2 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali – Uganda

Discover the incredible mountain gorillas of Uganda on this exciting 2 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari starting and ending in Kigali, Rwanda. This short safari is ideal for travellers who want to experience gorilla trekking in Uganda but have limited time and prefer to begin their journey from Kigali.

The adventure takes you from Kigali across the Rwanda–Uganda border to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda. The park protects part of the spectacular Virunga Mountains, a chain of volcanic mountains shared by Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

During this safari, you will travel through the beautiful countryside of Rwanda and Uganda, spend one night at a comfortable lodge near Mgahinga, and enjoy a guided mountain gorilla trekking experience in the natural forest habitat of these endangered primates.

With a private 4×4 safari vehicle, an English-speaking driver-guide, accommodation, meals and a gorilla trekking permit included, this package offers a convenient way to explore Uganda’s smallest national park before returning to Kigali.

Safari Overview

Safari duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Destination: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
Starting point: Kigali, Rwanda
Ending point: Kigali, Rwanda
Main activity: Mountain gorilla trekking
Accommodation: One night at a lodge near Mgahinga
Transport: Private 4×4 safari vehicle
Driver-guide: English-speaking professional guide
Safari type: Private safari
Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples and small groups

Safari Rates

Enjoy a private two-day gorilla trekking adventure from Kigali to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park at the following rates:

2 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari – Price Per Person

Number of travellers	Price per person	Total cost
1 person	US$2,100	US$2,100
2 people sharing	US$1,450	US$2,900

Prices are in US dollars. The two-person rate is per person sharing the safari.

Safari Inclusions

The package price includes:

Uganda mountain gorilla trekking permit for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
One night’s accommodation at a lodge.
Meals as specified in the itinerary.
Private 4×4 safari vehicle.
English-speaking professional driver-guide.
Fuel for the entire journey from Kigali to Mgahinga and back.
Government taxes and applicable levies.
Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Kigali.

Safari Exclusions

The following are not included in the package:

International and domestic flights.
Travel insurance.
Alcoholic drinks.
Rwanda and Uganda visa fees, where applicable.
Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs and telephone charges.
Tips and gratuities.
Any other services or expenses not specifically mentioned under inclusions.

Detailed 2-Day Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali – Cyanika Border – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Your two-day Mgahinga gorilla trekking safari begins with an early-morning pickup from your hotel or another agreed location in Kigali. After meeting your professional English-speaking driver-guide, you will depart for southwestern Uganda.

The journey takes you through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, characterised by rolling hills, green plantations and scenic rural settlements. You will proceed towards the Cyanika border crossing, where you will complete the necessary immigration formalities before entering Uganda.

After crossing the border, continue to Kisoro town and onward to the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park area. The road journey generally takes approximately 4–5 hours, although travel time may vary depending on road conditions, traffic and border procedures.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch. The rest of the afternoon can be spent relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Virunga Mountains.

Depending on your arrival time and interests, you may arrange an optional Batwa cultural experience. The Batwa are an indigenous community with a long history of living in the forests of the Virunga region. A guided cultural visit offers an opportunity to learn about their traditional forest knowledge, heritage and way of life.

Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay as you prepare for the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Accommodation: Lodge near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga – Return to Kigali

Wake up early, enjoy breakfast and prepare for the highlight of your safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Your driver-guide will transfer you to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides. The briefing usually begins in the morning, and you will receive important information about gorilla trekking procedures, safety guidelines and responsible wildlife viewing.

You will then be assigned to a trekking group and accompanied by experienced ranger guides into the forest to search for the mountain gorillas.

Mgahinga is home to the habituated Nyakagezi gorilla family. The trek takes you through montane forest, bamboo vegetation and the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. The duration and difficulty of the trek depend on where the gorillas are located on the day. Some treks take a few hours, while others require a longer hike through steep or muddy terrain.

Once you locate the gorilla family, you will be allowed to spend a maximum of one hour observing these magnificent primates. You may watch the silverback as he protects his family, mothers caring for their young ones, and juveniles playing among the vegetation. Photography is permitted, subject to the ranger guides’ instructions and gorilla trekking regulations.

After this unforgettable encounter, return to the park headquarters and meet your driver-guide.

Begin your return journey to Kigali through Kisoro and the Cyanika border crossing. After completing immigration procedures, continue through Rwanda’s scenic countryside to Kigali, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or another agreed location.

Your two-day Mgahinga gorilla trekking safari ends upon arrival in Kigali.

About Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, in Kisoro District, along the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It forms part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which protects important habitats for mountain gorillas and other wildlife.

Although Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest national park, it offers outstanding scenery and wildlife experiences. Its landscape consists of montane forests, bamboo zones, volcanic slopes and spectacular views of the Virunga Mountains.

The park protects three major volcanoes:

Mount Muhabura: A prominent volcano rising to approximately 4,127 metres.
Mount Gahinga: A volcanic mountain rising to approximately 3,474 metres.
Mount Sabyinyo: A rugged volcano reaching approximately 3,669 metres.

