Gorilla Trekking from Kigali
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10 best Gorilla Trekking tour packages from Kigali
Compiled by
MelissaKigali travel expert at TourRadar
- 3 Day Gorilla Trek Mgahinga Gorilla NP Uganda via Rwanda
- Experience Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
- African Drums
- Gorillas to Zanzibar
- 4 Day Gorillas, Wildlife and Chimp Trek at Kalinzu Forest
- Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda
- 3 Days Gorilla trek from Kigali
- 4 Day Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour Experience
- Experience Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Hiking to Dian Fossey Tomb (Exclusively Private)
- Experience Rwanda & Uganda Gorillas + Big 5 (Exclusively Private)
The powerful Kigali Genocide Museum sets the stage before heading to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for close encounters with gorillas. Professional guides conduct briefings at park headquarters before dawn treks. Travelers Rest Hotel serves as your nightly refuge, with seamless transfers between Rwanda and Uganda included.
Duration 3 days Destinations Kigali, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park Age Range 15 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Italian, French Operator Safari 2 Gorilla Tours (U) Ltd From
- NZ$3,507
Experience Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“From our first communication with Nicholas I knew I was dealing with professionals from the prompt responses and detailed information.”
Noah, traveled in November
Rare gorilla encounters await in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, reached from Kigali. Traditional Batwa culture enriches post-trek experiences, followed by relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort. The journey includes transfers through Rwanda's scenic highlands with expert guides.
Duration 5 days Destinations Kigali, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Age Range 15 to 95 year olds Operator Devine African Safaris Ltd From
- NZ$4,348
African Drums
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I loved pretty much everything about the tour! Miss Africa already!!”
Heiko, traveled in June
Rwanda's capital serves as the gateway to gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The sobering Kigali Genocide Museum provides historical context, while optional coffee tours and Lake Mutande excursions enhance the experience. Cultural immersion includes Batwa village visits and traditional basket weaving.
Duration 60 days Destinations Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Absolute Africa From
- NZ$6,961+$1,601 local payments
Gorillas to Zanzibar
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic tour with great support from the guides and drivers. Fond memories that will last forever.”
Phil, traveled in February
The Genocide Memorial in Kigali opens this remarkable adventure to Volcanoes National Park's gorilla territory. Musanze reveals local traditions through banana beer making and basket weaving workshops. Dian Fossey's grave and the Batwa village offer optional visits, with specialized guides facilitating wildlife encounters.
Duration 34 days Destinations Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Absolute Africa From
- NZ$5,724+$1,003 local payments
4 Day Gorillas, Wildlife and Chimp Trek at Kalinzu Forest
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The gorilla trek itself was real highlight and was very well coordinated.”
JBtimes, traveled in August
Duration 4 days Destinations Kigali, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kampala Age Range 15 to 80 year olds Operator Bamboo Ecotours From
- NZ$4,211
Duration 9 days Destinations Kigali, Musanze, Volcanoes National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha, Kisoro Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $8,295
25% Off- NZ$6,221You save $2,074
The northwestern journey through Rwanda's scenic Ruhengeri region takes you from Kigali to Kyanika border post and Kisoro town. Private 4x4 transport, English-speaking guides, and comfortable lodging near tracking sites prepare you for tomorrow's gorilla encounter.
Duration 3 days Destinations Kigali, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Kawira Safaris Ltd From
25% Off- NZ$2,849
Kigali's powerful Genocide Museum provides context before heading northwest through Rwanda's verdant landscapes. The Garden Place Hotel becomes your base for golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. Wildlife encounters unfold with expert guides in this cultural-rich capital region.
Duration 4 days Destinations Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park Age Range 15 to 80 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Safari 2 Gorilla Tours (U) Ltd From
25% Off- NZ$4,046
Experience Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Hiking to Dian Fossey Tomb (Exclusively Private)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The pace was good and we saw all the animals that we were supposed to see.”
Catherine, traveled in August
A moving visit to Kigali's Genocide Memorial precedes the volcanic backdrop of Musanze. The Intercultural Exchange Center showcases local banana beer brewing traditions. Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga's bamboo forests rounds out the adventure before returning to Kigali.
Duration 6 days Destinations Kigali, Musanze, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park Age Range 15 to 95 year olds Operator Devine African Safaris Ltd From
25% Off- NZ$4,634
Experience Rwanda & Uganda Gorillas + Big 5 (Exclusively Private)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“When our trackers led us to the Gorillas high up in the forest, it was an experience second to none.”
GeorgeandFrankPadmore, traveled in May
Kigali welcomes visitors before intimate gorilla encounters in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The sobering Genocide Memorial Center reveals Rwanda's past. Comfortable city hotels provide easy airport access throughout your stay.
