A 3 Days Gorilla Tour is one of the shortest but most powerful wildlife adventures you can have in Africa. In just three days, you can trek through misty forests to come face-to-face with a Mountain Gorilla, one of our closest relatives on the planet. But did you know you have several ways to make this dream happen?
From Uganda or Rwanda, fly-in or road-trip, budget comfort or luxury, this guide explores all the ways to do a 3 Days Gorilla Tour—and which one might be best for you.
Let’s look as 3 days Gorilla tour options
Where Can You Trek Gorillas?
Mountain Gorillas are found in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Of these Uganda and Rwanda are the commonly visited destinations, so we’ll focus on those below.
Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable NP & Mgahinga Gorilla NP
Uganda offers two destinations for gorilla trekking:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga & Nkuringo
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – One group, fewer crowds, and a chance to combine with Golden Monkey trekking or volcano hiking.
Permit cost: $800 USD per person
Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda offers a premium experience with excellent infrastructure and the shortest drive from Kigali to the park (~2.5 hrs). It’s a luxury-focused destination and comes at a higher cost.
Permit cost: $1,500 USD per person
Best for: Travelers with limited time or seeking ultra-comfort and high-end lodges.
Tip: It’s possible to land in Kigali and cross into Uganda to trek at a lower cost.
Gorilla Habituation Option – Spend More Time with the Gorillas
If one hour feels too short, Uganda offers a Gorilla Habituation Experience in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi.
Duration with gorillas: 4 hours (vs 1 hour on regular treks)
Permits cost: $1,500 USD per person
Group size: Max 4 guests per day – limited and exclusive
This is a hands-on conservation experience where you accompany researchers as they gradually acclimate a gorilla group to human presence.
Entry Points: Kigali or Entebbe?
Via Kigali (Rwanda)
- ~4–5 hrs drive to southern Bwindi
- Quickest route for Uganda trekking
- Combine Rwanda culture or city tour
- Best for short trips or those starting in Rwanda
Via Entebbe (Uganda)
- ~9–10 hrs drive to Bwindi
- More varied safari options available
- Fly-in options reduce travel time significantly
- Best for travelers exploring more of Uganda
Tip: East Africa Tourist Visa lets you cross borders between Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya easily!
Fly-In vs Drive – What Works for You?
Drive Option
- More budget-friendly
- Allows scenic and cultural stops
- Can combine with Queen Elizabeth NP for tree-climbing lions, chimpanzee trekking or a boat-cruise on Kazinga channel.
Fly-In Option
- Flights from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro
- Saves time—great for high-end travelers or tight itineraries
- More relaxing and ideal for pairing with luxury lodges
Where to Stay? Accommodation Options
Uganda offers excellent value across all comfort levels, from comfort budget to premium luxury. An important point to make when it comes to accommodation is that for Bwindi Impenetrable NP the accommodation choice needs to be made with the sector for trekking in mind. If you happen to book accommodation for another sector then the one you are to trek in you’ll be up for a very early morning drive… When you book your 3 days Gorilla tour via a reputable tour operator they have a check on the sectors for you.
For the ones on a shoestring budget there are basic budget options around. While the are nice comfort budget options for travelers seeking value with comfort. These are the lodges that will fit most travelers needs perfectly. With en-suite rooms, good service and reliable essentials like power, warm water and wifi. Continuing up the budget scale there are mid-range lodges that will give you a bit extra. As well as beautiful luxury lodges for the ones who wish for something exclusive. At the top of the budget scale are the premium luxury lodges that pamper visitors with private butlers, spa treatments and gourmet cuisine.
Sample itineraries for a 3 Days Gorilla Tour
Let’s look at 3 days gorilla tour itinerary options. These will give you a good idea of how you can plan your trip.
3 days Uganda Gorilla tour
- Day 1: Start from Entebbe/Kampala in the morning & drive to Bwindi Impenetrable NP.
- Day 2: Mountain Gorilla trekking day or habituation experience.
- Day 3: Make the journey back to Entebbe/Kampala.
See a full itinerary for a 3 days Uganda Gorilla trek safari
3 days Uganda Gorilla trekking with start in Kigali
- Day 1: Arrive in Kigali – cross into Uganda (~4–5 hrs)
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking or habituation experience
- Day 3: Drive back to Kigali – optional Genocide Memorial visit or local crafts shopping
Get inspired by this itinerary option adding in a day to explore Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions too: 4 days Uganda Gorilla trekking with start in Kigali
3 Days Gorilla Tour via Entebbe with Fly-in
- Day 1: Fly from Entebbe to Kisoro or Kihihi – transfer to lodge
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking or habituation
- Day 3: Return flight to Entebbe – continue your journey or connect with international flight
Take a look at this itinerary for more details: 3 days fly-in Gorilla trekking
Optional Add-On Activities
Birding in Bwindi or Mgahinga
Combining Gorilla trekking with birding is a must for birders and nature lovers. These forests host 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Truly guided birding walks are a tranquil way to explore beyond gorilla tracking.
Batwa Cultural Experience
Another option is to visit the Batwa forest community and learn how they traditionally lived in the jungle. A educational experience that supports local conservation.
Golden Monkey Trekking (Mgahinga Only)
In addition to gorilla trekking Mgahinga Gorilla NP offers another primate experience for the curious traveler. Here you can enter the forest another time to trek Golden Monkey.
Meet the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha
Even if you are tight on time it is possible to add in the unique experience of searching for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth NP. As a matter of fact to regularly climb trees is a rare behavior for these big cats. There are only two places in the world where they do. Plan your Gorilla trek for Buhoma sector and stay at the beautiful lodge Topi Lodge by Ishasha to make this combination happen.
Start planning your 3 days Gorilla tour
A 3 Days Gorilla Tour offers more than just a trek. It’s a chance to experience ancient forests, incredible biodiversity, and impactful conservation. All in a short but unforgettable package. What ever your preferences there’s a 3 day gorilla tour option just right for you.
At Mamaland Safaris, we specialize in tailor-made Uganda and East Africa tours. Let us help you plan a 3-day gorilla trek that’s built around your schedule, interests and budget.
Come for a tailor-made Uganda safari with us.
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