Two days Uganda Gorilla Trek from Rwanda

Two days Uganda Gorilla Trek from Rwanda. A 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek from Rwanda is one of the smartest ways to see mountain gorillas in East Africa. You fly into Kigali, one of Africa’s best-connected and most welcoming cities, cross into Uganda by road, spend a night beside the ancient rainforest of Bwindi, trek a wild gorilla family the next morning, and return to Kigali that evening. The best part? You pay Uganda’s permit price rather than Rwanda’s, saving hundreds of dollars per person while enjoying the same unforgettable one-hour encounter with the gentle giants of the forest.

This route has become hugely popular with travellers who want an affordable, efficient gorilla safari without spending a week on the road. In this guide, the team at Pick and Transfer Safaris, based just across the border in Kisoro, shares everything you need to know: the day-by-day itinerary, how the border crossing works, visa options, 2026 costs, what to pack, where you will stay and how to extend your trip. Let us show you why so many travellers now start their Uganda gorilla adventure in Rwanda.

Why Trek Gorillas in Uganda Starting from Rwanda?

At first glance, it might seem strange to begin a Uganda safari in another country. But look at a map and the logic becomes obvious. Uganda’s famous gorilla parks, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, lie in the far southwest of the country, right up against the Rwandan border. From Kampala or Entebbe, the drive is eight to ten hours. From Kigali, Bwindi’s southern sectors can be reached in around four to four and a half hours.

That short distance transforms what is possible. Instead of spending two full days driving to and from the gorillas, you can complete the entire trip, including an overnight stay and a relaxed trek, in just two days. Here are the main advantages:

• Big savings on permits: A Uganda gorilla permit costs US$800 in 2026 (about US$600 in the low-season months of April, May and November), compared with US$1,500 in Rwanda.
• Shorter travel time: Kigali to Bwindi’s southern sector is about half the distance of Kampala to Bwindi.
• Great flight options: Kigali International Airport is served by RwandAir and many international carriers, often with competitive fares.
• More permit availability: Bwindi has far more habituated gorilla families than Rwanda, so permits are often easier to secure.
• Two countries in one trip: Enjoy Rwanda’s clean, vibrant capital and Uganda’s wild rainforest on the same journey.

For a broader look at how the two countries compare for gorillas, Kenlink Tours has a thorough overview of Uganda and Rwanda gorilla safaris that complements this guide well.

Who Is This Trip Best For?

A two-day Uganda gorilla trek from Kigali suits a wide range of travellers, but it is especially well matched to:

• Value-seekers who want the full gorilla experience without paying Rwanda’s premium permit price.
• Short-stay visitors in Kigali for business, conferences or family visits who can spare a couple of days.
• Travellers flying into Rwanda who want to see a second country without adding domestic flights.
• Adventure lovers drawn to the idea of a true jungle trek in one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
• Repeat gorilla trekkers who have already trekked in Rwanda and want to experience Bwindi’s different habitat.

It is less suitable for travellers who dislike long drives, anyone without the right visas for both countries, or children under 15, who cannot trek. If you would rather avoid a border crossing altogether, our Rwanda-based two-day trek to Volcanoes National Park is the simpler option, though at a higher price.

Where Will You Trek? Bwindi’s Rushaga and Nkuringo Sectors

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. For a trek starting in Kigali, the southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo are the natural choice because they are closest to the Rwandan border.

Rushaga has the largest number of habituated gorilla families in Bwindi, which means a wider choice of trekking groups and, very often, better permit availability. Families here include Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Bweza and Busingye. Rushaga is also the only place in Uganda where you can do the four-hour Gorilla Habituation Experience, if you want to upgrade your encounter.

Nkuringo sits on a dramatic ridge with sweeping views across the forest towards the Virunga volcanoes. Treks here can be steep, as the trail often descends into the valley before climbing back out, but the scenery is some of the most spectacular in Uganda.

Both sectors deliver the same essential experience: one magical hour with a wild mountain gorilla family in one of the most biodiverse rainforests on earth. Your operator will book whichever sector has the best availability on your chosen date.

About Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi is one of Africa’s most extraordinary forests. It is thought to be more than 25,000 years old, having survived the last Ice Age, and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 for its exceptional biodiversity. The park covers around 331 square kilometres of steep ridges and deep valleys cloaked in dense vegetation, which is how it earned the name “Impenetrable.”

