Two Days Uganda Gorilla Trek Safari

Two Days Uganda Gorilla Trek Safari takes you deep into the Virunga Volcanoes and the ancient rainforests of southwestern Uganda for a face-to-face meeting with endangered mountain gorillas. It is short, affordable and packed with adventure, making it one of the most popular trips for travellers who want the gorilla experience without a long safari.

The trek happens in one of two magnificent parks. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits on the slopes of three extinct volcanoes, where gorillas share the bamboo forest with rare golden monkeys. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a 25,000-year-old rainforest that shelters nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Both are within easy reach of Kisoro town and the Rwanda border.

At Pick and Transfer Safaris, our home is right here in Kisoro, between these two parks. We run two-day gorilla treks every week, starting from Kigali, Kisoro or the Nyakabande airstrip. In this guide, we share everything you need: a detailed two-day itinerary, the differences between Mgahinga and Bwindi, permit costs for 2026, where to stay, what to pack and answers to common questions.

What Does a Two Days Uganda Gorilla Trek Safari Include?

A Two Days Uganda Gorilla Trek Safari is a one-night trip built around a single, unforgettable activity: tracking a habituated mountain gorilla family with Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. A typical package includes:

• Private 4×4 transport with an English-speaking driver-guide
• One gorilla trekking permit for Mgahinga or Bwindi
• One night of accommodation near the park
• Meals during the trip and bottled drinking water
• Pick-up and drop-off in Kigali, Kisoro or at the airstrip

Most travellers begin in Kigali, Rwanda, because the drive to Uganda’s gorilla parks takes only about four hours. Our own 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour Starting from Kigali follows this route and starts from USD 1,200 per person. You can see a comparable trip from Kenlink Tours, the 2 Days Rwanda to Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari.

Is a Two-Day Gorilla Trek Right for You?

This trip is ideal if you:

• Have limited holiday time but dream of seeing gorillas
• Are visiting Kigali for business, a conference or a city break
• Want to add gorillas to a Kenya, Tanzania or Zanzibar holiday
• Prefer Uganda’s lower permit price over Rwanda’s
• Love hiking, photography and wild landscapes

You must be at least 15 years old to trek gorillas, and a moderate level of fitness is enough. We explain how to prepare later in this guide.

Why a Two-Day Gorilla Trek Is the Smart Choice

There are several ways to see mountain gorillas, but the two-day format offers the best balance of time, comfort and cost.

You arrive rested. A same-day trip from Kigali means leaving at 3:00 am and returning near midnight. Our 1 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali is possible for very tight schedules, but spending one night near the park means you start the trek fresh, alert and ready to enjoy every minute.

You pay less for permits. A Uganda gorilla permit costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents. In Rwanda, the same hour costs USD 1,500. Crossing the border for your trek saves around USD 700 per person.

You see more than gorillas. The road from Kigali to Kisoro crosses some of Africa’s most beautiful scenery: terraced hills, crater lakes and the cone-shaped Virunga Volcanoes. With an overnight stay, you also have time for a village walk, a Batwa cultural visit or a sunset over Lake Mutanda.

It fits any travel plan. Two days slot easily into a business trip, a Rwanda holiday or an East African safari. If you have a little more time, the 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari from Rwanda adds a relaxed extra day.

Mgahinga or Bwindi: Choosing Your Gorilla Trekking Park

Both parks offer the same one-hour gorilla encounter at the same permit price, but the experience feels different. Here is how they compare:

Feature	Mgahinga Gorilla National Park	Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Size	About 34 sq km	About 331 sq km
Landscape	Bamboo forest on volcano slopes	Dense, ancient rainforest in steep valleys
Habituated gorilla families	1 (Nyakagezi family)	Over 20 across four sectors
Distance from Kisoro	About 15 km	About 36 km to Rushaga, more to other sectors
Drive from Kigali	About 3.5 hours	About 4 – 4.5 hours to Rushaga or Nkuringo
Other primates	Golden monkeys	L’Hoest’s monkeys, colobus, chimpanzees (rarely seen)
Permit availability	Limited (8 per day)	Much greater

Choose Mgahinga if you want the closest gorilla park to Kigali, love volcanic scenery and want to add golden monkey tracking. Mgahinga’s slogan is “where silver meets gold”, referring to its silverback gorillas and golden monkeys.

