These 2 days gorilla tracking Bwindi itinerary is designed for those who are already based in Kigali capital city of Rwanda and want to see gorillas in Uganda. With permits being sold expensively in Rwanda, Uganda offers affordable gorilla trekking safari. Bwindi impenetrable national park in southwest Uganda is also easier to reach from Kigali than from Kampala or Entebbe.
The southern Bwindi gorilla sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo are the easiest to reach from Rwanda. Depending on where your gorilla permits are purchased, that is the sector for your gorilla trekking experience. This will also determine the Rwandan border town to use when traveling from Kigali to Bwindi.
Highlights for 2 days gorilla tracking Bwindi via Kigali
- Day 1: Pick up from Kigali and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable national park
- Day 2: Gorilla trekking and return to Kigali city.
Detailed 2 days gorilla tracking Bwindi via Kigali itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable national park
Our Rwandan based tour guide will meet and pick you up at the hotel in Kigali city. You will drive via the Cyanika border town of Rwanda to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable national park. The journey is approximately 3–4-hour drive depending on the rest stops made along the way. Arrive at the lodge in Please note that the sector where you will track gorillas depends on the availability of the gorilla permits. Check in for dinner and overnight stay at the lodge situated on the edge of the forest.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking and return to Kigali city
After breakfast early in the morning, transfer from the lodge to the park visitor center by 7:30 am. The UWA park warden will welcome you and take you through the gorilla tracking rules. The briefing helps you to prepare for the trek ahead and also learn about the gorilla family that you will be visiting that. Gorillas move freely and it can be challenging to locate them due to the nature of terrain in Bwindi. The gorilla trek can take 1-5 hours depending on movement of the gorillas. It’s better to hire a porter to assist carry your backpack and also give you a hand.
Among other things that you need include comfortable hiking shoes, drinking water, and packed lunch. Proceed on to the forest accompanied by the head guide and rangers to search for the gorillas Once you reach them, you will stay in their presence for an hour and get to observe the social structure of the gentle giants. After a simple but memorable visit to the gorillas, return to the lodge for a hot lunch and then depart from Bwindi and drive back to Kigali city.