Bwindi protects roughly half of the world’s mountain gorillas, making it the single most important stronghold for the species. It is also home to chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus, forest elephants, around 350 bird species and hundreds of butterfly species. Mist hanging over forested hills at dawn, giant tree ferns and the calls of turacos make even the drive to the trailhead feel magical.

2 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek from Rwanda: Full Itinerary

The itinerary below follows our popular 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour Starting from Kigali, designed to give you a comfortable night near the park and a fresh start on trekking day.

Day 1: Kigali to Bwindi via the Cyanika Border

Your journey begins with an early-to-mid-morning pickup from your hotel or Kigali International Airport. If you have time before your safari, we recommend exploring Kigali City for a day, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, art galleries and some of Africa’s best coffee shops.

The drive northwest takes you through Rwanda’s terraced hills towards Musanze, with the Virunga volcanoes rising dramatically on the horizon. You will pass close to Volcanoes National Park before reaching the Cyanika border between Rwanda and Uganda. Your driver-guide will assist you through exit formalities on the Rwandan side and entry formalities on the Ugandan side, which usually take between 30 minutes and an hour.

Once in Uganda, you continue past the town of Kisoro, with views of Lake Mutanda and the volcanoes, before climbing into the hills to Rushaga or Nkuringo. The total journey takes around four to four and a half hours, and you should arrive at your lodge in the early-to-mid afternoon.

After lunch, relax on your lodge veranda overlooking the forest, or join an optional guided community walk to meet local farmers, craftspeople and traditional healers. In the evening, enjoy dinner, prepare your daypack for the morning and get a good night’s sleep.

Meals: Lunch and dinner | Overnight: Lodge near Bwindi’s southern sector

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Return to Kigali

Wake early for breakfast, collect your packed lunch and head to the park briefing point, arriving by around 7:30 am. Rangers will welcome you, check your permit and passport, and divide visitors into groups of up to eight people, each assigned to a different gorilla family. If you would prefer a shorter or easier hike, let the rangers know; they will do their best to match you with a suitable family.

After a detailed briefing on gorilla behaviour and trekking rules, you set off into the forest with your guide, armed rangers and optional porter. Advance trackers who left at dawn radio your guide with the family’s location. The trek can take anywhere from one to five hours, as you follow narrow trails through thick vegetation, cross streams and climb steep ridges.

Then comes the unforgettable moment: a dark shape in the undergrowth, the crack of bamboo, and suddenly you are face to face with a family of mountain gorillas. For one hour, you watch the silverback keep a watchful eye on his family, mothers nurse their infants and youngsters tumble playfully through the vines. It is an experience that stays with people for the rest of their lives.

After your hour, you will trek back to the starting point, receive your gorilla trekking certificate and enjoy lunch. Your driver-guide will then drive you back across the border at Cyanika and on to Kigali, where you will arrive in the evening for drop-off at your hotel or the airport.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch | End of your 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek from Rwanda

What Your Hour with the Gorillas Feels Like

No matter how many photos and documentaries you have seen, nothing quite prepares you for the moment you first meet a mountain gorilla family in Bwindi. The forest suddenly goes quiet, your guide signals for everyone to stop, and you catch a glimpse of black fur between the leaves. Then the vegetation parts, and a huge silverback is sitting just a few metres away, calmly stripping leaves from a stem with enormous hands that look remarkably like your own.

Over the next hour, the family goes about its day as if you were not there. Mothers groom one another and cradle tiny infants against their chests. Juveniles climb vines, somersault down slopes and beat their chests in playful displays before scampering back to safety. Now and then, the silverback lets out a deep, rumbling grunt that seems to vibrate through the ground, reassuring the family that all is well. Many visitors find themselves unexpectedly emotional; the intelligence and gentleness in the gorillas’ eyes create a sense of connection that is hard to put into words.

Kenlink Tours captures this feeling well in its article on what it’s like to trek gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, which is worth reading before your trip to set expectations.

How Much Does a 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek from Rwanda Cost?

