3 Days Gorilla Trekking from Kigali| Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Safari

3 Days Gorilla Trekking from Kigali: Looking for the best 3 days gorilla trekking from Kigali? You’ve found it.

Starting your Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali has become the top choice for thousands of travelers every year — and for good reason. The drive is shorter (only 4–5 hours to the southern sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park), Uganda gorilla permits are significantly cheaper ($800 vs $1,500 in Rwanda), and Kigali International Airport is one of the cleanest and most efficient gateways in Africa.

At Gorilla Nests Safaris, we specialize in seamless Kigali to Bwindi gorilla tours. Whether you want a budget-friendly adventure or a luxury experience, our 3-day gorilla trekking safari from Kigali is designed to give you the best value, comfort, and once-in-a-lifetime gorilla encounter.

Why Start Your Gorilla Trekking from Kigali Instead of Kampala/Entebbe?

Most travelers are surprised to learn that flying into Kigali (Rwanda) and trekking in Uganda is actually faster, cheaper, and more convenient than flying into Entebbe and driving from Kampala.

Here’s the comparison:

Route	Driving Time to Bwindi (Rushaga/Nkuringo)	Gorilla Permit Cost	Total Time Saved
Kigali → Bwindi (via Cyanika)	4–5 hours	US$800	4–6 hours
Entebbe/Kampala → Bwindi	8–10 hours	US$800	–

Additional advantages:

Kigali Airport is modern, fast, and rarely has delays.
The Cyanika and Katuna borders are quick (usually 20–40 minutes).
Scenic drive through rolling hills of northern Rwanda and the “Switzerland of Africa” (Musanze area).

This is why searches for “cheapest gorilla trekking from Kigali” and “Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali” have exploded in recent years.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary: 3 Days Gorilla Trekking from Kigali

Day 1: Kigali → Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Rushaga or Nkuringo sector)

Pick-up from your Kigali hotel or directly from Kigali International Airport (even late-night arrivals are fine).
Optional quick Kigali city tour (Kigali Genocide Memorial, Caplaki Craft Market – 2 hours).
Drive through the beautiful terraced hills of northern Rwanda.
Cross the Cyanika border (fast-track assistance included).
Continue to Rushaga or Nkuringo sector – the two closest sectors to the Rwanda border.
Arrive at your lodge in time for sunset views over the impenetrable forest.
Dinner and briefing about the next day’s trek.

Driving time: Approximately 4–5 hours (220–250 km depending on sector).

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Early breakfast, then transfer to UWA headquarters for briefing (7:30–8:00 am).
Meet your allocated gorilla family (we always request families in Rushaga or Nkuringo for easier access from Kigali).
Trek duration: 2–7 hours depending on gorilla movement (average 3–5 hours).
Magical one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family – watch silverbacks, babies, and mothers up close.
Return to lodge for hot lunch and relaxation.
Optional afternoon activity: Batwa pygmy community walk or village experience (highly recommended).

This is the day you’ve been waiting for — pure magic in the mist.

Day 3: Relaxed Return Drive to Kigali + Departure

Leisurely breakfast with forest views.
Scenic drive back through Virunga landscapes.
Quick souvenir shopping at the border if desired.
Drop-off at your Kigali hotel or directly to the airport for evening/international flights.

Total driving: ~4.5 hours. Perfect for flights departing after 4 PM.

Uganda Gorilla Permit Price & Booking (2025–2026)

Official Uganda gorilla trekking permit: US$800 per person (valid 2025–2026).
We book and secure permits on your behalf (100% success rate when booked 4–6 months in advance).
High season (June–September & December–February): Book 6+ months ahead.
Low season: Possible to book 2–3 months ahead.

Compare: Rwanda gorilla permit = $1,500 → You instantly save $700 per person by trekking in Uganda from Kigali!

Best Sectors for Travelers Coming from Kigali

The closest and most convenient sectors:

Rushaga sector – 5 gorilla families, excellent lodges, only ~4 hours from Kigali.
Nkuringo sector – More challenging trek but incredible views, ~4.5 hours from Kigali.

We avoid Buhoma and Ruhija (northern sectors) for 3-day tours because they add 3–4 extra driving hours each way.

Distance & Driving Time from Kigali to Bwindi

Destination	Distance	Approx. Driving Time
Kigali to Cyanika border	110 km	2 hours
Cyanika to Rushaga	110 km	2–2.5 hours
Cyanika to Nkuringo	130 km	2.5–3 hours
Total Kigali Rushaga	~220 km	4–5 hours one way

Answer to the popular question: “How far is Kigali from Bwindi?” → Only 4–5 hours to the best sectors!

Where to Stay – Accommodation Options

Budget (US$100–200 pp sharing)

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Rushaga Gorilla Camp

Mid-range (US$250–400 pp sharing)

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge

Luxury (US$500–1,200 pp sharing)

Four Gorillas Lodge
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Mahogany Springs Lodge (if extending)

All lodges we use have hot showers, Wi-Fi, and stunning forest views.

Tour Inclusions & Exclusions of the 3 Days Gorilla Trekking from Kigali

Inclusions:

1 Uganda gorilla trekking permit ($800 value)
Private 4×4 safari vehicle + fuel
English-speaking driver/guide
Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Bottled water daily
Border crossing assistance
All park entrance fees
Accommodation as selected

Exclusions:

International flights
Visa fees
Tips & gratuities
Alcoholic beverages
Optional activities (Batwa experience, etc.)

Gorilla Trekking Packing List – What to Bring

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots (essential!)
Long-sleeved shirt & trousers (protection against nettles)
Rain jacket/poncho (rain possible any month)
Gardening gloves (for gripping vegetation)
Insect repellent (high DEET)
Daypack + 2–3 liters of water
High-energy snacks
Camera (no flash allowed) + extra batteries
Gaiters (recommended – we can provide)
Walking stick (provided free at briefing)

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking from Kigali

Dry seasons (easiest trekking):

June – September
December – February

Wet seasons (fewer crowds, lush forest, lower prices):

March – May
October – November

Gorillas can be trekked year-round — there is no “closed” season.

Travel Requirements – Visas & Borders

Most nationalities can get Rwanda visa on arrival or e-visa.
Uganda visa on arrival or via East Africa Tourist Visa ($100 – covers Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya).
Yellow fever certificate may be required.
Simple border process at Cyanika (we handle everything).

3 Days Gorilla Trekking from Kigali – Price Range (2025)

Budget: from US$1,550 per person sharing
Mid-range: from US$1,850 per person sharing
Luxury: from US$2,500+ per person sharing

Solo travelers: add 20–30% supplement.

FAQs about 3 Days Gorilla Trekking from Kigali

Is Kigali closer to Bwindi than Entebbe/Kampala?

Yes! Only 4–5 hours vs 8–10 hours.

Is gorilla trekking safe?

Extremely safe. Armed rangers accompany every group, and gorillas are habituated.

Can children go gorilla trekking?

Minimum age is 15 years (strict UWA rule).

How hard is the gorilla trek?

Moderate to challenging. You need reasonable fitness. Porters are available ($20–30) to carry your bag and help you.

How long do you spend with the gorillas?

Exactly one hour once you find the family.

Ready for Your Gorilla Adventure?

Don’t overpay for Rwanda permits or waste a full day driving from Entebbe.

Our 3 days gorilla trekking from Kigali is the smartest, most affordable, and most enjoyable way to see mountain gorillas in the wild.

Limited permits every day — secure your spot now!