Trekking in the Forests of Uganda
Venture deep into the ancient forests of Bwindi in search of mountain gorillas, where steep green hills, mist and the sounds of the forest surround every step.
At A Glance
Collection | Signature Safari Collection |
Journey Type | One Destination Safari |
Destination | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda |
Recommended Stay | 2–3 Nights |
Choose From | 3 Luxury Lodges |
Nearest Airport/Airstrip | Kihihi Airstrip (KHX) |
Wildlife Highlights | Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, wider species of monkeys, forest elephants, small predator species such as jackals, golden cats and civets, variety of antelope and forest birds |
Ideal For |
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Fully Customisable | Yes |
Why You'll Love This Safari
Into Bwindi
Bwindi feels a world away from the open plains of a traditional safari. The forest is dense, ancient and alive with sound, covering steep hills and deep valleys that disappear beneath layers of green.
Finding the Gorillas
The experience begins long before you find them. You follow narrow forest paths, listen for movement and climb through the vegetation until suddenly the search is over and a gorilla family is right there in front of you.
A Safari On Foot
There is no vehicle to retreat into here. You experience Bwindi on foot, moving through the same forest as the gorillas. The physicality of the trek makes the encounter feel all the more immediate.
The Forest Has Its Own Rhythm
Birds call from the canopy, vegetation moves around you and mist settles across the hills. Even when the gorillas are out of sight, the forest itself keeps you completely immersed in the experience.
Beyond the Gorillas
Bwindi is home to an extraordinary variety of forest life. Birding, forest walks and community experiences offer another perspective on the landscape and the people who live around it.
The Reward of the Trek
Gorilla trekking asks you to slow down and earn the encounter. You may walk for hours through steep, muddy forest before you find the family you came to see. When you finally do, the effort becomes part of the memory rather than something you simply endured to get there.
Lodges In Our Portfolio
Trekking in the Forests of Uganda is built around Erebero Hills, a carefully selected lodge chosen for its elevated position on the northern fringes of Bwindi and its peaceful relationship with the surrounding forest. It offers a beautiful and comfortable place to return to after a demanding day on foot, while keeping the hills, forest and changing light firmly in view.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Perched high above Bwindi Impenetrable Forest on the Nteko Ridge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge feels suspended above the ancient rainforest. Built from local volcanic stone, its private cottages are warmed by fireplaces and open onto extraordinary views of the forest canopy and Virunga Volcanoes. The lodge's position in the quieter Nkuringo sector makes it an especially atmospheric base for gorilla trekking, with the mountains, forest and surrounding communities becoming part of the experience.
Best Suited For
Gorilla trekking
Travellers who value dramatic mountain and forest views
Couples and honeymooners
Guests seeking a quieter, more remote side of Bwindi
Travellers interested in conservation and community
Families wanting spacious accommodation and a dedicated family cottage
Lodge Atmosphere
Mountainous • Intimate • Rustic • Serene
Erebero Hills
Perched on the northern edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Erebero Hills looks across an immense expanse of ancient forest and rolling hills. It is a place to slow down between gorilla treks, with spacious glass-fronted suites, uninterrupted views and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
Best Suited For
Gorilla trekking
Couples and honeymooners
Wildlife and nature enthusiasts
Travellers who value dramatic views
Lodge Atmosphere
Contemporary • Serene • Immersive • Natural
Silverback Lodge
Set high above the canopy of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Silverback Lodge is a contemporary sanctuary where thoughtful design and quiet luxury meet the ancient rainforest. Its twelve forest-facing rooms feature expansive windows and private patios with sunken soaking tubs, while natural textures and locally crafted details create a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Beyond mountain gorilla trekking, guests can discover the region through Batwa cultural encounters, guided forest walks, birdwatching and local coffee experiences. After a day in the forest, the lodge's wellness spa and panoramic views offer a peaceful place to unwind.
Best Suited For
Gorilla trekking
Couples and honeymooners
Travellers seeking contemporary luxury
Wildlife and nature enthusiasts
Travellers interested in local culture and community experiences
Guests who value wellness and relaxation
Lodge Atmosphere
Contemporary • Serene • Considered • Immersive
Sample Itinerary
Recommended Stay: 2 Nights | 3 Days
We believe two nights is the ideal starting point for experiencing Bwindi. It allows enough time for the gorilla trek while giving you space to experience the forest without arriving, trekking and immediately leaving.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Kihihi Airstrip and transfer into the hills towards your chosen lodge, travelling deeper into the forested landscape of southwestern Uganda.
Arrive at your chosen lodge, settle into your room and enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon taking in the views or relaxing at the lodge.
As evening settles over the hills, enjoy dinner and prepare for your gorilla trek the following morning.
Inclusions: Air transfer, lodge transfer, lunch, dinner.
Day 2
After an early breakfast, head into Bwindi with your guides in search of one of the habituated mountain gorilla families.
The terrain can be steep, muddy and physically demanding, with the length of the trek depending on where the family is located that day.
Once you find them, the pace changes completely. Spend time quietly observing the family before beginning the journey back through the forest.
Return to your chosen lodge for a slower afternoon and evening after your time in the forest.
Inclusions: Breakfast, gorilla trekking, lunch, dinner.
Day 3: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the forest before beginning your transfer back to Kihihi Airstrip.
From Kihihi, continue to your next destination or onward connection as part of your wider African journey.
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, air transfer.
The All Out Safaris Perspective
Uganda feels different from the moment you arrive.
There is a rawness to Bwindi that makes the experience feel less like arriving at a wildlife viewing area and more like entering somewhere genuinely wild. The forest is steep, dense and often wet. You have to work for the encounter. But that is exactly why we love it.
You are not watching the gorillas from a vehicle. You are walking through their forest, following trails through the vegetation and experiencing the landscape with all your senses.
Questions about this safari
Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors to Uganda?
Yes. Bwindi is one of the world's most important mountain gorilla habitats and an exceptional introduction to Uganda for travellers whose priority is a genuine forest experience.
Which Uganda lodge should I choose?
That depends on your travel style, budget and priorities. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is ideal for couples and families seeking a secluded mountain retreat with dramatic views and a cosy, traditional lodge atmosphere. Erebero Hills is best suited to travellers who appreciate contemporary design, understated luxury and beautiful forest views. Silverback Lodge is a great choice for guests wanting a comfortable, relaxing retreat close to the Buhoma gorilla trekking sector. If you're unsure which is right for you, we'll recommend the option that best matches your travel style and preferences.
How difficult is gorilla trekking?
Bwindi is mountainous, so trekking can be physically demanding. The distance and terrain vary depending on where the gorilla family is located, and you should be comfortable walking for several hours over uneven ground.
When is the best time to visit Bwindi?
Gorilla trekking is possible throughout the year. Drier periods generally make the trails easier to navigate, while wetter periods can bring more challenging conditions underfoot.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Mountain gorillas are the main attraction, with opportunities to encounter black-and-white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, forest elephants, buffalo and an exceptional variety of forest birds. Bwindi is particularly rewarding for birders and primate enthusiasts.
Is Uganda only worth visiting for gorillas?
No. Uganda also offers chimpanzee trekking, savannah wildlife and other landscapes that can be added to create a much broader Ugandan safari.
Can I trek gorillas more than once?
Yes, subject to permit availability. A second trek can be particularly rewarding for photographers or anyone wanting more time observing different gorilla behaviour.
How do I book this safari?
Simply complete the enquiry form below. We'll then hop on a consultation call to discuss and prepare a personalised safari proposal with recommended accommodation, itinerary options and pricing for you to review.
Similar Safaris
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