Private • Uganda
2 Days Gorilla Trekking from Kigali to Bwindi
Uganda's mountain gorillas with Kigali as the start and finish
Overview
About this safari
- 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 Safari?
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 safari, day by day
Day 1
Kigali, Rwanda – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Your adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel in Kigali or Musanze, Rwanda, by your professional driver-guide. After a short briefing, you will travel toward Uganda, crossing the border through either Cyanika or Katuna, depending on your trekking sector and travel arrangements.
Enjoy a scenic drive through Rwanda’s beautiful terraced hills, rolling countryside, and traditional villages as you make your way into southwestern Uganda. After crossing the border, continue toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, either in the Ruhija sector near Kabale or the southern sectors near Kisoro, depending on your gorilla trekking permit.
Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and relax as you prepare for the following day’s unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your selected accommodation.
Meal plan: Dinner
Meals · Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Transfer to Kigali or Musanze
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at your lodge before meeting your driver-guide for the transfer to the designated park headquarters. Arrive in time for registration and the morning briefing, usually beginning around 7:30–8:00 a.m. Park rangers will explain the trekking guidelines, safety precautions, and rules for responsible gorilla viewing.
After the briefing, join your ranger guides and begin your trek into Bwindi’s dense tropical rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek takes you through thick vegetation, tangled vines, and sometimes steep, rugged terrain. The duration varies depending on the location of the gorillas and can take several hours. Once you find the gorillas, you will have one precious hour to observe these magnificent endangered primates in their natural habitat. Watch them feed, groom, play, and interact with one another while capturing memorable photographs. This extraordinary encounter offers a rare opportunity to appreciate the beauty and behavior of mountain gorillas in the wild.
After the trek, return to the park headquarters and meet your driver-guide for the journey back to Rwanda. Cross the border through Cyanika or Katuna, depending on your route, and continue to Musanze or Kigali, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or another agreed location.
Your unforgettable two-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari concludes with lasting memories of one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife experiences.
Driving time: Approximately 4–6 hours from the Bwindi region to Kigali, depending on the trekking sector, border crossing, and road conditions. Meal plan:
Stay · Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge 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
Lodges
Lodges on this safari
Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge
Ruhija Gorilla Lodge sits at 2,350 metres on a ridge above the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, looking out over a canopy that has stood for more than 25,000 years. Our cottages are built from local stone and eucalyptus by craftsmen from the surrounding villages, warmed every evening by a fire lit before you return from the trail.
- Tier
- Mid-range
Pricing
Available all year round
A private itinerary with no fixed departure dates. Rates are per person in USD.
Safari 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