Why trek gorillas in Uganda instead of Rwanda?

The main reason is cost: Uganda's gorilla permit is $800 vs Rwanda's $1,500. That is $700 saved per person. The gorilla experience itself is identical — same species, same one-hour encounter, same professional ranger guidance. Uganda also has more habituated gorilla families (22+ vs 12), meaning better permit availability.

How long does the border crossing take?

The Cyanika and Katuna border crossings typically take 20–40 minutes each way. Our driver handles the logistics and knows the process well. You need a valid Uganda visa (arranged online before travel, $50) and your passport.

Is this tour safe for solo travelers?

Yes. Many of our Kigali-start guests are solo travelers. You have a private vehicle and driver-guide throughout, and our team in Buhoma is just a phone call away. The border crossing is safe and routine.

Can I extend this tour on the Uganda side?

Absolutely. Popular extensions: add a night at Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation, add Queen Elizabeth NP for a safari, or add Kibale for chimpanzee trekking. We can design any combination.

You need a Uganda visa ($50, arranged online at visas.immigration.go.ug before travel). If you are visiting both Rwanda and Uganda, the East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers both countries for 90 days and saves money if you are spending time in both.

3 days / 2 nights

Kigali Gorilla Express — 3 Days

Start in Kigali, trek gorillas in Uganda, save $800 on permits. The smartest way to combine a Rwanda visit with the world's best gorilla trekking experience.

Route

KigaliBorder CrossingBwindi / BuhomaLake BunyonyiKigali

Quick Facts

Duration

3 Days / 2 Nights

Gorilla Trekking

Included (permit $800 extra)

Chimpanzee Trekking

Not included

Accommodation

Mid-Range

Start Location

Kigali, Rwanda

End Location

Kigali, Rwanda

Private Safari

Yes

Best For

Rwanda visitors saving on permit cost

Border Crossing

Cyanika or Katuna (assisted)

Community Visit

HopeKitchen, Buhoma

Last updated: June 2025. Information reviewed every 90 days.Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board, direct operator information.

About This Tour

Already in Rwanda — or planning a trip there? This tour gets you from Kigali to Bwindi's mountain gorillas and back in three days, saving you $700 per person on the gorilla permit ($800 in Uganda vs $1,500 in Rwanda).

The border crossing is routine and takes about 30 minutes. From the border, it is a scenic 2–3 hour drive to Buhoma, our base at the main gate of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The gorilla trekking experience is identical in both countries — the same species, the same magical encounter. Uganda simply offers it at half the permit price, and with Bwindi's 22+ habituated gorilla families, your chances of a close encounter are excellent.

This tour includes a HopeKitchen community visit in Buhoma and a stop at Lake Bunyonyi on the return. For couples, this saves $1,400 — enough for an extra three nights of travel.

118 tours on SafariBookings start from Kigali. We are one of the few operators actually based at Bwindi, which means shorter distances and better local knowledge once you arrive.

Included

Private 4x4 vehicle with driver-guide
2 nights accommodation near Bwindi
All meals throughout
Border crossing assistance (Cyanika or Katuna)
Park entry fees
Gorilla trekking permit arrangement (fee extra)
Porter hire
HopeKitchen community visit
Lake Bunyonyi scenic stop or canoe trip
Kigali hotel pick-up and drop-off

Not Included

Gorilla trekking permit ($800 per person)
Rwanda/Uganda visa fees
International flights
Travel insurance
Tips
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses

Meals served at lodges are included as specified. Meals, snacks and drinks purchased during road transfers or stopovers are not included unless specifically mentioned.

Browse lodges along this route on lodgesofuganda.com

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Kigali to Bwindi — Border Crossing

Pick-up from your Kigali hotel in the morning. Drive north to the Cyanika or Katuna border crossing (approximately 2–3 hours). Our team assists with border formalities (approximately 30 minutes). Continue into Uganda, passing through scenic hills and villages to Buhoma near Bwindi (2–3 hours from the border). Check in to your lodge, briefing for the gorilla trek. Dinner with forest sounds.

Day 2

Gorilla Trekking & HopeKitchen

Early breakfast, then walk to UWA headquarters. After the ranger briefing, trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Spend up to one hour with a mountain gorilla family — the same extraordinary experience as in Rwanda, at half the permit cost. Return to Buhoma for lunch. Afternoon HopeKitchen community visit. Celebration dinner at the lodge.

Day 3

Lake Bunyonyi & Return to Kigali

After breakfast, drive to Lake Bunyonyi for a scenic stop and optional canoe trip (1.5 hours from Bwindi). Enjoy the stunning terraced hills and island views. Continue to the Rwanda border and back to Kigali. Arrive in the late afternoon. Drop-off at your hotel or the airport.

Photos

Kigali Gorilla Express — 3 Days - Photo 1

Kigali Gorilla Express — 3 Days - Photo 2

Kigali Gorilla Express — 3 Days - Photo 3

Kigali Gorilla Express — 3 Days - Photo 4

Kigali Gorilla Express — 3 Days - Photo 5

Kigali Gorilla Express — 3 Days - Photo 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Guest Reviews

“We were staying in Kigali and almost paid $1,500 each for the Rwanda permit. Then we found Misty Gorilla and saved $1,600 as a couple. The border crossing was easy, the lodge was lovely, and the gorilla trek was the best experience of our lives.”

Claire & David P.Belgium

“I was on a Rwanda trip and added this as a side excursion. Best decision ever. Duncan's team picked me up in Kigali, handled the border, and two days later I was face to face with a silverback. The HopeKitchen visit made it even more meaningful.”

Rachel S.United States