Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, with permits secured
Three to five days in Uganda's Impenetrable Forest. Every trip is custom-planned to your dates and group.
No obligation. A real person replies within 24 hours.
How your trip is priced
Every trip is costed to your dates, group size and choice of lodge, so there is no fixed package price.
The gorilla permit is a fixed Uganda Wildlife Authority cost and is included in every quote we send.
Always included
- Gorilla trekking permits
- Park entry fees
- Professional guide
- Ground transport
- Accommodation
- Meals as specified
Not included
- International flights
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Tipping
- Personal items
Tell us roughly what you have in mind and we'll send a fully costed itinerary within 24 hours.
What the trek is actually like
You should be moderately fit. The trek can last anywhere from one to six hours over steep, muddy and often trackless forest terrain, at altitudes between 4,000 and 8,000 feet. Porters are available and strongly recommended. Most reasonably active people in their sixties and seventies complete it comfortably.
Permits and timing
Uganda issues a fixed number of gorilla trekking permits each day through the Uganda Wildlife Authority. For June to September and December to February they commonly book six to twelve months ahead. Iconic secures your permit as part of the booking, so you do not have to.
Sample 3-day and 5-day shapes
Both are starting points that get customised to your dates, pace and lodge preference.
3 Days
Bwindi Gorilla Express
Day 1
Arrive Entebbe. Transfer to your hotel on the shore of Lake Victoria. Briefing and overnight.
Day 2
Fly to Bwindi. Gorilla trekking with a habituated family — one hour with them. Return to your lodge.
Day 3
Community walk or forest trail. Fly back to Entebbe for your onward flight.
5 Days
Gorillas & the Lake
Day 1
Arrive Entebbe. Settle in at your hotel on Lake Victoria.
Day 2
Fly to Bwindi. Afternoon at leisure in the foothills of the Impenetrable Forest.
Day 3
Gorilla trekking — one hour with a habituated family. Picnic lunch in the forest.
Day 4
Batwa cultural experience or a forest nature walk. Fly back to Entebbe.
Day 5
Shoebill search at Mabamba Swamp (optional) before your onward flight.
Get your gorilla trip quote
Tell us roughly what you have in mind. One of our travel designers replies personally within 24 hours.
Why travel with Iconic
Based where we operate
Our office is in Kampala, not a call centre overseas. We know these lodges, roads and guides personally.
Every trip custom-built
Nothing on this page is fixed. We plan around your dates, pace, budget and interests.
Permits handled for you
Gorilla permits are limited and sell out months ahead. We secure yours as part of the booking.
One point of contact
The person who plans your trip is the person you speak to throughout.
IATA accredited · Member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators · The Uganda Association of Travel Agents · Uganda Tourism Board
What our travellers say
"Fantastic tour. It didn't disappoint. Precious Ampeire was knowledgeable and gave a fantastic time in Marchison Falls National Park. The trip was value for Money. Long live ICONIC travels."
— Dinah
"It was my first experience out of Uganda and I had the best time with my family that I had taken years without seeing... The trip was very smooth. We were taken care of. Thanks so much — looking forward to doing it again!"
— Kiyaga T
"Fun-filled Serengeti and Zanzibar tour. Very exciting and adventurous... The itinerary was well organized, our travel agent Evelyn was amazing and helpful throughout, making sure we had a great to-do list and excellent accommodation."
— Eunice M
Want to add the Serengeti?
Many travellers pair gorilla trekking with the great migration. Our 25-day Uganda and Serengeti journey covers both.
See the full journey