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
1
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Entebbe Airport. Meet your guide and travel to Jinja, passing through the lush Mabira Forest, tea plantations, and the vibrant roadside markets of Namawojjolo. Arrive at your lodge along the banks of the Nile River for an evening of relaxation.
2
Start your day with an exhilarating white-water rafting adventure on the Nile, tackling its thrilling rapids. After lunch, visit the Source of the Nile, where the world’s longest river begins. Later, travel to Sipi Falls, located in the scenic foothills of Mount Elgon, and settle in at your lodge with views of the cascading waterfalls.
3
Embark on a guided hike to explore the three magnificent waterfalls of Sipi Falls. Enjoy panoramic views of the Kapchorwa region and learn about the area’s unique geology. In the afternoon, experience a coffee tour, where you’ll follow the coffee journey from seed to cup, culminating in a tasting session of locally brewed coffee.
4
Enjoy breakfast as you prepare for a scenic drive to Moroto, nestled at the foot of Mount Moroto. The journey takes you through the lush eastern Ugandan landscapes and small towns, with a stop in Soroti, where you can stretch your legs and grab a snack or take a quick photo.
Upon arrival in Moroto, settle into your lodge and enjoy lunch. Later, visit the Tepeth community, thought to be the first inhabitants of Karamoja. Known for their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle, the Tepeth people offer a rare cultural experience. You’ll learn about their ancient practices, unique rituals, and rich oral history.
5
Leave Moroto early for Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Uganda’s most remote and spectacular parks. The drive offers dramatic scenery, including rugged savannahs, rocky outcrops, and occasional sightings of ostriches.
Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, set out for a game drive in the Narus Valley, where you’ll see large herds of buffaloes, elephants, and possibly lions lounging in the open grasslands. The sunset over the rugged landscape is the perfect way to close the day.
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
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
1
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Entebbe Airport. Meet your guide and travel to Jinja, passing through the lush Mabira Forest, tea plantations, and the vibrant roadside markets of Namawojjolo. Arrive at your lodge along the banks of the Nile River for an evening of relaxation.
2
Start your day with an exhilarating white-water rafting adventure on the Nile, tackling its thrilling rapids. After lunch, visit the Source of the Nile, where the world’s longest river begins. Later, travel to Sipi Falls, located in the scenic foothills of Mount Elgon, and settle in at your lodge with views of the cascading waterfalls.
3
Embark on a guided hike to explore the three magnificent waterfalls of Sipi Falls. Enjoy panoramic views of the Kapchorwa region and learn about the area’s unique geology. In the afternoon, experience a coffee tour, where you’ll follow the coffee journey from seed to cup, culminating in a tasting session of locally brewed coffee.
4
Enjoy breakfast as you prepare for a scenic drive to Moroto, nestled at the foot of Mount Moroto. The journey takes you through the lush eastern Ugandan landscapes and small towns, with a stop in Soroti, where you can stretch your legs and grab a snack or take a quick photo.
Upon arrival in Moroto, settle into your lodge and enjoy lunch. Later, visit the Tepeth community, thought to be the first inhabitants of Karamoja. Known for their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle, the Tepeth people offer a rare cultural experience. You’ll learn about their ancient practices, unique rituals, and rich oral history.
5
Leave Moroto early for Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Uganda’s most remote and spectacular parks. The drive offers dramatic scenery, including rugged savannahs, rocky outcrops, and occasional sightings of ostriches.
Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, set out for a game drive in the Narus Valley, where you’ll see large herds of buffaloes, elephants, and possibly lions lounging in the open grasslands. The sunset over the rugged landscape is the perfect way to close the day.
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
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