Can I Trek Gorillas from Kigali to Bwindi?

For many travelers dreaming of an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park stands out as one of the best destinations in Africa. It’s home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and offers an enchanting journey through dense forests, misty hills, and rich biodiversity. But there’s one common question travelers often ask when planning their trip: Can I trek gorillas from Kigali, Rwanda, to Bwindi in Uganda? The answer is a definite yes, and it’s actually one of the most convenient, time-saving, and affordable ways to experience Uganda’s gorilla trekking magic.

Whether you’re flying into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and planning to cross into Uganda by road, or you’re exploring East Africa and want to combine the beauty of two countries in one trip, starting your gorilla trek from Kigali is a smart and rewarding choice. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how this works — from travel logistics, border crossings, and gorilla permits to the best Bwindi sectors for Kigali arrivals.

Why Start a Gorilla Trek in Uganda from Kigali?

Starting your gorilla trek from Kigali, Rwanda, rather than from Entebbe or Kampala in Uganda, has become increasingly popular among travelers for several good reasons.

1. Shorter Travel Distance
The distance from Kigali to Bwindi is significantly shorter than from Entebbe or Kampala. While driving from Entebbe to Bwindi takes about 8–10 hours, the drive from Kigali to southern Bwindi (especially Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors) takes just 4–5 hours. This shorter route allows you to save valuable travel time and arrive fresh for your trek.

2. Cost Savings on Gorilla Permits
Rwanda’s gorilla trekking permit costs USD 1,500 per person, while Uganda’s permit is USD 800 per person (as of 2025). Many travelers choose to fly into Kigali and trek in Bwindi because they can enjoy the convenience of Rwanda’s international airport while benefiting from Uganda’s lower permit price. That means you save USD 700 per person without compromising on the quality of the experience.

3. Smooth Border Crossings
Crossing from Rwanda into Uganda is easy and well-organized. The two main border points used for Bwindi-bound travelers are:

• Cyanika Border Post (for Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors)
• Katuna Border Post (for Buhoma or Ruhija sectors)
  Both borders are open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the process is straightforward with the right travel documents.

4. Stunning Scenic Drive
The journey from Kigali to Bwindi is incredibly scenic. You’ll pass through Rwanda’s rolling “Thousand Hills,” cross lush farmlands, and descend into Uganda’s rugged Kigezi Highlands, often called the “Switzerland of Africa.” The drive itself feels like part of the adventure.

5. Perfect for Combined Safaris
Starting in Kigali also allows you to combine Uganda and Rwanda in one itinerary. You can explore Kigali city, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, then continue to Bwindi for gorilla trekking, and perhaps return to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Lake Kivu.

How the Kigali to Bwindi Gorilla Trek Works

Planning a gorilla trek from Kigali to Bwindi is easier than you might think. Most travelers fly into Kigali International Airport, spend a night in the city, and then drive the following morning to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The Drive

The drive from Kigali to Bwindi takes approximately 4 to 6 hours, depending on the border crossing and the exact trekking sector you’re visiting. Bwindi has four main gorilla trekking sectors — Rushaga, Nkuringo, Buhoma, and Ruhija — located in different parts of the park.

• Kigali to Rushaga or Nkuringo (Southern Bwindi): Approximately 4–5 hours via Cyanika Border.
• Kigali to Buhoma (Northern Bwindi): Approximately 6 hours via Katuna Border.
• Kigali to Ruhija (Eastern Bwindi): Approximately 5–6 hours via Katuna or Cyanika.

Most travelers heading from Kigali to Bwindi choose Rushaga or Nkuringo, as these southern sectors are the closest and offer a higher number of gorilla families for trekking.

Border Crossing Requirements

To cross the Rwanda–Uganda border, you’ll need:

• A valid passport (with at least six months’ validity).
• A visa. If you’re visiting both countries, the best option is the East African Tourist Visa (USD 100), which allows entry into Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya on a single visa.
• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (required for entry into Uganda).

The crossing process is quick — your driver-guide will help you with immigration formalities on both sides.

Trekking Day Itinerary

Once you arrive in Bwindi, you’ll rest overnight at a lodge near your trekking sector. On the morning of your trek, you’ll have an early breakfast and head to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) briefing point by 7:00 AM. There, rangers will assign you to a gorilla family group based on your fitness level and preferences. You’ll then begin your trek through the forest, which can last from 1 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location.

