2 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda
Tour Overview
In contrast, travelers coming from Kampala or Entebbe face a much longer drive—8 to 10 hours each way—making a 3-day safari a better choice for a more relaxed experience. While border crossings can sometimes cause delays, the shorter distance from Kigali still allows ample time for an unforgettable gorilla trek and a smooth return journey.
Uganda truly stands out for its affordability. Gorilla trekking permits cost $800 for foreign non-residents—nearly half the price of Rwanda’s $1,500 permits. This significant price difference makes Uganda the most budget-friendly destination to see mountain gorillas, attracting travelers who want an incredible adventure without overspending. This 2-day safari offers a rare opportunity to get up close to mountain gorillas, trek through lush rainforests with expert guides, and enjoy stunning landscapes. Optional activities like canoeing on the scenic Lake Mutanda add to the experience, while short, scenic transfers from Kigali to Bwindi maximize your time spent in one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife destinations.
Trip Highlights
- See rare mountain gorillas up close and observe their human-like behavior
- Trek through Uganda’s rainforest with expert local guides
- Explore lush forests rich in wildlife
- Optional canoeing on Lake Mutanda
- Enjoy short, scenic transfers from Kigali to Bwindi
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
We will pick you up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel in Kigali and drive you to Uganda. The scenic journey takes you through Rwanda’s northwestern town of Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park—another renowned destination for mountain gorilla trekking. From there, we circle around the mountains and cross into Uganda via the Cyanika border post. The drive continues through the charming towns of Kisoro, nestled amid lush greenery at the foot of the Virunga Mountains. Finally, we wind through mountain roads to reach the stunning Mutanda Lake, a hidden gem in East Africa.
In the afternoon, you can relax and enjoy breathtaking views of the volcanoes or take a traditional canoe—carved from a hollowed-out tree trunk—to explore the serene lake. Mutanda Lake lies in southwestern Uganda at the foot of the Virunga volcanic chain, which spans Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda. The area around the lake is rich in rainforests, providing habitat for the endangered mountain gorilla and making it an ideal base for gorilla trekking adventures in nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Drive Time: 3 -6 hours
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Transfer Back To Kigali.
In the morning, you’ll travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the highlight of your trip—gorilla trekking. Your accommodation will provide a packed lunch to enjoy during your break. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, along with Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains, is one of the world’s most important areas for mountain gorilla trekking. This relatively small nature reserve is home to nearly half of all wild mountain gorillas. Besides gorillas, Bwindi shelters around 120 mammal species and 350 bird species.
During the trek, you will walk and carefully move through Bwindi’s dense forest, guided by experienced rangers from the Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA). You’ll search for signs of gorillas—such as droppings, nests, chewed bamboo, and broken branches—that signal you’re getting close. When you finally come face to face with a silverback gorilla calmly watching over his family, it will be a truly unforgettable moment that will stay with you forever.
After the trek, you’ll descend back and drive to Kigali, Rwanda. Keep in mind that gorilla trekking can sometimes take over 5 hours, so it’s recommended not to book any flights departing Kigali before 10:00 PM on Day 2. Also, note that Uganda operates on East Africa Time, which is one hour ahead of Rwanda’s Central Africa Time.
Optional Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest
For a unique and deeper experience, Greenway Nature Tours offers a gorilla habituation day instead of the regular trek. During this special excursion, you’ll join researchers to observe how a gorilla family becomes accustomed to human presence. This rare opportunity allows you to spend up to four hours with the gorillas, in a small group of only four people, providing an intimate and insightful look into the habituation process.
Accommodation: Not included
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Drive Time: 3 – 5 hours
What Is Included
- Gorilla permit
- Transport in a 4X4 safari vehicle & fuel
- Accommodation for one night
- Meals: 1x breakfast, 1 x dinner, 2 x lunch
- Bottled drinking water
- An experienced English-speaking tour driver/guide
- Park entry fees
- Park ranger and guiding
- 24-hour emergency contact
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