Duration 5 days Destinations Kigali, Akagera National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Age Range 15 to 95 year olds Operator Devine African Safaris Ltd From
25% Off- NZ$4,736
What people love about Gorilla Trekking Tours from Kigali
- Experience Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
We are sharing our deep appreciation to Devine African Safaris for a great safari experience planned and executed with the highest professionalism. Communication via emails and whatsapp in the planning phase upto the time we arrived in Uganda was fast and efficient. Nicholas guided us in creating a great private itinerary for us that included game drives, boat ride, chimps and gorillas tracking. Basically all the great highlights of Uganda safari packed in short 5 days. Boaz was a fantastic guide, caring and keen to satisfy our needs and requests on the safari. We had a great Jeep for the 4 of us and even had space for another 2 and Boaz took us from Entebbe through the parks up to Bwindi for gorillas and back to Entebbe. We loved the lodges selected for us, they were all top notch resting spots; great ambience, wonderful food and comfortable sleeping quarters. I highly recommend Devine African Safaris for Ugandan Safaris
Unforgettable Adventure: An 8-Day Safari Through Rwanda and Uganda Our journey through Rwanda and Uganda on an 8-day safari was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks in large part to our incredible guide, Emma, who quickly became not just our guide but a great friend and companion on this wild adventure. From the moment we met Emma, his warmth and passion for the wildlife and landscapes of Rwanda and Uganda were infectious. What started as a professional relationship soon evolved into a bond that made us feel like family. Emma's deep knowledge of the terrain, wildlife behaviors, and local culture added immense depth to our experience. His anecdotes and stories brought each moment to life, making every sighting and encounter even more meaningful. The highlight of our safari was undoubtedly the majestic mountain gorillas Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Emma's expertise ensured that we had a once-in-a-lifetime experience, approaching these gentle giants respectfully and safely. The thrill of being in such close proximity to these endangered creatures is something we will cherish forever. But the wonders didn't stop there. In Uganda's sprawling savannas and dense forests, Emma led us on thrilling game drives and walks where we encountered a breathtaking array of wildlife. From the stealthy leopards to the regal lions, the graceful elephants to the elusive rhinos, and even the playful jackals and hyenas on an early morning game drive as the sun rose behind our backs, every moment was a testament to Emma's skill in tracking and understanding the movements of these animals. Each day brought new adventures and surprises, from sunrise safaris to evenings enjoying local banana beer and gin and playing a new Ugandan card game that Emma taught us to round out the day. His dedication to ensuring our comfort and safety, coupled with his genuine enthusiasm for sharing his homeland with us, made this safari not just an excursion, but a transformative journey. The accommodations throughout our trip were good, offering both comfort and immersion in the natural surroundings. Whether it was waking up to the calls of distant elephants or falling asleep to the nocturnal symphony of the bush, every lodge provided a perfect blend of comfort and adventure. As we bid farewell to Emma and our incredible safari, we left not only with memories captured in photographs but also with a profound sense of gratitude for the friendships formed and the unforgettable experiences shared. This journey has deepened our love for Africa's wildlife and its people, and we have Emma to thank for making it so exceptional. In conclusion, our 8-day safari through Rwanda and Uganda, guided by Emma, exceeded all expectations. It's an experience we wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, and genuine connections with both nature and remarkable individuals like Emma and coordinated by Nicholas at Devine African Safaris.
Experience Uganda & Rwanda Gorillas + Big 5 (Exclusively Private)
- African Drums
I loved pretty much everything about the tour! Miss Africa already!!
What our customers ask about Gorilla Trekking from Kigali
How far is the drive from Kigali to the main gorilla trekking locations?
You'll spend about 3-5 hours on the road from Kigali to reach the gorilla trekking areas. If you're going to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you'll drive through northern Rwanda and cross at either Cyanika or Katuna border. For Volcanoes National Park, you'll head straight to Musanze. Most tours stop at places like Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or Gorilla Heights Lodge along the way. The drive itself is really nice - as one of our TourRadar travelers said: "The Ugandan highlands are also so fun to drive through."
What's included in the gorilla permits for tours starting from Kigali?
Your gorilla permit gives you one hour with a gorilla family and covers your park entrance fees. You'll also get professional tracking guides and armed rangers for safety. Permits cost 700 USD if you're visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, or 1,500 USD for Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. Tour companies like Devine African Safaris and New Horizon Tours take care of getting your permits and provide great guides to help you track the gorillas.
What's the best time of year for gorilla trekking tours from Kigali?
Plan your trip during the dry seasons - either June to September or December to February. The weather is usually around 75°F (24°C), making it perfect for trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The trails are less muddy and you can see the gorillas more clearly. Most people book rooms at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel during these months. One of our TourRadar travelers mentioned: "The dry season made trekking much more manageable and we had clear views of the gorillas in their natural habitat."
What additional activities can I combine with gorilla trekking when starting from Kigali?
From Kigali, you can add several great activities to your gorilla trek. Try tracking golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, go on game drives to see the Big Five in Akagera National Park, or visit the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village. You can stay at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or Bisate Lodge while doing these activities. One TourRadar traveler told us: "Adding the golden monkey trek and cultural village visit made our gorilla experience even more memorable and gave us a deeper understanding of Rwanda."
How far in advance should I book a gorilla trekking tour from Kigali?
Book your tour 6-12 months before you want to go. Permits are limited and they sell out quickly, especially from June to September and December to February. Nice places to stay like Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel and Bisate Lodge also fill up fast. A TourRadar traveler shared this advice: "We booked eight months ahead and were glad we did, as permits and preferred accommodations get snapped up quickly."
What should I expect during the actual gorilla trek starting from Kigali?
Your day starts early with a 2-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. The trek itself can take anywhere from 2-6 hours as you follow the gorillas through thick forest. Once you find them, you get exactly one hour to watch them. Most people stay at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or Akagera Game Lodge near the park. One of our TourRadar travelers said: "The trek was challenging but incredibly rewarding - seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat was worth every step through the forest."