4 Days Gorillas in Bwindi via Kigali: Bwindi Gorilla Trekking from Kigali
tour features
Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali is one of the fastest ways to meet Uganda’s mountain gorillas. On this 4-day trip, you fly into Kigali, explore Rwanda’s capital and its Genocide Memorial, then cross into Uganda at the Cyanika border to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
About Bwindi Gorilla Trekking from Kigali
Quick Answer
This Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali trip lasts 4 days and 3 nights with The Out Of Africa Experience: 1 night at Park Inn by Radisson in Kigali and 2 nights at Gorilla Leisure Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. It includes a Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial visit, transport in a private 6-seater Land Cruiser, park entrance fees and full board on safari. Gorilla permits are quoted separately.
Many travellers choose Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali because the drive to Bwindi is much shorter than from Entebbe, Uganda’s main airport. This makes it ideal if you’re short on time, already travelling in Rwanda, or want to combine two countries in one trip.
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Start / End
Kigali, Rwanda
Gorilla Trek
Bwindi, Uganda
Border
Cyanika (by road)
Bwindi Gorilla Trekking from Kigali: Highlights
🦍 Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
🏛 Kigali city tour and the Kigali Genocide Memorial
🌍 Two countries in one short trip: Rwanda and Uganda
🌋 Scenic drives past the Virunga volcanoes and through Musanze and Kisoro
🚙 Private 6-seater safari Land Cruiser throughout
Bwindi Gorilla Trekking from Kigali: Day by Day
Tap each day to see the details.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
🛏 Overnight: Park Inn by Radisson, Kigali (Standard Room, Bed & Breakfast)
You’ll be met on arrival at Kigali International Airport and transferred to your hotel. Standard check-in time is 14:00.
Day 2: Kigali City Tour – Cyanika Border – Bwindi, Uganda
🛏 Overnight: Gorilla Leisure Lodge · Full Board
After breakfast, take a short city tour of Kigali, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Then drive north to Musanze for lunch and on to the Cyanika border post.
Cross into Uganda and continue through the border town of Kisoro to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you check in at Gorilla Leisure Lodge. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
🛏 Overnight: Gorilla Leisure Lodge · Full Board
The highlight of your Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali. After breakfast, take a short transfer to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park headquarters, where expert local guides, rangers and trackers brief you on gorilla trekking etiquette.
Then hike into the forest with your packed lunch to find a gorilla family and spend time in their company. Return to the lodge for a free afternoon and evening to relax.
Day 4: Bwindi – Cyanika Border – Kigali – Departure
Drive through Kisoro to the Cyanika border post, cross back into Rwanda and continue via Ruhengeri (Musanze) to Kigali, arriving at the airport in time for your onward flight.
End of your Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali.
What’s Included
✓ Arrival airport transfers as per itinerary
✓ Exclusive transport in a custom-made 6-seater safari Land Cruiser with an English-speaking driver-guide
✓ Accommodation in Kigali (bed & breakfast) and on safari (full board), as listed
✓ Park entrance fees and activities as per itinerary
✓ Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial visit
✓ Unlimited bottled mineral water in the vehicle
✓ Emergency medical evacuation by Flying Doctors (hospital bills are paid directly by the client)
Not Included
✗ International flights into and out of Rwanda or Uganda
✗ East Africa Tourist Visa (apply online before arrival)
✗ Optional activities
✗ Drinks (sodas, beer, wine and spirits)
✗ Medical and travel insurance
✗ Tips, telephone calls and personal expenses
✗ Anything not listed under “What’s Included”
Gorilla Permit (Quoted Separately)
Bwindi gorilla trekking permits are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, so we quote them separately at the time of booking. Permits are limited, so book early, especially for the dry seasons.
Bwindi Gorilla Trekking from Kigali: Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali instead of Entebbe?
The drive from Kigali to Bwindi is much shorter than from Entebbe, so you spend less time on the road. It’s ideal if you’re short on time or already travelling in Rwanda.
How do you cross from Rwanda into Uganda?
By road at the Cyanika border post, between Musanze in Rwanda and Kisoro in Uganda. Your driver-guide stays with you throughout.
Which visa do I need?
The East Africa Tourist Visa allows entry to both Rwanda and Uganda on one visa. Apply online before you arrive. The visa is not included in the package.
Is the gorilla permit included?
No. The Bwindi gorilla permit is quoted separately when you book, as its price is set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
When is the best time for Bwindi gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking runs all year, but the drier months, December to February and June to September, make the forest trails easier to walk.
Prefer to trek in Rwanda? See our 4-Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari, or add chimps and wildlife with our 9-Day Uganda Gorilla Safari.
Book Your Bwindi Gorilla Trekking from Kigali
Gorilla permits are limited, so get in touch early to check availability and secure your dates.
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