Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

3 Day Gorilla Tracking to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali, Rwanda is designed for travelers who wish to spend less time on the road, while also saving on the cost of the gorilla permit. This is because the Kigali to Bwindi journey takes a shorter time (4 to 5hrs) as compared to the 8 to 9hrs that would be spent if one used the Entebbe to Bwindi route. Furthermore, the Uganda Gorilla trekking permit is also cheaper as it costs only $600 as compared to $1500 of the Rwanda gorilla trekking. This kind of arrangement makes the safari more interesting but less costly, making it feasible as one can fly in to Rwanda and trek gorillas from Bwindi. The safari is also ideal for those staying in Rwanda but are interested in trekking gorillas from Bwindi as well as those who might want to compare Rwanda's gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park to the one in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This 3 days gorilla trekking from Rwanda 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 categorised into 50 gorilla groups or families, of which only 21 are currently habituated for tourism. In 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 safari combines the spectacular views of the Volcanoes and the phenomenal 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 taste of the different communities and their cultures as well as the variety of form and color that keeps waving its hand to every adventurer that comes. You will have a visit to a few crater lakes like 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 also several other primates, among whom are chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys and others. 

This 3 days gorilla tracking transfers you from Kigali, Rwanda to Bwindi impenetrable National park in Uganda. Our company driver guide meets you from the Kigali international airport or your hotel in Rwanda in Kigali city and transfer you to the north of the country into Uganda via the Ruhengeri in the musanze province through the Chanika border post and head through Kisoro town for an overnight in Bwindi. On entering Uganda, you can track gorillas in five locations; Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo, Mgahinga and Rushaga. However, Ruhija,Nkuringo, mgahinga and rushaga are closer to Rwanda and you will most probably track the gorillas through one of these points. The safari starts from Rwanda and ends in Rwanda!

We give you a range of accommodation to choose from, ranging from budget, moderate to upmarket

Day 1

Transfer from Kigali 

Transfer from Kigali 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 4 hours journey which will include the border crossing via katuna or chanika for a stop over at Kisoro (if chanika 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’ll witness spectacular views of the terraces and a splendid look at the scenic views of Lake Mutanda. Don't forget to 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 in the lodge /camp, within these lush forest surrounds. This classic Bwindi safari offers a host of attractions. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

 

  • 4 hours
  • Chameleon Hill Lodge (Luxury), Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Ichumbi (Mid-range), Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Budget)
  •  Lunch and Dinner 

Day 2

Gorilla Trekking

Early breakfast and transfer to the park offices

Have early breakfast and transfer to the park offices by 7:30am. After you are assigned a Gorilla group, meet the rangers for briefing and thereafter start the trek into the forest to locate the gorillas. Hike through the rainforest accompanied by a ranger guide and trackers, in search of a mountain gorilla family.The walking can be challenging at times, but when you catch a glimpse of the magnificent silverback with his group, any discomforts will be quickly forgotten.The guide will keep providing information about trees, birds, butterflies and other wildlife in the forest until you reach the gorilla family you've been tracking. The gorillas are located in different places 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 you have reached them, you will be allowed to stay for one hour to observe these gentle giants, to observe them feeding, socializing, playing and grooming. You will also have an opportunity to take photos during this period of time. At the end of the trek, you will return to the park headquaters and information centre to pick certificates. You will then meet the driver guide and transfer back to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.

 

Day 3

Transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable Kigali Airport, Rwanda

Transfer from Bwindi Impenetrable Kigali Airport, Rwanda with a Stopover at Lake Mutanda

  • 4 hours Journey
  • Breakfast

You will transfer to Lake Mutanda after breakfast. Enjoy scenic views of the environment and the waters. Move out of Uganda and head to Kigali airport for departure.

General Tips:

  • Please note the age limit of 15 years and above for gorilla tracking.
  • Book your permits well in advance as only 8 permits are issued per gorilla group in a day. There are 21 habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi.
  • You should be free from infectious diseases such as Flu which can be passed to the gorillas since humans share 98% DNA with gorillas. If you are found to carry an infectious disease you will not be allowed to track.
  • Every participant has the chance to hire a trekking assistance (porter) who will help carring the bags and support whenever it is needed. For the trekking assitant an additional fee of US$ 15 is charged. Even those who consider themselves very old and don’t think they are hikers or adventurous can also successfully visit the gorillas. This can be done through hiring personal assistants to carry your daypack also to assist you in difficult areas.
  • Do not use flash photography.
  • Littering in the forest is not allowed! 
  • Eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden.
  • You are required to maintain a distance of 7 metres when you rech the gorillas. In certain  instances the young gorillas may come closer to you out of curiosity to touch you. However, you are not expected to respond because the silverback could respond violently as it tries to protect the young one from you.

What to bring:

Gorilla trekking clothing is the same for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park as well as Volcanoes National Park so, the next question to be answered is what to pack for a gorilla trek.

    • Bring proper walking boots, long trousers and rain gears as you will be hiking through Bwindi Forest.
    • Insect repellant is recommended.
    • At least 1-2 liters of drinking water per person during the trekking.
    • Hiking boots, gloves, rain jacket.
    • Camera and extra batteries.
    • sunscreen and a sun hat, since the sun may be hot during the day.
    • waterproof bags to protect cameras and other equipment when hiking, just in case it rains.