Mbarara Day Trips and Tours

Mbarara, located in Uganda’s Western Region, is a perfect launch point for unforgettable safari experiences. From gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to thrilling wildlife encounters in Lake Mburo National Park, day trips and short tours from Mbarara offer diverse and unique adventures.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi from Mbarara

Starting your safari from Mbarara to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is entirely possible and ideal for those with limited time. The drive from Mbarara to Bwindi takes approximately 4–5 hours (around 218 km) via Kabale-Mbarara Road. Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Africa’s most biologically diverse rainforests.

Bwindi National Park is home to over 400 plant species and 120 mammals, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, and antelopes. Gorilla trekking is the main highlight, and Uganda holds about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population.

Gorilla Trekking Experience

Trekking takes place in one of four park regions: Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga, and Ruhija. Trained rangers and trackers locate habituated gorilla families, then guide visitors through the forest for an up-close experience lasting one hour.

Gorilla permit costs:

• USD 800 – Non-Residents
• USD 700 – Foreign Residents
• UGX 300,000 – East African Citizens

The best months for gorilla trekking are April, May, and November when crowds are smaller and permits are discounted.

1-Day Safari in Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda’s smallest savannah park and only one hour’s drive from Mbarara. Despite its size, it features 69 mammal species and over 300 bird species. It is also the only park in western Uganda where you can see impalas, zebras, giraffes, and elands.

Popular Activities in Lake Mburo:

• Game Drives – Spot zebras, impalas, buffaloes, and more.
• Boat Safaris – Enjoy birdwatching and sightings of hippos and crocodiles.
• Walking Safaris – Explore the savannah on foot with a guide.
• Horseback Riding – Unique way to see wildlife up close.
• Birdwatching – Identify over 300 bird species including shoebills and papyrus yellow warblers.

Gorilla Habituation Experience

For a deeper encounter, try the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi’s Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors. This activity allows up to four visitors to spend four hours with a gorilla group still undergoing habituation. It’s a more immersive alternative to the standard trek.

Other Activities Around Bwindi

Trek to the Top of the World

Take a scenic 2-3 hour walk from Nkuringo through local villages to reach a viewpoint offering stunning panoramas of mountains and valleys.

Gorilla Buffer Zone Walk

Explore the area between Bwindi National Park and local farmland, where tea plantations and community conservation efforts coexist.

Batwa Cultural Experience

Visit the indigenous Batwa people to learn about their forest traditions, lifestyle, and history before Bwindi was designated a national park in 1991. This cultural walk supports local development and preservation of heritage.

Ivy River Trail

This forest trail from Nkuringo to Buhoma features scenic rainforest paths, abundant wildlife, and birds. It’s also a historical footpath used by locals traveling between villages.

Suma Waterfalls Visit

The Suma Waterfalls, located in a nearby village, offer a relaxing walk through forested terrain. It’s a prime spot for birdwatchers looking for species like the Northern Double Collared Sunbird and Great Blue Eared Starling.

Birding in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a birding hotspot with over 350 recorded species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics. Top species to look for include the African Green Broadbill, Rwenzori Batis, and Red-faced Woodland Warbler. Guided birding safaris are available for enthusiasts of all levels.

Where to Stay in Bwindi

Accommodations in Bwindi range from budget to luxury, depending on the sector you’re trekking in:

• Buhoma Sector: Buhoma Community Camp (budget), Mahogany Springs (luxury)
• Rushaga Sector: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas Lodge
• Nkuringo Sector: Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Why Book with Us

Monumental expeditions and safaris is a locally owned Ugandan tour company based in Entebbe. We specialize in sustainable, tailor-made safari experiences across Uganda and East Africa. As members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) and licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), we ensure reliable, affordable, and ethical safari planning. Our strong ties with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) make permit booking and park access seamless.

Contact us today to plan your unforgettable Mbarara day trips and tours.