Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Kigali – Budget Safari
Start and end your journey in Kigali! This budget safari spans 3 days and includes a thrilling Uganda Gorilla Trek. You’ll travel from Kigali, Rwanda, to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The highlight of the trip is trekking through dense forests to observe gorillas. Alongside this main adventure, you’ll have various optional activities. These include exploring Kigali City, enjoying a canoeing experience at Lake Mutanda, visiting the Batwa community, and participating in an organic coffee-making session. Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with wildlife encounters and cultural experiences!
Included in the Price
Accommodation: Stay in budget rooms or cottages during your trip.
Guide: You’ll have an English-speaking tour guide to assist you.
Meals: Enjoy 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners included in your package.
Additional Services: Gorilla trekking permits are covered.
Transport: Travel comfortably in a 4×4 vehicle throughout your journey.
Excluded from the Price
Flights: International and domestic flights are not part of the package.
Insurance: You’ll need to arrange your own insurance.
Optional Activities
- Canoe Trekking at Lake Mutanda: Explore the scenic lake with this optional activity.
- Visiting the Batwa Community: Experience the culture of the Batwa people.
- Coffee Making Tour: Learn about the local coffee production process.
- Golden Monkey Trekking: For an additional cost of USD 100, you can embark on a golden monkey trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Travel Plan
Day 1: Travel from Kigali to Bwindi National Park
On the first day, you’ll journey from Kigali to Bwindi National Park. A representative will meet you in Kigali between 7:00 am and 11:00 am. From there, you’ll travel by road, passing through Ruhengeri in Rwanda and crossing into Uganda at either Cyanika or Katuna border post. The drive will take approximately 5 hours, passing through towns like Kisoro or Kabale before reaching Bwindi National Park in the early afternoon. Upon arrival, optional activities like canoeing at Lake Mutanda, visiting the Batwa community, and experiencing organic coffee-making await.
Budget accommodation option: Karungi Camp at Rushaga gate of Bwindi National Park.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Adventure
After breakfast, head to the Bwindi National Park gate for a briefing about the gorilla trek. A national park guide will explain what to expect during the trek and assign trekking groups. The trek itself can vary in duration, depending on the gorillas’ location within the forest. Afterward, return to the lodge for some rest. In the afternoon, you can opt for the Batwa Cultural Tour.
Budget accommodation option: Karungi Camp at Rushaga gate of Bwindi National Park.
Day 3: Return to Kigali
The final day begins with breakfast before departing from Bwindi National Park back to Kigali. The drive takes around 5 hours. If time allows, you can visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a golden monkey trek (permit costs USD 100) before heading to Kigali. Optional activities for the day include canoeing at Lake Mutanda and the coffee-making experience. Keep in mind that the earliest expected arrival time in Kigali on Day 3 is 11:00 am Rwanda time. Note the time difference: Uganda time zone (East African Time) is one hour ahead of Rwanda time zone (Central African Time).