3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari Starting and Ending in Kigali

3 Days Round trip from Kigali Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Kigali, Rwanda, to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
02 Travel through Rwanda’s scenic hills
03 Encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
04 Experience Batwa culture
05 Relax at beautiful Lake Bunyonyi
06 Convenient pick-up and drop-off in Kigali

Enjoy a 3-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Kigali, Rwanda, to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Travel through Rwanda’s scenic hills, encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, experience Batwa culture, and relax at beautiful Lake Bunyonyi. This short safari is ideal for travelers seeking an unforgettable primate adventure with convenient pick-up and drop-off in Kigali.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Kigali, Kabale, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Pick-Up in Kigali and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Pick-up: Pick-up from your hotel in Kigali or Kigali International Airport, depending on your arrival arrangements
Briefing: After a short briefing, begin your scenic drive to south western Uganda, traveling through Rwanda’s beautiful rolling hills and picturesque countryside
Optional visit: If time permits, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial before departing Rwanda (subject to your schedule)
Border crossing: Continue across the border into Uganda and travel toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, stopping in Kabale for lunch if necessary
Accommodation: Check in at your lodge and enjoy the surrounding forest scenery
Optional visit: Depending on your arrival time and energy levels, you may arrange an optional visit to a nearby Batwa community
Main destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Lunch and dinner

Day 02

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Breakfast: After an early breakfast, transfer to the designated gorilla trekking briefing point in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Briefing: Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers will provide instructions on trekking procedures, safety guidelines, and responsible behavior around mountain gorillas
Gorilla trekking: Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, venture into the dense forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family
Trek duration: The trek may take between two and eight hours, depending on the gorillas’ location and movements
Gorilla encounter: Once you locate the gorillas, spend a maximum of one hour observing their behavior
Transfer: After the trek, return to the park headquarters and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Relax: Arrive at your accommodation and relax
Optional activity: If time and weather permit, enjoy an optional boat ride on the lake to explore its beautiful islands and surrounding landscapes
Main destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 03

Lake Bunyonyi and Transfer Back to Kigali

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the lodge overlooking the peaceful surroundings of Lake Bunyonyi
Optional activity: If you did not take a boat ride the previous evening, you may arrange an optional morning excursion to explore the lake and its scenic islands, subject to your departure schedule
Return journey: Begin the return journey to Kigali, crossing the Uganda–Rwanda border and enjoying the beautiful countryside along the way
Drop-off: Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be dropped off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport, according to your onward travel arrangements
Main destination: Kigali, Rwanda
Accommodation: No accommodation; end of tour
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch and dinner are not included

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kigali 4 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Gorilla trekking permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Applicable national park and activity fees for non-residents
Two nights of accommodation as specified in the itinerary
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Private ground transportation throughout the safari
Pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Drinking water during the safari
Applicable taxes and VAT

What's Not Included

International flights to and from your home country
Accommodation before or after the safari
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Optional activities, including the Lake Bunyonyi boat ride and Batwa community visit, unless confirmed as included
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses, souvenirs, and travel insurance
Visa fees and any required border-crossing documentation
Any government-imposed increases in taxes, park fees, or permit costs after booking

What to bring

Hiking boots: Comfortable, waterproof hiking boots with good grip for muddy and uneven forest trails.
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers: Protect your arms and legs from insects, thorny vegetation, and scratches.
Rain jacket or poncho: Bwindi is a tropical rainforest, and rain can occur at any time.
Gardening gloves: Useful for gripping vegetation during steep or slippery sections of the trek.
Small backpack: Carry your drinking water, snacks, camera, and personal essentials.
Insect repellent: Help protect yourself against mosquitoes and other insects.
Sunscreen and sunglasses: Useful during transfers and outdoor activities around Lake Bunyonyi.
Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the trekking experience.
Camera or smartphone: Capture memories of your gorilla trekking adventure. Flash photography is not permitted around gorillas.

Know before you go

Optional activities are mentioned, including the Lake Bunyonyi boat ride and Batwa community visit
Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers will provide instructions on trekking procedures, safety guidelines, and responsible behavior around mountain gorillas
The trek may take between two and eight hours, depending on the gorillas’ location and movements
Spend a maximum of one hour observing the gorillas