Day 1: Kigali – Rwanda/Uganda Border – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Your 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel in Kigali or Kigali International Airport, depending on your arrival arrangements.

After meeting your professional driver-guide, you will depart Kigali and begin your scenic journey towards southwestern Uganda. The drive takes you through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, characterized by rolling hills, green valleys, agricultural fields and local communities.

As you leave Kigali behind, you will enjoy the changing landscapes of Rwanda before approaching the Rwanda–Uganda border. Depending on your gorilla trekking sector, you will normally use the Cyanika or Katuna border crossing.

Crossing into Uganda

After completing the necessary immigration and border formalities, you will officially enter Uganda and continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The scenery becomes increasingly spectacular as you approach southwestern Uganda. You will pass through mountainous landscapes, terraced farms, villages and lush vegetation before reaching the Bwindi region.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Africa’s most remarkable rainforest destinations and is home to endangered mountain gorillas.

Lunch En Route

You will have lunch at a suitable restaurant along the route before continuing towards Bwindi.

After lunch, proceed towards your designated gorilla trekking sector. The exact sector will depend on the location of your gorilla permit, with Bwindi’s main trekking sectors including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo.

Arrival at Bwindi

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and take some time to relax after the journey.

In the evening, your safari guide will brief you about the following day’s gorilla trekking adventure. You will receive advice on what to wear, what to carry and how to behave around the gorillas.

You can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the forest, take in the beautiful views and prepare for the highlight of your safari.

Dinner and overnight at your selected lodge.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge near your gorilla trekking sector
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Return to Kigali

Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at your lodge.

Today is the highlight of your Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari.

After breakfast, you will drive to the appropriate park headquarters for the morning gorilla trekking briefing. The meeting point depends on the sector where your gorilla permit has been booked.

Gorilla Trekking Briefing

At the park headquarters, you will meet the Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides and trackers who will accompany you into the forest.

The rangers will provide important information about:

• Gorilla trekking rules and regulations
• Safety in the forest
• How to behave around the gorillas
• Photography guidelines
• Maintaining the required distance
• What to expect during the trek

You will then be allocated to a habituated gorilla family.

Trekking Through Bwindi Forest

Your trek begins as you enter the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The forest is characterized by thick vegetation, tall trees, vines, ferns and steep terrain. Your experienced ranger guides and trackers will lead you along the trails while searching for the gorilla family.

The duration of the trek cannot be predicted in advance because gorillas move freely through their natural habitat. Depending on their location, the trek may take several hours.

As you walk through the forest, you may encounter a variety of bird species, butterflies, forest plants and other wildlife.

Your trackers will communicate with one another as they follow signs of the gorilla family.

The Gorilla Encounter

When the gorilla family is located, you will finally have your unforgettable encounter with Uganda’s mountain gorillas.

You may see adults feeding, mothers caring for their young, juveniles playing and members of the family interacting with each other.

You will have up to one hour with the gorilla family once they are located, following the applicable trekking regulations and instructions from your ranger guides.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to observe these magnificent animals in their natural environment and capture memorable photographs.

After your viewing experience, you will begin the trek back through the forest to the park headquarters.

Return Journey to Kigali

After completing your gorilla trek, meet your driver-guide and begin the journey back to Kigali.

Depending on the duration of your trek, you may have lunch before starting the return journey.

You will cross the Uganda–Rwanda border and continue to Kigali.

Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be dropped off at your hotel, Kigali International Airport or another agreed location.

This marks the end of your 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
End of Safari: Kigali, Rwanda