When you find the gorillas, you’ll spend a magical one hour in their company — observing, photographing, and quietly connecting with these gentle giants. After the trek, you can relax at your lodge or begin your journey back to Kigali the following day.

Which Bwindi Sector Is Best When Traveling from Kigali?

If you’re starting from Kigali, the southern sectors of Bwindi — Rushaga and Nkuringo — are the most accessible and recommended.

Rushaga Sector:
Rushaga has the highest number of habituated gorilla families in Bwindi, making it easier to secure trekking permits. It also offers the exclusive Gorilla Habituation Experience, where visitors can spend up to four hours with researchers observing semi-habituated gorillas.

Nkuringo Sector:
Nkuringo is more physically demanding but offers breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy challenging hikes and dramatic landscapes.

Both Rushaga and Nkuringo can be reached via the Cyanika Border, which is closer to Kigali than the Katuna route.

If you prefer gentler hikes or want to explore northern Bwindi, Buhoma is another great option, accessible via Katuna Border. Buhoma was the first gorilla trekking area in Uganda and is known for its luxury lodges and easier trekking trails.

Gorilla Permit and Booking Details

Regardless of where you start your journey, all gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Each permit costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents. This includes park entry, ranger guides, and one hour with the gorillas.

Permits are limited to eight visitors per gorilla family per day, so booking early — at least 3 to 6 months in advance — is crucial.

If you plan to do the Gorilla Habituation Experience, the permit costs USD 1,500 per person, allowing up to four hours with the gorillas.

Your tour operator, such as Experiya Tour Company, will handle the entire permit booking process on your behalf and ensure you get permits for the correct sector.

Advantages of Trekking in Uganda While Starting from Kigali

Many travelers assume that flying into Rwanda means they must trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park — but that’s not the case. Trekking in Uganda while arriving via Kigali offers multiple advantages:

• Lower Costs: Uganda’s gorilla permits are nearly half the price of Rwanda’s.
• Shorter Travel Time: The drive from Kigali to southern Bwindi is shorter than from Entebbe or Kampala.
• Less Crowded: Bwindi’s vast forest offers a more private and immersive trekking experience.
• Varied Experiences: You can combine gorilla trekking with other activities such as canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi, community tours, or wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Cross-Country Adventure: You’ll explore both Rwanda and Uganda, experiencing their landscapes, cultures, and hospitality in one trip.

Best Time to Trek Gorillas from Kigali to Bwindi

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is possible year-round, but the dry seasons — from June to September and December to February — offer the best conditions. Trails are drier and easier to navigate, and photography is clearer.

The wet seasons (March to May and October to November) bring heavier rain, but they also mean fewer tourists, greener scenery, and discounted lodge rates. If you don’t mind a little mud, trekking during the rainy months can be equally rewarding.

Practical Travel Tips

• Book early: Permits sell out quickly, especially during the dry season.
• Hire a porter: Porters help carry bags and assist on steep terrain — a small fee directly supports local communities.
• Pack smart: Bring waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, insect repellent, gloves, and a rain jacket.
• Stay hydrated: Carry enough water and light snacks.
• Carry cash: Border posts and rural areas rarely accept credit cards.
• Choose the right operator: Work with a trusted tour company to handle permits, transport, and border logistics smoothly.

Why You Should Travel with Experiya Tour Company

Trekking gorillas from Kigali to Bwindi is simple when handled by professionals — and that’s where Experiya Tour Company comes in. Experiya is a reputable Ugandan tour operator specializing in gorilla trekking safaris, wildlife adventures, and tailor-made tours across East Africa.

Their experienced team arranges everything — from securing your gorilla permits and managing your border crossing to booking comfortable lodges and providing expert driver-guides. With Experiya, you can relax knowing that every detail of your Kigali-to-Bwindi trip is perfectly organized.

Whether you want to trek in the lush forests of Rushaga, the scenic ridges of Nkuringo, or the classic trails of Buhoma, Experiya will craft a personalized itinerary that fits your interests, fitness level, and schedule. They also offer combined Uganda–Rwanda safaris, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds — Kigali’s charm and Bwindi’s wilderness.

If you’re dreaming of a smooth, affordable, and unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure, travel with Experiya Tour Company — your trusted guide to the heart of Uganda’s gorilla kingdom.