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
- Premium Uganda, Rwanda & Kenya
- Experience Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
- 9 Days Rwanda – Uganda Gorilla trekking Experience
- African Drums
- Gorillas to Zanzibar
- 4 Day Gorillas, Wildlife and Chimp Trek at Kalinzu Forest
- Express Gorilla Safari in Uganda
- 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trek from Kigali
- Experience Uganda Gorilla trekking from Kigali (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 Ages 15+ Operated in English, Italian, French Operator Safari 2 Gorilla Tours (U) Ltd From
- NZ$3,484
Hotel des Mille Collines, famous for sheltering over 1000 people during the 1994 genocide, anchors this Kigali stay. The Genocide Museum and Memorial Centers at Ntarama Church and Nyamata tell powerful stories. Kimironko market offers cultural insights before heading to Uganda's gorilla highlands.
Duration 13 days Destinations Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Premium From
- NZ$20,520
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 Ages 15+ Operator Devine African Safaris Ltd From
- NZ$4,320
9 Days Rwanda – Uganda Gorilla trekking Experience
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I truly appreciate thraveling with local companies and guides and New Horizon were amazing.”
Siena, traveled in October
City tours showcase Mount Kigali viewpoints and local markets in the capital. Genocide memorials and museums provide powerful historical context alongside traditional Rwandan cuisine. Mid-range city accommodations offer comfortable evenings.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kigali, Nyanza, Butare, Nyungwe Forest, Kibuye, Musanze, Mgahinga National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator New Horizon Africa Safaris From
- NZ$7,872
African Drums
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was a definite highlight. I genuinely could not recommend anything more.”
Paula, traveled in April
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 Ages 18+ Operator Absolute Africa From $7,054
7% Off- NZ$6,560You save $494
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 Ages 18+ Operator Absolute Africa From
7% Off- NZ$5,800+$997 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 Ages 15+ Operator Bamboo Ecotours From
7% Off- NZ$4,184
Express Gorilla Safari in Uganda
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“It was the most incredible experience in my life! Acommodation, transportation, transfers, and the trek in itself were perfect.”
AlejandraVidal, traveled in January
Duration 2 days Destinations Kigali, Kisoro, Mgahinga National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, French Operator Ubuntu Voyages From
7% Off- NZ$2,496+$167 local payments
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 Ages 15+ Operator Kawira Safaris Ltd From
7% Off- NZ$2,831
Experience Uganda Gorilla trekking from Kigali (Exclusively Private)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was remarkable filled with exciting activities and some quite sombre like the visit to the genocide memorial in Kigali.”
Clara, traveled in September
The Kigali Genocide Memorial, honoring over 250,000 victims, sets a reflective tone before heading to Bwindi. A 4.5-hour scenic drive leads to Gorilla Valley Lodge's comfortable cottages. Gorilla permits at $700 offer considerable savings compared to Rwanda's rates.
Duration 3 days Destinations Kigali, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Devine African Safaris Ltd From
7% Off- NZ$3,047
What people love about Gorilla Trekking Tours from Kigali
- Experience Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Big 5 & Big Cats (Exclusively Private)
My wife and I contacted Devine African Safaris who helped us plan a last minute trip to Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi parks in Uganda . From our first communication with Nicholas I knew I was dealing with professionals from the prompt responses and detailed information on the various options. Chris was our driver for the 5 days trip and he was amazing. He did great in Queen Elizabeth and Kibale and also arranged a shorter gorilla trek as we are not very athletic. We thank Nicholas and Chris for our great experience in Uganda.
- African Drums
I loved pretty much everything about the tour! Miss Africa already!!
- Gorillas to Zanzibar
Fantastic tour with great support from the guides and drivers. Started with the mountain gorilla trek, then safaris including the Masai Mara and Serengeti. Finished at the beautiful island of Zanzibar. Fond memories that will last forever.
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."