This 2-day Bwindi gorilla trekking tour from Kigali offers a short and rewarding chance to see mountain gorillas in the wild. Gorillas are among the closest primates to humans and share about 96 percent of their DNA. Seeing them in their natural forest home brings joy and lasting memories.
Your safari starts in Kigali and crosses into Uganda to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park is known for its thick forest and large population of mountain gorillas. The drive from Kigali to Bwindi takes about four to five hours, depending on the border used and traffic. The most common border crossings are Katuna Border and Cyanika Border.
This short tour is suitable for travelers with limited time who still want a true gorilla trekking experience.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick Up from Kigali and Drive to Bwindi
On arrival in Kigali, your driver guide will meet you at the airport or your hotel. After a short briefing about the safari, begin the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will cross into Uganda using either the Katuna or Cyanika border. The journey takes about four to five hours.
On arrival in Bwindi, check in at your lodge. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a late lunch or dinner. Spend the evening resting and preparing for the next day’s gorilla trekking activity. Overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Return to Kigali
Wake up early for breakfast, then drive to the park offices for registration and briefing by a ranger guide. You will be assigned a gorilla group, with a maximum of eight visitors per group.
The gorilla trek can take between one and seven hours, depending on where the gorillas are found. During the trek, you will learn about gorilla behavior and forest life. Once you meet the gorillas, you are allowed one hour to observe them. You may see mothers caring for young ones, grooming, feeding, and resting. Photography is allowed without flash.
After the trek, return to the park office and meet your driver guide. Drive back to the lodge for lunch, then begin the journey back to Kigali.
This marks the end of the 2-day Bwindi gorilla trekking tour from Kigali.
