1 Day Gorilla Trek Uganda - Bwindi Gorilla Trek from Kigali
Our 1 Day Gorilla Trek Uganda – Bwindi Gorilla Trek from Kigali is designed for a tourist who is seeking a short gorilla safari from Rwanda. Gorilla trekking is one of the best tourist attractions in Uganda in the southern region, which is the Bwindi impenetrable national park. Join our unforgettable short gorilla safari in Uganda from Kigali that takes you to the Bwindi rainforests. So, this is where one spends 1 hour with the mountain gorillas in Africa.
Itinerary Highlights:
- 5:00 AM: Depart Kigali, drive 5 hours via Katuna border through scenic Ugandan villages towards Bwindi Impenetrable NP.
- 11:00 AM: Arrive at Bwindi, get briefed, and join a group of 8 for your 1-day gorilla trek in Uganda.
- Uganda gorilla trekking: 1–4 hour hike through lush Bwindi forests and steep trails to track mountain gorillas in Uganda.
- Gorilla Encounter: 60 minutes observing human-like behaviors of these Bwindi gorillas (playful babies, silverbacks).
- Lunch: Enjoy Ugandan cuisine at Buhoma Lodge.
- Cultural Visit: Meet the Batwa community, experience traditional songs and hunting demos.
- Evening: Return to Kigali, reflecting on your short gorilla Tour to Bwindi, Uganda.
Book our 1-day Uganda gorilla tour to Bwindi, which starts and ends in Kigali, Rwanda, with our Serengeti Masai Mara Experts. Below are the inclusions and exclusions for this trip.
Inclusions:
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- All meals (fullboard).
- Uganda Gorilla trekking permit ($800 for non-residents).
- Bwindi park entry fee ($40).
- Guide fees.
Exclusions:
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- Uganda visa ($50).
- Travel insurance.
- International flights.
- Accommodation. (Unless suggested and added to the total Uganda gorilla safari cost)
Why should one choose this 1 Day Gorilla Trek Uganda from Kigali?
For someone who’s coming from Rwanda, this cross-border trip is practically tireless and shorter since Kigali is closer to those who want gorilla tracking in Uganda. This is because Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is more accessible for someone coming from Kigali compared to someone travelling from Entebbe International Airport.
In a single day during this gorilla safari, one has an opportunity to experience the different cultures of Rwanda and Uganda. So, this is combined with the extraordinary geographical landforms that are viewed during the trip from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Park.
Lastly, during this short gorilla trekking safari in Uganda from Kigali, explore the rich biodiversity that includes the mountain gorillas. Also, see other unique endemic pieces, such as the different types of birds, all in one day. Hence, this 24-hour Uganda gorilla safari from Rwanda is cost-effective.
The best and worst time for this 1 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda from Kigali
This 24-hour Uganda gorilla trekking safari is best done from January to February and from June to late October. So, during this time, it is the dry season, and the weather is more pleasant and comfortable. Therefore, you’ll experience optimal gorilla tracking experiences in the Bwindi Impenetrable Park. Capture great nature photographic views of Bwindi gorillas because of enough light due to the sunny days.
March to May are the worst months to go for this short Bwindi gorilla trek from Kigali. So, the weather is more unpredictable because of the many days that are full of heavy downpours. Hence, this makes it hard for accessibility via hiking trails that are used to track gorillas in Uganda. Most roads that lead to Bwindi are usually filled with much traffic since they are not well constructed. So, this could affect the one-day gorilla trekking Safari in Uganda for someone from Kigali, with many hours lost travelling.
1 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda from Kigali (A 24-Hour Itinerary Guide)
Morning
Set off from the center of Kigali, which will be the pickup point, by 5 AM. In addition, the journey from Kigali to Katuna is roughly 80–92 km and takes about 4-5 hours. The main route is used, which passes via the Gicumbi District into Kabale District in southwestern Uganda. Next, cross the Katuna border post, and your safari guide will help you with the standard operating procedures as you traverse from Rwanda to Uganda.
Then, drive through the remote villages and towns in the western region of Uganda to the headquarters of the Bwindi Impenetrable Park. So, by 11 AM, you will have already reached Bwindi for your gorilla trek. Organize your gadgets, and later head for the briefing at the Bwindi gate. You will be placed in a group of eight with whom you will hike to track mountain gorillas in Bwindi.
The hike begins from the flat lands, then through the steep terrain. So, to see gorillas in Uganda at Bwindi, it takes about one to four hours, depending on where they are habituating or the route being used. But for someone seeking an adventure, this Uganda gorilla trekking experience creates unforgettable memories.
The magical hour strikes when you get in contact with a family of gorillas. So, witness their human-like behaviors like the babies being playful around their parents. This encounter normally takes up to 60 minutes. Next, return to your 4×4 vehicles and head to Buhoma lodge within the park. This is where you will get to have your Ugandan traditional cuisine for lunch.
Afternoon hours.
Before you set off back to Kigali after the Bwindi gorilla trek, have a cultural encounter with the unique tribe in the south called the Batwa. The Batwa people will welcome you through their traditional songs and dances. As you interact more with them, you will learn their traditional skills, like hunting and gathering techniques, that they use for survival. After this experience, you’ll be taken back to Kigali as you reflect on the past Uganda gorilla trip experience.
Safety precautions to follow for this safari
- Don’t forget your yellow fever vaccination for travellers aged 9 months or older crossing the border from Rwanda to Uganda. This is mandatory, and evidence is usually asked for when everyone.
- Bwindi Impenetrable Park is at a higher altitude, unlike other destinations. Hence, one should physically prepare by training for this one-day gorilla tracking safari in Uganda.
- Appropriately hydrate before taking on the hiking trek to the Bwindi forests to see gorillas in Uganda. This keeps you in a better physical position, so you won’t be affected by the attitude changes.
- Follow the rules of the safari guide and the rangers during your gorilla safari in Uganda from Kigali.
- Wear protective gear such as the masks, study boots and garden gloves for proper health measures and safety.
