2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari from Kigali, Rwanda – Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour

Experience the unforgettable adventure of mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda on a 2-day safari from Kigali, Rwanda.

• • Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

• • Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

• • Starting Point: Kigali, Rwanda

• • Ending Point: Kigali, Rwanda

• • Safari Price: From USD 1580 per person (based on two travellers sharing, excluding the gorilla trekking permit)

• • Safari Type: Private Gorilla Trekking Safari

• • Accommodation: Budget, Midrange or Luxury

Imagine travelling from Kigali, Rwanda, into the ancient rainforests of Uganda to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Our 2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari from Kigali makes this extraordinary experience possible, even if you have limited time in East Africa.

This short Uganda gorilla trekking safari is ideal for travellers visiting Rwanda who want to experience mountain gorillas in Uganda without travelling from Entebbe. Starting and ending in Kigali, the safari takes you across the Rwanda-Uganda border to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most important mountain gorilla conservation areas.

Your adventure includes a scenic road transfer through Rwanda and southwestern Uganda, one night at a comfortable lodge near Bwindi Forest and an unforgettable guided mountain gorilla trekking experience.

On the second day, accompanied by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and trackers, you will venture into the rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Once located, you will spend one remarkable hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, groom, interact and care for their young ones.

After your gorilla encounter, return to Kigali, bringing your memorable two-day Uganda gorilla safari to an end.

Whether you are travelling as a couple, solo traveller, family or small group, Book Gorilla Tracking can organise your transport, accommodation and gorilla trekking permit arrangements for a seamless cross-border adventure.

Ready to see mountain gorillas in Uganda? Contact us today to check permit availability and book your 2-day Bwindi gorilla safari from Kigali.

Why Choose Our 2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari from Kigali?

Our two-day safari combines convenience, adventure and the opportunity to experience Uganda’s famous mountain gorillas without committing to a longer holiday.

Here is why this safari is an excellent choice:

• • Convenient starting point: Begin your gorilla trekking adventure directly from Kigali, Rwanda.

• • Short travel itinerary: Experience Uganda’s mountain gorillas in just two days.

• • Authentic gorilla encounter: Trek through the natural rainforest of Bwindi in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.

• • Experienced safari guides: Travel with a knowledgeable English-speaking driver-guide.

• • Flexible accommodation: Choose from budget, midrange and luxury accommodation options.

• • Private safari experience: Enjoy personalised transport and flexibility throughout your journey.

• • Gorilla permit assistance: We help arrange your Uganda gorilla trekking permit before travel, subject to availability.

• • Convenient return transfer: Complete your safari with a drop-off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport.

2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari from Kigali – Safari Highlights

• • Day 1: Pickup in Kigali, Rwanda, and scenic transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.

• • Day 2: Guided mountain gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi and return drive to Kigali.

• • Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

• • Starting and ending point: Kigali, Rwanda.

• • Border crossing: Katuna/Gatuna.

• • Accommodation: One night near your allocated gorilla trekking sector.

• • Main activity: Mountain gorilla trekking.

• • Minimum trekking age: 15 years.

• • Gorilla viewing duration: One hour after locating your assigned gorilla family.

Detailed 2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali, Rwanda – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel or Kigali International Airport. Meet your professional safari driver-guide, who will welcome you and brief you about the exciting journey ahead.

If your departure schedule allows, you may include a short visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial before leaving the city.

Continue towards the Rwanda-Uganda border, enjoying spectacular views of Rwanda’s rolling green hills and beautiful countryside. Cross into Uganda through the Katuna/Gatuna border post and proceed towards Kabale in southwestern Uganda.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy lunch along the way before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

As you approach Bwindi, the scenery changes into a beautiful landscape of terraced hills, rural settlements and lush tropical rainforest.

Upon arrival, check into your selected safari lodge near your allocated gorilla trekking sector. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying dinner and preparing for the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Accommodation: One night at a selected budget, midrange or luxury lodge.

Meals: Lunch and dinner.

Transport: Private 4×4 safari vehicle.

Driving time: Approximately 4–6 hours or longer, depending on your trekking sector, road conditions and border formalities.

Recommended Accommodation in Bwindi

We offer several accommodation categories to suit different budgets and travel preferences.

Budget accommodation

• • Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge

• • Bakiga Lodge

Midrange accommodation

• • Four Gorillas Lodge

• • Gorilla Leisure Lodge

• • Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Luxury accommodation

• • Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge

• • Gorilla Heights Lodge

• • Kiho Gorilla Lodge

Your final accommodation will be selected according to your allocated gorilla trekking sector, availability and preferred comfort level.

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

Wake up early, enjoy breakfast at your lodge and prepare for the highlight of your Uganda gorilla safari.

Your driver-guide will transfer you to the relevant Uganda Wildlife Authority park headquarters for a morning gorilla trekking briefing.

During the briefing, experienced park rangers will explain the trekking procedures, safety guidelines and responsible gorilla viewing rules. You will then be assigned a habituated mountain gorilla family.

