3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali

This 3 Days Bwindi gorilla trekking safari from Kigali introduces you to Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park, a UNESCO world heritage site and a home to 459 gorillas, which is an increase from 400 as of the 2018 census. These 459 gorillas are categorized into 50 guerilla groups or families, of which only 21 are currently habituated for tourism. Some gorilla groups, you will find more than one silver back in which case it implies the other silver-backs had to submit to his leadership or breakaway and start their own families. The trip combines the spectacular views of the Volcanoes and the incredible tracking of the mountain gorillas. Visiting Bwindi gives you the opportunity to experience the African tropical rain forest and its inhabitants, who include the animals and the local people. You also get a feel of the different communities and their cultures as well as the unending waving of hands and smiles from the children. You will have a visit to a few crater lakes such as Mutanda, the Batwa and have a memorable encounter with the endangered Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi also contains other species of animals with their counts estimated at 310 butterflies, 200 trees, 51 reptiles, 88 moths, 120 mammals and 350 bird species. There are also several other primate species, such as chimpanzees, L’Hoest monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, vervet monkeys and red tail monkeys.

Safari highlights

-Gorilla trekking
-Community walks to visit (The Batwa pygmies, tea picking, local coffee processing, local gin brewing, visiting the traditional medicine man, a visit to Bwindi community hospital and a visit to the women’s group, “Ride for a woman”)
-Buying local crafts
-Award of gorilla trekking certificates

Safari itinerary

Day 1: Pick up from Kigali and Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable national park

Our driver guide will meet you at Kigali International airport or at your hotel in Kigali and transfer you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a 5 hours journey which will include the border crossing via Katuna or cyanika with a stopover at Kisoro (if cyanika was used) or Kabale (if Katuna was used.) You will drive through Ruhengeri in the Musanze region, where you will have a thrilling taste of the “a thousand hills”, before you exit Rwanda. You will have spectacular views of the terraces and scenic views of Lake Mutanda as you take photos. You’ll need an East African visa that you’ll obtain at the Kigali International Airport for a fee of 100$. Relax and enjoy your evening at any of the lodges /camps you will have been booked in, amidst the lush green forest environment.

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking experience in Bwindi forest

Have an early breakfast and transfer to the park offices/visitor information center by 7:30am for briefing and allocation of gorilla group to be trekked. Hike through the rainforest accompanied by a ranger guide and trackers, in search of the mountain gorilla family allocated for trekking. The walking can be challenging at times, but when you catch a glimpse of the humongous silverback with his family, any discomforts will quickly be forgotten. The lead guide keeps providing information about trees, birds, butterflies and other wildlife in the forest until you reach the gorilla family allocated for tracking. The gorillas are located in different parts across the forest and therefore, the time taken to find one group varies from a few minutes to several hours depending on location and movement of the Gorillas. Once with the gorillas, you will be allowed to observe them for an hour. At the end of the trek, you will return to the park headquarters and information Centre to be awarded your trekking certificates. You will then meet the driver guide and transfer back to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Day 3: Transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable to Kigali Airport, Rwanda

After breakfast, you will transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable to Kigali Airport, Rwanda with a Stopover at Lake Mutanda as you enjoy scenic views of the surrounding areas and waters. Drive to any of the border points and cross out of Uganda and head to Kigali airport for departure.

Trip includes:

Gorilla permits at Bwindi/ Park entrance fee
Certificates after trekking
Hot or packed lunches on transfer days
Bottled water in car
Professional guide/ driver allowance
Ground transportation in a 4×4 safari car
Accommodation
All meals at the lodges
Airport transfers (pick and drop off)

Trip excludes:

East African tourist Visa
International Air ticket and visa fees
Beers and Wine (alcoholic drinks)
Laundry expenses and craft shopping
Travel insurance
Tips
Pre and post safari accommodation

When to book a gorilla trekking tour

It is usually advisable to book this trip 6 months in advance to allow us ample time to secure the gorilla permits.

Best time to do gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Bwindi is open for gorilla trekking all year long, but the best times to go are from June to August and December to February. At these times, the forest trails are drier and therefore less slippery. Also, your chance of a dry gorilla viewing experience is higher during these months.

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