2 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari
Safari Overview
2 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda
This 2 Day Gorilla trekking Safari In Uganda tour is one the cheapest way to see the legendary Mountain Gorillas of Africa. Your journey begins in Kigali, Rwanda, where you’ll enjoy a scenic 3 to 4-hour drive through the breathtaking Virunga highlands to Lake Mutanda—a stunning crater lake nestled in the shadow of the Virunga Mountains and one of Africa’s most beautiful natural settings. From here, you will venture into the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last remaining habitats of the endangered mountain gorillas. Accompanied by expert local guides and trackers, you’ll hike through dense forest trails to come face-to-face with a habituated gorilla family—a powerful and humbling experience that few on Earth ever get to witness.
Why Start in Kigali?
While gorilla trekking is also available in Rwanda, many travelers choose to begin this tour in Kigali and cross into Uganda. Why? Cost. Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are US$800 per person (for foreign non-residents), significantly lower than US$1,500 in Rwanda—making Uganda the budget-smart choice without compromising the experience.
Why Not from Entebbe or Kampala?
Starting a 2-day gorilla trek from Entebbe or Kampala in Uganda is highly impractical. The trek to see gorillas can take up to 6 hours. And The journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from these cities takes at least 10 hours one way, making a 2-day round-trip logistically unfeasible. If you’re departing from Entebbe or Kampala, we strongly recommend a minimum 3-day itinerary to ensure enough time for the trek and to rest comfortably before and after your jungle adventure. This 2-day tour is ideal for travelers short on time but big on adventure, offering maximum value and a rare opportunity to connect with one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring creatures.
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Special about this trip
- Stay at Lake Mutanda, with a view of seven volcanoes
- Trek endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Start in Kigali, Rwanda, and visit two countries in one trip
- Enjoy a scenic 3–4-hour drive through the stunning Virunga highlands
- Save on costs with Uganda’s more affordable gorilla trekking permits
- Capture breathtaking photos of landscapes, wildlife, and culture
What's included
- Meals: 1 x breakfast, 1 x dinner, 1 x lunch
- Accommodation for one night in a mid-range lodge
- One gorilla trekking permit per person
- Border-crossing fees
- Transport in a 4×4 vehicle and fuel
- Admission to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- English speaking driver guide
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: On to the Pearl of Africa!
We will pick you up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. From there, enjoy a beautiful 3 to 4-hour drive through rolling hills and past volcanoes as we cross into Uganda, the country Winston Churchill called “The Pearl of Africa.” You’ll be heading to the stunning Lake Mutanda, one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa, surrounded by volcanoes and forests. Get ready for amazing views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Once you arrive at Lake Mutanda, there’s so much to do! You can go swimming (sometimes with friendly otters!), try kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing, or just relax by the water. You can even take a boat ride at sunset with a drink in hand. If you love walking, there are great hikes nearby. If you are on the luxury version of the trip, you’ll stay in a lodge right next to Bwindi Forest, where you can enjoy nature walks and hear the sounds of the jungle.
Lake Mutanda is more than just a pretty place—it’s also a perfect starting point for your gorilla trekking adventure. The lake is close to two famous parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you’ll find mountain gorillas and lots of other amazing wildlife. You might also see colorful birds, chameleons, frogs, lizards, and more. Want to explore even more? You can climb a volcano, track golden monkeys, or visit a nearby village to meet the local Batwa people.
Accommodation Options:
Middle class: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage
Semi-Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage
Luxury: Four Gorillas Lodge
Exclusive: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Included Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Face to face with the mountain gorillas
Today is the big day—your gorilla trekking adventure! After an early breakfast, you will drive to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where your trek begins. First, you will get a full briefing from expert rangers who will guide you through the forest and explain what to expect. Bwindi is one of the best places in the world to see mountain gorillas—almost half of the world’s wild population lives here! The forest is also home to over 120 types of mammals and 350 species of birds. The trek itself is a real adventure.
