3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali
3 Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali
Day 1: Pick-Up from Kigali and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your adventure begins in the vibrant Rwandan capital, Kigali, where your professional safari guide will pick you up early in the morning from the airport. Your first stop is the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a solemn site commemorating the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Over 250,000 victims are buried here. The memorial features powerful exhibits on Rwanda’s history, the genocide, and global atrocities, offering a place for remembrance, education, and reflection.
After a brief safari overview, you’ll begin your scenic journey northward toward the Katuna border, where you’ll cross into Uganda. The drive offers spectacular views of Rwanda’s “land of a thousand hills” and Uganda’s lush southwestern highlands.
Following border formalities, continue into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Your destination is the Rushaga sector, one of the best gorilla trekking regions in the park. As you pass through terraced hills, forests, and rural villages, your guide will share insights into local cultures and landscapes.
In the afternoon, arrive at Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, a peaceful and comfortable retreat near the park entrance. After check-in, enjoy the tranquil forest surroundings, have a hearty dinner, and rest up for the exhilarating gorilla trek tomorrow.
- Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After an early breakfast at the lodge—and with your packed lunch ready—you’ll head to the Bwindi park headquarters for a detailed pre-trek briefing conducted by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You’ll be assigned to a habituated gorilla family and guided in a small group into the dense, misty forest.
The trek can range from 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla group and involves hiking through steep, sometimes muddy terrain. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll spend a magical, awe-inspiring hour observing them up close. Watch as they forage, groom, and play—an emotional and unforgettable wildlife experience. Standing just meters from a silverback and his family is a rare and life-changing encounter.
After the trek, enjoy your packed lunch en route as you travel to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most scenic and tranquil lakes. The 2–3 hour drive offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, banana plantations, and traditional villages.
Upon arrival at Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, check in and relax by the lakeside. The evening is yours to unwind, with dinner served as you take in the peaceful waters and surrounding islands.
- Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
- Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Boat Cruise on Lake Bunyonyi, Transfer Back to Kigali, and End of Tour
After breakfast with a view of the lake, you’ll enjoy a morning boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi, famous for its crystal-clear waters and charming islands, each steeped in local legend and cultural significance.
Your guide will share stories such as that of “Punishment Island” as you glide across the lake in a traditional dugout canoe or motorboat. Birdwatchers will also enjoy spotting a variety of bird species around the islands and lake shores.
Following the boat excursion, begin your return journey to Kigali, crossing back into Rwanda in the early afternoon. Depending on your departure time, there may be an opportunity for a brief city tour of Kigali.
You will be dropped off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport, marking the end of your incredible 3-day gorilla trekking and nature safari through Uganda and Rwanda.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast
