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Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: A Life-Changing Adventure.

June 23, 2025

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Imagine: You are hiking through the fog-laden, emerald hillsides of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, surrounded by ancient trees and the sounds of the wild. And all of a sudden, bam, you are staring eyeball to eyeball with a great big mountain gorilla. The excitement in the air is palpable as you watch these gentle giants, which, despite their immense size, increasingly act like humans. This is not just another vacation — this is an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
At Olive Safari Uganda, we don’t arrange safaris; we craft once-in-a-lifetime experiences that draw you into the natural world of Uganda, revealing its unique and captivating gorilla species. Here, for both the experienced and uninitiated traveler, we promise a unique African experience you’ll never forget.

The Best Adventure of a Lifetime: Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest isn’t just another UNESCO site — it’s the residence of half of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. Lush with tropical underbrush, mist-filled valleys, and tall trees, the ancient forest provides a truly magical setting for an experience that feels like it’s right out of a fairy tale.

The Trek of a Lifetime

Your adventure starts with you meeting at Park headquarters in the early hours of the morning for your safety briefing (from an expert guide and ranger). You will then set off on the trek of a lifetime through the thick jungle, looking for a habituated family of gorillas, cutting your way through vines, overhanging branches, and dense bush. Though the terrain can be rough, you will be led every step of the way. And when you at last encounter these grand beings, all the effort ends up being more than worth it.

It’s nothing short of breathtaking, the moment you first encounter a gorilla. They may gaze back at you with deep, intelligent eyes, or do something with their young that drives home just how much we have in common. For one beloved hour, you will be transfixed by their material, their family dynamics, and the placid sweep of their grandeur. It is an experience that will stir your soul.

What You Will Experience on Your Gorilla Trekking Safari

Trekking Time: Gorilla trekking is not for a walk in the park! Your trek can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. It’s a physical escapade, but the payoff is worth every step.

Accommodations: During the trek, you will spend your evenings relaxing in the comfort of our carefully selected accommodations. Buhoma Community Rest Camp – (budget) offers a friendly, homely setting with rooms where you can relax and reflect on the day’s experiences. And if you’re thinking you’d like to spend a little less, we’ve got some suggestions, too.

Packing Tips: Prepare for a long day of walking by wearing sturdy hiking boots, long sleeves, and pants to protect against brambles, plus a hat for sun protection. Also, bring a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the magic. You won’t want to overlook a bottle of water and some snacks; after all, hiking does work up quite an appetite!

Make the adventure even larger: Pair Gorilla Trekking with other Ugandan Adventures

Gorilla trekking is no doubt a highlight of your Ugandan adventure, but why limit yourself? Uganda is a country with a wealth of unexploited beauty.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: After going gorilla tracking, you might like to stop by Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here, you’ll find a different sort of wildlife magic — game drives across savannas filled with lions, elephants, and buffalo. And don’t neglect a boat ride along the Kazinga Channel (what will we do when hippos and crocs stop lazing on the banks?)

Lake Bunyonyi: For a more relaxed option, sleep your second night at Lake Bunyonyi. This serene lake is nestled in picturesque hills, offering stunning vistas and a peaceful ambiance. It’s a great place to relax after your hike and reflect on what you’ve just experienced.

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Director/Sales & Marketing: Tusiime Cheryl Myra

Cheryl, the eldest daughter of Olive, has embraced the responsibility of carrying forward her mother’s legacy with resilience and determination. After losing her father at the age of six, she was raised by her mother, Olive, with the support of Christer. Olive’s passing in 2017, when Cheryl was just 19, became a defining moment in her journey.

Having been involved in the foundations of Sunset Hotel Entebbe and Olive Safari Uganda from a young age, Cheryl stepped up to manage the businesses alongside Christer. Under his mentorship, she navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship and discovered her passion for tourism.

With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and hands-on leadership, Cheryl has been instrumental in maintaining loyal clientele at Sunset Hotel Entebbe, adapting it to post-COVID standards, and expanding Olive Safari Uganda. As a certified tour guide for Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar, she remains committed to upholding her mother’s vision of exceptional service and unforgettable travel experiences.

Founder & CEO: Christer Torstensson

Christer, a Swedish education consultant with over 40 years of experience guiding travelers across Africa, co-founded Olive Safari Uganda with a deep passion for the continent’s wonders. His extensive journeying, particularly through Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, enriched his understanding of Africa’s landscapes and cultures. As a consultant, he also contributed to education and development, notably establishing an automotive school in Zimbabwe. His work with the Global Journey program brought him to Uganda, where he collaborated with municipalities and fell in love with the country’s heritage.

During this time, he met Olive, whose exceptional leadership and organizational skills later turned their professional relationship into a personal one. Their shared vision led to the creation of Olive Safari Uganda in the early 2000s, followed later by Sunset Hotel Entebbe. While Christer split his time in Sweden managing the Global Journey program, Olive oversaw daily operations. Today, Olive Safari Uganda embodies Christer’s seasoned expertise as a guide and strategic insight, paired with Olive’s dedication, delivering outstanding safaris that showcase Uganda’s beauty and beyond.

Founder & CEO: Ayebale Olive

Ayebale Olive, co-founder of Olive Safari Uganda, brought over 20 years of community service experience into the world of tourism. As secretary to Entebbe’s Mayor, she honed her skills in program management and international partnerships, playing a key role in the Global Journey program that linked Uganda and Sweden.

It was through this program that she met Christer—three years after the passing of her first husband, while raising three children. United by a shared passion for travel and discovery, they founded Olive Safari Uganda in the early 2000s. Their commitment to exceptional service quickly set the company apart.

As demand grew, they expanded their vision by establishing Sunset Hotel Entebbe, creating a welcoming space for travelers exploring Uganda. Olive’s legacy lives on, shaping the company’s dedication to authentic and unforgettable safari experiences