3 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari from Kigali
3 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari from Kigali
Overview
This 3 day Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali is perfect for travelers who want to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park at a more affordable rate while minimizing travel time. Starting and ending in Kigali, Rwanda, this tour offers a shorter drive (just 4–5 hours) compared to the longer 8–9 hour journey from Entebbe.
By beginning your trip in Kigali and trekking gorillas in Uganda, you’ll benefit from lower permit costs—just USD 800 per person—saving up to USD 700 compared to gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Safari Highlights
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Visit Uganda via Kigali, Rwanda
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Trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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Travel in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
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Airport/hotel transfers included
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Option to add extra accommodation before or after the tour
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Ideal for solo travelers and small groups
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Tour is fully customizable
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Minimum age: 15 years
Cost Includes
- Airport transfers on first and last day,
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Services of an English speaking driver guide
- Fuel for the whole trip
- Accommodation and meal plan as per the itinerary
- All park entrance fees
- Drinking water while in the vehicle
- Gorilla trekking permit
Cost excludes
- Pre and post tour accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala
- International airfares
- Uganda Visa (USD50.00 which can be paid on arrival at the Airport
- Items of personal nature such as tips and drinks
Trip Itinerary
Your adventure begins in Kigali, where your professional driver-guide will meet you at the airport or your hotel. Before departing Rwanda, you’ll have the option to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and moving tribute to the country’s history.
The journey continues southwest, offering panoramic views of Rwanda’s famed “land of a thousand hills” before crossing into Uganda at the Katuna border. You’ll break the drive with a lunch stop in Kabale town, known for its cool highland climate and scenic vistas.
After lunch, the road winds through terraced hills and mist-covered valleys until you reach Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your lodge, settle in, and enjoy dinner surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.
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Drive Time: Approx. 4–5 hours from Kigali to Bwindi
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Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
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Accommodation Options:
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Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge / Bakiga Lodge
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Mid-range: Four Gorillas Lodge / Gorilla Leisure Lodge
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Luxury: Gorilla Heights Lodge / Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge / Kiho Lodge
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Rise early for a hearty breakfast, then head to the park headquarters with your packed lunch. After a detailed briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, you’ll be assigned a gorilla family to visit—based on your fitness level, age, and preferences. If you have a specific interest (such as an easier hike or a particular family), let your guide know in advance.
The trek into the forest begins at the base of the mountains and can last anywhere between 30 minutes and 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Along the way, your guide will point out native flora, birds, and signs of other wildlife.
When you find your assigned gorilla family, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour quietly observing them in their natural environment. Watch as the juveniles play, mothers nurse their babies, and the dominant silverback keeps watch over his troop.
After the trek, return to the park headquarters to receive your gorilla trekking certificate, a lasting memory of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Later, head back to your lodge to relax and reflect on your incredible day.
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Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
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Accommodation Options:
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Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge / Bakiga Lodge
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Mid-range: 4 Gorillas Lodge / Gorilla Leisure Lodge
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Luxury: Gorilla Heights Lodge / Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge / Kiho Lodge
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After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the drive back to Kigali, taking in the last views of Uganda’s green hills and rural villages. You’ll stop for lunch en route and continue through the lush countryside back into Rwanda.
Depending on your travel plans, your driver-guide will drop you off at either Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight or your hotel in Kigali if you’re extending your stay.
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Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
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Recommended Safari Experiences
Looking to extend your journey? These related safaris provide fantastic opportunities to add variety and depth to your trip—combining thrilling wildlife encounters with authentic cultural moments.