Choose Bwindi if you want the widest choice of permits and gorilla families, or the classic misty rainforest experience. Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse forests in Africa.

Our team checks availability in both parks and recommends the best option for your dates and fitness level.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Where Silver Meets Gold

Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest national park, but it is packed with drama. It protects the Ugandan slopes of three Virunga Volcanoes: Mount Muhabura (4,127 m), Mount Gahinga (3,474 m) and Mount Sabyinyo (3,669 m). The park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which continues into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park.

The park’s only habituated gorilla group is the Nyakagezi family. Famous for its many silverbacks, it was once known for wandering across borders into Rwanda and Congo, but it has now settled in Mgahinga for many years. Trekking here often involves climbing through bamboo zones and open farmland edges, with sweeping views over Kisoro and the lakes below.

Beyond gorillas, Mgahinga offers golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, the Batwa Trail cultural experience and the Garama Cave, once used as a refuge by the Batwa people. To learn more about Uganda’s parks, the Kenlink Tours Uganda guide is a helpful read.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Home of Half the World’s Mountain Gorillas

Bwindi covers 331 square kilometres of steep ridges and deep valleys draped in ancient forest. It is divided into four trekking sectors:

• Buhoma (north): The first sector opened for gorilla tourism in 1993. Home to families such as Mubare, Habinyanja and Rushegura, with good lodge options.
• Ruhija (east): The highest sector, known for cool temperatures and excellent birding. Families include Bitukura, Oruzogo and Kyaguriro.
• Rushaga (south): The sector with the most gorilla families, including Nshongi, Mishaya, Bweza, Kahungye and Busingye. It also offers the gorilla habituation experience.
• Nkuringo (south-west): Famous for dramatic views of the Virunga Volcanoes and some of the toughest, most rewarding treks.

For a two-day trek from Kigali or Kisoro, Rushaga and Nkuringo are the most practical because they are closest to the Cyanika border.

Two Days Uganda Gorilla Trek Safari Itinerary Overview

Day	Route	Highlights	Overnight	Meals
1	Kigali – Cyanika border – Kisoro (Mgahinga) or Rushaga (Bwindi)	Scenic drive past the Virunga Volcanoes, optional Batwa or village visit	Lodge or Ikoro Hotel, Kisoro	Lunch, Dinner
2	Gorilla trek – return to Kigali	One hour with a mountain gorilla family, trekking certificate	End of safari	Breakfast, Packed lunch

Day 1: Kigali to Kisoro and the Gorilla Highlands

Your Two Days Uganda Gorilla Trek Safari begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Kigali or from Kigali International Airport. Your driver-guide introduces the trip, checks your passport and permit details, and helps you settle into a comfortable private 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof.

Leaving Kigali, the road climbs northwest through Rwanda’s famous green hills. You pass farmers tending banana and potato fields, children walking to school in bright uniforms and busy roadside markets. Around Musanze, the Virunga Volcanoes appear on the horizon, their peaks often wrapped in clouds. Your guide will point out Mount Karisimbi, Rwanda’s highest peak, and Mount Sabyinyo, whose summit marks the point where Uganda, Rwanda and Congo meet.

After about three hours, you reach the Cyanika border. Your guide assists you with Rwandan exit and Ugandan entry formalities, which usually take less than an hour. If you hold the East Africa Tourist Visa, the process is even faster.

Minutes after crossing, you arrive in Kisoro, a lively mountain town surrounded by volcanoes and lakes. If your permit is for Mgahinga, you check in at our own Ikoro Hotel or a lodge near the park gate. If your permit is for Bwindi’s Rushaga or Nkuringo sector, you continue for about an hour on a winding road with stunning views over Lake Mutanda to your forest lodge.

After lunch, the afternoon is yours. Popular options include:

• Batwa cultural experience: Meet the Batwa, the original forest people of the region, and learn about their traditional hunting, honey gathering, songs and medicinal plants.
• Community walk: Visit local farms, a traditional healer, a blacksmith or a primary school with a local guide.
• Lake Mutanda viewpoint: Watch the sunset over the lake’s islands with the volcanoes behind.
• Rest and relax: Enjoy a hot drink on the lodge veranda and prepare your gear.

