Ultimate 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Africa – Affordable Safari Without Compromise (Uganda, Rwanda or Congo)
Embark on a life-changing gorilla trekking adventure with our 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Africa, a short yet powerful safari designed for those who dream of encountering the legendary mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Whether you choose the misty jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, the dramatic slopes of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, or the untouched wilderness of Virunga National Park in Congo, this 3-day gorilla safari is your ultimate chance to see the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas up close—without spending weeks in the wild.
At Nextgen Safaris, we specialize in organizing the best 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Africa, offering both budget-friendly and customizable packages that include guaranteed gorilla permits, trusted local guides, comfortable lodges, and seamless logistics. Our itineraries are perfect for solo travelers, couples, and small groups who want to experience the thrill of gorilla trekking on a short timescale.
Why just dream of Africa when you can trek with giants in just 3 days? With tour options starting in Entebbe, Kigali, or Goma, and prices as low as $1,100, our 3-day gorilla trekking tours are designed to be flexible, affordable, and unforgettable.
Whether you’re planning to visit in 2025, 2026, 2027, or 2028, our expert team ensures your gorilla permit is secured and your trip runs flawlessly. Join our 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Africa and let the journey of a lifetime begin.
Gorilla Trekking Routes Compared – Uganda, Rwanda & Congo
Each destination offers a distinct experience. This comparison helps you choose the best 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari based on your budget, comfort, and adventure level.
| Destination | Park Name | Permit Price | Tour Start Point | Average Total Cost (Budget) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | $800 | Entebbe / Kigali | From $1,300 per person | Budget-friendly, scenic drive, high gorilla population |
| Rwanda | Volcanoes National Park | $1,500 | Kigali | From $2,300 per person | Luxury options, short transfers, smooth logistics |
| Congo (DRC) | Virunga National Park | $400 | Goma / Kigali | From $1,100 per person | Adventurous, raw jungle, least touristy |
3-Day Gorilla Trekking Itinerary for Uganda, Rwanda & Congo
Whether you’re trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, a 3-day gorilla trekking itinerary offers the perfect balance of adventure and efficiency. Below are sample itineraries crafted to match the best-selling and most searched gorilla safari routes in Africa.
🇺🇬 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Itinerary
3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari, Budget Gorilla Trekking Uganda
- Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Pick up from Entebbe or Kigali and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. If from Entebbe, expect an 8–9 hour scenic journey with lunch en route. From Kigali, the drive is about 4–5 hours. Check in at a budget lodge near the park. - Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Early breakfast and briefing at park headquarters. Trek begins and can take 2–6 hours. After a magical hour with a gorilla family, return to your lodge for relaxation and optional community walk. - Day 3: Return to Entebbe or Kigali
After breakfast, drive back to your preferred drop-off point. A Kigali end-point shortens your journey if flying from Rwanda.
Popular Lodges: Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Broadbill Forest Camp.
🇷🇼 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Itinerary
Rwanda Gorilla Safari 3 Days, Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Tour
- Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Pick up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel. Short 2.5-hour drive to Musanze. Visit the Dian Fossey Museum or local market if time allows. Overnight at a midrange or budget lodge. - Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Early start with briefing at Kinigi headquarters. Hike to track one of the habituated gorilla families. After the trek, enjoy optional cultural visits or relax at the lodge. - Day 3: Return to Kigali & Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali for your flight or city tour (optional Genocide Memorial visit).
Popular Lodges: La Locanda, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Hotel Muhabura.
🇨🇩 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Congo Itinerary
3 Day Gorilla Safari Congo, Virunga Gorilla Safari Budget Tour
- Day 1: Kigali to Goma – Virunga National Park
Early pickup in Kigali, drive to Goma via Gisenyi (3–4 hours). Cross the border and meet the Virunga team. Overnight at Bukima Tented Camp or Kibumba Tented Camp. - Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Start the trek after briefing at Bukima station. Virunga offers some of the most intimate and raw gorilla tracking experiences. After the trek, return to your lodge and relax. - Day 3: Return to Kigali or Goma
Cross the border back into Rwanda or continue your journey within Congo.
Popular Lodges: Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Lodge, Goma Serena Hotel (pre/post-night in Rwanda).
These itineraries are carefully crafted to match different travel styles — whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple, a backpacker, or a family. They are among the most booked 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Africa tours across gorilla safari 3 days, best gorilla tours Uganda Rwanda Congo, and budget gorilla trekking itinerary.
3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Tour Price Comparison and What’s Included
Whether you’re a solo traveler or traveling in a group, this 3-day gorilla trekking package is one of the most affordable options in Africa. Our prices are tailored to meet your travel style while ensuring full value for a life-changing gorilla encounter.
