For travelers based in or visiting Kenya, booking a gorilla tour from Nairobi is both possible and rewarding. While Kenya doesn’t host gorillas in its national parks, it is strategically located close to two of the best gorilla trekking destinations in the world Uganda and Rwanda. Whether you’re in Nairobi for business or exploring the savannahs of the Maasai Mara, extending your journey to include a gorilla trek is entirely doable. How to Book a Gorilla Tour.
In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about booking a gorilla tour from Nairobi, including travel logistics, permits, flights, and more. How to Book a Gorilla Tour.
Can You Really Book a Gorilla Safari From Nairobi?
Yes, absolutely. Many travelers choose to start their gorilla trekking adventures from Nairobi, especially if they’re combining a classic Kenyan safari with gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. Nairobi is a major East African hub, making it convenient to connect with flights or road transport to gorilla destinations. How to Book a Gorilla Tour.
Step 1: Choose Your Gorilla Trekking Destination
There are two main options when booking a gorilla tour from Nairobi:
- Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park)
- Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park)
Each destination offers a unique experience.
- Uganda is more affordable for permits and has more gorilla families.
- Rwanda offers quicker access from its capital Kigali, which makes logistics easier for shorter trips.
Depending on your travel dates, budget, and time constraints, your decision may vary.
Step 2: Book Your Gorilla Permit
A gorilla permit is mandatory for trekking and should be reserved well in advance—often 3 to 6 months ahead, especially in peak seasons.
- Uganda Permit Cost (2025–2026): Around $800 per person for foreign non-residents
- Rwanda Permit Cost (2025–2026): Around $1500 per person
Your tour operator will typically include the permit in your package and secure it on your behalf. Make sure you know your exact travel dates, as permits are issued for a specific day. How to Book a Gorilla Tour.
Step 3: Plan Your Route from Nairobi
You have two primary travel options from Nairobi to the gorilla trekking zones:
Option 1: Fly from Nairobi to Kigali (Rwanda)
This is the most efficient and time-saving route, especially for a short gorilla trek.
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Airlines: RwandAir, Kenya Airways
- From Kigali, it’s a 2.5 to 3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze.
Ideal for:
- Travelers short on time
- Luxury travelers who want quick access
- Anyone trekking in Rwanda
Option 2: Fly from Nairobi to Entebbe (Uganda)
This route takes a bit longer but is well worth it for those trekking in Uganda.
- Duration: About 1.5 hours to Entebbe
- From Entebbe, either:
- Take a domestic flight to Kisoro or Kihihi, then drive to Bwindi (1–2 hours), or
- Drive overland from Entebbe/Kampala to Bwindi (8–10 hours)
Ideal for:
- Budget-conscious travelers
- Those looking to combine chimpanzees, wildlife, or birding in Uganda
- Longer safaris covering multiple parks
Step 4: Choose a Reputable Tour Operator
Booking a gorilla tour from Nairobi requires working with a tour operator that understands both Kenyan and regional logistics. Look for a company that offers:
- Permit booking support
- Flight and transport coordination
- Accommodation in gorilla regions
- Knowledgeable guides and reliable vehicles
- Optional add-ons like cultural visits or nature walks
You can also request a custom itinerary that starts in Kenya and ends in Uganda or Rwanda, combining safaris, gorilla trekking, and cultural experiences.
Step 5: Select Your Accommodation
Gorilla destinations offer a range of lodges to match your budget:
- Luxury: Clouds Mountain Lodge (Uganda), Bisate Lodge (Rwanda)
- Midrange: Gorilla Mist Camp, Da Vinci Lodge
- Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp, Muhabura Hotel
Choose accommodation close to the sector where your gorilla permit is issued such as Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, or Rushaga in Bwindi, or Kinigi in Rwanda.
Step 6: Prepare for the Gorilla Trek
Once your trip is booked, ensure you are physically prepared. Gorilla trekking involves hiking in mountainous terrain, sometimes for several hours. Here’s how to prepare:
- Physical fitness: Regular walks and cardio help
- Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, hiking boots, rain jacket
- Gear: Gloves, walking stick (provided on-site), camera with no flash
- Health: Yellow fever vaccination certificate is often required
- Visa: Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda offer an East Africa Tourist Visa for multi-country travel
Sample Itinerary: 4-Day Gorilla Tour from Nairobi
Day 1: Fly from Nairobi to Kigali or Entebbe. Transfer to your lodge near the park.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking day. Spend 1 hour with the gorillas.
Day 3: Optional activity (golden monkeys, cultural tour) or relax.
Day 4: Return to Kigali or Entebbe and fly back to Nairobi.
Can You Do a Gorilla Trek Over a Weekend from Nairobi?
Yes, especially if you’re trekking in Rwanda. A 3-day trip is feasible:
- Day 1: Fly Nairobi–Kigali in the morning, transfer to Musanze
- Day 2: Trek gorillas
- Day 3: Return to Kigali and fly back to Nairobi
This works best for travelers with tight schedules and a higher budget, since Rwanda’s permits are more expensive but allow quick access.
Final Thoughts
Booking a gorilla trek from Nairobi is easier than most people think. With East Africa’s well-connected travel network, you can go from Kenya’s grasslands to the misty forests of Uganda or Rwanda in just a few hours. Whether you choose to fly into Kigali for convenience or explore Uganda for more affordable permits, the experience of meeting a gorilla in the wild is well worth the planning.
Would you like help customizing a gorilla tour from Nairobi for 2025 or 2026? I can assist in crafting a complete itinerary, coordinating permits, transport, and lodge bookings based on your timeline and budget. How to Book a Gorilla Tour.