In the evening, your guide briefs you on the trek, checks your packing and confirms the morning plan. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner | Drive time: About 3.5 – 4.5 hours

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Return to Kigali

Today is gorilla day. Wake up early, enjoy a hearty breakfast, collect your packed lunch and drive to the park headquarters for the 7:00 am briefing. At Mgahinga, this takes place at the Ntebeko Visitor Centre at the foot of the volcanoes. In Bwindi, it happens at the Rushaga or Nkuringo sector office.

Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers explain the history of the gorilla family you will visit, the trekking rules and what to do if a gorilla comes close. Groups of up to eight trekkers are formed, and each is assigned a ranger and armed escorts. Porters wait at the starting point. Hiring one for about USD 20 is a great way to make your trek easier and support a local family.

The trek begins. In Mgahinga, you walk across old farmland and into the bamboo forest on the volcano slopes, sometimes climbing steadily for an hour or more. In Bwindi, you follow narrow paths down steep valleys and through thick vegetation where rangers sometimes clear the way with machetes. Advance trackers set out at dawn to find the family and guide your group by radio.

When you reach the gorillas, the ranger signals for silence. Through the leaves you see the silverback, his back gleaming silver, chewing bamboo shoots or resting against a tree. Around him, mothers groom their babies and youngsters swing from branches, roll in the leaves and beat their small chests. For one full hour, you watch, photograph and simply soak in the moment. Many travellers say it feels like visiting distant relatives.

After your hour, you hike back to the starting point, where you receive your official gorilla trekking certificate. Enjoy your packed lunch, say goodbye to the rangers and porters, and begin the drive back across the Cyanika border to Kigali. You arrive in the evening, in time for dinner, a hotel stay or a late flight.

Meals: Breakfast, Packed lunch | Activity: Gorilla trekking, 2 – 7 hours | End of safari

Starting Your Gorilla Trek from Kisoro or Entebbe

Not coming from Kigali? There are other ways to join a two-day trek:

• From Kisoro or Kabale: If you are already travelling in southwestern Uganda, we pick you up from your hotel or Lake Bunyonyi and follow the same programme.
• From Entebbe by air: Fly from Entebbe to Kisoro’s Nyakabande Airstrip in about 1.5 hours. Ikoro Hotel sits directly opposite the airstrip, so you can be relaxing within minutes of landing.
• From Entebbe by road: The drive takes nine to ten hours each way, so we recommend a three-day trip instead. See our 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari or Kenlink Tours’ 3-Day Uganda Gorillas Safari.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices for 2026

Your gorilla permit is the key to the forest. Only eight people can visit each habituated family per day, so permits are limited and must be secured before anything else.

Permit	Foreign non-resident	Foreign resident	Duration
Gorilla trekking, Mgahinga or Bwindi	USD 800	USD 700	1 hour with gorillas
Gorilla habituation, Rushaga (Bwindi)	USD 1,500	Ask us	Up to 4 hours
Golden monkey tracking, Mgahinga	Ask us for the current rate	Ask us	1 hour with monkeys
Rwanda gorilla permit, for comparison	USD 1,500	USD 1,500	1 hour

The permit includes park entry, the services of rangers and trackers, and your hour with the gorillas. In 2026, the Uganda Wildlife Authority also introduced discounted low-season permits for April, May and November. Since rates and rules change, contact us for the latest prices before you book.

Foreign visitors buy permits through licensed tour operators. As soon as you confirm your Two Days Uganda Gorilla Trek Safari with us, we book your permit directly with UWA. Because Mgahinga has only eight permits per day, we advise booking at least four to six months ahead for this park, especially in peak season.

How Much Does a Two Days Uganda Gorilla Trek Safari Cost?

Our two-day gorilla trek from Kigali starts from USD 1,200 per person on a mid-range basis, including the permit. Prices vary with group size, accommodation and season.

Option	Estimated price per person	Best for
Budget	From USD 1,100	Backpackers and value-focused travellers
Mid-range	From USD 1,200	Most travellers; comfortable lodges
Luxury	USD 1,800 and above	Travellers wanting premium eco-lodges
Fly-in from Entebbe	Quote on request	Travellers already in Uganda

Included in the price: gorilla permit, one night of accommodation, private 4×4 transport with fuel, English-speaking driver-guide, meals as listed, bottled water and government taxes.

