3-Day Gorilla Tour from Kigali to Bwindi, Uganda

Overview

Want to experience mountain gorillas in Uganda but hesitant about the long 9-hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Uganda? There’s a shorter way—traveling via Kigali, Rwanda.

This journey takes approximately 4 hours, much quicker compared to the 9-hour drive from Entebbe International Airport or Kampala.

This 3-day Uganda gorilla safari package allows you to arrive via Kigali – Rwanda, spend roughly 4 hours traveling to Bwindi Forest for your gorilla trek, and then transfer back to Kigali for your departure flight.

Please note that this package can be combined with a Mount Kilimanjaro Climb, a Tanzania Serengeti Safari, a Tanzania Ngorongoro Safari, or a Masai Mara Safari.

Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Bwindi Forest National Park

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by our company representative, who will take you on a brief city tour around Kigali (if time allows), and then transfer you to Bwindi, a journey of up to 4 hours.

Day 2 – Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Forest

This is the day you bond with your long-lost cousins in the impenetrable forests of Bwindi. The day requires an early rise so you have enough time to prepare and enjoy a heavy breakfast.

By 7:30 AM, you need to be at the park headquarters for a short briefing on the Dos and Don’ts of Mountain Gorilla trekking, along with other relevant information.

After the briefing, you will head into the forest in search of the gorillas.

The trek can last between 2 and 8 hours, depending on how quickly the gorillas are located, and includes a full hour of close encounter with these primates.

After this once-in-a-lifetime experience, you will return to the lodge for lunch, dinner, and relaxation.

Day 3 – Batwa Trail, Transfer to Kigali, and Departure

On your last day, there’s still an exciting activity to enjoy in the morning: the Batwa Trail.

This fascinating experience allows you to connect with the life of the Batwa pygmies, who have chosen to maintain their ancient way of life despite the modern world.

After the Batwa Trail, your driver will transfer you back to Kigali, with lunch en route.

You will then catch your departure flight or be dropped off at a hotel in Kigali.

Questions about this tour

Is the gorilla permit included in the price?

Yes. The gorilla trekking permit is part of the tour price, and we buy it for you as soon as you confirm, so your trekking date is secured.

Can you change this itinerary?

Yes. We can change the dates, add or remove days, switch the trekking sector and pick budget, mid-range or luxury lodges. We adjust the plan until you are happy with it.

How do I pay?

You pay a 60% deposit to confirm, and the balance is due a month before you arrive. You pay us once; we handle the permits, lodges and transport.

Is it a private tour or a group?

Either. You can travel privately or with a small group, whichever suits you.

How fit do I need to be?

A gorilla trek takes 2 to 7 hours depending on where the family is. Rangers place trekkers in groups by age and fitness, and porters can carry your bag.

When should I book?

Only 8 people can visit each gorilla family per day, so permits for the dry seasons sell out. We recommend booking at least three months ahead.

Aqram Ssalima

Just amazing experience that we need individually

BACAMUVYUMA Eraste

The Buhoma Visitor Center is where our incredible gorilla trekking journey began. The morning briefing was clear, professional, and built up the excitement perfectly. The rangers here are walking encyclopedias of forest knowledge! They made us feel safe and prepared for the hike ahead. Watching the traditional dance performance by the local women’s group while we waited was a beautiful cultural touch. An experience I will never forget!

Ralph Barber

Very nice welcome center and friendly staff...they have local dancers and crafts prior to your activity

Tony Easterby

Amazing experience a must do go see the gorillas how they should be wild not in a cage

Niwagaba Isaiah

Visit the place and discover the experience

Sam Travel Agent Uganda

Watching these gentle giants up close, seeing their expressions, their family bonds, and their calm strength was truly humbling. The hour spent with them passed so quickly, yet it left memories that will last forever. The trek itself was challenging but rewarding, and the guides ensured everyone felt safe and supported throughout the journey.

Alex M

Spent 3 nights at Forrest Gorilla Lodge and did gorilla tracking 2 times. The first tracking was rather hard for me and I am quite fit. So do let them know if you want easy-moderate-hard trail. We saw a large family of 13 gorilla including 3 little ones. The round trip time including 30 min drive each way was about 5 hours. The second tracking was ultra easy. About 2 hours round trip. We saw a smaller family of 8 gorillas with 2 little gorillas.

3-Day Uganda Gorilla Tour from Kigali to Bwindi Forest

Overview

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Bwindi Forest National Park

Day 2 – Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Forest

Day 3 – Batwa Trail, Transfer to Kigali, and Departure

What's included

Questions about this tour

Ready to meet the gorillas?

Overview

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Bwindi Forest National Park

Day 2 – Mountain Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Forest

Day 3 – Batwa Trail, Transfer to Kigali, and Departure

What's included

Questions about this tour

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Ready to meet the gorillas?