skills, and spiritual beliefs. Learn how to make fire without matches, practice using a traditional bow and arrow, discover the medicinal uses of native plants, and listen to ancient stories passed down through generations. Their vibrant dances and songs bring the experience to life, offering an intimate glimpse into a way of life that has been shaped by the forest for centuries.

Your visit directly supports Batwa-led initiatives focused on cultural preservation and sustainable livelihoods. If you still have energy in the afternoon, you may choose to visit the Pangolin Rescue Centre for an insightful look at conservation efforts to protect one of the world’s most endangered mammals, or return to Ride-4-A-Woman to participate in one of their many hands-on community projects.

Batwa Village Tour Bwindi Uganda: A Cultural Experience Rooted in History and Resilience
Batwa Village Tour Bwindi Uganda: A Cultural Experience Rooted in History and Resilience

The Batwa Empowerment Village Tour near Bwindi: meet Uganda's indigenous forest people and support community conservation. [...]

Day 5: Return to Entebbe with Optional Experiences

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and transfer to Kihihi Airstrip for your scenic return flight to Entebbe. Upon arrival, you may choose to unwind at your hotel or take advantage of the time before your onward flight with a selection of curated experiences tailored to your interests and energy level.

Options include a visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, reached by a short and picturesque boat ride on Lake Victoria, where more than 50 rescued chimpanzees are cared for in a protected environment. Guided by experienced conservationists, you will observe the chimps during feeding time, learn about their rehabilitation process, and gain insight into the complex social bonds and remarkable intelligence of these primates.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary: A Meaningful Encounter on Lake Victoria
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary: A Meaningful Encounter on Lake Victoria

Discover the Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary tour on Lake Victoria, with half-day, full-day, and overnight experiences that directly support chimpanzee care and conservation in [...]

Things to Do in Entebbe Uganda: Best Experiences for 1 to 3 Days
Things to Do in Entebbe Uganda: Best Experiences for 1 to 3 Days

Best things to do in Entebbe Uganda: Ngamba Island chimps, Mabamba Swamp Shoebill, botanical gardens, and Lake Victoria. [...]

Other possibilities range from a guided city tour of Kampala with stops at artisan craft markets and cultural landmarks, to a private boat or yacht cruise on Lake Victoria that can take you to the equator line and other notable sites. You might also enjoy relaxing at one of the lake’s sandy beaches, dining with a view of the water, or exploring nearby cultural attractions such as Ewaffe Cultural Village.

More adventurous guests can opt for light outdoor activities like zip-lining en-route to Jinja. Your Back to the Source Tours guide will help refine these options based on your departure schedule and personal preferences, ensuring your final day in Uganda is as memorable as the journey itself.

This is your last evening in the forest region. Take the time to reflect on what you have seen, the faces of the gorillas, the warmth of the Batwa elders, the laughter of the women at Ride-4-A-Woman. Dinner at your leisure, overnight in Entebbe.

Day 6: Explore Entebbe & Kampala + Departure

With your final day at leisure, you have the flexibility to shape how you close your Ugandan journey. For those who wish to begin with nature, a morning canoe excursion through Mabamba Swamp offers the chance to spot the rare shoebill stork, along with a variety of other waterbirds in this tranquil wetland habitat.

Afterward, you may enjoy a freshly prepared grilled fish lunch by the shores of Lake Victoria or unwind at one of Entebbe’s relaxed lakeside cafés. Spend the remainder of the day at your own pace, perhaps browsing local artisan shops or enjoying quiet time by the water, before your guide transfers you to the airport for your international departure.

Shoebill Stork Mabamba Swamp: Best Birding Experience Near Entebbe Uganda
Shoebill Stork Mabamba Swamp: Best Birding Experience Near Entebbe Uganda

How to see the Shoebill Stork at Mabamba Swamp near Entebbe Uganda: what to expect, timing, and why it is unmissable. [...]

Departure – Until We Meet Again in the Pearl of Africa

As the sun begins to set, return to your hotel to freshen up before your transfer back to Entebbe International Airportfor your outbound flight, leaving Uganda not only with photographs, but with stories, connections, and experiences that stay with you forever.

