Destination

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Duration
3 days
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Tour Type
Cross -Border Adventure
Primate Tracking
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Group Size
6
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Tour Guide
2
Rwanda, Uganda

3 Days Rwanda → Uganda Gorilla Trek

 

 

A Short Trip to See the Gorillas – 3 Days Rwanda → Uganda Gorilla Trek

Enjoy an expertly guided, short-break gorilla experience that takes you from Kigali to the ancient forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. This compact itinerary is ideal for travellers short on time who want a focused, high-impact wildlife encounter: a full hour with a gorilla family, comfortable lodge nights and a Kigali city glimpse on return. Operated with care and conservation-minded practices by Miana Tours & Travel.

Destinations

Kigali (Rwanda) • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)

Key Activities

Gorilla trekking (Bwindi) • Cross-border transfer • Kigali city highlights • Cultural insight

What’s Included

  • 1 gorilla tracking permit per person (Uganda permit)
  • Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
  • All park & activity fees
  • Ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with experienced English-speaking guide
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Meals as indicated

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees (Rwanda / Uganda)
  • Personal travel insurance & personal expenses
  • Tips & gratuities
  • Any services not explicitly listed

Quick Overview

This 3-day itinerary is designed for maximum impact: comfortable transfers, clear logistics for the border crossing, and an immersive gorilla encounter in Bwindi. Perfect for solo travellers, couples, or small groups who want a short, expertly managed primate experience while based in Kigali.

Detailed Itinerary (Realistic Timings – Start: Kigali)

Day 1 — Kigali → Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)

07:30 – 08:15: Meet your Miana guide at your Kigali hotel/airport. Short briefing and paperwork.

08:30 – 13:00: Cross-border drive Kigali → Bwindi (approx. 4.5–5.5 hours depending on border formalities). Scenic route through rolling hills and rural towns. (Time shown is typical; actual duration may vary.)

13:00 – 14:00: Lunch in a local town (included).

14:00 – 16:00: Arrive at lodge, check in and rest. Prepare gear for trekking.

16:00 – 18:00: Optional short nature walk or community visit (time permitting).

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 — Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Return to Lodge

06:00 – 07:00: Early breakfast at the lodge.

07:00 – 07:30: Transfer to the park offices for briefing and allocation of gorilla family.

07:30 – 14:30: Gorilla trek (trek duration varies: typically 2–6 hours; allow up to 8 hours in rare cases). When the family is located you will be granted a full 1-hour observation period for photography and close-up viewing.

14:30 – 16:00: Hike back and return to lodge to freshen up.

16:00 – 18:00: Optional cultural activity or rest at lodge.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 — Drive Back to Kigali & Departure

07:30 – 08:30: Breakfast and check-out.

08:30 – 13:00: Drive Bwindi → Kigali via border crossing (approx. 4.5–5.5 hrs depending on traffic and formalities).

13:00 – 15:00: Kigali city highlights (time permitting): Genocide Memorial, craft markets and short city orientation.

15:00 – onward: Transfer to airport or hotel for onward travel.

Accommodation: None (end of tour)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Useful Information

Gorilla Trekking Essentials

  • Minimum age for gorilla trekking: 15 years.
  • Trekking can be physically demanding — moderate fitness recommended.
  • Visitors with communicable illness will be denied permits for safety.
  • Maximum viewing time with gorillas: 1 hour.

Packing Recommendations

  • Waterproof hiking boots & waterproof trousers
  • Lightweight rain poncho & layered clothing
  • Gardening gloves for bush paths
  • Insect repellent, sunscreen & wide-brim hat
  • Camera, extra batteries & memory cards
  • Medications, small daypack & chargers

Visas, Best Time & Safety

Check visa requirements for Rwanda and Uganda in advance (electronic visas available). Best months for gorilla trekking are June–September and December–February. Rwanda and Uganda are popular, well-managed destinations for responsible wildlife tourism.

Why Travel with Miana Tours & Travel?

  • Local, experienced guides specializing in primate treks
  • Seamless cross-border logistics and permit management
  • Small group sizes for ethical, low-impact encounters
  • Handpicked comfortable lodges close to the park
  • Commitment to community benefit and conservation