Our all-inclusive 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour Starting from Kigali starts from about US$1,200 per person on a mid-range basis. The price typically includes:

• One Bwindi gorilla trekking permit (Rushaga or Nkuringo sector).
• One night’s mid-range accommodation near the park.
• Private 4×4 transport from Kigali to Bwindi and back, including fuel.
• An experienced English-speaking driver-guide who knows both sides of the border.
• Meals as listed in the itinerary.
• Bottled drinking water and all government taxes.

Not included are Rwanda and Uganda visas, travel insurance, tips, porter fees, drinks, personal expenses and optional activities. The final price varies with group size, accommodation level and season, so solo travellers and luxury lodges will cost more, while small groups sharing a vehicle pay less per person.

Uganda vs Rwanda: How Much Can You Save?

To see why this route is so popular, compare it with a two-day gorilla trek entirely within Rwanda. Our 2 Days Volcanoes Gorilla Trek from Kigali starts from around US$2,050 per person, largely because Rwanda’s permit costs US$1,500. A 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek from Rwanda starts from around US$1,200, which means a typical saving of around US$850 per person. For a couple, that is well over US$1,500, enough to fund extra days of safari, a luxury lodge upgrade or a beach holiday afterwards.

What do you give up? Very little. The one-hour encounter, group size limits and trekking rules are the same in both countries. The main differences are a border crossing, a slightly longer drive and Bwindi’s denser, steeper rainforest terrain compared with Rwanda’s volcanic bamboo slopes. For most travellers, those differences are part of the adventure.

The savings are even greater in the low season. In April, May and November, Uganda’s discounted permit of around US$600 widens the gap with Rwanda further, making a short trek from Kigali one of the best-value wildlife experiences in Africa. If you are flexible with your dates and do not mind the chance of rain, travelling in these months can free up a significant part of your budget for other adventures. For another perspective on budget-friendly Uganda gorilla itineraries, see Kenlink’s 3-Day Uganda Gorillas Safari.

Crossing the Border: What to Expect at Cyanika

The border crossing is often the part that first-time visitors worry about, but it is usually straightforward, especially with an experienced driver-guide by your side. Most Kigali-to-Bwindi trips use the Cyanika crossing north of Musanze, which is the most direct route to Kisoro, Mgahinga and Bwindi’s southern sectors. Some trips use the Katuna (Gatuna) crossing, which is convenient for Kabale and Lake Bunyonyi.

Here is what happens at the border:

• Rwandan exit: You present your passport at the Rwandan immigration office and receive an exit stamp.
• Short walk or drive: You cross the short stretch between the two border posts.
• Ugandan entry: You present your passport and visa (or apply for one if eligible) at Ugandan immigration.
• Vehicle clearance: Your driver handles the vehicle paperwork while you complete formalities.
• Health checks: You may be asked for your yellow fever vaccination certificate.

The whole process typically takes 30 minutes to an hour in each direction. Border posts have fixed operating hours, so your driver will plan the return journey to ensure you cross back into Rwanda in good time. This is one of the key reasons to travel with an operator who knows the border well.

Visas for a Uganda Gorilla Trek from Rwanda

Because this trip crosses between two countries, you need permission to enter both Rwanda and Uganda. The most convenient option for many travellers is the East Africa Tourist Visa, a single multiple-entry visa that covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya for 90 days. It allows you to cross back and forth between the countries freely, making it ideal for this itinerary. Apply online through the official immigration portal of the country you will enter first; since you are flying into Kigali, that is usually Rwanda.

Alternatively, you can obtain separate visas for each country. Uganda’s visa is applied for online in advance through the official e-visa system. If you choose separate visas, remember that you will need to re-enter Rwanda on day two, so check whether your Rwandan visa allows multiple entries.

Visa requirements change from time to time, so always confirm current rules on official government websites before travelling. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months and has several blank pages, and carry your yellow fever certificate, which is required for entry into Uganda.

Best Time for a 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek from Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi runs every day of the year, but the seasons influence trail conditions and prices:

June to September and December to February: These dry seasons offer firmer trails, easier trekking and better photography conditions. They are the busiest months, so book permits and lodges as early as possible.

March to May and October to November: The wet seasons bring rain, mud and slippery trails, especially on Bwindi’s steep slopes. On the plus side, the forest is at its most beautiful, there are fewer visitors, and Uganda’s discounted low-season permits apply in April, May and November, making this the best time for budget-conscious travellers.

