3-day Gorilla Trekking Itinerary starting in Kigali and including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 1
Arrival
Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable national park
Upon arrival you will be welcomed by your guide who will brief you about the safari. Kigali is known as one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities, offering a calm introduction to Rwanda.
Depending on arrival time, you may enjoy a short city tour including key sites such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets and panoramic viewpoints across the city’s famous rolling hills.
After lunch begin the scenic drive towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Southwestern Uganda. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours through beautiful countryside, terraced hills and rural communities.
Arrive at your lodge in the evening, check in, enjoy dinner and relax in preparation for the next day’s gorillas trekking adventure.
Accommodation: Agandi Uganda Eco-lodges
Meals plan: Dinner
Day 2
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park-Transfer to lake Bunyonyi
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. Experienced rangers will guide you through the forest in search of one of the habituated mountain gorilla families.
The trek can take 2-6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Hiking through the rainforests is such an unforgettable adventure and the reward here is spending such a magical hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat -watching them feed, play and interact.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch before transferring to nearby Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most scenic lakes in East Africa. The lake is famous for its 29 islands, calm waters and terraced hills.
Spend the evening relaxing by the lake, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and spectacular sunset views.
Accommodation: Lodge at lake Bunyonyi
Meals plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3
Transfer to Kigali for departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast overlooking lake Bunyonyi. If time allows, you make a short canoe ride or guided walk around the lake before departure.
Later, begin the scenic drive back to Kigali crossing the Uganda-Rwanda border and continuing through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside often referred to as the ‘Land of a Thousand hills.
Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight or to your hotel, marking the end of your memorable gorilla trekking safari.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Safari inclusions
Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (one permit per person)
Accommodation for 2nights in Agandi Uganda Eco lodge (near Bwindi and at Lake Bunyonyi)
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (breakfast, lunch and dinner where specified)
Ground transportation in 4 by 4 safari vehicle with fuel
Professional English-speaking driver/guide throughout the trip.
Airport pickup and drop-off in Kigali
Park entry fees and ranger guide services during the gorilla trek.
Drinking water in the vehicle during transfers.
Government taxes and services charges related to the safari
Safaris exclusions
An international flight
Travel and medical insurance
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry and telephone calls
Optional activities for example canoeing or boat rides on lake Bunyonyi)
Tips and gratuities for the driver, guides or hotel staff
Alcoholic and soft drinks not included in meals.
Porter fees during gorilla trekking (optional but recommended)
List of Bwindi sectors and how it is accessed by air
- Buhoma sector (north)- the oldest and most popular and most accessible sector boasting the first habituated group, Mubare, along with Habinyanja and Rushegura.
- Ruhija sector (east)-Known for being less crowded, providing a quieter trekking experience with families like Bitukura, Oruzogo, and Kyaguriro.
- Rushaga sector south – known for having the highest number of habituated gorilla families e.g ( Nyongi , bweza) and the only sector offering habituation.
- Nkuringo sector (south)- renewed for its long spectatular views and proximity challenges terrain suites for adventures trekkers.
How sectors are assessed
Flights are operated by companies like Bar Aviation and Aerolink
- For Buhoma and Ruhija Sectors (North/East):
Flight to: Kihihi Airstrip for a flight.
Transfer: A 1 to 2-hour drive from the airstrip to the lodge.
- For Rushaga and Nkuringo Sectors (South):
Flight to: Kisoro Airstrip for a flight.
Transfer: A 1 to 2-hour drive from the airstrip to the lodge in the south.