Gorilla trekking from Kigali: Mountain gorillas in Bwindi

Three hours trekking the misty slopes, one hour watching gorillas meters away

A one-day gorilla trekking tour from Kigali crosses into Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the Virunga Mountains, where you trek through high-altitude forest to locate and observe endangered mountain gorillas for a full hour. A professional guide leads the trek, handles the permit and border crossing, and shares insights into gorilla behavior and the surrounding ecosystem. The day includes early pickup from your Kigali hotel, breakfast, lunch, and return transport.

Step-by-step itinerary

Gorilla trekking in Uganda

• Pickup from Kigali hotel at 3:00 AM
• Drive three hours to Bwindi National Park
• Breakfast at nearby hotel
• Clear customs at Rwanda-Uganda border
• Meet guides and receive trek briefing
• Trek through Virunga Mountains to find gorillas
• Observe mountain gorillas for one hour
• Lunch in nearby town
• Return drive to Kigali
• Optional airport transfer or shopping

The experience

The day starts at 3:00 AM from your Kigali hotel with a three-hour drive northwest through rolling hills to reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. You'll stop for breakfast at a nearby hotel before clearing customs at the Rwanda-Uganda border, then meet your guide at the park headquarters for a briefing on what to expect during the trek.

The trek itself navigates steep, high-altitude terrain on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains through misty forest in search of mountain gorillas. The hike can last up to three hours or more depending on where the gorillas are located that day. Once found, you get a full hour to observe these rare primates up close, sometimes just meters away, watching their behavior and family dynamics in their natural habitat. Your guide shares knowledge about gorilla ecology and the conservation efforts protecting them.

After the trek, lunch is provided in a nearby town before the return drive to Kigali. If you have an evening flight, you'll arrive back in time for an airport transfer. Otherwise there's time for last-minute shopping or rest before the day concludes.

What’s included

• Professional guiding service in English or French.
• pickup and drop-off in a comfortable 4x4 vehicle.
• breakfast and lunch.
• gorilla permit arrangement.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• seamless border crossing assistance.
• scenic views of the Virunga Mountains and surrounding landscape.

Options for this experience

2 options

Day trip from Kigali for a gorilla trekking adventure in UgandaGuide in English or French · 03:00Pickup is included

All InclusiveGuide in English or French · 03:00Lasts 8 hours and includes lunch, a 4x4 vehicle that is comfortable, and pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 03:00

Book up to4h before

AgesUp to age 80

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 800

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Vista Safaris

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you're in reasonable physical condition and can wake early: the 3:00 AM start and demanding trek are what allow the full hour with gorillas before the return to Kigali fits inside a single day. Pregnant travelers and those with cardiovascular concerns should not book this experience.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

How difficult is the gorilla trek in Bwindi?

The trek navigates steep, high-altitude terrain on the Virunga Mountains slopes and can last up to three hours or more. You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The hike is demanding but the reward of observing gorillas for a full hour makes it worthwhile for most travelers in reasonable health.

Is the gorilla permit included in the price?

The gorilla permit is arranged as part of the tour. Depending on which option you choose at checkout, it may be included in the price or added separately.

What wildlife besides gorillas might I see?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to other wildlife and bird species that inhabit the Virunga Mountains forest. Your guide will point out animals and birds encountered along the trek, though gorillas are the primary focus of the day.

Do I need a Uganda visa to cross the border from Rwanda?

A Uganda visa is required to enter Uganda. This is not arranged as part of the tour, so arrange it before your trip or check current entry requirements for your nationality.