Accompanied by professional rangers and trackers, enter the dense tropical rainforest of Bwindi in search of the mountain gorillas.

The trek takes you through beautiful forest vegetation, sometimes involving steep slopes, muddy trails and thick undergrowth. The duration varies depending on the location and movements of the gorilla family.

As you explore the forest, your guides will share interesting information about the mountain gorillas, their conservation, behaviour and natural habitat.

The Unforgettable Mountain Gorilla Encounter

Finding a mountain gorilla family in its natural habitat is the highlight of this safari.

Once the gorillas are located, you will spend one hour observing these magnificent primates.

Watch the dominant silverback as he protects his family, mothers caring for their young ones and juveniles playing among the forest vegetation.

You will have opportunities to take photographs and appreciate the remarkable similarities between mountain gorillas and humans.

Photography is permitted in accordance with Uganda Wildlife Authority regulations.

After your encounter, return to the park headquarters and receive your gorilla trekking certificate.

Enjoy your packed lunch before beginning the return journey to Kigali through the Katuna/Gatuna border.

Upon arrival in Kigali, your driver-guide will drop you off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport.

Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch.

Safari ends: Kigali, Rwanda.

Travel advice: Gorilla trekking duration is unpredictable. If you have an international flight departing from Kigali on the same day, choose a sufficiently late departure time. An additional night in Kigali is recommended where flight schedules are restrictive.

2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari from Kigali – Prices

Our two-day Bwindi gorilla safari packages are designed to accommodate different group sizes and budgets.

The cost per person depends on the number of travellers sharing the safari vehicle and accommodation.

Indicative Safari Prices

Important pricing information: These are indicative safari prices based on the specified transport and accommodation arrangements. Uganda gorilla trekking permits are excluded and quoted separately. Final prices are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.

Contact Book Gorilla Tracking for a personalised quotation based on your travel dates, accommodation preference and group size.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit for Bwindi

A Uganda gorilla trekking permit is compulsory for everyone participating in mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The permit is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and allows you to participate in one guided trek to visit an assigned habituated mountain gorilla family.

Once the gorillas are located, visitors are allowed one hour with the family under the supervision of park rangers.

The permit price depends on your nationality and residency category.

At Book Gorilla Tracking, we assist travellers with checking gorilla permit availability and arranging permits in advance.

We recommend booking early, particularly during the popular travel seasons of June to September and December to February, when demand for gorilla trekking permits can be high.

Let us check available gorilla permits for your preferred travel dates before confirming your safari.

What Is Included in the 2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari?

Your safari package can include the following services:

• • Pickup from your hotel or Kigali International Airport.

• • Return road transportation between Kigali and Bwindi.

• • Private 4×4 safari vehicle.

• • Professional English-speaking driver-guide.

• • Fuel and vehicle expenses.

• • One night’s accommodation near Bwindi.

• • Meals as specified in the itinerary.

• • Drinking water during the safari.

• • Assistance with Uganda gorilla trekking permit arrangements.

• • Applicable park entry fees, where specified in your quotation.

• • Drop-off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport.

What Is Excluded?

The following expenses are not included in the standard safari price unless specifically agreed:

• • Uganda gorilla trekking permit.

• • International flights.

• • Rwanda and Uganda visa fees.

• • Applicable border or travel document charges.

• • Travel insurance.

• • Personal expenses.

• • Alcoholic and additional beverages.

• • Tips and gratuities.

• • Additional accommodation before or after the safari.

• • Optional activities not included in the itinerary.

Why Choose Uganda for Gorilla Trekking Instead of Rwanda?

Travellers visiting Kigali have an opportunity to trek mountain gorillas in either Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Both destinations offer extraordinary mountain gorilla encounters, but Uganda provides a distinctive rainforest experience.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s most celebrated mountain gorilla destinations, famous for its ancient rainforest, rich biodiversity and several habituated gorilla families.

Here are some reasons to consider trekking gorillas in Uganda when visiting Kigali.

1. More Accommodation Choices

Bwindi offers a diverse selection of accommodation, ranging from affordable safari lodges and comfortable midrange properties to exclusive luxury retreats.

This allows visitors to select accommodation according to their budget and travel preferences.

2. Four Gorilla Trekking Sectors

Bwindi has four main gorilla trekking sectors:

• • Buhoma.

• • Ruhija.

• • Rushaga.

• • Nkuringo.

Each sector provides access to habituated mountain gorilla families and different accommodation options.

The best sector for your safari will depend on gorilla permit availability and your accommodation arrangements.

3. An Extraordinary Tropical Rainforest

Bwindi is an ancient tropical rainforest with exceptional biodiversity.

Besides mountain gorillas, the forest is home to numerous bird species, butterflies, forest mammals and unique plant life.

The forest itself makes the trekking experience an adventure worth experiencing.

4. Flexible Safari and Accommodation Options

Uganda offers a wide selection of gorilla trekking packages, making it possible to organise an experience that matches your budget, travel schedule and accommodation preferences.

