Weekend Escape to Bwindi from Kigali

Weekend Escape to Bwindi from Kigali offers a short yet thrilling gorilla-tracking adventure. In just two days, you experience close-up moments with Uganda’s famous mountain gorillas. The safari suits those with limited time but a strong interest in wildlife. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with its dense forest, hosts half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This quick escape includes scenic drives, cultural experiences, and one day of trekking through thick forest trails. The tour begins and ends in Kigali, making it an ideal choice for travelers already in Rwanda. Enjoy wildlife, culture, and nature in just one weekend.

Day One: Drive from Kigali to Bwindi Forest

Your weekend begins on Saturday morning in Kigali. The driver guide picks you up from your hotel or airport. Soon after, you leave the city behind and head towards Uganda’s southwestern border. The road drive takes you through Rwanda’s rolling hills and rural landscapes.

A lunch stop offers time to relax and refresh along the route. After crossing into Uganda, the scenery becomes even more dramatic. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest welcomes you with thick greenery, rich birdlife, and cool air.

Before reaching the lodge, you visit a Batwa community. The Batwa people, also called “forest keepers,” share their traditions through dance and storytelling. Their way of life gives you insights into the culture around the forest.

After the cultural visit, you proceed to your lodge near Rushaga sector. The lodge sits on forest edges, offering views of hills and misty valleys. Spend your evening relaxing at the lodge with dinner served as you prepare for the next day.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge – a mid-range lodge near the Rushaga gate of Bwindi

Meals and Drinks: Lunch and dinner included. Drinking water is provided. Other drinks are not included.

Day Two: Gorilla Tracking and Return to Kigali

You start your Sunday early with a hot breakfast. Then, the driver takes you to the trekking starting point. At the briefing center, rangers explain the dos and don’ts of gorilla tracking.

Guided by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, you enter the forest in small groups. Thick vines, steep slopes, and muddy trails lie ahead. The trek duration ranges between two and six hours, depending on gorilla movement.

The moment you find the gorillas, all the effort makes sense. You watch them feed, groom, and rest. A silverback leads the group, while juveniles play around. You spend one hour in their presence, taking photos and observing silently.

After the trek, enjoy your packed lunch in the forest or near the base station. You then drive back towards Kigali, passing banana plantations and terraced farmlands. The hills roll on for miles, giving views of both Rwanda and Uganda.

Your Weekend Escape to Bwindi from Kigali ends as your guide drops you off in Kigali. You may choose a hotel drop-off or head directly to the airport for your flight.

Main Destination: Kigali, Rwanda

Accommodation: None (End of tour)

Meals and Drinks: Breakfast and lunch included. Drinking water is provided. Other drinks and dinner are not included.

Important Information

• Rates are per person and exclude international flights from and to your country.

• This tour allows children aged 16 years and above.