More info about this tour

Included:

  • Accommodation as per the itinerary:

    • 1 night in Entebbe on arrival (Day 1)

    • 3 nights at an upper mid-range lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Days 2, 3, and 4)

    • 1 night in Entebbe on return (Day 5)

  • All meals as per the Itinerary
  • Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla trekking permit($825.00 USD per person) included in tour price. Settled at the time of your 40% booking deposit. Back to the Source Tours
    manages the full permit process.
    • Minimum trekking age permitted to go gorilla trekking is 15 years of age
  • Shoebill Mabamba Swamp Trekking in Enebbe
  • Pangolin Rescue Center visit in Bwindi
  • Batwa Community Tour in Bwindi
  • All transportation as per the itinerary in a private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Flight from Entebbe to Kihihi Airstrip, roundtrip
  • Experienced English-speaking driver-guide unless otherwise requested a bilingual guide
  • All government taxes, concession fees, parks entrance fees and levies
  • All meet and greet services
  • All arrival and departure transfers to the airport
  • Drinking water in the vehicle while on safari
  • Personal customer service (24/7)
Not Included:
  • International flights
  • Visa fees: Any visa requirements for entry into Uganda
  • Travel insurance: Not included but highly recommended
  • Personal expenses: Costs for souvenirs, snacks, and drinks outside of provided meals
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the “Included Section”
  • Tips and gratuities: For guides and lodge staff
  • Medical expenses: Any incurred medical costs
Choosing Your Accommodation:

We offer a range of accommodation options to suit your preferences and budget. Our safari packages always include a comfortable and well-equipped upper mid-range lodge that provides a truly great African safari experience. Some of these lodge partners offer free massages, full board with an open bar, and other premium inclusions depending on the property.

Upper mid-range (included in base price):
Carefully selected lodges in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, chosen for comfort, location, service quality, and proximity to the gorilla trekking registration point. All properties in this tier are vetted by Back to the Source Tours based on guest feedback and on-the-ground inspections.

Upgrade to luxury:
A supplement can be applied to upgrade to a luxury lodge. These properties offer larger rooms, enhanced dining, spa services, and spectacular forest views. Ask about current availability and supplement pricing when requesting your quote.

Lower mid-range option:
For travelers with tighter budgets, a reduction can be applied to shift to a lower mid-range lodge without compromising the quality of the gorilla trekking experience. Contact us to discuss options.

Accommodation in Entebbe on Days 1 and 5 is selected for comfort and proximity to Entebbe International Airport. Upgrades are available on request.

Tell us your preferences and we will recommend the best fit.

Optional Activities:

In Entebbe and nearby cities:

In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:

Tour Pricing by Group Size

Group travel offers exceptional value, and with Back to the Source Tours, the savings can be significant. This 6-day gorilla trekking Uganda tour is priced per person based on group size. All prices are upper mid-range estimates in USD.

Group of 2 travelers: $4,215 USD per person (total $8,430 USD)

Group of 4 travelers: $3,582 USD per person (save 15%)

Group of 6 travelers: $3,374 USD per person (save 20%)

Group of 8 travelers: $3,184 USD per person (save 24%)

Group of 10 travelers: $3,075 USD per person (save 27%)

Group of 12 travelers: $2,991 USD per person (save 29%)

All pricing is based on double occupancy: two travelers sharing one room, single or twin beds. A solo traveler supplement applies for single room bookings. Contact us for the current solo supplement rate.

Group pricing applies when all travelers book together under one reservation. Final pricing is confirmed at booking and may vary with travel dates, seasonal demand, and accommodation availability.

Contact Back to the Source Tours for a personalized quote based on your specific travel dates and group size.

Payment Options:

To secure your booking, a 40% deposit is required,  including $825 USD for the purchase of each gorilla permit.

We also offer flexible payment options based on how far in advance your travel dates are scheduled. Your initial payment allows Back to the Source Tours to confirm key services and submit the required deposits to our itinerary partners in order to securely hold your accommodations and tour arrangements.

Our preferred payment method is bank wire transfers.

We also accept credit card payments through Pesapal, though applicable processing fees will apply. You may make a card payment here: Pesapal Payment Link. If you have any questions regarding payment timelines, methods, or booking requirements, our team is available to assist you. Check out our Booking Policy for more details.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is available year-round. Uganda has two dry seasons and two wet seasons, and both offer rewarding gorilla trekking experiences for different reasons.

Best seasons for gorilla trekking:

June to September (long dry season): The most popular time to trek. Trails are drier and firmer, making the physical hike more manageable. Clear skies make for better photography. This is peak season and permits book up several months in advance.

December to February (short dry season): Excellent trekking conditions with dry trails and generally clear weather. A good alternative to the June to September peak with slightly less competition for permits.

March to May (long rainy season): Trails are muddier and the hike more challenging, but Bwindi is extraordinarily lush and green. Fewer visitors mean a more private experience. Gorilla sightings are not affected by rain as the gorillas are present year-round.

October to November (short rainy season): Similar to the long rainy season. Some travelers prefer this period specifically for the solitude and the vibrant green forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does this 6-day gorilla trekking Uganda tour cost?

From $2,991 USD per person for a group of 12, to $4,215 USD per person for 2 travelers. The Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla trekking permit ($825 USD per person) is included in the tour price.

Is the gorilla permit included in the price?

Yes. The $825 USD Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla trekking permit is included in your tour price and needs to be secured/paid for at the same time along the 40% booking deposit. Back to the Source Tours handles the entire permit booking process on your behalf.

