3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tour via Kigali

3 Days Round trip from Kigali Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Face a family of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • 02 Travel from Kigali through Rwanda's breathtaking hills into Uganda
  • 03 Trek with an experienced guide and ranger through Bwindi's dense, ancient forest
  • 04 Spend time in Kisoro and Kabale, with cultural glimpses and souvenir shopping

This short but extraordinary escape into the heart of Africa's greatest wildlife encounters is perfect for travellers with limited time but an unlimited sense of adventure. In just 3 days, journey from Kigali through Rwanda's breathtaking hills and across the Ugandan border to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to almost half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. The highlight is a face-to-face encounter with these magnificent primates, an experience that will stay with you long after you return home.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Ruhengeri, Kigali, Kabale, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kisoro, Volcanoes National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Transfer from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Your Ibyiza Safaris guide will meet you at Kigali International Airport or your Kigali hotel for a quick briefing on the safari ahead before beginning the scenic journey to Bwindi.

Travel through Rwanda's northwestern town of Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, soaking in stunning landscapes and cultural glimpses along the way.

Cross the Cyanika border into Kisoro, a charming town nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, before winding through the picturesque hills of Kisoro and Kabale to reach Bwindi.

Check in and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

2
Day 02

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today is the day you've been dreaming of - a face-to-face encounter with the gentle giants of Bwindi.

Your experience begins with a detailed briefing on trekking guidelines, ensuring your safety and the protection of the gorillas and their habitat. Led by an experienced guide and ranger, you'll venture deep into Bwindi's dense, ancient forest, winding through lush vegetation until that breathtaking, humbling moment when the mountain gorillas appear before you. You will spend one magical hour in their presence, a life-changing experience that no photograph can fully capture.

After this experience, head back to the lodge to re-energise with a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, feel free to relax at your lodge and let the day's experience soak in, or take part in optional activities like traditional coffee making, a visit to the Batwa village, or a walk in the terraced hills.

3
Day 03

Scenic Return to Kigali

Wake up to the sounds of the forest and the sweet memories of yesterday's extraordinary encounter.

Enjoy breakfast at a relaxed pace - there is no rush this morning. When ready, begin the scenic journey back to Kigali via the Gatuna border, the busiest crossing between Uganda and Rwanda, pausing in the lively town of Kabale for some souvenir shopping and a last taste of local culture before crossing back into Rwanda and continuing onward to Kigali.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kigali 6 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 1 gorilla trekking permit per person
  • Park fees (for non-residents)
  • All activities mentioned (unless clearly labelled as optional)
  • Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
  • All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labelled as an optional upgrade)
  • Round-trip airport transfer
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labelled as optional)
  • All taxes/VAT

What's Not Included

  • International flights (from/to the client's home country)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips
  • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, and other personal items)
  • Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

  • Hiking shoes or boots, gloves, and long socks
  • Neutral-coloured clothing and binoculars
  • A change of clothes
  • Quick-dry T-shirts and shorts
  • Rain gear

Know before you go

  • Get malaria prophylaxis; it is highly prevalent in Uganda.
  • A physical yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry to Uganda.
  • Apply for a visa online. This usually gives you access to Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
  • Most of Uganda still runs on cash. Get some UGX.
  • If bringing US dollars, they must be printed after 2006 (ideally 2021+) and be in pristine condition, with no tears or ink marks.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kigali City, Rwanda
Tour start
Kigali
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Kigali.

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Starting from

USD 1,286 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,286.00 — $1,907.00
Double Sharing $1,286.00 — $1,509.00

When

Travellers

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