Private • Uganda
2 Days Gorilla Trekking from Kigali to Bwindi
Uganda's mountain gorillas with Kigali as the start and finish
Overview
About this journey
- Region
- Southwestern Uganda
- Duration
- 2 days
- Departures
- All year round
- Party size
- Up to 6
Bwindi's gorillas are closer to Kigali than to Kampala, and this trip uses that: a morning drive from Kigali through the terraced hills, across the border at Cyanika or Katuna depending on which sector your permit is for, and a night near the forest. The next morning is the trek itself, with an hour beside a habituated family, and you are back in Kigali the same evening.
The trek can take anywhere from two to seven hours on steep, wet forest paths, so a reasonable level of fitness helps. There is a certificate at the end, and where time allows a community visit before the drive back.
This is the quickest way to see mountain gorillas if you are already in Rwanda or flying through Kigali.
Highlights
What you'll experience
One hour with a gorilla family
When the vegetation parts and a juvenile swings overhead, the guide says nothing and points slowly upward.
The Kigali border run
The road climbs through terraces of sorghum and banana, and the crossing into Uganda marks the change from tarmac to red laterite and forest smell.
The Kigezi highlands at last light
From the lodge veranda the sun drops behind the Virunga peaks on the Rwanda side, and baboons cross the slope below in single file.
Why choose us
Why choose a Private Journey?
This crossing works because we have driven it many times and know where it slows down, which permit sector suits you, and how to set the timing so the trek does not feel rushed.
Permits secured in advance
Bwindi permits are limited and in demand. We hold confirmed permits before you confirm the booking, so there is no waitlist.
Guides who know the forest
Our lead guide on this route has walked the sector for years and narrates the hour with the gorillas like a naturalist, not a tour operator.
The border handled for you
Two countries, one crossing and a long driving day are a lot to coordinate. We manage the paperwork and the timing so you can look out of the window.
Itinerary
Your day-by-day journey
Day 1
Kigali to Bwindi through the thousand hills
We collect you early from your Kigali hotel or the airport, run through the plan, and drive south-west through Rwanda's terraced hills and farming villages. The border crossing is at Cyanika or Katuna, whichever is nearer your allocated trekking sector, and there is a stop for lunch on the way. Ask for photo stops whenever you like.
You reach the lodge near the forest in the late afternoon or evening, in time to rest before the trek.
Meals · Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Gorilla trekking, then back to Kigali
After an early breakfast you go to the park headquarters for the Uganda Wildlife Authority briefing on the rules and what to expect, and are assigned a gorilla family, ranger guides and trackers. The trek takes between two and seven hours depending on where the family is, over steep slopes and through dense forest, with birds, butterflies and monkeys along the way.
Once found, you have one hour with the gorillas: mothers with infants, juveniles in the branches, the silverback keeping watch. Back at headquarters you receive your trekking certificate, and if there is time a community visit with music and dance can be arranged.
Then the drive back to Kigali, arriving in the evening for drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
What is and isn't included
Included
- One gorilla trekking permit per person for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Private vehicle with an experienced driver-guide throughout
- One night at a lodge near the forest
- All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 2
- Rwanda to Uganda border crossing assistance and documentation
- Porter hire for the gorilla trek
- Park entry fees for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Bottled water and snacks for the road and the trek
- Kigali hotel or airport pickup and drop-off
Not included
- International flights to and from the region
- Entry visas and any transit visas
- Travel and medical insurance, which is mandatory
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages
- Laundry, telephone and other items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities for your guide, drivers and lodge staff
- Optional activities not listed in the day-by-day itinerary
Pricing
Available all year round
A private itinerary with no fixed departure dates. Rates are per person in USD.
Journey Details
Essential information
Minimum Age
15 years, the Uganda Wildlife Authority rule for gorilla trekking
Safari Duffel
A soft-sided bag of 15 kg or less suits the lodge transfer. Leave large hard cases at your Kigali hotel
First Group Event
Pickup at your Kigali hotel or the airport, early on Day 1
Last Group Event
Drop-off at your Kigali hotel or the airport, evening of Day 2
Guaranteed Departures
A private trip, guaranteed from one person
Alternate Sightseeing
If the park cancels the trek for weather or animal health, we try to move your permit to the next morning or arrange a nature walk with a community ranger