3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali

This 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari offers a convenient way to track mountain gorillas in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. By starting and ending in the Rwandan capital city Kigali, it avoids the longer road journey from Entebbe or Kampala for those with limited time and also gives you an affordable gorilla safari possible with Uganda’s gorilla permit price almost half of what Rwanda. Your trip starts in Kigali, where our private driver-guide will meet you at Kigali International Airport for arriving traveler or hotel if you’re already there. There will be border crossing formalities into Uganda via the Rwandan border town of Cyanika. The southern sectors of Bwindi which include Rushaga and Nkuringo are well placed for this trip. However, the exact trekking sector will depend on the availability of your gorilla permit. The highlight of the safari is a guided trek in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family along with an optional nature or village walk. Gorilla treks vary in length depending on the location and movement of the gorillas, but once you find them, you are allowed up to one hour to quietly observe and photograph the family in its natural habitat. After two nights near Bwindi you will return via the same border to Kigali city, where the safari ends at your hotel or Kigali International Airport. This safari is ideal for those already visiting Rwanda, those flying into Kigali, or anyone looking for a short Uganda gorilla trekking experience without adding a longer drive to and from Entebbe or Kampala.

Safari highlights

• Scenic overland journey from Kigali to southwestern Uganda
• Cross-border Rwanda–Uganda safari experience
• Two nights in southern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Guided mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi
• Up to one hour observing a habituated mountain gorilla family
• Private 4×4 transfers with an experienced driver-guide
• Beautiful views of Rwanda's rolling hills and the Kigezi highlands
• Convenient start and finish in Kigali

Itinerary at a glance

Day 1: Pick up from Kigali transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 3: Transfer from Bwindi back to Kigali

Detailed day by day Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali

Day 1: Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Your 3 day Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali begins with a morning pickup from Kigali International Airport or your hotel. Meet your Firante Gorilla Treks driver guide for a short safari briefing before setting out for Uganda. From Kigali to Bwindi is approximately a 4 hour drive on tarmac road winding through steep mountains. You will cross the Rwanda–Uganda border and complete the immigration formalities then continue into southwestern Uganda’s town of Kisoro. The tarmac road ends shortly after leaving the town and you begin driving on unpaved dirt road for over 30 km (1-hour drive) which can be challenging due to the nature of terrain and depending on the season. Arrive at your lodge, check in and spend the remainder of the day at leisure in preparation for the following morning's gorilla trek. Your guide will confirm the arrangements for the trek, including what to carry and time for the briefing.

Accommodation: Selected lodge or hotel, confirmed in your quotation.

Meals: Confirmed in your personalised quotation.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast at the lodge, transfer to the designated park briefing point with your packed lunch and trekking essentials. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers will brief you on the trekking rules and regulations and trail conditions. You can hire a porter to help give you a hand during the trek at an extra cost of $20. You will be accompanied by a team of rangers guides and trackers into the dense rainforest and begin your search for the allocated habituated gorilla family. The time it takes to find the gorillas is unpredictable given that the gorillas move freely through the forest. Finally, the trackers will locate the gorilla family and ensure that you get to see the family members including the dominant silverback for a maximum of one hour with the gorillas once the encounter begins. After your gorilla experience, you will be awarded a gorilla trekking certificate, then trek back through the forest and meet your guide to return to the lodge for a late lunch. For those intending to do more, an optional community experience can be arranged after the trek given that you the time and energy to go.

Accommodation: Selected lodge or hotel, confirmed in your quotation.

Meals: Confirmed in your personalised quotation.

Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Kigali

Enjoy breakfast at your lodge and embark on the road via the same border check point back to Kigal city. Depending on your onward travel arrangements, your driver guide will drop you at your place of convenience or Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, which marks the end of your 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali.

What to Expect for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking is an active hiking experience and UWA advises that treks require moderate fitness and can last approximately 2–6 hours, depending on the location and movement of the gorilla family. Travellers who require mobility support should discuss their needs with Firante before booking. Sedan-chair support may be arranged subject to availability and a separate quotation.

Who is this safari best for?

This 3-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Kigali works well for those who are already staying in Kigali city and want an affordable Ugandan gorilla trekking safari experience.

Important Gorilla Permit Information

A valid gorilla trekking permit is required for every traveller participating in the trek. Gorilla permits are limited and should be secured as early as possible, especially during peak safari months. Your trekking sector determines where you should stay around Bwindi, so Firante Gorilla Treks should confirm permit availability before finalising the lodge.

Why Start Your Uganda Gorilla Safari from Kigali?

For a short Kigali to Bwindi gorilla safari, Kigali offers a convenient road access to southwestern Uganda. Instead of spending much of the first and third days travelling between Entebbe/Kampala and Bwindi, travellers can cross directly from Rwanda into Uganda. As a result, the Kigali route is suitable for a 3-day gorilla trekking Uganda from Rwanda.

Quotation and booking details

Request a personalised quotation based on your dates, group size and accommodation preference. Your written quotation will confirm the lodges, meal plan, trekking permits, transport, included activities, optional extras and exclusions before booking. No fixed package price is currently advertised.

Trekking duration, wildlife sightings and travel times vary. Final arrangements depend on permit availability, lodge location and local conditions. Where a long transfer or trek falls on your departure day, an additional overnight stay before flying is recommended.

Request a quotation

Planning advice: Gorilla trekking · Chimpanzee experiences · Safari destinations