3 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda from Kigali Rwanda.

Q: 1. Why should I start my gorilla trekking safari from Kigali?

Starting from Kigali offers the shortest and most convenient route to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive takes approximately 4-5 hours, making it an excellent choice for travelers with limited time.

Q: 2. How far in advance should I book my safari?

We recommend booking at least 3-6 months in advance, particularly during peak seasons, as gorilla trekking permits are limited and often sell out quickly.

Q: 3. What is the best time to go gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year. The dry seasons (June-September and December-February) generally provide the best hiking conditions, although the rainy seasons also offer lush scenery and fewer crowds.

Q: 4. How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost?

A Uganda gorilla trekking permit currently costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents. The permit allows one unforgettable hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family.

Q: 5. How difficult is gorilla trekking?

The trek can range from moderate to challenging depending on the location of the gorilla family. Hiking may take between 30 minutes and 4 hours through mountainous rainforest terrain.

Q: 6. What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?

The minimum age required for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years.

Q: 7. Can I take photographs of the gorillas?

Yes. Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not allowed, as it may disturb the gorillas.

Q: 8. What should I pack for the safari?

Essential items include waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, a rain jacket, gardening gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, a camera (without flash), and a small backpack.

Q: 9. Do I need a visa to travel from Rwanda to Uganda?

Most travelers require a visa to enter Uganda. The East African Tourist Visa is a convenient option for visitors planning to travel between Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.

Q: 10. What is included in the 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari package?

The safari package includes your gorilla trekking permit, accommodation, meals as specified in the itinerary, comfortable ground transportation, an English-speaking driver-guide, bottled drinking water, and all activities listed in the itinerary.

Accomodation
First Star Hotel
Arrival City
Kigali
Language
English
Meals
Breakfast and Dinner
Tour Availability
Available
Guide
Guided
Insurance Coverage
Covered 80%
Mineral Water
Available
Walking Hours
5-6 hours
Payment Method
VISA, Mobile Money
Minimum Age
12
Maximum Age
65

Overview

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

FAQs

Map

Tour Overview

It is possible to fly in to Rwanda’s Kigali International airport and do gorilla trekking in Uganda either in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National park- the home to more than half population of remaining mountain gorillas remaining in the whole world, Bwindi Forest inhibits more than 400 mountain Gorillas or trekking in Mgahinga National park which is part of the great Virunga Conservation area.

This 3 days Gorilla trekking tour is suitable for people who are already in Kigali ,people who have short time and want to visit two countries ,people who want to avoid long hours of driving from Entebbe to Bwindi which is between 7 to 9 hours drive, this will only take between 2 to 3 hours through Rwanda and Kigezi Highlands.

Trip Highlights

Trek to the world-famous Gorilla Mountains.
Enjoy the amazing view of the Rwanda- the land of a thousand Hills.
Travel through the Sherpa villages of Katuna, Kabale, Bwindi, and Bunyonyi.
Visit The Batwa Community, one of the Africa's oldest Indigenous Community.

Day 01 :

Pick from Kigali and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable forest.

Upon arrival, our professional guide will warmly welcome you and pick you up from Kigali International Airport, your hotel, or any preferred location within Kigali, depending on your scheduled pickup time. If time permits, you may enjoy a brief city tour of Kigali before embarking on a scenic drive to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, via the Katuna Border.

The drive from Kigali to the Katuna Border takes approximately 2 hours along a well-maintained road, offering breathtaking views throughout the journey. As you travel through Rwanda, famously known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills," you'll admire its rolling green landscapes, terraced hillsides, and picturesque countryside.

After crossing into Uganda, you have two accommodation options based on your preference. You may spend the night at the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, located about 45 minutes from the border, and continue with a 1½-hour drive to Bwindi the following morning. Alternatively, you can proceed directly with an additional 2-hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Upon arrival at your lodge, check in, relax, enjoy a delicious dinner, and settle in for an overnight stay in preparation for the next day's unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.

ACCOMODATION : Rushaga Gorilla Camp.

Day 02 :

Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Community Visit.

Start your day with an early breakfast before meeting your guide, who will brief you on the day's activities and remind you of the essential items to carry for your gorilla trekking experience. You will then transfer to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park headquarters for a mandatory briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority park rangers. During the briefing, you will learn about gorilla trekking regulations, safety guidelines, and what to expect during the adventure. You will also be assigned a specific habituated gorilla family to visit.

After the briefing, set off on an unforgettable trek through the dense rainforest in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. Depending on the location and movement of the gorilla family, the trek may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Once you encounter the gorillas, you will spend up to one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. This is a unique opportunity to watch their behavior, learn about their social structure, capture memorable photographs, and experience an extraordinary close encounter with these gentle giants.

After your gorilla encounter, enjoy your packed lunch before hiking back to the park headquarters, where you will be awarded your Gorilla Trekking Certificate as a memorable keepsake of your adventure.

In the afternoon, visit the Batwa Community for a fascinating cultural experience. Learn about the rich history and traditions of the Batwa people, the original forest dwellers of Bwindi, and gain insight into their former hunter-gatherer lifestyle, traditional skills, music, dance, and life in their distinctive grass-thatched homes.

Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

ACCOMODATION: Bunyonyi Rock Resort Or Bunyonyi Overland Resort.

Day 03 :

Morning Boat cruise and Transfer To Kigali.

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing 2-hour boat cruise on the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa's most scenic lakes. As you glide across its tranquil waters, take in the breathtaking views of the terraced hills, numerous islands, and surrounding landscapes. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories about the lake's history, local communities, and the unique significance of its islands.

In the late morning, begin your journey back to Kigali, Rwanda, via the Katuna Border. Upon arrival in Kigali, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you will gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda's history and pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

If your flight schedule allows, you may also enjoy a brief Kigali city tour, exploring vibrant local markets, craft shops, and other notable attractions while learning about Rwanda's remarkable transformation and the daily lives of its people.

Later, your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport or any other agreed drop-off location, marking the end of your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure. We hope to welcome you back to East Africa for another memorable safari experience. Safe travels!

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING ZARIE GORILLA SAFARIS