Not included: visas, international flights, travel insurance, porter fees, tips, drinks and optional activities such as golden monkey tracking, Batwa visits or volcano hikes.

The more people in your group, the lower the cost per person, since transport and guiding are shared. Contact us for a quote tailored to your group.

Best Time for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

You can trek gorillas in Uganda every day of the year. Each season has its advantages:

Dry season (June to September and December to February): Paths are firmer and easier to hike, the skies are clearer for volcano views and photography conditions are excellent. These months are the busiest, so permits sell out early.

Rainy season (March to May and October to November): The forest is green and lush, fewer tourists visit, and lodges often discount their rates. The new low-season permit prices in April, May and November make these months especially good value. Expect muddy trails and pack good rain gear.

The mountains around Kisoro and Bwindi are cool all year, with daytime temperatures around 20 to 27°C and chilly nights. Bring warm layers whatever the month.

Preparing for Your Gorilla Trek: Fitness and Packing

Fitness: Mgahinga’s trails climb steadily up volcano slopes at altitudes above 2,300 metres, while Bwindi’s southern sectors involve steep descents and climbs in dense forest. Treks can last from one hour to most of the day. A few weeks of regular walking, stair climbing or hill hiking before your trip makes a big difference. Let us know your fitness level so rangers can assign a suitable family, and remember that porters and walking sticks are available.

Packing checklist:

• Waterproof, broken-in hiking boots with strong grip
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirt in green, brown or khaki
• Rain jacket and a warm fleece
• Gardening gloves for grabbing vines and branches
• Gaiters or long socks to keep out ants and mud
• Small waterproof daypack with rain cover
• Two litres of water and energy snacks
• Sunscreen, hat and insect repellent
• Camera with spare batteries, no flash
• Passport, visa, yellow fever certificate and permit copy
• A face mask for close gorilla viewing if requested by rangers

Gorilla Trekking Rules and Etiquette

Mountain gorillas share about 98% of our DNA, which means they can catch our illnesses. These rules protect them and keep you safe:

• Minimum trekking age is 15 years
• Do not trek if you are sick with a cold, flu or stomach bug
• Keep at least seven metres from the gorillas
• Speak quietly and move slowly
• No eating, drinking or smoking near the gorillas
• No flash photography or video lights
• If a gorilla charges, crouch down, look away and stay still
• Follow your ranger’s instructions at all times
• Leave nothing behind but footprints

Where to Stay on Your Two-Day Gorilla Trek

The right lodge makes your trek easier. Because the ranger briefing starts at 7:00 am, we always book accommodation close to your trekking starting point.

Ikoro Hotel, Kisoro: Our own hotel sits opposite Nyakabande Airstrip at the foot of the Virunga Mountains, about 15 km from Mgahinga and 36 km from Bwindi’s Rushaga sector. It offers comfortable rooms, beautiful gardens, hearty local and international meals, and genuine hospitality. It is the ideal base for Mgahinga treks and fly-in guests.

Lodges near Mgahinga: A handful of lodges sit right by the Ntebeko gate, with unforgettable views of Mount Muhabura and Mount Gahinga.

Lodges in Rushaga and Nkuringo: Options range from simple community-run guesthouses to stylish eco-lodges on ridges overlooking the forest or Lake Mutanda.

All lodges we use are personally inspected by our team, so you can expect clean rooms, hot showers, good food and friendly staff.

Add Golden Monkeys, Culture or Rwanda to Your Gorilla Trek

Want to make the most of your time near the volcanoes? Here are popular add-ons and longer alternatives:

• Golden monkey tracking: These rare, playful monkeys live only in the Virunga bamboo forests. Track them in Mgahinga on day one afternoon or the morning before your gorilla trek. Kenlink Tours’ 4-Day Rwanda-Uganda Golden Monkey and Gorilla Trekking shows how the two combine.
• Cultural experiences: Spend extra time with the Batwa or local communities. See the 4 Days Gorilla and Cultural Tour for ideas.
• A third day: Relax at Lake Bunyonyi or hike a volcano. Our 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari from Rwanda and Kenlink Tours’ 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Safari Starting from Kigali give you that extra breathing room.
• Gorillas in two countries: Trek in Uganda and in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Pair this trip with our 2 Days Volcanoes Gorilla Trek from Kigali, or choose the 5 Days Uganda Rwanda Double Gorilla Safari. Kenlink Tours also runs a 3-Day Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park tour.
• Rwanda culture: Our 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tracking and Cultural Tour and a day exploring Kigali City make a perfect pairing.
• Chimpanzees and wildlife: Add Kibale’s chimps and Queen Elizabeth’s game drives with our 5 Days Uganda Gorilla and Chimps Safari Starting from Rwanda or the 5-Day Uganda Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari. Kenlink Tours’ 5-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali to Uganda is another option.
• The grand tour: Explore both countries in depth with our 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari or Kenlink Tours’ 10-Days Tour in Rwanda and Uganda.
• Join a group: Solo travellers can cut costs with Kenlink Tours’ group tours.

