Uganda and Rwanda are often combined along a single itinerary. Those who are finishing up a trip in Rwanda can connect into Uganda to visit the gorillas.
While you can do gorilla trekking in Rwanda, permits are much more expensive at $1,500 per person, compared to the $700 per person rates in neighbouring Uganda (at time of writing).
If you'd like to book a gorilla trek in Uganda, and you're coming from Kigali, we can help set you up with the right flights, transfers, and get everything in place for your gorilla tour.
Below is sample itinerary to give you an idea of what a typical 3-day trip from Kigali to Bwindi looks like.
Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali
We will arrange a guide to collect you from your hotel or the airport. From there, you will start your drive north to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
The journey will take roughly 4 hours, and you'll cross the border at Katuna. Though it seems a long time in the car, you'll be distracted by the glistening lakes and impressive mountains that surround you.
If you're prepared to add a couple more hours on to your journey, you could stop off for lunch at Lake Mutanda, a small freshwater lake in south-west Uganda. The lake is encircled by extinct volcanoes (Mount Muhabura, Mounta Gahinga, and Mount Sabinyo). It's a region of almost unimaginable beauty.
Once you arrive in Bwindi, you'll check into the lodge. There are a number of great accommodation options in Bwindi.
A popular option is Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, found just outside the park in the charming village of Buhoma. It's roughly a 1-hour drive from the trailhead.
You'll have a choice between 8 bandas, or 2 deluxe bandas. Butler service, en-suite bathrooms, and private verandas with amazing views of the forest are included with the room
If you're wanting to stay somewhere closer to the park, we recommend you try Buhoma Lodge, which is nestled in the centre of the forest. It's a 5-minute walk from the gorilla trails. There's a choice of 10 chalets built on raised platforms, each with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas where you'll find astonishing views of the forest.
Wake up bright and early for breakfast in the lodge, getting ready to meet at Bwindi headquarters at 07:00.
Once you arrive, you'll be introduced to your guide who will give you 30-minute information and safety briefing. You'll be joining a group of a maximum of 8 other trekkers.
The trek is physically demanding and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 9 hours. It's worth every second once contact is made.
You'll be allowed to spend one hour with the gorillas, blending into the background, watching how they spend their time in the forest.
After the trek, you will return to your lodge for a well-deserved dinner, shower, rest, and perhaps a few sundowners!
Where you go next will depend on your onward travel plans. You might continue exploring Uganda's south-west, or head back to Rwanda to continue your adventures there.
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The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Get in touch and we can help you understand your options, design an itinerary that's right for you, and then get you set up and ready to go.
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