3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari Price Table (2025, 2026, 2027, 2028)
| Travelers | Price Per Person (USD) | Gorilla Permit Included? | Accommodation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Solo Traveler | $1,300 | Yes | Budget Lodge – Private Room |
| 2 People (Sharing) | $1,090 | Yes | Budget Lodge – Twin/Double |
| 3 People (Triple Room) | $990 | Yes | Budget Lodge – Triple |
| Group of 4–6 | $970 | Yes | Budget Lodge – Twin/Double |
✅ What’s Included
- One Gorilla trekking permit per person ($800 Uganda / $1,500 Rwanda / $450 Congo)
- 2 nights’ accommodation in a comfortable budget lodge
- Professional English, German, Russian, Spanish, Italia, Dutch, Chinees, Japanese and any requested -language speaking guide and an air- conditioned 4×4 safari vehicle
- Park entry fees and ranger support
- Airport or city hotel pickup and drop-off
- Bottled water and meals as per itinerary
- All ground transport and fuel
❌ What’s Not Included
- International flights and visa fees
- Optional activities like Batwa experience or boat cruise
- Tips for guides and rangers
- Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Accommodation Options by Region (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park)
When planning your 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Africa itinerary, where you stay matters just as much as the trek itself. Nextgen Safaris partners with some of the most budget-friendly and highly-rated lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, categorized by sector for convenience.
3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Accommodation Options
| Sector | Budget Lodges | Distance to Park Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Buhoma | Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Bwindi View Bandas, Gorilla Friends Lodge | Less than 5 mins |
| Rushaga | Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Hills Eco-Lodge, Nshongi Camp | 5–10 mins |
| Nkuringo | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (mid-budget), Bwindi Backpackers Lodge | 10–15 mins |
| Ruhija | Broadbill Forest Camp, Gorilla Mist Camp, Ruhija Community Rest Camp | 5–10 mins |
Custom Lodge Selection
When you book your 3 Days Gorilla Safari in Uganda with Nextgen Safaris, we help you choose the most suitable lodge based on your permit allocation (Bwindi has 4 sectors) and your budget. All our options are clean, secure, and recommended by past travelers.
3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Starting Point – Entebbe or Kigali?
When planning your 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Africa, one of the most important decisions is choosing where to start your journey: Entebbe International Airport (Uganda) or Kigali International Airport (Rwanda). Each entry point offers unique benefits in terms of travel time, visa requirements, cost, and scenic experience.
Comparison: Entebbe vs. Kigali for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
| Factor | Start from Entebbe (Uganda) | Start from Kigali (Rwanda) |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Time to Bwindi | 8–9 hours (scenic long route) | 4–5 hours (shorter and quicker) |
| Entry Visa | Uganda Visa ($50) or East Africa Visa ($100) | Rwanda Visa ($50) or East Africa Visa ($100) |
| Experience | Cross Uganda’s countryside, local towns, Lake Mburo views | Cross the Uganda-Rwanda border, quicker access to the south of Bwindi |
| Flight Availability | More direct international flights | Popular with regional travelers, European connections |
| Permit Coordination | Starts in Uganda, no issues with permits | We help arrange Uganda permits even from Rwanda entry |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Entebbe if you want to experience more of Uganda before the trek or if you’re combining it with other safaris like Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth.
- Choose Kigali if you’re short on time and want a quicker transfer to the gorillas.
At Nextgen Safaris, we organize cross-border gorilla safaris, so you can arrive in Kigali and depart through Entebbe—or vice versa. Your adventure is 100% customizable to match your flight and comfort needs.
3 Days Gorilla Trekking Process – What to Expect on the Gorilla Trekking Day
Your 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Africa experience centers around one magical day in the dense, misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare physically, emotionally, and mentally for this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.
Early Morning Start
On the day of the trek, your guide will pick you up early—usually around 6:00 AM—to transfer you to the park headquarters (Ruhija, Rushaga, Buhoma, or Nkuringo). You’ll arrive by 7:00 AM for:
- Registration & Permit Verification
- Pre-Trek Briefing by UWA Rangers
- Assignment to a gorilla family group based on your fitness level
The Trek Begins
Around 8:00 AM, you’ll venture into the forest in small groups led by experienced rangers and trackers. The trek can take 30 minutes to 5 hours, depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family.
You’ll hike through:
- Dense rainforest terrain
- Rolling hills and steep slopes
- Rich biodiversity including birds, monkeys, and rare plants
This is where the name “Impenetrable” comes alive.
The Magical Hour
Once you find the gorillas, you’ll spend a full hour in their presence. This moment is intimate, emotional, and awe-inspiring. You’ll see:
- Mothers nursing infants
- Juveniles tumbling in play
- Dominant silverbacks watching over the group
Photography is allowed without flash, and silent observation is key.
Return to Lodge
After your hour with the gorillas, you’ll return to the base camp and receive a Gorilla Trekking Certificate. Your guide will then transfer you back to the lodge where you can rest and reflect on your incredible adventure.
