Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Arrive at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. For a fresh start, it’s best to land early in the day or the previous night. Your guide/driver will meet you at the airport or your hotel for a briefing on the journey ahead.

If time allows, explore Kigali by visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, or Inema Art Center to delve into Rwandan history and culture.

Depart Kigali around 10:00 AM for a scenic 4-5 hour drive to Bwindi, crossing through picturesque Rwandan and Ugandan landscapes.

Pass through the Kyanika or Katuna Border Post into Uganda, ensuring you have your visas and necessary documents ready.

Enjoy lunch along the way, potentially in a local Ugandan town such as Kisoro or Kabale.

The final leg of the drive takes you through lush hills and terraced farmlands before arriving at Bwindi.

Check into your lodge, situated near the trekking trailheads in either Buhoma, Ruhija, or Nkuringo sectors.

Spend the evening relaxing at the lodge, taking in the tranquil views of the misty forest.

Optional: Engage in a community walk to interact with local residents, visit the Batwa pygmies, or enjoy a short nature walk around the lodge.

Overnight:

• Luxury: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Gorilla Forest Camp
• Mid-range: Silverback Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp/Ride for the woman
• Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp/ Friends gorilla lodge

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and drive to Kisoro for canoeing on lake Mutanda

tart your day with a hearty breakfast around 6:00 AM, preparing for your adventure.

Arrive at Bwindi park headquarters by 7:30 AM for a briefing with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. You’ll be assigned a gorilla family based on your fitness and preferences.

The trek begins at 8:00 AM, lasting between 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. You’ll navigate through dense jungle, steep hills, and muddy trails.

Once you find the gorilla family, enjoy an unforgettable hour observing their behavior and taking photos.

Afterward, return to your lodge for lunch and drive to Kisoro and visit Batwa pygmies the indigenous group that originally lived as forest dwellers. You can visit Batwa communities, learn about their traditional way of life, and experience their unique culture through storytelling, music, and dances or Kisoro offers exciting cycling routes through scenic countryside and villages.

Overnight:

• • Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge/Mutanda Lake Resort/Chameleon Hill Lodge/Nkuringo Bwindi
  • Mid-range: Kisoro Tourist Hotel/Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge/Ikoro Hotel
  • Budget: Golden Monkey Guest House/ Kisoro Backpackers/Rushaga Gorilla Camp

Day 3: Morning Boat rides and Canoeing on Lake Mutanda and Return to Kigali via Cyanika/Katuna Border

Have breakfast at the lodge in the morning Lake Mutanda, one of Uganda’s most scenic lakes, offers peaceful boat rides and canoeing experiences. The lake is dotted with islands and surrounded by the Virunga Mountains, providing stunning photo opportunities.

in the mid afternoon begin your journey back to Kigali, enjoying the rolling hills and beautiful countryside along the way. Border crossing will be done at Cyanika or Katuna, depending on your location in Bwindi.

Stop for brief photos or refreshments as you cross back into Rwanda.

Arrive in Kigali in time for lunch at one of the city’s restaurants. Enjoy Rwandan or international cuisine before wrapping up your trip.

Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Your guide will ensure you reach in time for your departure.

End of 3 days Bwindi Gorilla Safari via Kigali.

Bwindi Gorilla Safari via Kigali 3 days Price per person (including US$800 for Gorilla permit)

The above tour price suggestions Include: Accommodation for the 2nights 3 days Bwindi gorilla safari tour holiday as indicated on programme (on full board  meals: dinner, supper and breakfast).

1 gorilla permit per person ($800), sightseeing as noted in the trip itinerary, park entry fees, Kigali airport transfers, ground transportation by a private 4×4 safari Vehicle, additional guides/porters where appropriate, bottled water, English speaking driver/Guide. contact us at Gorilla Safaris Uganda Travel for the updated prices and how to book this safari Travel Itinerary .

What to Wear and Bring for Bwindi Gorilla Safari in Uganda via Kigali?

• Hiking boots: Waterproof and comfortable for steep trails.
• Waterproof jacket: Bwindi has unpredictable rain.
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers: To protect from insect bites.
• Gloves: For gripping vegetation during the trek.
• Camera and extra batteries: No flash photography allowed.
• Snacks & water: Carry snacks to stay energized on the trek.
• Energy Boosters: While trekking to visit the mountain gorillas isn’t insurmountable, it can be physically demanding. Bringing along energy snacks such as nuts, dried fruit, chocolate etc.