A Smartly Planned 3-Day Self-Drive Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari

A 3-Day Self-Drive Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari is a 3 days Self-drive to go Gorilla trekking designed for those who prefer freedom and the excitement of driving through Uganda’s breath-taking scenery. Our Self-Drive Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari is even bigger, brighter and better. In fact, our 3-Day Self-Drive Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari itinerary could not be simpler to allow you all the freedom of self-driving while we arrange all other aspects.

Whether you are an experienced road tripper or have not gone self-driving in East Africa previously, it gives you all you need in order to enjoy the mountain gorillas in Uganda in comfort.

This page explains why self-drive gorilla trekking works, what to expect, how the itinerary flows, what to pack, best time to go, safety tips, car options, costs, and a polished 3-Day Self-Drive Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari Guide.

Quick Summary of 3-Day Self-Drive Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari

• Day 1 Pick-up 4×4 & Self-Drive from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi
• Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest – the highlight of the safari
• Day 3: Drive back to Kampala or Entebbe – End of the safari

Quick Safari Overview

This short but unforgettable safari includes:

• Scenic drive from Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi
• One day mountain Gorilla Trekking Expedition
• Authentic cultural and geographical experiences
• Activities such as Batwa community tours, waterfalls, or coffee plantations;
• Hortons,Mikalero & Kashaka Lodges-selection based on proximity to trek

Everything is organized—you simply pick up the car and go.

Your first day of 3-Day Self-Drive Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari will begin with a meet and greet. We meet you with our fully equipped, ready to roll 4×4 vehicle (Toyota RAV4, Prado, or Land Cruiser LX Prado with roof top camping tent).

Day 1 Highlights

• Meet & greet + vehicle orientation and contract sign
• Receive Printed & digital route maps
• Start your scenic 8–9 hour drive to Bwindi
• Enjoy countryside landscapes, plantations & rolling hills
• Stop at Equator, do tests of Northern and Southern Hemisphere
• Continue and have a stopover for lunch in Mbarara (Igongo Cultural Centre)
• Continue through the highlands into Kabale or Kisoro
• Arrive and check in at your booked lodge

The Drive Itself Is Part of the Safari

The 3-Day Self-Drive Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari Road-Trip to Bwindi offers exquisite scenery. Plan to expect:

• Rough hills
• Tea Estates
• Lake Bunyonyi beliefs
• Local Roadside Fruits and Craft Markets
• Fresh Air & Plenty of Greenery

As the terrain becomes mountainous, you’ll feel the excitement of approaching the gorilla sanctuary.

Accommodation

• Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
• Buhoma Haven Lodge
• Four Gorillas Lodge Rushaga
• Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Gorilla Mist Camp

Meal Plan: Pack Lunch during transit, Supper at lodge

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Today is the day you’ve been waiting for—the heart of your Self-Drive Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari.

In the Morning: Gorilla Trekking Briefing

Wake up, have breakfast, and drive to the park headquarters. You will meet other trekkers to:

• A Safety brief
• Gorilla Trekking Guidelines
• Tips from park rangers
• Assigning gorilla families
• Distribution of walking sticks and other dos and donts

The Trekking Experience

Trekking time depends on gorilla movements:

• 1–6 hours with trails potentially steep, muddy, and through the woods
• There are likely to be sightings of birds, monkeys, and exotic plants.
• You spend 1 hour with the gorilla family

The Magical 60 Minutes With Gorillas

When you locate the gorilla family, it is peaceful and unique because:

• Monitor the silverback and his troop
• See mothers with babies
• Observe mischievous children
• Photograph and record video (without flash)
• Listening to heavy forest noises
• It’s heart-warming and unforgettable.

Afternoon: Optional Cultural Experience

After the hike, return to the lodge; thereafter, you can opt to participate in another activity:

• Batwa cultural village visited
• Banana beer from local brew
• Traditional dancing and storytelling
• Village walks

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda

Enjoy the relaxed breakfast and begin the return trip back to Kampala or Entebbe using the same route.

Optional Stops

• Canoeing at lake Bunyonyi
• Igongo Cultural Centre for lunch & Museum
• Mpambire drum makers’ village

When you get back, return the car and prepare to fly out.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Best Time to Go

Gorilla trekking can be undertaken all year round; in fact, the dry seasons when the weather is optimal are from

Peak Season (Best Weather)

• June-September
• December–February

Trails are less muddy, hence easier driving.

Rainy Season Disadvantages

• Inexpensive lodging
• Fewer crowds
• Improved Photography Lighting

Is a Self-Drive Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari Safe?

Yes—very safe, provided basic precautions are taken.

Safety Support You Receive:

• Emergency hotline: 24/7 phone line
• Car Replacement incase of breakdown
• Route directions regarding safety
• Contacts and help from the ranger
• Clear instructions for mountain terrain driving

The south-western part of Uganda is friendly and secure.

Why Book Your Self-Drive Gorilla Trekking Uganda Safari With Us?

At Car Rental Safaris Africa, we specialize in self-drive safaris, ensuring you get:

✔ Perfectly planned routes: We give you an easy-to-follow, traveller-friendly roadmap.

✔ New model, reliable 4x4s: No breakdown worries—with 24/7 rescue.

✔ Seamless gorilla permit handling: We secure your permits fast and hassle-free.

✔ Handpicked lodges close to trekking centers: So you spend less time driving early morning.

✔ Friendly customer support: From the moment you land to the moment you leave.

✔ Transparent pricing—no hidden charges: Everything is clearly explained.

✔ Customization available: We can add Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth NP, or even Rwanda!

Safari Enroute