Lodge: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo sector (2 nights)
Note on the lodge name: The lodge in the Bwindi region is usually called Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge. It sits on a ridge above the Nkuringo sector and has views toward the Virunga volcanoes.

Day 1: Entebbe to Kisoro and Transfer to Nkuringo

Morning: Flight
Check in early at Entebbe International Airport (or Kajjansi Airfield, depending on the charter operator) about 60 to 90 minutes before departure. Scheduled and charter light aircraft fly the route to Kisoro Airstrip in roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. The flight crosses Lake Victoria, the Masaka plains, and the highlands of southwestern Uganda. It replaces a drive of 9 to 10 hours, which is the main advantage of flying.

Sit on the left side on the way down if you can, as views of the Virunga volcanoes (Muhabura, Gahinga, Sabinyo) open up as you approach Kisoro.

Late morning: Arrival in Kisoro
Your driver-guide meets you on the airstrip. Kisoro is a small border town near Rwanda and the DR Congo, and the road from here to Nkuringo winds through terraced hills, banana plantations, and small villages.

Midday to afternoon: Drive to Clouds Lodge (about 2 to 3 hours)
The road is bumpy but scenic, passing Lake Mutanda on the way. Stop for a packed or picnic lunch at a viewpoint over the lake.

Late afternoon: Check-in and briefing
Arrive at the lodge, settle in, and enjoy the view across the Rushaga and Nkuringo hills. The lodge team will give you a briefing on the habituation experience, including group rules, what to wear, and how to prepare.

Evening
Dinner at the lodge, then an early night. You will start early tomorrow.

Overnight: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (full board)

Day 2: Gorilla Habituation Experience

Early morning (about 6:30 am)
Take a hearty breakfast and collect your packed lunch. Drive or walk to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) briefing point at the trailhead.

Briefing and allocation (about 7:30 to 8:00 am)
Rangers brief the group and split trekkers into small groups. Habituation groups are limited to a maximum of 4 people per group, so the experience is far more intimate than standard trekking.

The trek and encounter (about 8:30 am onwards)
Habituation is different from standard gorilla tracking. You join researchers, trackers, and rangers who are slowly accustoming a wild gorilla family to human presence, a process that takes about two years. Instead of the standard one hour, you can stay with the gorillas for up to four hours.

• The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas nested the previous night, and the terrain is steep, muddy, and dense.
• Once you find them, you can watch feeding, grooming, play, and family interactions, and learn how the trackers read behaviour.
• The gorillas are less used to people than in standard groups, so rangers will direct the group closely. Keep your voice low and movements slow.
• Photography is allowed, but flash is not.

Afternoon: Return
After the long encounter, hike back to the trailhead. Many trekkers return tired and muddy, so allow time to recover.

Evening
Return to the lodge for a hot shower, a drink on the terrace, and a hearty dinner. Many lodges, including this one, can arrange a short cultural evening or simply a quiet night to rest.

Overnight: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (full board)

Day 3: Return to Kisoro and Fly to Entebbe

Morning
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, then pack. If you have time, take a short walk around the lodge grounds. You can often arrange a community visit (such as a Batwa cultural experience or a local village walk) for those with a late flight, but confirm in advance.

Late morning: Drive to Kisoro (about 2 to 3 hours)
Return along the same scenic road. Lunch can be taken en route or in Kisoro, depending on your flight time.

Afternoon: Flight to Entebbe
Board your flight at Kisoro Airstrip and return to Entebbe in around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Your transfer drops you at the airport for international connections or at your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala.

End of services

What You Need for Trekking

Permits and documents

• Gorilla habituation permit (arranged by your operator; it is more expensive than a standard tracking permit and in limited supply, so book well in advance)
• Passport, visa or e-visa for Uganda
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate
• Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover

Clothing

• Long-sleeved shirt and long trousers in neutral colors (avoid bright colors)
• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support, already broken in
• Gaiters to keep mud and ants out
• Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho
• Warm fleece or layer for cool mornings and evenings
• Hat or cap with a brim
• Gardening or work gloves to protect against thorns and nettles
• Warm socks (several pairs)

Gear

• Small daypack (waterproof or with a rain cover)
• Reusable water bottle (at least 2 litres of water is recommended)
• Walking stick (usually provided at the trailhead, often by local porters)
• Camera with spare batteries and memory cards (no flash)
• Binoculars
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
• Hand sanitiser and tissues
• Energy snacks

Optional but recommended

• A porter (hired at the trailhead, around USD 20 to 30). This supports the local community and makes the climb much easier.
• Dry bags for electronics
• Small cash in USD or Ugandan shillings for tips and souvenirs

Health and Conduct Rules

• Anyone with a cold, flu, or other contagious illness will not be allowed to trek, since gorillas are susceptible to human diseases.
• Keep at least 7 meters from the gorillas, and do not eat or drink near them.
• The minimum age for trekking is 15.
• Follow your ranger’s instructions at all times.

Tip: Luggage on light aircraft is usually limited to about 15 kg in soft bags, so pack light. Always check current permit prices, flight schedules, and lodge availability with your operator, as these change frequently.