You’ll be picked up from the airport (or hotel). Accommodation before the tour departs can be arranged for extra cost.
Morning/Transfer
Our professional driver guide will pick you from Kigali International Airport/Any Hotel in Kigali to start your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will have a stop at the Genocide Memorial
Afternoon/Travel
The journey is very scenic and will take you through a country of a thousand hills to the Pearl of Africa. You will cross over to Uganda at Katuna border for a stop at Kabale town for lunch before proceeding to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Evening/Accommodation
You will be welcomed by the hotel staff and check in at the hotel for relaxation, followed by dinner and overnight
Drive time: Approximately 4-5 hours
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodations:
Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge/Bakiga Lodge
Mid Range: 4 Gorillas Lodge/Gorilla Leisure lodge/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Luxury: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge/Gorilla Heights Lodge/Kiho Gorilla Lodge
Morning/Briefing
After breakfast and with your packed lunch, you will walk to the park headquarters for briefing about gorilla trekking. Your guide will take you through all the dos and don’ts while with mountain gorillas and after that, you will be transferred to the starting point of your gorilla family. Please note that gorilla family allocation depends on your interests and fitness. Please inform your guide of your interests and he will try to request for the gorilla family of your choice before you start the trek into the forest.
Trek
You will transfer to the tracking point to start your Gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking can take 30 minutes to three quarters of the day so one needs to prepare for both. Your guide will try to provide information about trees, birds and other wildlife in the forest until you reach a given gorilla family of gorillas. You will be allowed only one hour of photography and observing mountain gorillas as they go about with their daily day activities and then trek back to the park headquarters to pick your certificates.
Afternoon/Transfer
You will then drive back to Kigali Rwanda through Katuna border for your overnight in Kigali town or your international departure flight. Please ensure that you book flights that depart late from Kigali International Airport if you intend to fly back after your 2 day bwindi gorilla safari through Kigali
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Gorilla permits: We encourage you to book gorilla permits in advance so that we secure your trekking spot. Gorilla permits are served on first come first serve at Uganda wildlife Authority. Please contact us so that we book them for you.
Cost of the gorilla permit: The gorilla permits in Uganda cost USD800 for Non-Foreign residents, USD700 for East African Foreign Residents, USD500 for Rest of Africa Residents and UGX300,000 for East African Citizens, cost applies for trekking in Both Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park
Gorilla trekking Regions: Bwindi has 4 gorilla trekking sectors namely Buhoma, Ruhaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija. We shall book for you accommodation in respect to the permits location.
Physical Fitness: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can be physically demanding, a certain level of fitness will be required, please ensure you are in good health and have a certain level of fitness before you leave your country.
Packing List: Please ensure you have comfortable walking/ hiking shoes that can handle the terrain in Bwindi, a rain Jacket, gloves, Camera, Binoculars,
Age Limit: The Minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years and above, please ensure all travelers are aged 15years and above.
Accommodation Options: Please choose the accommodation that suits your budget, Bwindi has all options of Budget, Midrange and Luxury.
Means of Transport: You can opt to fly or drive to Bwindi, Flights take 1-2 hours, and driving takes 8-9 hours drive to Bwindi. For budget clients, we recommend use of safari vans, then others can opt for Safari Land Cruisers. All vehicles are comfortable with enough leg room, AC and are driven by our professional driver guides.
Best time to visit: Bwindi can be visited all year round for gorilla trekking, The most prefered time is June to September, December to February because they are the drier months of the year.
Gorilla trekking Regulations: Uganda Wildlife Authority has rules and regulations to adhere while on your gorilla trek.
Chances of Seeing the Gorillas: The chances of seeing gorillas are 98% because there are trackers who follow the movement of gorillas on a daily basis, they communicate to the Park guides and you walk in the direction they are.
Choose a gorilla family: You can choose your preferred gorilla family of the day of the trek, if you prefer a close/ easy trek due to your fitness level, please request it and communicate to your guide.
Gorilla Habituation experience: Bwindi has an option of spending 4 hours with the gorillas called gorillas habituation, the is only possible when you book a gorilla permit that costs USD1500 for Non- foreign residents, USD1000 for East African Residents, and UGX750,000 for East African Citizens
Other activities: There are several activities you can do in Bwindi namely Birding, Batwa cultural experience, Nature walks, Community visits. All these can supplement your gorilla trek in Bwindi.
Trip cost estimate: The cost of the 3day gorilla tour ranges from USD1300 to USD2860 per person, based on your travel style which is Budget to Luxury. The cost Includes gorilla permit, accommodation, Meals, transport, and all services.
About Bwindi: Bwindi impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site, with half of the worlds gorilla population, it has more than 20 Habituated gorilla families in regions of Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo.
| 1 Person | USD 750 |
| 2 Persons | USD 480 |
| 3 Persons | USD 400 |
| 4 Persons | USD 360 |
| 5 Persons | USD 330 |
| 6 Persons | USD 320 |
Cost Includes: Airport transfers, transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle, fuel for the round trip, services of an English-speaking driver guide, all park entry fees, and drinking water in the vehicle.
Cost excludes visa fees, gorilla permit, and all expenses of personal nature such as drinks, tips, or simply anything else not included in the itinerary.