Whenever you travel, pack a rain jacket. Bwindi is a rainforest, and showers can arrive in any month.

How Fit Do You Need to Be?

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is a genuine physical challenge. The terrain is steep, often muddy and covered in dense vegetation. Trails may climb and descend several ridges, and the altitude ranges from roughly 1,160 to 2,600 metres. Rushaga and Nkuringo in particular can involve steep descents and climbs.

That said, trekkers of all ages complete the hike successfully. A few weeks of walking, hill climbing or stair training before your trip will help enormously. On trekking day, move at a steady pace, drink plenty of water and use a walking stick. Tell the rangers honestly about your fitness level so they can assign an appropriate family.

We strongly recommend hiring a porter at the trailhead. Porters carry your bag, help you over tricky terrain and share knowledge about the forest. Many are members of local communities, so your fee directly supports families living beside the park and strengthens local commitment to gorilla conservation.

Gorilla Trekking Rules in Bwindi

Uganda Wildlife Authority rules protect both gorillas and visitors. Your guide will explain them during the briefing, but here are the key points:

• The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years.
• Visitors with a cold, flu or other contagious illness should not trek.
• Groups are limited to eight visitors per gorilla family per day.
• Keep at least 7 metres away from the gorillas.
• Your time with the family is limited to one hour.
• Keep voices low and avoid sudden movements.
• No flash photography.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke near the gorillas.
• Turn away and cover your mouth if you need to cough or sneeze.
• If a gorilla charges, crouch slowly, look down and follow your guide. Never run.

What to Pack for Your Trip

Because this trip crosses a border and includes a rainforest trek, your packing list should cover both travel essentials and trekking gear:

• Passport with at least six months’ validity and blank pages.
• Visas (or East Africa Tourist Visa) and printed copies.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate.
• Waterproof hiking boots with good grip, already broken in.
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts in neutral colours.
• Garden gloves to protect your hands from nettles and thorns.
• Rain jacket and a warm fleece for cool mornings.
• Gaiters or long socks to keep out mud and ants.
• Small waterproof daypack.
• Water bottle (at least two litres) and energy snacks.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and insect repellent.
• Camera with spare batteries, flash disabled.
• Face mask, which rangers may request near the gorillas.
• US dollars in clean, recent notes, plus some Uganda shillings for tips, porters and small purchases.
• Personal medication and a small first-aid kit.

Health and Safety on a Cross-Border Gorilla Trip

Rwanda and southwestern Uganda are both considered safe and welcoming for travellers, and the gorilla-trekking regions are calm, rural areas where tourism is a valued part of community life. Armed rangers accompany every trekking group in Bwindi, primarily to protect visitors and gorillas from forest elephants and other wildlife, and their presence adds to the sense of security in the forest.

On the health side, visit a travel clinic well before departure to discuss vaccinations and malaria prevention. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Uganda, and malaria is present in parts of both countries, so prophylaxis is commonly recommended. Drink bottled or treated water, carry any personal medication in your daypack, and make sure your travel insurance covers trekking, emergency evacuation and trip cancellation, which is especially important because gorilla permits are generally non-refundable.

Getting to Kigali: Flights and Arrival Tips

Kigali International Airport is one of the most modern and efficient airports in the region, with direct flights from major hubs in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. RwandAir, the national carrier, offers an extensive network, and several international airlines also fly into Kigali. Arrival formalities are usually quick, and the airport is only a short drive from central Kigali.

We recommend arriving in Kigali at least one day before your gorilla trek. This gives you a buffer against flight delays, time to rest after a long journey, and a chance to explore the city. Your driver-guide can collect you directly from the airport on day one if you arrive the previous evening and stay at an airport hotel, or from any hotel in the city.

Money, Connectivity and Practical Tips

A few practical details make cross-border travel smoother:

• Currency: Rwanda uses the Rwandan franc and Uganda uses the Uganda shilling. US dollars are widely accepted for tourism services, but bring notes printed in 2013 or later, as older bills are often refused. Small amounts of local currency are useful for tips and souvenirs.
• Mobile data: Your Rwandan SIM card may not work well in Uganda without roaming. Buying a cheap local SIM in Kisoro, or relying on your lodge’s Wi-Fi, is often easiest. Connectivity near Bwindi can be patchy.
• Electricity: Rwanda mostly uses European-style two-pin sockets, while Uganda uses UK-style three-pin sockets (Type G). Bring a universal adapter.
• Time zone: Rwanda and Uganda are one hour apart (Rwanda uses GMT+2, Uganda uses GMT+3), so adjust your watch when you cross the border.
• Driving side: Rwanda drives on the right and Uganda drives on the left, one more reason to leave the driving to a professional.

