3 Day Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from Kigali
3 Day Gorilla Trek in Uganda from Kigali
Tour Overview
This 3-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda from Kigali is the ideal choice if you have limited time but still want to see mountain gorillas in the wild. It is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to experience gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Starting from Kigali makes the journey easy and efficient. The drive to Bwindi takes only 4 to 5 hours, compared to 8 to 10 hours from Entebbe or Kampala. This means less time on the road and more time for your adventure. It also helps you save money. Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost $800 in high season and $600 in low season, which is $700 to 900 less than permits in Rwanda.
You will be picked up from your hotel or from Kigali International Airport. From there, we take care of everything. This includes border crossing assistance, comfortable transport, and the drive to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. All transfers, accommodation, and logistics are well arranged to give you a smooth and unforgettable experience.
Your Itinerary In Details
Day 1 | Travel from Rwanda to Lake Mutanda/Bwindi
Your guide picks you up at 7:00 am from your hotel in Kigali or Kigali International Airport. After a short briefing, you start your journey to Uganda. The drive is scenic and relaxing, with rolling hills and beautiful countryside along the way. You can opt to stop at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund (optional). This is a modern and inspiring place focused on mountain gorilla conservation and research. It gives you a deeper understanding of these rare animals before your trek.
After crossing the border, you continue to Lake Mutanda, one of the most peaceful and beautiful spots in East Africa. You arrive in the afternoon. The views are stunning. The Virunga volcanoes rise in the background and reflect in the calm waters of the lake. The rest of the day is yours. You can relax, swim, or explore the lake. Try a traditional canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or take a quiet boat ride. Lake Mutanda sits near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, making it a perfect base for gorilla trekking. The area is rich in wildlife, with many birds, small animals, and beautiful natural scenery all around you.
Please note: Your overnight stay depends on your package. Luxury stays are in Buhoma (about 6 hours from Kigali). Budget stays are in Kisoro (about 4 hours). A popular mid option is Mutanda Lake Resort (about 5 hours).
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Travellers Rest Hotel
Midrange: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage
Semi-Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
Included Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2 | Face to face with Mountain Gorillas
This morning, you travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for mountain gorilla trekking. Your lodge will prepare a packed lunch, which you will enjoy during a break in the forest. Bwindi is one of the most important habitats for the mountain gorilla in the world. It protects nearly half of the remaining population. The forest is ancient, dense, and full of life, with over 120 mammal species and more than 350 bird species.
Gorilla trekking is an exciting and deeply moving experience. With expert rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, you walk through thick forest, sometimes climbing and crouching as you track a gorilla family. Along the way, you follow signs like nests, dung, and broken branches. Then you find them. A silverback sitting calmly with his family. Time slows down. It is powerful, quiet, and unforgettable.
Gorilla Habituation Experience – Bwindi Forest (Optional)
If you want more time with the gorillas, you can choose the Gorilla Habituation Experience. You join researchers and spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated group. It is more exclusive, with very small groups, and gives you a deeper understanding of gorilla behavior.
Lake Mutanda Excursions (Optional)
After your trek, you can relax or explore more. Around Lake Mutanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you can enjoy swimming, canoeing, or a sunset boat cruise. There is something for every interest.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Travellers Rest Hotel
Midrange: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage
Semi-Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: | Return to Kigali
Savor your final morning in this tranquil corner of Uganda with a breakfast at the lodge. At around 10 am, your driver-guide will transfer you back across the border to Kigali, Rwanda, arriving in time for your departure flight. Please ensure your flight departs no earlier than 6:00 pm to allow for border crossing and drive time. For earlier flights, we recommend an overnight stay in Kigali, which we can happily arrange at an additional cost.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
What To carry for this 3 day Uganda gorilla Safari
- Good and comfortable walking/hiking shoes suitable for handling slippery slopes.
- Grab a walking stick at the start of your trek.
- Thin gloves can be a great addition, as you need to grab a lot of twigs and trees.
- Wear long-sleeved clothes to protect yourself from scratches and insect bites while walking through thick bushes.
- Pack a facemask as this is mandatory to wear once you are with the gorillas.
- To put in your bag: a raincoat, sunscreen, enough water (2L), and snacks or a packed lunch.
- Don’t forget to take your passport with you, plus a copy of your passport for each trek, as these will be handed in on the day of your trekking
Prices and levels for this private trip
The selected comfort levels give you a good indication of the type of accommodations and the total price. We would be happy to discuss in person whether the accommodations meet your needs.
High Season Price
Luxury Package
- 1 Pax: USD 3182
- 2 Pax: USD 1907 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 1898 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 1641 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 1622 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 1555 Per Person
Semi-Luxury Package
- 1 Pax: USD 2409
- 2 Pax: USD 1765 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 1634 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 1506 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 1489 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 1433 Per Person
Midrange Package
- 1 Pax: USD 2277
- 2 Pax: USD 1677 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 1532 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 1418 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 1383 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 1332 Per Person
Budget Package
- 1 Pax: USD 2084
- 2 Pax: USD 1556 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 1436 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 1334 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 1307 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 1261 Per Person
low Season Price
*Low season applies for the months of April, May, and in November.
Luxury Package
- 1 Pax: USD 2613
- 2 Pax: USD 1600 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 1580 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 1332 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 1323 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 1242 Per Person
Semi-Luxury Package
- 1 Pax: USD 2249
- 2 Pax: USD 1587 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 1453 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 1321 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 1294 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 1232 Per Person
Midrange Package
- 1 Pax: USD 2114
- 2 Pax: USD 1497 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 1348 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 1231 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 1194 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 1143 Per Person
Budget Package
- 1 Pax: USD 1876
- 2 Pax: USD 1344 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 1223 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 1120 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 1093 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 1046 Per Person
Inclusions
- All transfers and transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari landcruiser
- Airport drop-off in Rwanda (as arranged)
- All park entrance and activity fees
- Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Professional English-speaking safari guides
- 2 nights accommodation as listed
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Packed lunch for gorilla trekking
- Water in the vehicle during drives and safaris
- Assistance with border crossings
exclusions
- International flights to and from Rwanda.
- Uganda and Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Optional activities not listed as included
- Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guides, lodge staff, and park rangers
- Extra accommodation before or after the safari
- Any services not mentioned under safari inclusions
Participation Requirements
- Age restriction: 15-80 years old
- A valid passport is required on the day of travel
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible
- We advise against people with heart problems participating on this tour
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
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