2 Days Bwindi gorilla trek from Kigali

Tour Overview

The 2 Days Bwindi gorilla trek from Kigali includes a thrilling mountain gorilla trekking experience. This short Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali is suitable for all primate enthusiasts who would like to reduce the driving time accessing Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 459 mountain gorillas with about 24 habituated gorilla groups.

On this gorilla trek tour, expect to visit anyone of the gorilla families in the 4 regions in Bwindi. You visit a family or region to see mountain gorillas as directed by your gorilla permit. The four regions to consider for gorilla trekking include Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Rushaga sector. Each gorilla group is to be visited by a maximum of 8 (eight) guests and the gorilla treks are conducted once a day with an experienced park ranger guide on the lead.

Besides mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park protects other species of animals including l’hoest monkeys, elephants, chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and antelope families. There are also over 350 bird species living in Bwindi and include Shelley’s crimson wings, African green broad bills, Grauer’s swamp warblers, Chapin’s flycatchers, and others.

Accessing Bwindi for a gorilla trek from Kigali will involve driving for 4-5 hours through Katuna or Chanika border crossing. This option is best for you to save yourself from spending longer hours if you started your road trip from Kampala/Entebbe.

Tour Details

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Travel from Kigali to Bwindi National Park via Katuna/Chanika

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Return to Kigali

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Travel from Kigali to Bwindi National Park via Katuna/Chanika

Enjoy an early morning breakfast provided to you at the hotel in Kigali. After breakfast, you will have a short briefing from your driver guide about your 2-Day Bwindi gorilla trek tour starting from Kigali. You will board a 4×4 safari vehicle with all your essentials for a gorilla trekking tour safely packed.

Today, expect to drive out of Kigali and the road trip will run for 4-5 hours taking you through Katuna/Chanika border crossing. Prior exiting the beautiful Kigali Capital, you will have a short tour involving visiting iconic sites including the Kigali genocide memorial, Kimiroko market, and other close historical/cultural sites.

After the short Kigali city tour, expect to drive out of Kigali. En route, enjoy the mesmerizing landscape views on the Rwandan and Ugandan side. Cross to your respective gorilla sectors to check in your gorilla safari lodges for relaxation and overnight stay.

Accommodation

• Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
• Midrange: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge/Engagi Lodge/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge/Buhoma Lodge/Chameleon Hill Lodge

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking & Return to Kigali

Wake up early and have a leisurely breakfast in your respective accommodation option. After a delicious breakfast, you will report to the park offices to get briefed on gorilla trekking regulations and also to have a gorilla group assigned to you plus the park ranger guide. The normal mountain gorilla trek begins at around 8:00 am and will run for about 2-6 hours which covers a maximum of an hour for up close encounter with a family of mountain gorillas.

The one-hour also covers photography and then you will walk back to where you were briefed. It is at this moment when the park official will issue gorilla trekking certificates to all those who successfully completed their gorilla treks. After the gorilla trekking certificate awards, proceed to the lodge to enjoy a leisurely lunch and later, check out of the lodge ready to depart back to Kigali.

End of tour

Tour package includes

• A valid gorilla permit
• Ground travel 4×4 tour vehicle
• Service of a full time English speaking driver guide
• Service of the park ranger
• Accommodation for one night
• Bottled drinking water
• Meals as per the planned itinerary
• All relevant government taxes

Tour package excludes

• Cigars
• Beverages
• Tipping
• Souvenirs
• Telephone bills
• Visas
• Passports
• Craft shopping
• Insurance

Practical packing list for Bwindi gorilla trekking

Essentials to consider on your packing list for gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi include waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, a sweater, insect repellents, a safari hat, a rain jacket, a pair of binoculars, waterproof daypack, a camera plus additional batteries, gardening gloves, bottled drinking water, high energy giving snacks, a valid gorilla permit, and toiletries.

Practical travel tips and guidelines to follow during a gorilla trek in Bwindi

The following are some of the key guidelines to observe on Bwindi gorilla trek;

• The acceptable age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years and above.
• A maximum of 8 visitors can embark on active participation to trek gorillas.
• A distance of 7-8 meters must be maintained away from gorillas.
• Use of a flashlight isn’t acceptable during photo taking.
• You should not be ill or sick to trek gorillas.
• Your voices should be kept low during the gorilla trek.
• You shouldn’t smoke, drink or eat in the presence of gorillas.
• Do not leave rubbish in the gorilla safari park.
• All human wastes must be buried 30 cm deep and covered with soil. You will be directed by the park ranger guide on what to do after you have helped yourself.
• Do not touch a gorilla during the trek in Bwindi National Park
• Respect what your park ranger guide tells you to do.
• When in need to cough, cover your mouse and nose when sneezing.

When to travel for Bwindi gorilla trekking expeditions

Bwindi gorillas can be visited at any time or months of the year. However, the peak dry season is the best and preferred period of the year to consider visiting Bwindi National Park to explore more about mountain gorillas. Bwindi as a gorilla safari destination experiences dry spell around June, July, August, to September and December, January to February.

Primate enthusiasts can also plan and engage in a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park around the wet or rainy season. The wet months (March to May; October to November) often record heavy rains and the ground can be muddy/slippery.