Where Will You Stay Near Bwindi?

The Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors offer a good choice of lodges, from simple community-run guesthouses to comfortable mid-range lodges and upmarket forest retreats. Many properties perch on hillsides with sweeping views over the forest or towards the Virunga volcanoes. Our standard package includes a mid-range lodge bordering the forest, where you can enjoy hearty meals, hot showers and a cosy fireplace on chilly evenings.

If you prefer to stay in town, Kisoro offers a range of hotels with excellent volcano views and is a convenient base for both Mgahinga and Bwindi’s southern sectors. Read our full guide to Ikoro Hotel in Kisoro, one of the town’s most popular choices for gorilla trekkers.

Optional Add-Ons for Your 2-Day Trip

If you have a little extra energy or can stretch your trip slightly, these activities pair beautifully with your gorilla trek:

• Batwa cultural experience: Learn about the forest’s original inhabitants and their traditional way of life.
• Community and village walks: Visit local homesteads, schools, craft groups and traditional healers.
• Golden monkey tracking: Rushaga and Nkuringo are close to Mgahinga, the only place in Uganda to see these vibrant primates. Kenlink’s 4-Day Rwanda-Uganda Golden Monkey and Gorilla Trekking shows how the two activities combine.
• Lake Mutanda canoeing: Paddle on one of Uganda’s most scenic lakes with the volcanoes as a backdrop.
• Gorilla Habituation Experience: Upgrade to four hours with a semi-habituated family in Rushaga, alongside researchers and trackers.

Other Short Uganda Gorilla Trips from Kigali

If two days does not quite fit your schedule, we offer several alternatives from Kigali:

1 day: Our 1 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali visits Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the closest Ugandan gorilla park to the Rwandan border, in one very long but rewarding day.

3 days: Our 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari from Rwanda adds a second night and more time for cultural activities or a relaxed return. Kenlink Tours offers a similar 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali.

5 days: Combine gorillas with chimpanzees on our 5 Days Uganda Gorilla and Chimps Safari Starting from Rwanda, which adds chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park. You can compare it with Kenlink’s 5-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali to Uganda or its 5 Days Chimps and Gorilla Safari.

You can see all of our cross-border itineraries on our Uganda safaris starting from Rwanda page. For more comparisons, Kenlink Tours also runs a 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali and a 2 Days Rwanda to Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari.

Extending Into a Full Uganda and Rwanda Safari

Many travellers who begin with a short gorilla trek end up falling in love with the region and wishing they had more time. If you can spare a week or more, consider turning your trip into a full two-country safari:

• Double gorilla trek: Trek in Bwindi and then in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for two completely different gorilla encounters. Kenlink’s 5 Days Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Safari is a great example.
• Savannah wildlife: Add Queen Elizabeth National Park for tree-climbing lions, elephants and a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel.
• Chimpanzees and primates: Track chimpanzees in Kibale, the primate capital of the world.
• Lakes and relaxation: Unwind at Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda or Lake Kivu in Rwanda.

Our 7 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari Adventure and 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari combine the best of both countries. Kenlink Tours offers a comparable 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Combining Safari. If you would prefer to finish in Uganda, read our guide on starting at Kigali Airport and ending at Entebbe Airport. And once your trek is done, our guide to what to do after a gorilla tour in Bwindi is packed with ideas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting the yellow fever certificate: It is required to enter Uganda, and border officials may ask for it.
• Getting a single-entry visa: Remember you need to re-enter Rwanda on day two. The East Africa Tourist Visa avoids this problem.
• Booking permits too late: Rushaga has good availability, but peak dates still sell out months ahead.
• Booking a same-evening flight: Long treks and border queues can delay your return. Fly out the next day where possible.
• Bringing old US dollar notes: Notes printed before 2013 are often refused.
• Underestimating Bwindi’s terrain: Train a little beforehand and hire a porter.
• Self-driving across the border: Different driving sides, vehicle paperwork and mountain roads make a professional driver-guide far easier. If you do want your own vehicle for other parts of your trip, Kenlink offers 4×4 car hire with cross-border options.

