RWANDA AND UGANDA // GORILLA TREK
3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trek From Kigali
Fly into Kigali, cross into Uganda and trek to a mountain gorilla family in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
3 Days / 2 Nights
DURATION
$1,320
FROM, PER PERSON
Kigali, Bwindi
DESTINATIONS
2 to 8
GROUP SIZE
ABOUT THIS SAFARI
About This Bwindi Gorilla Trek from Kigali
This Bwindi gorilla trek from Kigali pairs Rwanda’s easy international flights with Uganda’s lower permit price. The southern Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are closer to Kigali than to Entebbe, so you cross the border and spend two nights at a lodge on the edge of the forest.
The trek takes from one hour to most of the day depending on where your gorilla family has moved, followed by one hour in their company. The southern sectors have several habituated families and views over the Virunga volcanoes.
Your Uganda gorilla permit is included at the current Uganda Wildlife Authority rate of $800 per person, along with a private 4×4, an English speaking driver guide and full board. If you would rather trek in Rwanda itself, see the 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trek.
AT A GLANCE
Trip Summary
| Detail | This safari |
|---|---|
| Price from | USD 1,320 per person |
| Duration | 3 days / 2 nights |
| Safari style | Gorilla Trekking |
| Countries | Rwanda and Uganda |
| Parks visited | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest |
| Starts | Kigali |
| Ends | Kigali |
| Group size | Private departure. Typically 2 to 8 guests per vehicle |
| Best time to go | Jun to Sep and Dec to Feb |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging |
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Your Route, Day By Day
| Day | Route | Overnight | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kigali to Bwindi | Lodge, Bwindi | L, D |
| 2 | Mountain Gorilla Trek | Lodge, Bwindi | B, L, D |
| 3 | Bwindi to Kigali | Departure | B, L |
B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner. Accommodation is shown by type and area. We confirm the exact camp or lodge in writing with your quote.
DAY BY DAY
The Full Itinerary
You are met at Kigali airport and driven north past Musanze and the Virunga volcanoes to the Cyanika or Katuna border.
After the formalities you continue to your lodge above the forest, about four to five hours in all. Evenings are cool, so bring a warm layer.
Activities: Drive from Kigali to Bwindi across the border
Meals: Lunch and dinner · Overnight: Lodge, Bwindi
An early briefing at the park office with the rangers, then into the forest with the trackers to find your gorilla family. Groups are kept to eight trekkers.
After one hour with the gorillas you walk out and return to the lodge to rest. Porters can be hired at the start and are well worth it.
Activities: Gorilla trek with rangers, one hour with a gorilla family
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner · Overnight: Lodge, Bwindi
After breakfast you cross back into Rwanda and drive to Kigali, arriving in the early afternoon.
You have lunch before your onward flight.
Activities: Drive back to Kigali across the border
Meals: Breakfast and lunch · Overnight: Departure
THE ROUTE
Where This Safari Takes You
Kigali → Cyanika or Katuna border → Bwindi Impenetrable Forest → Kigali. Roughly 500 km of driving in total.
How To Get There
This trip starts and ends in Kigali. Fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL) and book a flight home from the late afternoon of day 3.
The drive to the southern sectors of Bwindi is about four to five hours each way including the border at Cyanika or Katuna, roughly 500 km in total.
You enter Uganda and then Rwanda again, so the East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers both countries, is usually the simplest choice. Uganda asks every arriving traveller for a yellow fever certificate. See our visa requirements page or ask in your free quote.
WHAT IS COVERED
Included and Not Included
Included
- Uganda gorilla trekking permit
- Bwindi park entrance fee
- Professional English speaking driver guide
- 4×4 vehicle
- Full board accommodation as specified
- Airport transfers in Kigali
- Bottled drinking water throughout
Not included
- International flights
- Uganda and Rwanda visas (the East Africa Tourist Visa covers both)
- Travel insurance
- Porter hire on the trek
- Soft and alcoholic drinks
- Tips and gratuities
GOOD TO KNOW
Bwindi Gorilla Trek from Kigali FAQs
Southern Bwindi is about four to five hours from Kigali, much closer than from Entebbe. You save a long drive and pay Uganda’s lower permit price.
You cross from Rwanda into Uganda and back, so the East Africa Tourist Visa covering both is usually the easiest. Apply before travel. See our visa requirements page.
Yes. The Uganda Wildlife Authority permit, currently $800 per person, is included, and we book it as soon as you confirm. Prices are set by UWA and can change.
Yes. Trekkers must be 15 or older on the day of the trek.
This trip starts from $1,320 per person, including the gorilla permit. The price depends on the lodge and your group size. Request a free quote for your dates.
Yes. Add a night in Bwindi for a second trek or a community walk, or see the 6 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzees safari.
NO OBLIGATION
Enquire About This Safari
Send us your dates and we will confirm availability and a firm price within 24 hours.
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