Travelling from Kigali also provides a convenient opportunity to combine your Rwanda visit with Uganda’s exceptional wildlife attractions.

Best Time to Visit Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking

Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is available throughout the year.

However, the drier months are generally preferred because forest trails are often easier to navigate.

The most popular trekking periods include:

June to September: These months generally experience drier conditions and attract many international travellers.

December to February: Another popular period for gorilla trekking, with generally more favourable hiking conditions.

March to May and October to November: These are generally wetter periods. Rainfall can make forest trails muddy and slippery, although gorilla trekking continues throughout the year.

Mountain gorillas remain in Bwindi throughout the year, so there is no single season when gorilla trekking is guaranteed to be better.

What to Pack for Your 2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari

Preparing the right clothing and equipment will make your gorilla trekking experience more comfortable.

We recommend packing:

• • Waterproof hiking boots with good grip.

• • Long-sleeved shirts and trousers.

• • Waterproof rain jacket.

• • Gardening or trekking gloves.

• • Small waterproof backpack.

• • Drinking water.

• • Camera with a suitable zoom lens.

• • Extra camera batteries.

• • Sunscreen.

• • Insect repellent.

• • Hat or cap.

• • Personal medication.

• • A walking stick, which can usually be obtained at the trekking briefing point.

Bwindi is a tropical rainforest, and rain is possible at any time of the year. Waterproof clothing is therefore recommended even during the drier months.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari from Kigali

1. Can I go gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali in two days?

Yes. A two-day Bwindi gorilla safari from Kigali is possible. You travel from Kigali to Bwindi on the first day, spend one night near the national park, trek mountain gorillas on the second day and return to Kigali afterwards.

This is an excellent option for travellers with limited time in Rwanda and Uganda.

2. How far is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali?

The road distance depends on your allocated gorilla trekking sector and lodge location. The journey generally takes approximately 4–6 hours or longer, including the effect of border formalities and road conditions.

3. Is it possible to trek gorillas in Uganda while staying in Kigali?

Absolutely. You can stay in Kigali and book a cross-border Uganda gorilla trekking safari with pickup and drop-off in the city.

Our two-day safari is designed specifically for visitors who want to experience Uganda’s mountain gorillas while travelling from Rwanda.

4. Is gorilla trekking cheaper in Uganda than Rwanda?

Uganda and Rwanda have different gorilla permit prices and safari costs. Uganda can offer competitive overall safari costs depending on your nationality, accommodation selection, group size and transport arrangements.

We can help you compare the two destinations before booking.

5. How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Uganda?

Uganda gorilla trekking permit prices vary according to nationality and residency category. Contact Book Gorilla Tracking for the current rates and availability.

6. Is the gorilla permit included in the safari price?

No. The indicative safari prices advertised above exclude the gorilla trekking permit.

However, we can arrange your permit and provide a complete quotation showing all applicable costs.

7. Which gorilla trekking sector is best for travellers coming from Kigali?

The best trekking sector depends on the availability of permits, your accommodation preference and road transfer arrangements.

We help match your gorilla permit and lodge location to create a convenient safari itinerary.

8. Can I book a private gorilla safari from Kigali?

Yes. Our two-day Bwindi gorilla safari is available as a private arrangement. You will have your own safari vehicle and professional driver-guide.

9. What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

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

10. How long do I spend with mountain gorillas?

Visitors are allowed one hour with their assigned habituated mountain gorilla family after locating the gorillas.

11. Can I visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial during this safari?

Yes, subject to your departure schedule and available time. The visit is best arranged on the first day before travelling to Uganda. It is an optional activity and should be agreed upon when booking.

12. Can I catch an international flight from Kigali after gorilla trekking?

It may be possible, but it is not advisable to book an early evening flight because gorilla trekking duration is unpredictable and the return drive involves crossing an international border.

A late flight or an additional overnight stay in Kigali is the safer option.

13. Do I need a visa to travel from Rwanda to Uganda?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality, passport and immigration status. Check the current entry requirements for both countries before travelling. Ensure you have the appropriate travel documents for the Rwanda-Uganda border crossing.

Book Your 2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari from Kigali with Book Gorilla Tracking

Make your East African holiday unforgettable with a face-to-face encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda.

Our 2 Day Bwindi Gorilla Safari from Kigali is designed for travellers who want an exceptional wildlife experience without spending several days travelling from Entebbe.

From organising your Kigali pickup and cross-border transport to arranging accommodation and assisting with your Uganda gorilla trekking permit, we help make your journey convenient and memorable.

Whether you prefer a budget-friendly safari, a comfortable midrange lodge or a luxury rainforest retreat, we can customise your experience to suit your needs.

Ready to book your Uganda gorilla trekking safari?

Send us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and accommodation preference.

Our safari team will check gorilla permit availability and send you a personalised quotation.

BOOK YOUR GORILLA SAFARI TODAY – EXPERIENCE UGANDA’S MOUNTAIN GORILLAS WITH BOOK GORILLA TRACKING.