How many days do I spend in Bwindi on this tour?

You spend 4 days based in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: arriving on Day 2 and departing on Day 5. The gorilla trek takes place on Day 3. Cultural activities with the Batwa community and Ride-4-A-Woman take place on Days 2 and 4.

What is the Batwa community visit?

The Batwa are the indigenous forest people of the Great Lakes region and the original inhabitants of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. On Day 4 you spend the morning with Batwa elders and storytellers learning traditional skills: fire-making without matches, traditional bow and arrow, the medicinal uses of native plants, and ancient stories passed down through generations. Your visit directly supports Batwa-led cultural preservation and sustainable livelihood initiatives.

What is Ride-4-A-Woman?

Ride-4-A-Woman is a non-profit organization in the Buhoma sector near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest that supports women in surrounding villages. Activities include basket weaving, tailoring demonstrations, cooking classes with local ingredients, mountain biking through the village, traditional dance and storytelling, and guided cultural exchanges. Your participation directly supports local livelihoods and cultural preservation.

Can I do a second gorilla trek on this tour?

This itinerary includes one gorilla trekking day on Day 3. If you would like to add a second trek on Day 4, Back to the Source Tours can arrange an additional permit as an upgrade. Contact us when requesting your quote to discuss this option.

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority requires all gorilla trekkers to be a minimum of 15 years of age. There is no maximum age limit.

How physically demanding is gorilla trekking in Bwindi?

The trek ranges from moderate to strenuous depending on where the habituated gorilla family has moved that day. Hikes last between 2 and 6 hours through dense rainforest. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Porters are available and strongly recommended, included for this tour. They carry your daypack, assist on steep terrain, and directly support local livelihoods.

What optional activities are available on Day 5 in Entebbe?

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary: 45 minutes by boat from Entebbe on Lake Victoria, home to 52 rescued chimpanzees with guided feeding time viewings.

Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Stork tour: one of Uganda’s most sought-after birding experiences.

Kampala city tour: Kasubi Tombs, Owino Market, Lubiri Palace, and artisan craft markets.

Lake Victoria sunset boat cruise.

All optional activities are arranged by Back to the Source Tours.

What should I pack for gorilla trekking?

Long-sleeved shirt and long trousers in dark or neutral colors, sturdy waterproof hiking boots, lightweight gardening gloves to protect hands when pushing through vegetation, a rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, a small daypack, and a camera with spare batteries. Back to the Source Tours provides a full packing list guide for gorilla trekking on our travel blog.

Do I need a visa for Uganda?

Yes. Most nationalities require a Uganda tourist visa. Apply online before travel at immigration.go.ug. The e-visa is straightforward and typically approved within 48 hours. Back to the Source Tours can advise you on the process for your specific nationality.

Gorilla Trekking Packing List Uganda: What to Wear and Bring to Bwindi
Gorilla Trekking Packing List Uganda: What to Wear and Bring to Bwindi

What to pack for gorilla trekking in Uganda: clothing, boots, camera gear, and everything needed for a trek in Bwindi Forest. [...]

Pair This Tour with More of East Africa

A 6-day gorilla trek is a complete experience on its own. But Bwindi is just one layer of what East Africa offers, and Back to the Source Tours makes it easy to connect this tour with other destinations before or after your trek, whether you have an extra day or an extra week.

Back to the Source Tours handles every detail of these combinations: domestic and international flights, cross-border logistics, accommodation, permits, and ground transport. Tell us how much time you have and which destinations interest you, and we will build the right itinerary around your goals.

Add 1 to 2 days in Entebbe: Uganda’s lakeside gateway city has more to offer than most travelers expect. The Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Stork tour, the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, and a sunset cruise on Lake Victoria all make meaningful additions to any Uganda itinerary. We can arrange these before your Bwindi flight or after your return.

Add Queen Elizabeth National Park (2 to 3 days): One of Uganda’s most spectacular wildlife destinations, Queen Elizabeth National Park sits within driving distance of Bwindi and can be added seamlessly to either end of this tour. Famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, the Kazinga Channel boat safari, chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge, and enormous herds of hippos and elephants.

Combine with a Kenya safari (5 to 7 days): Gorilla trekking in Uganda paired with the Maasai Mara or Tsavo is one of the most complete African wildlife experiences available anywhere. Our team coordinates all flights, transfers, and logistics between Uganda and Kenya so the combined trip feels seamless.

Add a beach extension in Zanzibar or Diani Beach (3 to 5 days): After the intensity of gorilla trekking and forest hiking, nothing resets the body like the Indian Ocean coast. We can add a Zanzibar spice and beach extension or a Kenya south coast stay at Diani Beach to create a bush-and-beach combination that travelers describe as the perfect East Africa trip.

Book this Tour with us:

Back to the Source Tours - New Logo full