Family Safaris
8-Day Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife family tour
Our 8 day Uganda family safari packs the very best of the Pearl of Africa into one easy, well-paced trip.
Uganda Gorilla Trekking From Kigali in 3 Days
Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali is a smart choice if you have little time or a tight budget. Do you wonder whether you can meet mountain gorillas on a short schedule? With this 3 day safari, you can. It starts and ends in Kigali, Rwanda, and takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Because the drive from Kigali to Bwindi takes only about four to five hours, it is much shorter than starting from Kampala.
Trip overview
On day one, you enjoy a Kigali city tour and then cross into Uganda. On day two, you trek the gorillas and visit the Batwa community. Finally, on day three, you return to Kigali for your hotel or flight. As a result, you see gorillas in the wild with very little time on the road.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Kigali city tour and transfer to Bwindi
When you arrive, our driver-guide meets you at Kigali International Airport. First, you go on a city tour. You visit genocide memorial sites as well as local craft and fruit markets. After lunch, you set off for Uganda, enjoying views of Rwanda’s rolling hills along the way.
Next, you cross at the Katuna or Cyanika border post. The drive takes roughly four to five hours. On the way, you pass the beautiful landscapes of the Kigezi highlands, often called the Switzerland of Africa. Finally, you reach Bwindi, home to about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, and check in for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation:
Gorilla Safari Lodge – Luxury
Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge – Moderate
Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge – Basic
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, you head to the park headquarters. There, the rangers brief you on the dos and don’ts of meeting these critically endangered apes. Then, they guide you into the forest to find one of the habituated gorilla families.
Bring a walking stick and a backpack with drinking water, a camera (no flash), binoculars and snacks or a packed lunch. You start at the trailhead and hike through dense forest. Meanwhile, you listen to birdsong high in the trees.
The trek may take about two to three hours, depending on how far the gorillas have moved. Once you find them, you have one hour to watch these close relatives, who share about 98% of our DNA. Keep in mind that the trek is strenuous, so you need to be fit.
Still, meeting a giant ape face to face makes every effort worthwhile. So, take photos and videos before you return to the lodge for lunch and a rest. In the afternoon, you visit local communities around Bwindi. In particular, you meet the Batwa, who lived as forest hunters and gatherers for generations. They share traditional songs and dances and tell you about their way of life. Dinner and overnight are at the lodge.
Accommodation:
Gorilla Safari Lodge – Luxury
Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge – Moderate
Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge – Basic
Day 3: Return to Kigali
After a hearty breakfast, you check out and drive back to Kigali. There, we drop you at your hotel or at the airport for your flight home.
End of your 3 day Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Kigali.
Why choose Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali
Kigali is often the closest international airport to southern Bwindi. Therefore, you spend less time on the road and more time in the forest. In addition, Uganda gorilla permits are often easier to find for short-notice dates. As a result, many travellers fly into Rwanda but trek in Uganda. Here are the main highlights of this trip:
- Mountain gorillas. Spend one hour with a habituated family in Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Batwa culture. Hear the stories, songs and dances of the forest’s first people.
- Kigali city tour. Visit memorial sites and colourful local markets.
- Kigezi highlands. Enjoy terraced hills and lake views on the drive.
Who this trip suits
This short trip suits busy travellers, people on a budget and anyone who wants gorillas without a long safari. It also works well before or after a holiday in Rwanda or a business trip to Kigali. However, the trek is physical. So, if you are unsure about your fitness, talk to us first and we will help you choose a suitable sector.
Best time to go and tips
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi runs all year. Even so, the drier months from June to September and December to February are the most popular. On the other hand, the wetter months bring lush forest and fewer visitors. Whenever you go, these tips will help:
- Book your permit early. Permits are limited, especially in peak months.
- Pack for wet forest. Bring boots, a rain jacket, gloves and long sleeves.
- Hire a porter. Porters help on steep trails and support local families.
- Carry your passport. You need it at the border and for your permit.
Permit prices are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and change from time to time. Therefore, we will confirm the current rate when you enquire. You can also read our guide to gorilla permits.
Extend or combine your trip
If you have more time, you can easily add to this trip. For example, our 5 day Uganda gorillas and wildlife safari from Kigali adds game drives in Queen Elizabeth. Alternatively, our gorillas and chimps tour from Kigali adds chimpanzees in Kibale. If you are even shorter on time, see the 2 day Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trek.
Every trip with Roots Tours & Travel is tailor-made. So, tell us your dates and group size, and we will send you a free plan for Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali.
Book Now
Not sure where to start? Chat with our safari specialists. We’ll help you find the perfect adventure.Every great journey begins with a conversation. Let’s plan yours.
Contact Us
- info@tourwithroots.com
- +256 776 83 1722
- +256 200 905 219
- Universal Apartments, Spine Road - Naalya - Kampala(U)
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