The 2 days Bwindi Gorilla safari from Kigali is no ordinary trip but an exhilarating one that begins and concludes from the beautiful city of Kigali but involves trekking the Gorillas of Bwindi in south-western Uganda.
Established in 1991 within the south-western side of Uganda and covering an area of 33100 hectares is the verdant Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the home to over 20 habituated gorilla families making it the most endowed gorilla trekking destination. Not only that, with a permit valued at only $600 per person, you will get the golden chance of spending one hour with one of the habituated gorilla families.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is about 8-10 hours’ drive from Kampala City and only 4 hours’ drive from Rwanda’s Kigali City. Starting your safari from Kigali, tracking from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and ending the safari from Kigali is, therefore, the perfect option for travelers who wouldn’t wish to travel for many hours and the 2 days Bwindi Gorilla safari from Kigali is ideal for tourists with limited time. Cross over to Uganda through the Katuna or Cyanika borders.
What to expect from the 2 days Bwindi Gorilla safari from Kigali
• One hour with a habituated gorilla family.
• Drive with our comfortable customized 4X4 vehicle.
• One night accommodation in an exquisite Safari Lodge.
• Airport pick-up and drop-off.
• Kigali City tour.
• Border crossing.
• Enjoy spectacular views of the rolling hills of Rwanda and Kigezi.
Itinerary highlights of the 2 days Bwindi Gorilla safari from Kigali
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali City/International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking and return to Kigali.
Detailed itinerary of the 2 days Bwindi Gorilla safari from Kigali
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali City to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport or after breakfast at your place of residence, you will be met by our company driver/guide who will brief you on the 2 days Bwindi Gorilla Safari from Kigali. Head for a tour of the beautiful City of Kigali covering Gisozi Genocide Memorial Site, Craft markets, and many others.
Have lunch and cross over to Uganda through the Katuna border while enjoying the jaw-dropping views of the rolling hills of Kigezi to the northern sector of Bwindi known as Buhoma which is also the most popular sector. Arrival is in the late afternoon whereby you will freshen up and relax as you prepare to start your activities the next day.
Meal Plan: Lunch and dinner.
Accommodation options
• Luxury: Mahogany Springs.
• Midrange: Engagi Lodge or Silverback Lodge.
• Budget: Bwindi View Bandas.
Journey time: 3-4 hours.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking and return to Kigali.
Wake up to the sweet melodies and serenity of the jungles then have breakfast. With your trekking gear in hand, be driven or walk to the Park Headquarters (depending on the distance of the booked safari Lodge) where you will be enlightened on the guidelines of gorilla trekking.
Move to the trailhead and in the company of other trekkers, guide, porters and armed ranger start your 1-4 hours’ trek (depending on the location of the gorilla family, the pace of trekking or level of physical fitness) to the habituated gorilla family. Once spotted, spend a maximum of one hour watching them feed, rest, play or care for each other while taking photos that will keep memories fresh. Gorilla trekking is generally strenuous but the joy of meeting face to face with the mountain gorilla will erase all the horrible experience you might have encountered.
After the one hour with the mountain gorillas, return to the Lodge to freshen up and have lunch before checking-out for your journey back to Kigali.
End of your 2 days Bwindi Gorilla safari from Kigali
The 2 days Bwindi Gorilla safari from Kigali package includes;
• A gorilla permit (at $600).
• Ground transportation with our customized 4X4 vehicle.
• A full-time English speaking guide.
• Meals including en-route.
• Relevant Government taxes.
• Border crossing.
• Bottled water.
• One night accommodation.
The 2 days Bwindi Gorilla safari from Kigali package excludes;
• Airfares.
• Visa fees.
• Personal expenses such as tips, souvenirs, beverages, laundry fees, and telephone bills.
• Optional activities not included in the itinerary.
Gorilla trekking guidelines
• Maintain a distance of 7 meters when viewing the mountain gorillas.
• Tourists are allowed to spend only one hour with the mountain gorillas.
• Avoid visiting the mountain gorillas when you have flue/cold, cough or any other infectious disease.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke during the trek or in the presence of the mountain gorillas.
• Flash photography is prohibited.
• Avoid open coughing or sneezing while in the presence of the mountain gorillas but if you are to do so, use a handkerchief and turn your mouth away.
• Do not litter the Park during trekking.
• Human waste should be buried at least 30 centimeters deep.
• Avoid making noise while trekking or when in the presence of the mountain gorillas.
What to pack for your 2 days Bwindi Gorilla safari from Kigali
• Gorilla permit.
• Passport, visa and air ticket.
• Long-sleeved shirts.
• Safari pants.
• Energy giving snacks.
• Non-flash camera.
• Pair of binoculars.
• Strong waterproof hiking boots.
• Waterproof backpack.
• Swimsuit.
• Gardening gloves.
• Cotton socks.
• Rain Jacket/ or poncho.
• Insect repellants.
• Sunglasses.
• Wide-brimmed hat.
• Toiletries such as hair gel, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair combs, and lip balm among others.
• First aid box.
Gorilla trekking trailheads in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Buhoma.
• Rushaga.
• Ruhija.
• Nkuringo.
Best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is open for visitation all year round but the drier months of January, February, June, July, August, September, and December are preferred because it’s when the hiking trails are less muddy and slippery thus making gorilla trekking less challenging.