Uganda & Rwanda · 3 days
3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking from Kigali
Fly into Kigali and trek gorillas in Uganda instead. Uganda's permit is $800 against Rwanda's $1,500.
- Duration
- 3 days
- Starts
- Kigali
- Ends
- Kigali
- Country
- Uganda & Rwanda
Overview
Bwindi's southern sectors are closer to Kigali than to Entebbe, so flying into Rwanda and crossing the border is the quickest route to Uganda's gorillas. You get the same hour with a mountain gorilla family for a permit that costs $700 less than Rwanda's.
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- $700 less than Rwanda's gorilla permit
- Kigali Genocide Memorial if your flight times allow
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Kigali to Bwindi
Airport pickup in Kigali and, if time allows, a stop at the Genocide Memorial. We cross into Uganda at Katuna and continue via Kabale to your lodge in Bwindi.
- Approx. 4-5 hours plus the border crossing
- Lunch and dinner
- Mid-range: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Luxury: Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Day 2
Gorilla trekking
Briefing at park headquarters, then a trek into the forest for one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Mid-range: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Luxury: Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Day 3
Return to Kigali
Back across the border to Kigali for your onward flight.
- Approx. 4-5 hours plus the border crossing
- Breakfast and lunch
- End of safari
This is a sample route. Every trip is private, so we can add days, swap lodges, change the pace or fly instead of drive on the longest legs. Lodges are confirmed when we book, subject to availability.
What’s included
- Gorilla, chimpanzee, golden monkey and rhino tracking permits for the activities in your itinerary, booked in advance
- Park entrance fees
- All game drives
- Boat cruises
- Accommodation and meals as listed for each day
- Transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Full-time English-speaking driver-guide
- Airport or border pickup and drop-off
- Drinking water in the vehicle
- All government taxes
Not included
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Visa fees
- International flight tickets
- Personal and medical insurance
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tips and laundry
Good to know
- Gorilla trekkers must be 15 or older and reasonably fit. Gorilla trekking guide
- This trip crosses between Uganda and Rwanda, so the East Africa Tourist Visa is usually the simplest option, and you will need a yellow fever certificate. Visas and entry
- The dry seasons (June to September, December to February) are best for trekking and game drives, but this safari runs all year. When to go
- What to pack and frequently asked questions
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Ready to start planning?
Tell us your dates and what you would love to see, and Godwin will put together a route, lodges and a quote for you.