1 Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Starting from Kigali in Rwanda or Kabale and Kisoro Town in Uganda.
Looking for a quick yet unforgettable experience with the mountain gorillas? This one-day gorilla trekking safari to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the perfect adventure for travelers with limited time. Whether you are starting from Kigali (Rwanda), Kabale, or Kisoro (Uganda), this day trip is ideal for those who want to witness the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural rainforest habitat. Bwindi is home to almost half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas, making it a top destination for primate lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Tour Highlights of 1 Day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking
Early morning pick-up from Kigali, Kabale, or Kisoro
Scenic drive through hills and valleys to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Gorilla trekking experience with expert Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) guides
One magical hour with a habituated gorilla family
Lunch break at Lake Bunyonyi
Return to Kigali or your drop-off point in Kabale/Kisoro
Detailed Itinerary
Early Morning: Pick-Up & Transfer to Bwindi
Your day begins before sunrise. Our professional guide will pick you up as early as 3:00 AM from your hotel in Kigali, Kabale, or Kisoro. You’ll embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with scheduled arrival at the park headquarters in time for the morning trekking briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.
At the briefing point, you’ll be registered and assigned to a specific gorilla family. You’ll also be grouped with other trekkers (maximum 8 per group), and receive important instructions on how to behave in the forest and around the gorillas.
Gorilla Trekking
Following the briefing, a UWA ranger-guide will lead you into the dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Trekking duration can vary greatly—from 2 to 8 hours, depending on where the gorillas were last spotted the day before. While the trek may be physically challenging due to the terrain, the reward is absolutely worth it.
Once you find the gorillas, you’ll spend one hour in their presence. Watch them feed, groom, and interact in their natural environment. It’s a humbling and awe-inspiring experience that will leave you with lasting memories. Make sure to keep a safe distance, maintain silence, and avoid flash photography.
Afternoon: Lunch & Return Journey
After your trekking experience, you will return to the park headquarters where you’ll receive a certificate for completing the trek.
Following lunch, you’ll begin your return drive to your starting point in Kigali, Kabale, or Kisoro, arriving in the late evening—depending on your trekking duration.
What to Bring
Comfortable hiking shoes
Long trousers & a light rain jacket
A small backpack with snacks and water
Insect repellent and sunscreen
A camera (no flash)
Trip Inclusions
✅ Gorilla trekking permit (USD $800)
✅ Professional driver-guide & private 4×4 vehicle
✅ Park entry fees
✅ Packed breakfast/snacks & bottled water
✅ Lunch at Lake Bunyonyi
✅ Transfer to/from Kigali, Kabale, or Kisoro
✅ Ranger guide fees and security