2 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda
2 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda From Kigali
Tour Overview
This 2-day gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is perfect for travelers who want to see mountain gorillas in a short time and at a lower cost. The trip starts in Kigali (Rwanda), which makes the journey quick and easy. From Kigali, it takes only 4 to 5 hours to reach Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Starting from Kampala or Entebbe takes much longer. The drive can take 8 to 10 hours each way. That is why longer safaris are usually needed when starting from within Uganda. Even with the border crossing, starting from Kigali still saves many hours and keeps the focus on the main experience; the gorilla trek. Uganda is also the best value destination for gorilla trekking.
A permit costs $800 in high season and $600 in the low season months of April, May, and November. This is much lower than Rwanda’s $1,500 permit. You get the same high-quality experience at a better price.
Your Itinerary In Details
Day 1 | Drive from Kigali to Lake Mutanda near Bwindi
We pick you up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel in Kigali at around 7.00 am. From here, you begin a scenic drive toward Uganda. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours, driving through the green hills of northern Rwanda, passing Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. You then continue around the Virunga Mountains and cross into Uganda at the Cyanika border.
After the border, you drive through Kisoro, a small and lively town surrounded by hills and farmland. From here, the road climbs gently through the mountains until you reach Lake Mutanda. You arrive in the afternoon. The views are calm and beautiful, with volcanoes rising above the lake. You can relax, enjoy the scenery, or take a traditional dugout canoe and explore the quiet waters. Lake Mutanda lies at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes and is close to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This makes it a perfect base for gorilla trekking. The area is green, peaceful, and full of nature.
Please note: Overnight stay depends on your package. Budget options usually stay in Kisoro.
Accommodation Options:
Budget: Travellers Rest Hotel in Kisoro
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 | Gorilla Trekking and Transfer Back To Kigali
In the morning, you go to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offices for check-in and registration. Your lodge prepares a packed lunch for you to take into the forest or enjoy after the trek. After registration, you receive a clear briefing from the park ranger guides. They explain the rules, safety, and what to expect during the trek. You are then placed into small groups of no more than 8 people. Each group is assigned one gorilla family to track.
Gorilla trekking is fairly challenging. The gorilla family you track is assigned based on your age and fitness level. Treks are usually grouped into short, medium, and long options. You can also request a shorter trek if needed. Short treks take about 1 to 3 hours, while long treks can take up to 7 hours. The walk leads you deep into the rainforest. You move slowly through thick vegetation with experienced rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. They know the forest and the gorilla families very well. Along the way, you look for signs such as nests, broken branches, chewed bamboo, and footprints. Each clue brings you closer and builds excitement.
Then you find them. A gorilla family in the wild. A silverback sits quietly, watching over his group. The moment is calm and powerful. After the trek, you begin your drive back to Kigali. The trekking time can vary, so the return journey may take several hours. We strongly recommend not booking any flights before 7:00 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 a deeper experience, you can choose the gorilla habituation option instead of the standard trek. Here, you join rangers and researchers as they slowly introduce a gorilla family to human presence. You can spend up to four hours with the gorillas instead of one hour. The group is very small, with only four people. This makes the experience quiet, personal, and very special. It also gives you a closer look at gorilla behavior and conservation work.
Accommodation: Not included
Meal Plan: Breakfast
What To carry for this 2 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
Budget Package
- 1 Pax: USD 1573
- 2 Pax: USD 1257 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 1179 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 1120 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 1101 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 1074 Per Person
Midrange Package
- 1 Pax: USD 1805
- 2 Pax: USD 1389 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 1278 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 1202 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 1173 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 1140 Per Person
Semi-Luxury Package
- 1 Pax: USD 1871
- 2 Pax: USD 1433 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 1330 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 1246 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 1222 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 1184 Per Person
low Season Price
*Low season applies for the months of April, May, and in November.
Budget Package
- 1 Pax: USD 1378
- 2 Pax: USD 1056 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 977 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 916 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 897 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 870 Per Person
Midrange Package
- 1 Pax: USD 1613
- 2 Pax: USD 1191 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 1078 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 1000 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 971 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 937 Per Person
Semi-Luxury Package
- 1 Pax: USD 1681
- 2 Pax: USD 1235 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 1130 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 1045 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 1020 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 985 Per Person
Inclusions
- All transfers and transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari landcruiser
- Pick up and drop-off in Rwanda (as arranged)
- All park entrance and activity fees
- Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Professional English-speaking safari guides
- 1 night 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
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