Why This Is the Best Budget Gorilla Safari in Africa
There are hundreds of gorilla trekking tours online—but this 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Africa itinerary stands out as the most affordable, most flexible, and most rewarding option for travelers on a budget. Here’s why:
It’s the Cheapest 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari That Includes Everything
Unlike other safaris that hide extra costs or offer vague pricing, this trip gives you:
- A confirmed gorilla permit worth $800 (included in the price)
- All accommodations with meals included
- All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Park entrance and ranger fees
- Transfers from either Kigali or Entebbe
There are no hidden costs, making it the best value-for-money gorilla safari online.
Starts and Ends Anywhere – Entebbe or Kigali
You can start and end this tour in either Rwanda or Uganda, making it:
- Perfect for travelers with flights into Kigali
- Flexible for anyone flying via Entebbe
- Ideal for cross-border safari combinations
No other itinerary offers this level of logistical freedom for budget travelers.
Designed for Solo Travelers, Couples, and Small Groups
Whether you’re traveling:
- Alone (from $1,580)
- As a couple ($1,390 pp)
- In a group of 3 or more ($1,300 pp)
This tour has you covered—without compromising comfort or safety.
Operated by Nextgen Safaris – The Best Gorilla Trekking Company
This isn’t just any tour operator. Nextgen Safaris is ranked as one of the top gorilla trekking experts in East Africa, offering:
- Deep local knowledge
- Guaranteed permits
- Experienced driver-guides
- 24/7 guest support
- Clean, comfortable, and verified accommodations
Our attention to detail and passion for conservation makes us the most trusted name in affordable gorilla adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions – 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Africa
1. What is the cost of the 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Africa Safari?
The starting price is $1,300 per person in a group of 3 travelers. For 2 people sharing, it’s $1,390 per person. Solo travelers can book from $1,580. All prices include the $800 gorilla permit.
2. What does the 3-day gorilla trekking tour include?
Your tour includes:
- Gorilla permit ($800)
- 2 nights accommodation with meals
- Transportation in a 4×4 vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Bottled water and park fees
3. Where does the tour start and end?
This safari can start and end in Entebbe (Uganda) or Kigali (Rwanda). We can adjust the route based on your arrival airport.
4. Is this safari suitable for families or kids?
Children under 15 cannot trek gorillas, but we can arrange lodge-based caretakers or adjusted family activities while one parent treks.
5. How difficult is the gorilla trek?
Gorilla trekking involves hiking through forest terrain, sometimes uphill. However, porters are available, and the trek can be assigned based on your fitness level.
6. Can I book last minute?
Yes! Gorilla permits can be secured even last minute if space allows. However, we recommend booking 1–3 months in advance for guaranteed availability.
7. What should I pack?
Essentials include:
- Hiking boots
- Rain jacket
- Long-sleeved shirt and trousers
- Gloves
- Reusable water bottle
- Daypack
For a full list, view our Gorilla Trekking Packing List.
Download a free Gorilla Trekking Packing list pdf here
8. Can this tour be customized?
Yes. We can extend this tour to include:
- A day at Lake Bunyonyi National Park
- A visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Cultural visits or chimpanzee tracking
Just ask—we’ll tailor it!
Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure Now
Whether you’re a solo adventurer, couple, backpacker, or family, this 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Africa itinerary is built just for you—affordable, flexible, and unforgettable.
Ready to book your gorilla safari today?
Let Nextgen Safaris organize your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek and handle every detail with care, speed, and expertise.
Related Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Africa
Looking for more options beyond our 3 Days Gorilla Trekking in Africa tour? Here are other popular, budget-friendly and extended gorilla trekking safaris offered by Nextgen Safaris that you’ll love. These itineraries are tailored for solo travelers, couples, families, and backpackers alike.
🔗 Explore More Gorilla Trekking Tours:
- 1 Day Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali – The fastest way to trek gorillas, perfect for tight schedules.
- 2 Days Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – Ideal for quick Rwanda escapes with guaranteed permits.
- 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Kigali – Budget-friendly, cross-border option starting in Rwanda.
- 4 Days Rwanda Gorillas and Golden Monkeys Safari – Combine gorillas with rare primates.
- 5 Days Gorilla Trekking and Lake Bunyonyi Safari – Family-friendly with scenic lake relaxation.
- 6 Days Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Slow-paced, immersive and affordable.
- 7 Days Uganda Student Group Safari – Special rates for student groups.
- 8 Days Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari – Combine gorillas, chimps, Murchison Falls and wildlife.
- 10 Days Uganda Safari – The best value for full Uganda wildlife and primates.
- 14 Days Rwanda and Uganda Combined Safari – For travelers wanting it all: gorillas, culture, and scenery.
These related safaris help you compare prices, durations, and experiences—all built for easy budget planning and maximum wildlife interaction.
