A 4 Days Gorilla Tour in Uganda from Kigali offers a thrilling opportunity to experience the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat while enjoying the convenience of starting your trip in Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. This itinerary combines breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Safari Highlights
Scenic drive from Kigali to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Thrilling gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi.
Community and cultural experiences with the Batwa people.
Scenic nature walks and relaxation amidst the rainforest.
Kigali city tour before departure.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Bwindi, Uganda
Upon your arrival in Kigali International Airport, your driver-guide will warmly welcome you and brief you about the safari. Depending on your arrival time, you may embark on a short Kigali city tour, visiting key landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local craft markets.
Afterward, you will depart Kigali and drive through the picturesque countryside, passing rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural villages. The journey takes about 4–5 hours, crossing into Uganda through either the Cyanika or Katuna border. On arrival in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you will check into your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Luxury – Buhoma Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge; Midrange – Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge; Budget – Bwindi View Bandas.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. You will be assigned a gorilla family and a team of guides to accompany you.
The trek can last from 2 to 7 hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas, but the reward is an awe-inspiring encounter with these gentle giants. Once found, you will spend one full hour in their presence, observing their behavior, taking photographs, and appreciating the conservation efforts that protect them.
After the trek, you may choose to relax at the lodge or engage in optional activities such as a community walk, cultural experience with the Batwa pygmies, or a guided nature walk.
Day 3: Cultural Experience & Scenic Nature Walk
On this day, you will immerse yourself in the local culture. A guided walk to the Batwa community introduces you to their traditions, music, and way of life. The Batwa are the original forest dwellers who once lived in Bwindi before it was gazetted as a national park. Their storytelling, dance, and crafts make for a memorable experience.
Later in the afternoon, you may take a scenic nature walk through the forest or relax at your lodge enjoying the serene environment. This day is designed to give you a balance between adventure and relaxation.
Day 4: Return to Kigali & Departure
After breakfast, you will check out of the lodge and begin your journey back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may do a brief Kigali city tour to visit places you might have missed on arrival.
You will then be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 4 Days Gorilla Tour in Uganda from Kigali.