2-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Budget Safari
Visit the kingdom of mountain gorillas! This spectacular national park is the proud home of roughly half the world’s gorilla population, proving why gorilla safaris in Uganda are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Learn about and see these rock stars of the forest in their natural habitat, explore the traditions and culture of the local people. This trip is the perfect addition to Uganda and Rwanda safaris.
Tour Highlights
>> Glimpse these rare creatures in the wild and observe their human-like interactions up close
>> Learn the meaning of adventure on this Uganda trekking tour through the rainforest with experienced local guides
>> Explore the green expanse of ancient rainforest and its abundance of wildlife
>> Try your hand at coffee-making, hiking, or canoeing on Lake Mutanda
>> Learn about the local community with visits to their villages and the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Museum
>> Make the most of your time with short (but scenic) connections from Kigali to Bwindi National Park
2-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Budget Safari
BOOK NOW
- Small-Group Tours
- Socially Conscious Ethos
- Competitive Pricing
CONTACT US
Please inquire about the midrange/comfortable accommodation price; this is our budget accommodation tour
DEPARTURE TIME
Anytime between 7:00 am to 11:00 am (Kigali, Rwanda timezone)
MEETING POINT
We offer pick-up from the following places for this experience:
Kigali International Airport (on day 1), Rwanda
Your guesthouse in downtown Kigali, Rwanda
Please inquire for information on a custom pick up
AVAILABILITY
Monday to Sunday, year-round
DURATION
2 days
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Moderate – uphill trekking
GROUP SIZE
1 to 4 persons
INCLUDED
Meals: 1 x breakfast, 1 x dinner, 1 x lunch
Accommodation for one night in a mid-range lodge
One gorilla trekking permit per person
Transport in a 4×4 vehicle and fuel
Admission to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
NOT INCLUDED
Optional activities (see tab 4)
Visas and other costs of personal nature
Porter fees, gratuities, travel insurance, and medical expenses
Any other costs not listed in the itinerary
Admission to Lake Mutanda
WHAT TO BRING
Hiking boots
Garden gloves
Rain jacket or poncho
Long-sleeved shirt/blouse
Cameras and extra batteries
Hat/cap and sunglasses
Pair of binoculars
Flashlight (torch)
Mosquito repellent
Other items to include: zoom lens for wildlife shots and energy bars/bites
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
Age restriction: 15-80 years old
A valid passport is required on the day of travel
This tour is not wheelchair accessible
We advise against people with heart problems or other severe medical conditions participating in this tour.
Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
GOOD TO KNOW
Depending on the availability of gorilla permits, we may propose trekking gorillas at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
We will pick you up at Kigali Airport or downtown Kigali and drive you to Bwindi National Park. The scenic drive to Uganda will go through Rwanda’s northwestern town of Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, another popular spot for mountain gorilla tracking. We will then circle the mountains to cross into Uganda via the Cyanika or Katuna border posts. The trip continues through the nearby towns of Kisoro and Kabale, both small towns nestled into the luscious greenery at the feet of the Virunga Mountains and the hills adjacent to Lake Bunyonyi, respectively. We will wind through the mountain roads to our final destination — Bwindi, arriving early afternoon. Spend the afternoon as you wish and choose from our array of optional activities, such as hiking through the luscious hills, visiting the local Batwa community, learning about the area’s largest industry with a coffee-making tour, or paddle at sunset on a canoe trip on the idyllic Lake Mutanda, with the mountains as your backdrop.
Meal plan: lunch, dinner
Today is the main event, our Uganda gorilla trek! You will embark on a full-day adventure to track the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest National Park. This national park is the home to roughly half the world’s population of mountain gorillas, making it THE destination for tracking. The trek will commence with a short briefing on gorilla trekking rules to ensure the safety of guests and the protection of these animals in their natural habitat. You will then start the trek into the impenetrable forest to encounter the gentle giants of Bwindi National Park. This is a true adventure; part of the excitement is finding the gorillas. Follow the guides as they make paths through the thick vegetation until the special moment that you encounter these majestic creatures. It is a truly unique experience and will surely be one of the standout moments of your trip. After the gorilla trek, head downhill and drive back to Kigali, Rwanda.
Since gorilla trekking can sometimes take more than 5hrs, it is recommended not to book a flight out of Kigali that departs before 10:00 pm local time on the evening of Day 2. Uganda’s time zone (East Africa Time) is one hour ahead of Rwanda’s time zone (Central Africa Time).
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch
Lodges & Accommodation
- Karungi Camp (Rushaga sector)
- Mutanda Eco Community Centre(opens in a new tab) (Lake Mutanda)
- Golden Monkey Guest House(opens in a new tab) (Kisoro town)
- Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp (Mgahinga Gate)
We will choose from one of these lodges according to availability.
Optional Activities
Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
The Batwa Trail Cultural Tour inside Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Visit the Batwa Community in the Village
Canoe Trekking at Lake Mutanda
Coffee-Making Experience
Mabungo Community Village Tour in Kisoro
See our Local Experiences page for more information on each activity.