3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali

Overview

Looking for a shorter route to see Uganda’s endangered mountain gorillas? Our 3-day gorilla trekking safari from Kigali to Bwindi is the perfect choice. By starting in Rwanda’s capital, you cut down driving time compared to routes from Kampala, giving you more time to enjoy the beauty of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas.

This cross-border safari combines the cultural charm of Rwanda with the wild, misty forests of southwestern Uganda for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.

Trip Highlights

  • Cross the Uganda–Rwanda border en route to Bwindi.
  • Full-day gorilla trekking in Bwindi, with an hour spent observing a gorilla family.
  • Learn about gorilla conservation in Uganda and the importance of ecotourism.
  • Scenic drive through the Virunga mountain ranges and terraced hills of Kabale.

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Your 3-day gorilla trekking tour from Kigali starts with a morning pickup from your hotel or Kigali International Airport. After a short safari briefing, we’ll set off on a scenic drive north-west, passing through the rolling hills that have earned Rwanda the nickname “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

We’ll cross into Uganda via the Cyanika or Katuna border post, complete the necessary formalities, and continue to the Buhoma or Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Along the way, expect breathtaking views of the Virunga ranges, lush farmlands, and small roadside villages. Arrive at your lodge in time for dinner and an overnight stay.

  • Accommodation:
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge / Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Midrange: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge
  • Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Camp

2

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – What to Expect

Today’s the big day! After an early breakfast, we head to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing on what to expect during gorilla trekking in Bwindi including safety guidelines, trekking tips, and conservation rules.

You’ll be placed into small groups of up to eight trekkers and assigned a professional ranger guide. Trekking through the dense forest can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once you locate your assigned gorilla family, you’ll have one magical hour to watch them play, groom, feed, and interact in their natural environment.

It’s an intimate experience that goes beyond a wildlife encounter—it’s a connection with one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. After trekking, you’ll return to your lodge for a well-earned rest.

  • Accommodation – Bwindi:
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge / Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Midrange: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge
  • Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Camp

3

Day 3: Bwindi to Kigali

After breakfast, we begin the return journey to Kigali. Depending on your schedule, we can include a short Kigali city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, or cultural centers before dropping you off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Uganda gorilla trekking permit 
  • Accommodation for two nights
  • All meals during the safari
  • Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Rwanda and Uganda visas
  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages & personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
Book Tour

Book This Tour

Looking for a shorter route to see Uganda’s endangered mountain gorillas? Our 3-day gorilla trekking safari from Kigali to Bwindi is the perfect choice. By starting in Rwanda’s capital, you cut down driving time compared to routes from Kampala, giving you more time to enjoy the beauty of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas.

This cross-border safari combines the cultural charm of Rwanda with the wild, misty forests of southwestern Uganda for an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.

Trip Highlights

  • Cross the Uganda–Rwanda border en route to Bwindi.
  • Full-day gorilla trekking in Bwindi, with an hour spent observing a gorilla family.
  • Learn about gorilla conservation in Uganda and the importance of ecotourism.
  • Scenic drive through the Virunga mountain ranges and terraced hills of Kabale.

1

Day 1: Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Your 3-day gorilla trekking tour from Kigali starts with a morning pickup from your hotel or Kigali International Airport. After a short safari briefing, we’ll set off on a scenic drive north-west, passing through the rolling hills that have earned Rwanda the nickname “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

We’ll cross into Uganda via the Cyanika or Katuna border post, complete the necessary formalities, and continue to the Buhoma or Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Along the way, expect breathtaking views of the Virunga ranges, lush farmlands, and small roadside villages. Arrive at your lodge in time for dinner and an overnight stay.

  • Accommodation:
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge / Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Midrange: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge
  • Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Camp

2

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – What to Expect

Today’s the big day! After an early breakfast, we head to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing on what to expect during gorilla trekking in Bwindi including safety guidelines, trekking tips, and conservation rules.

You’ll be placed into small groups of up to eight trekkers and assigned a professional ranger guide. Trekking through the dense forest can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once you locate your assigned gorilla family, you’ll have one magical hour to watch them play, groom, feed, and interact in their natural environment.

It’s an intimate experience that goes beyond a wildlife encounter—it’s a connection with one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. After trekking, you’ll return to your lodge for a well-earned rest.

  • Accommodation – Bwindi:
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge / Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Midrange: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge
  • Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Camp

3

Day 3: Bwindi to Kigali

After breakfast, we begin the return journey to Kigali. Depending on your schedule, we can include a short Kigali city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, or cultural centers before dropping you off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

  • Uganda gorilla trekking permit 
  • Accommodation for two nights
  • All meals during the safari
  • Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Bottled drinking water
  • International flights and visa fees.
  • Tips and gratuities.
  • Laundry services.
  • Beverages and any other personal expenses.
  • Any optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Book Tour

Book This Tour

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