Besides mountain gorillas, Mgahinga is home to golden monkeys, forest birds and other wildlife. Travellers with more time can enjoy golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking and Batwa cultural experiences.

Why Choose Mgahinga for Gorilla Trekking from Kigali?

Mgahinga is an excellent choice for travellers seeking a short gorilla trekking safari from Kigali. Its location in southwestern Uganda makes it possible to combine a visit to Uganda with a Rwanda-based travel itinerary.

Some of the reasons to choose Mgahinga include:

Convenient access from Kigali: You can travel by road from Kigali to southwestern Uganda and return to Rwanda after trekking.
Mountain gorilla encounter: The park offers an opportunity to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Beautiful volcanic scenery: Enjoy the spectacular landscape of the Virunga Mountains.
Batwa cultural experiences: Learn about the heritage and forest traditions of the Batwa community.
Additional wildlife activities: Golden monkey tracking and volcano hiking can be arranged for travellers with extra time.
A memorable short safari: The two-day itinerary is suitable for travellers who cannot spend several days in Uganda.

What to Pack for Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking involves walking through natural forest vegetation, sometimes on steep, muddy and slippery trails. Proper preparation will make your experience more comfortable.

We recommend packing:

Waterproof hiking boots with good grip.
Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers.
A waterproof rain jacket.
Gardening gloves for holding vegetation.
A small backpack.
Drinking water and energy snacks.
Insect repellent.
Sunscreen and a hat.
A camera with extra batteries.
Personal medication and basic first-aid supplies.

Important Information for Your Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari

Gorilla permits: A valid Uganda gorilla trekking permit is required. The permit is included in the advertised package price and should be secured before travel, subject to availability.

Passport requirements: Carry a valid passport for immigration procedures at the Rwanda–Uganda border.

Visa requirements: Travellers should confirm their eligibility for entry into Rwanda and Uganda before departure. Visa fees are not included in the package.

Border crossing: This itinerary normally uses the Cyanika border crossing between Rwanda and Uganda. Border operating procedures and entry requirements should be confirmed before travel.

Age limit: The minimum age for mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years.

Physical fitness: A reasonable level of physical fitness is recommended because the trek may involve steep slopes, uneven ground and muddy forest trails.

Gorilla viewing: Visitors are allowed a maximum of one hour with the gorillas after locating the assigned family. Always follow the ranger guides’ instructions.

Best time to visit: Gorilla trekking is available throughout the year. June to September and December to February are generally preferred by many travellers because of relatively drier conditions, although rain can occur at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking from Kigali

1. Can I do Mgahinga gorilla trekking in two days from Kigali?

Yes. You can travel from Kigali to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on the first day, spend one night near the park, trek mountain gorillas on the second day and return to Kigali after the activity. An early departure and proper coordination of the gorilla permit and border crossing are important.

2. How much does the 2-day Mgahinga gorilla trekking safari cost?

The safari costs US$1,450 per person for two people sharing. A solo traveller pays US$2,100 for the safari. The package includes the gorilla permit, lodge accommodation, meals, private 4×4 vehicle, English-speaking guide, fuel and government taxes.

3. How far is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Kigali?

The road distance is approximately 130–150 kilometres, depending on your exact starting point and route. The journey generally takes about 4–5 hours, excluding possible delays at the border.

4. Which gorilla family can I visit in Mgahinga?

Mgahinga has the habituated Nyakagezi gorilla family. The Uganda Wildlife Authority manages trekking arrangements and group assignments.

5. Is the Uganda gorilla permit different from the Rwanda gorilla permit?

Yes. Uganda and Rwanda have separate gorilla trekking permit systems. A permit for Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda cannot be used in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Travellers must obtain the appropriate permit for the park they intend to visit.

6. Can I start and end the safari in Kigali?

Yes. This safari is organised as a round trip, beginning with pickup in Kigali and ending with drop-off in Kigali after gorilla trekking in Uganda.

7. Can I combine gorilla trekking with golden monkey tracking?

Yes, but golden monkey tracking would require additional time. Since this itinerary is limited to two days, we recommend adding another day if you wish to enjoy both activities without rushing.

8. Is accommodation included in the safari price?

Yes. The package includes one night’s lodge accommodation near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, together with meals as specified in the itinerary.

Book Your 2 Days Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali

Make your Uganda adventure unforgettable with a mountain gorilla trekking experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This two-day safari offers a convenient opportunity to cross from Rwanda into Uganda, encounter endangered mountain gorillas and return to Kigali.

At Epic Uganda Vacation, we can organise your gorilla trekking permit, lodge accommodation, meals, private 4×4 transportation, professional English-speaking guide and all the ground arrangements included in this package.

Whether you are travelling alone or with a companion, we can help you arrange this safari according to your preferred travel dates.

Safari price:

2 people sharing: US$1,450 per person
1 person travelling alone: US$2,100

Website: https://www.epicugandavacation.com/
Contact us: https://www.epicugandavacation.com/contact-us/