# LTM-UG-GK3|3 days, 2 nights
3-Day Bwindi Gorilla Trek from Kigali
Starts & endsKigaliRouteKigali › Bwindi (south)A private trip: it starts on any day you choose, and every quote is all-inclusive.
A private safari, 3 days, 2 nights
Flying into Kigali is often the quickest way to reach Bwindi's southern sectors. This private gorilla safari crosses into Uganda at Katuna or Cyanika and reaches the Rushaga or Nkuringo sector in about four to five hours, through the terraced hills of southwest Uganda.
You spend two nights near the trailhead, with the middle day kept for the trek. The Uganda gorilla permit costs US$800, against US$1,500 in Rwanda, which is why many travellers arriving in Kigali choose to trek here.
Highlights
- Pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
- One hour with a habituated gorilla family in southern Bwindi
- Two nights near the Rushaga or Nkuringo trailheads
- Views over the Virunga volcanoes from the Ugandan side
- A private vehicle and guide throughout
Day by day
- Kigali
- Bwindi (south)
- Kigali
Day 1Kigali › border › Rushaga
Kigali to southern Bwindi
Your guide collects you in Kigali in the morning. The road heads north to the Ugandan border, where you complete immigration formalities, then climbs into the hills of Kigezi. You arrive at your lodge near the trailhead in the afternoon.
Day 2Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Gorilla trekking
An early start for the 8:00 briefing, then the trek to your assigned family with rangers and trackers. The southern sectors are steep, so a porter is worth hiring. After your hour with the gorillas you return to the lodge for a late lunch and a quiet afternoon.
Day 3Rushaga › border › Kigali
Back to Kigali
After breakfast you drive back to the border and on to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon in time for an evening flight or a night in the city.
Lodges are confirmed in writing when you book, and timings are adjusted to your dates and pace.
Where you stay
Two nights at a luxury lodge in the Rushaga or Nkuringo sector, matched to your permit. We confirm the lodge in writing before you pay.
The Mavens difference
Private vehicle and guide
A 4x4 with a pop-up roof and an English-speaking driver-guide, for you alone.
Luxury lodges
Every night at a lodge chosen for its position and its standards.
Fees and permits included
Park entry, permits and the activities in the itinerary are in the price.
Flexible by design
Lengthen, upgrade or combine the trip before you pay.
Included
- One Uganda gorilla trekking permit per person
- Private vehicle and driver-guide from Kigali
- 2 nights at a luxury lodge, full board
- Park entry fees
- Pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
- Bottled water in the vehicle
Not included
- International flights
- Uganda visa (or the East Africa Tourist Visa)
- Drinks at the lodge other than water, tea and coffee
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Travel insurance
Good to know
Fitness
The southern sectors are some of Bwindi's steepest. Hire a porter and use the walking stick you're given.
Border
Bring your passport and visa documents; the crossing usually takes under an hour.
Best time
Any month, with the driest trails from June to September and December to February.
Make it longer
Add Volcanoes National Park for a second trek on the Rwandan side.
Dates & availability
This is a private trip, so it starts on any day you choose. Choose a month to carry it into the quote request.
What every quote includes
- One Uganda gorilla trekking permit per person
- Private vehicle and driver-guide from Kigali
- 2 nights at a luxury lodge, full board
- Park entry fees
- Pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
- Bottled water in the vehicle
Quotes depend on your dates, the size of your group and the lodges you choose. Green-season months are often better value, and Christmas and New Year can carry lodge supplements.
Reviews from this trip
Verified reviews appear here once guests are home.
Questions travellers ask
Do we need a Uganda visa if we fly into Kigali?
Yes. You can apply for a Uganda e-Visa, or for the East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya and suits this route.
How long does the border crossing take?
Usually under an hour, depending on queues. Your guide helps with the formalities.
Can we start from Entebbe instead?
Yes, by flying to Kisoro or driving, which adds a day.
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Something made for you
Any trip can be lengthened, upgraded or combined across both countries. Send your dates and the number of travellers, and you'll get a costed plan within a day.