2 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda
Tour Overview
This 2-day Uganda gorilla trekking safari is perfect for travelers who want to see mountain gorillas without spending too much money or time on long drives. The safari starts in Kigali, Rwanda, which makes the journey easy and efficient. From Kigali, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is only 4 to 5 hours away by road.
Traveling from Kampala or Entebbe takes much longer. The drive can last 8 to 10 hours each way, which is why a longer safari is usually recommended when starting from Uganda’s capital.
Even though border crossings can sometimes take time, starting from Kigali still saves hours on the road and allows you to focus on the main highlight—the gorilla trek. Uganda is also the most affordable country for gorilla trekking. A gorilla permit costs $800 for foreign non-residents, almost half the price of Rwanda’s $1,500 permit. This big difference makes Uganda the best choice for travelers looking for a world-class experience at a lower cost.
Despite the short duration, this 2-day safari delivers an unforgettable adventure. You will trek through dense rainforest with experienced guides, spend precious time with a wild gorilla family, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of southwestern Uganda. If time allows, you can also add optional activities, such as canoeing on the peaceful waters of Lake Mutanda. With short, scenic transfers and excellent value for money, this safari offers a rare chance to experience mountain gorillas in one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife regions.
Your Itinerary In Brief
- Day 1: Drive from Kigali to Lake Mutanda near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
- Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Return to Kigali
Your Itinerary In Details
Day 1: Drive from Kigali to Lake Mutanda near Bwindi
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.
Please Note: Depending on your chosen package, overnight stays vary. The budget version of this trip option spends the night in the town of Kisoro.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Travellers Rest Hotel
Midrange: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage
Semi-Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage
Included Meals: Lunch, & Dinner
Drive Time: 4 to 5 hours
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Transfer Back To Kigali
In the morning, you travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the highlight of your journey—gorilla trekking. Your lodge will prepare a packed lunch, which you can enjoy later in the forest or after the trek. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, together with Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains, is one of the most important places on Earth for mountain gorilla trekking. This ancient rainforest is home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. It also supports rich wildlife, with around 120 mammal species and 350 bird species living within the forest.
The trek takes you deep into the jungle, moving slowly through thick vegetation. You are guided by highly trained rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), who know the forest and the gorilla families well. Along the way, you look for fresh signs of gorillas—nests, broken branches, chewed bamboo, and footprints. Each sign brings growing excitement.
Then comes the moment you have been waiting for. You meet a gorilla family in the wild. A powerful silverback sits calmly, watching over his group. Time seems to stand still. It is a deeply moving experience that stays with you long after the trek ends.
After the experience, you begin your drive back to Kigali, Rwanda. Gorilla trekking can sometimes take five hours or more, depending on where the gorillas are that day. For this reason, we recommend not booking any flights departing Kigali before 10:00 PM on Day 2. Please also note that Uganda is one hour ahead of Rwanda, as it follows East Africa Time.
Optional: Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest
For travelers seeking something even more special, Greenway Nature Tours offers the gorilla habituation experience instead of the standard trek. This rare activity allows you to join researchers and rangers as they gently introduce a wild gorilla family to human presence. You can spend up to four hours with the gorillas, compared to the usual one hour. The group is limited to only four participants, making the experience quiet, personal, and incredibly rewarding. It offers a deeper understanding of gorilla behavior and conservation work in Bwindi Forest.
Accommodation: Not included
Meal Plan: Breakfast
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