Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali, Rwanda, is a popular and practical option due to Kigali’s proximity to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the two places in Uganda where you can see gorillas in their natural habitat – popularly referred to as gorilla trekking.
This adventure offers an incredible opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, a truly unforgettable experience. Planning and making sure all logistics are sorted will make your trek much more enjoyable.
To begin with, you need to plan your flight to Kigali; with a morning arrival, you can proceed directly to Uganda and on to your respective trekking location. You will need a place to stay overnight in Kigali if you are arriving in the afternoon/evening.
It is also a good idea to obtain the East African Tourist Visa, which grants you multiple entries into both Uganda and Rwanda, and Kenya as well, if you wish to extend your trip there.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Kigali Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart Kigali & Transfer to Uganda – Bwindi Forest
You will be picked up from the hotel in Kigali to begin your Uganda Gorilla trek from Kigali and head out on a tour of Kigali city with a visit to the Crafts village, the local market, and the Genocide memorial site.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant if you wish to taste the traditional cuisines and embark on the transfer to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, driving northwest of Kigali, crossing into Uganda through the Katuna border, and proceeding to Bwindi, arriving in the evening.
- Main destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Luxury) or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)
- Meals & drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2: Trekking with Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi
Wake up to a tasty breakfast in the biting cold of Bwindi. Enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee, grab your packed lunch, and head out to the pack headquarters – just a short distance from the lodge. Here, you will receive a briefing about the dos and don’ts of Gorilla trekking in Bwindi, know which group you will be visiting, and set off with your head guide.
Enter the forest in search of the gorillas, and upon finding them, you will be allowed to spend up to a maximum of an hour with them. After the trek, meet your driver/guide and transfer back to the lodge, where you will relax.
- Main destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Luxury) or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)
- Meals & drinks: All meals included. Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3: Transfer to Kigali & Departure
Have breakfast in the misty Bwindi with beautiful views from the lodge and make an early start on your journey back to Kigali. On a clear day, you will catch sight of the lovely terraced hills of Kabale, rice gardens in Rwanda, and an intriguing stretch of Bamboo. Arrive in Kigali in the afternoon and proceed to the airport for your onward journey or drop off at your lodge in Kigali.
- Main destination: Kigali International Airport
- Accommodation: End of tour (no accommodation)
- Meals & drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included). Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
End of your Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Kigali tour!
Note that you can also begin your trip in Uganda – Entebbe/Kampala and end it in Kigali if you do not want the long return journey from Bwindi or Mgahinga. It is all possible!
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