Photography Tips for Bwindi’s Rainforest

Bwindi’s dense canopy creates beautiful but challenging light for photographers. To get the best images during your hour with the gorillas:

• Turn off your flash before entering the forest; it is not allowed.
• Use a fast lens with a wide aperture to let in more light.
• Raise your ISO and use a fast shutter speed to avoid blur.
• Focus on the gorillas’ eyes for engaging portraits.
• Protect your gear with a rain cover or dry bag.
• Spend part of the hour simply watching; the memories matter as much as the photos.

Responsible Tourism: How Your Trek Helps

Every 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek from Rwanda contributes to one of conservation’s greatest success stories. Uganda Wildlife Authority shares a portion of gorilla permit revenue with communities living around Bwindi, funding schools, health centres, clean water projects and roads. Permit fees also pay for rangers, trackers and veterinary teams who protect the gorillas every single day.

You can add to that impact by hiring a porter, buying crafts from local cooperatives, visiting Batwa-led cultural experiences and tipping guides fairly. At Pick and Transfer Safaris, a share of our proceeds supports community projects in the Kigezi region through the Kigezi Foundation, helping families living beside the parks build better futures.

Why Book with Pick and Transfer Safaris?

Cross-border gorilla trips involve permits, visas, border timings and lodge bookings across two countries. With our office on the Kabale-Kisoro Road, just a short drive from the Cyanika border, we handle these logistics every week. When you book with us, you get:

• Official permit booking through the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
• Experienced driver-guides who know both sides of the border, the roads and the park procedures.
• Private, well-maintained 4×4 vehicles with pickup from your Kigali hotel or the airport.
• Honest advice on the best sector, season and itinerary for your budget.
• Transparent, affordable pricing with no hidden costs.
• Local support throughout your trip.

Browse our full range of Uganda and Rwanda safaris, discover more East African destinations, or explore Kenlink’s overview of Uganda’s national parks for further inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions: 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek from Rwanda

How long is the drive from Kigali to Bwindi?
The drive to Bwindi’s Rushaga or Nkuringo sector takes about four to four and a half hours, including the border crossing at Cyanika.

How much does a 2-day Uganda gorilla trek from Kigali cost?
Our 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour Starting from Kigali starts from around US$1,200 per person, including the gorilla permit, transport, accommodation and meals.

How much is a Uganda gorilla permit in 2026?
A Uganda gorilla permit costs US$800 for foreign non-residents, with a discounted rate of around US$600 in April, May and November.

Which border do we cross?
Most trips use the Cyanika border north of Musanze, the most direct route to Kisoro and Bwindi’s southern sectors.

Do I need a visa for both Rwanda and Uganda?
Yes, unless you are exempt. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya with multiple entries and is ideal for this trip.

Is it cheaper to trek gorillas in Uganda than in Rwanda?
Yes. Uganda’s permit costs US$800 compared with US$1,500 in Rwanda, so a two-day Uganda trek from Kigali typically saves several hundred dollars per person.

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
Visitors must be at least 15 years old to trek gorillas in Uganda.

How long does the gorilla trek take?
Trekking time varies from one to five hours or more, depending on the location of your gorilla family, plus one hour with the gorillas.

Can I add golden monkey tracking?
Yes. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is close to Bwindi’s southern sectors, and golden monkey tracking can often be added with an extra day.

Can I catch a flight from Kigali on the evening of day two?
It is possible for late-night flights, but we recommend flying out the following day to allow for long treks and border timings.

Two days Uganda Gorilla Trek from Rwanda

A 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek from Rwanda combines the convenience of flying into Kigali with the value and wild beauty of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. In just two days, you cross into a new country, sleep beside one of the world’s oldest rainforests and spend a life-changing hour with a mountain gorilla family, all for significantly less than a Rwanda-only trek.

Permits are limited and sell out quickly in peak season, so secure your date early. Contact Pick and Transfer Safaris today with your travel dates, group size and pickup point in Kigali, or book our 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour Starting from Kigali directly, and we will confirm permit and lodge availability and send you a free, no-obligation quote.