Rwanda, Uganda · Primate Tours

3-Day Gorilla Trekking Tour to Bwindi via Kigali

3 Days Round trip from Kigali Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the iconic mountain gorillas
02 Trek through dense rainforest for a close encounter with a gorilla family
03 Spot other primates, including colobus monkeys and chimpanzees
04 Take in the rolling hills and beautiful landscapes of Rwanda and Uganda
05 Immerse yourself in local culture through interactions with nearby communities

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the iconic mountain gorillas. Trek through this remarkable rainforest for a close encounter with these magnificent primates, while also spotting other wildlife such as colobus monkeys and chimpanzees. Along the way, take in the breathtaking landscapes of Rwanda and Uganda and immerse yourself in the local culture through meaningful interactions with nearby communities and their traditions.

Once you locate the gorilla family, you will spend a precious hour in their presence, observing their behaviour, social interactions, and capturing unforgettable photographs.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Kigali, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Kigali and Scenic Transfer to Bwindi

Your tour begins with your arrival at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, where your guide will warmly welcome you. After a brief orientation and introduction to the tour, you will embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. The drive takes approximately 4-5 hours and offers breathtaking views of Rwanda and Uganda's rolling hills and beautiful landscapes.
Upon reaching Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you will check into your accommodation, ideally located near the park entrance. You can relax and enjoy the serene surroundings while preparing for the exciting gorilla trekking experience the next day. In the evening, you will have a delicious dinner at the lodge, followed by a well-deserved rest.

Day 02

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, you will proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing by the experienced park rangers. They will provide essential information about gorilla trekking etiquette, safety guidelines, and an overview of the different gorilla families you may encounter.
Following the briefing, you will embark on an exhilarating gorilla trek through the dense rainforest of Bwindi. Accompanied by an armed ranger guide, you will hike in small groups, venturing into the natural habitat of these magnificent primates. The trek duration can vary depending on the location of the gorilla family you are assigned, ranging from 2 to 6 hours.
Once you locate the gorilla family, you will spend a precious hour in their presence, observing their behaviour, social interactions, and capturing unforgettable photographs. This close encounter with the gentle giants of Bwindi is an awe-inspiring and humbling experience that will leave a lasting impression on you.
After the trek, you will return to your lodge, where you can relax and recount the day's adventures. In the evening, you can engage in cultural activities organized by the lodge, interact with the local communities, or simply enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings.

Day 03

Return to Kigali and Departure

After a leisurely breakfast on the final day of your tour, you will bid farewell to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and start your journey back to Kigali, Rwanda. The return drive offers another opportunity to enjoy the region's scenic beauty.
Upon reaching Kigali, you can visit some of the city's notable attractions, such as the Genocide Memorial Center, where you can learn about Rwanda's history and the resilience of its people. You may also explore local markets for souvenir shopping or sample Rwandan cuisine at one of the city's excellent restaurants.
Finally, your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport, where you will catch your departure flight, marking the end of your memorable gorilla trekking tour in Uganda through Rwanda.
Please note that the itinerary is a general overview and can be customized to suit your preferences and specific requirements. The actual details, including

Where this trip takes you

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, dense rainforest, Kigali, rolling hills

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kigali 2 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport transfer
Airport drop-off
Government tax
Gorilla permits and certificates
Entrance fee
Security
Insurance
All meals
Accommodation
Drinks all day
Professional tour guide

What's Not Included

International flights to and from the destination
Domestic flights
Personal souvenirs
Hotel rooms before the tour starts
Hotel accommodation after the tour

What to bring

Clothing:
- Lightweight, breathable clothes
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Swimwear
- Hat and sunglasses
Insect repellent:
- Mosquito repellent with DEET or another effective ingredient
Medications and health supplies:
- Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions
- Anti-malarial medication
- Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic cream)
- Sunscreen (high SPF)
Travel essentials:
- Passport and necessary travel documents
- Money (local currency and/or credit cards)
- Travel adapter for electrical outlets
- Portable charger/power bank
- Travel insurance details
Outdoor gear:
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
- Lightweight backpack or daypack
- Water bottle
- Travel towel
- Inflatable neck pillow and eye mask for long journeys
Toiletries and personal items:
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Personal hygiene products
- Insect bite relief cream
Miscellaneous:
- Entertainment (books, music, etc.) for long journeys
- Snacks for the road
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Travel locks for luggage security
Remember to pack light and consider the specific activities you'll participate in during your safari. It's also a good idea to check the weather forecast for your travel dates and pack accordingly.

Know before you go

Most visitors (apart from people from a few visa-exempt countries in Africa) will need to get a visa to travel to Uganda. You used to be able to get a visa on arrival in Uganda, but this is no longer the case. You now need to apply for an electronic visa online before your trip.
A single-entry visa costs US$50, and a six-month multiple-entry visa costs US$100.
If you're travelling to Rwanda and Kenya on the same trip, apply for the 90-day multiple-entry East African Tourist Visa, which covers all three countries and costs US$100.
Visa requirements for Uganda vary depending on your nationality. Some countries are exempt from visas, while others can obtain visas on arrival or apply in advance.
Uganda also offers an e-visa system for certain nationalities. It's essential to check the current requirements and procedures with the nearest Ugandan embassy or consulate. For more detailed and up-to-date information, you can visit the official website of the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control of Uganda.
At our lodge in Uganda:
- You will experience the true essence of this captivating country. Nestled amidst breathtaking natural beauty, our lodge offers a tranquil retreat for travellers.
- Immerse yourself in Uganda's rich wildlife and vibrant culture while enjoying our lodge's warm hospitality and exceptional amenities.
- Whether you seek thrilling safari adventures or a peaceful escape, our lodge provides an unforgettable experience that will leave you with cherished memories of your time in Uganda.
- We have a child policy to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable family stay.
- We welcome children of all ages and provide a range of amenities and activities suitable for their needs. Our child policy promotes a safe and welcoming environment, making your family's stay with us a memorable experience.
You have to check out some lodges that do not allow children, while others allow children of a certain age and some activities. Gorilla tracking does not allow children.