1 Day Gorilla Trekking Safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Tour Overview
This 1 day gorilla trekking safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Kigali is the perfect option for travelers who are short on time but want to experience the unforgettable magic of meeting the endangered mountain gorillas of Uganda. With Kigali located just a 3–4 hour drive from the Ugandan border, this itinerary offers a seamless cross-border journey into one of Africa’s most biodiverse and scenic parks.
Mgahinga is part of the Virunga Conservation Area and is known for its dramatic volcano scenery and rich primate population, including the famously mobile Nyakagezi Gorilla Family. The trek offers breathtaking landscapes, misty forests, and intimate wildlife encounters—all in a single day.
Itinerary Details
Early Morning: Pick-up from Kigali and Drive to Mgahinga
Your day starts very early (around 4:00 AM) with a pick-up from your hotel or Kigali International Airport. After a short briefing, your professional driver-guide will transfer you northwest through the beautiful Rwandan countryside toward the Cyanika border post. After completing immigration procedures, you’ll enter Uganda and continue on to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park near Kisoro.
Morning: Arrival and Gorilla Trekking Briefing
Once you arrive at the Ntebeko Visitor Centre, you’ll receive a pre-trekking briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You’ll be assigned to a group and a team of rangers will lead you into the forest in search of the Nyakagezi gorilla family. The trek can last between 2 to 5 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location.
Midday: Gorilla Encounter
Once located, you’ll spend a maximum of 1 hour with the gorillas, observing their behavior, taking photos, and learning about their social dynamics from the ranger guides. This up-close experience with a wild gorilla family is a humbling and unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Afternoon: Return to Kigali
After your trek, enjoy your packed lunch and some time to rest before beginning the drive back to Kigali. Depending on the time you finish your trek and border crossing, you’ll arrive in Kigali in the evening—around 7:00 to 8:00 PM.
Inclusions
- Gorilla trekking permit for Mgahinga ($800 USD)
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle from and back to Kigali
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Packed lunch and bottled drinking water
- All park entry fees
- Services of Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guide
Exclusions
- Rwanda-Uganda visa costs (East Africa Tourist Visa recommended)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and rangers
- Personal expenses such as drinks and souvenirs
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary
- Travel insurance and evacuation cover
What to Pack
- Strong hiking boots (waterproof preferred)
- Long pants and long-sleeved shirt
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Lightweight backpack
- Refillable water bottle or hydration pack
- Energy snacks
- Camera (no flash allowed)
- Passport and visa documents
Useful Tips
- It’s advisable to obtain the East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) which allows multiple entries between Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.
- Gorilla trekking is safe and professionally guided; however, basic physical fitness is required.
- Pre-booking is essential due to the limited number of daily gorilla permits.
- If your time allows, consider spending an extra night in Kisoro or Lake Bunyonyi for a more relaxed experience.