Browse all our gorilla safaris, our complete list of safari packages and our East African destinations for more inspiration.

Responsible Gorilla Trekking: How Your Visit Helps

Mountain gorillas are one of conservation’s greatest comeback stories. Once on the brink of extinction, their numbers have grown to over 1,000 thanks to protection, research and well-managed tourism.

Your Two Days Uganda Gorilla Trek Safari plays a direct role in that success. Permit fees fund ranger patrols, veterinary care and habitat protection. A share of park revenue goes to communities living around Mgahinga and Bwindi, supporting schools, health centres and clean water projects. When communities benefit from gorillas, they protect them.

You can add to this impact by hiring a porter, buying crafts from local women’s groups, joining a Batwa or community experience and respecting all trekking rules. At Pick and Transfer Safaris, part of our profits also supports orphaned and vulnerable children through the Kigezi Foundation.

Why Choose Pick and Transfer Safaris for Your Gorilla Trek

• We are based in Kisoro. Our office sits on the Kabale–Kisoro road, close to both gorilla parks and the Cyanika border. Local knowledge is our biggest advantage.
• We own Ikoro Hotel. This gives our guests reliable, comfortable accommodation right next to the gorilla parks.
• Short trips are our speciality. We run quick gorilla treks from Kigali every week, so every detail is tested.
• Budget-friendly. Our mission is to make gorilla trekking affordable for budget and mid-range travellers.
• Licensed and trusted. We book permits directly with UWA and handle every step from pick-up to drop-off.
• Personal service. Every trip is private and can be tailored to your dates and interests.

Read more about us and meet the team.

Frequently Asked Questions: Two Days Uganda Gorilla Trek Safari

How long is the gorilla trek? It depends on where the gorillas are that morning. Treks usually take two to six hours in total, including the one hour with the gorillas.

Which is easier, Mgahinga or Bwindi? Neither is easy, but the difficulty varies by day. Mgahinga involves a steady climb at higher altitude, while Bwindi’s southern sectors have steep ups and downs. Rangers assign families based on fitness when possible.

Can I do golden monkey tracking on the same trip? Yes. In Mgahinga, golden monkey tracking can be done on the afternoon of day one or added as an extra morning. Ask us for availability.

What visa do I need? To start in Kigali, you need entry to Rwanda and Uganda. The East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100) covers both, plus Kenya, with multiple entries. Always check the latest requirements before travel.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination? Yes. A yellow fever certificate is required to enter Uganda. Malaria prevention is also recommended.

What happens if it rains? Treks go ahead in light and moderate rain. Gorillas are used to rain, and some of the most atmospheric encounters happen in the mist. Just pack your rain jacket.

Can I get a refund if I am sick on the day? UWA has a strict policy, and permits are generally non-refundable. If you are visibly ill, rangers may not allow you to trek to protect the gorillas. We strongly recommend travel insurance.

Book Your Two Days Uganda Gorilla Trek Safari

A Two Days Uganda Gorilla Trek Safari offers one of the most powerful wildlife experiences on earth in the space of a weekend. You will cross volcanic highlands, walk through bamboo forests or ancient jungle, and spend an hour with a family of mountain gorillas, an encounter that changes how you see the natural world.

With Uganda’s lower permit prices, a short route from Kigali and our home base in Kisoro, there has never been an easier time to go. Permits for Mgahinga and Bwindi are limited, so early booking is essential.

Contact Pick and Transfer Safaris with your travel dates and group size, and we will check permit availability and send a free, tailored quote within 24 hours. We plan, you explore.