Day 1: Kigali – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Morning | Pick-up & Transfer
Your professional driver-guide will pick you up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel in Kigali. You will begin your journey with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, offering a meaningful introduction to Rwanda’s history.
Afternoon | Scenic Drive
Continue on a scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills into Uganda, crossing at the Katuna border. You will stop in Kabale town for lunch before proceeding to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Evening | Check-in & Overnight
Upon arrival, check in at your lodge for relaxation, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.
- Drive Time: Approx. 4–5 hours
- Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge / Bakiga Lodge
- Mid-range: Four Gorillas Lodge / Gorilla Leisure Lodge / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Luxury: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge / Gorilla Heights Lodge / Kiho Gorilla Lodge
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Return to Kigali
Morning | Briefing
After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters with your packed lunch for a gorilla trekking briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will be informed about trekking guidelines and assigned a gorilla family based on your fitness level and preferences (subject to availability).
Gorilla Trekking Experience
Transfer to the trailhead and begin your trek into the forest. Trekking duration may range from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Along the way, your guide will share information about the forest ecosystem.
Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend one hour observing and photographing them in their natural habitat.
After the trek, return to the park headquarters to receive your gorilla trekking certificate.
Afternoon | Return Transfer
Drive back to Kigali, Rwanda, via the Katuna border for either an overnight stay in Kigali or your international departure. For same-day flights, please ensure your flight departs late in the evening.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 1: Pick-up from Kigali Airport or hotel, visit the Genocide Memorial, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, return drive to Kigali
Gorilla Permits (Uganda)
Gorilla permits should be booked well in advance as availability is limited and issued on a first-come, first-served basis by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Permit Costs:
- USD 800 – Non-Foreign Residents
- USD 700 – East African Foreign Residents
- USD 500 – Rest of Africa Residents
- UGX 300,000 – East African Citizens
Permits are valid for both Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
Gorilla Trekking Sectors
Bwindi has four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. Accommodation will be booked based on your permit location.
Physical Fitness
Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, involving steep and sometimes muddy terrain. A moderate level of fitness and good health is recommended.
Packing List
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Rain jacket
- Gloves
- Camera
- Binoculars
Age Limit
The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years.
Transport Options
- By road: 8–9 hours from Entebbe; 4–5 hours from Kigali
- By air: 1–2 hour domestic flight (optional)
Safari vans are recommended for budget travelers, while 4×4 Safari Land Cruisers are ideal for mid-range and luxury travel.
Best Time to Visit
Gorilla trekking is available year-round, with the best months being June–September and December–February, which are generally drier.
Gorilla Trekking Regulations
All trekkers must follow Uganda Wildlife Authority regulations during the trek to ensure safety and conservation.
Chances of Seeing Gorillas
The success rate of seeing gorillas is approximately 98%, thanks to daily tracking by park rangers.
Gorilla Habituation Experience (Optional)
Bwindi also offers a Gorilla Habituation Experience, allowing visitors to spend up to 4 hours with a gorilla family.
Permit Costs:
- USD 1,500 – Non-Foreign Residents
- USD 1,000 – East African Residents
- UGX 750,000 – East African Citizens
Other Activities
- Bird watching
- Batwa cultural experience
- Nature walks
- Community visits
These activities can be added to enhance your safari.