You will walk, climb, and crouch your way through the thick jungle, led by professional rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). They will look for signs of the gorillas—like footprints, broken branches, bamboo chewed by gorillas, or nests from the night before. Then, suddenly, you will find them. Seeing a silverback gorilla calmly watching over his family just a few meters away is a moment you will never forget. You will spend about one hour with them—watching, photographing, and quietly enjoying this magical encounter.
After your trek, you will receive a gorilla trekking certificate as a souvenir of this unforgettable day. You will then head back down through the forest, get some rest, and begin your journey back to Kigali, Rwanda.
Since gorilla treks can take up to 5 hours or more, we recommend that your return flight from Kigali be no earlier than 10:00 PM. (Please note: Uganda is 1 hour ahead of Rwanda, so plan accordingly!)
Accommodation: Not Included
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Trip Information
Difficulty
Going on safari and gorilla trekking is not physically demanding, but it can be tiring. You will spend several hours in a safari vehicle and experience hot and cold weather. To maximize your chances of seeing wildlife, you’ll often need to start very early in the morning. While you don’t need to be highly fit, be prepared for long, hot days of travel and trekking. The gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest involves walking through dense forest trails. The trek is moderately challenging, but a basic level of fitness will help you enjoy this incredible experience fully.
Meals And Drinks
All lodges on the safari include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will have the chance to sample local Ugandan dishes such as matoke (cooked bananas), cassava, chicken and beef stews, fresh fish, and millet bread. Most lodges also offer western-style meals. Premium drinks may not be included, so you might need to pay for these separately upon check-out. On long drives, your driver may need to provide packed lunches. If you notified us of any dietary restrictions or allergies at booking, the safari team will be informed, but please also remind your guide during the trip. If your itinerary includes stays in Kigali, your hotel usually provides breakfast only. Lunch and dinner can be purchased at the hotel or nearby restaurants offering both Rwandan and international cuisine.
Water
Bottled mineral water will be provided while you are traveling in the safari vehicle and during your trek.
Accommodation
Your detailed itinerary will list all accommodation and included meals. Before and after the safari, you will stay in a hotel in Kigali. If only breakfast is included, you can buy additional meals or snacks at the hotel. Payment can be made in Rwandan franc in Kigali and Ugandan Shillings in Uganda or US Dollars. Please note that Uganda is a developing country, so short power or water outages may occur. The hotel staff will assist as much as possible, but such interruptions are beyond their control. During the safari, you will stay in comfortable lodges set in beautiful natural surroundings. Each room has a private bathroom and either a double bed or twin beds. All meals during your lodge stays are included.
Your tour guide
A knowledgeable guide from Choose Uganda Safaris will meet you on the first day and provide a thorough briefing. Your guide will accompany you throughout your trip, ensuring your comfort and safety until you are dropped off at the airport or hotel on the last day.
Transportation
During your safari, you will travel in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle. These vehicles are strong and made for rough roads. They also have large windows and pop-up roofs, so you can enjoy great views of the animals and scenery.
How do I get there?
You will travel in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle designed for rough roads. These vehicles feature large windows and pop-up roofs to give you excellent views of the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
This 2-day gorilla trekking safari starts in Kigali, Rwanda. You will be picked up from Kigali International Airport or your hotel and driven 3 to 4 hours through the beautiful Virunga highlands to Lake Mutanda in Uganda. This scenic route allows you to experience two countries in one trip and visit the breathtaking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
If you are traveling from Entebbe or Kampala, please note that a 2-day itinerary is not practical due to the long travel times (around 10 hours one way). For those starting in Uganda, we recommend a minimum 3-day trip to comfortably accommodate travel and trekking.
We will arrange transport for your cross-border journey and all safari transfers. Please leave at least three hours between connecting flights if you need to change airlines or re-check luggage to allow sufficient time for delays and border formalities.
Budget and Money
Ugandan Shillings and Rwanda Fracs are not available outside these countries, so bring US Dollars with you. US Dollars are widely accepted and easy to exchange locally. Ensure your bills are clean, untorn, and less than 10 years old, or they may be rejected. If you need more local currency in Kisoro or Kabale towns near Bwindi, we can help you access banks or ATMs. Notify your bank if you plan to use credit or debit cards abroad to avoid service interruptions. Some hotels may not accept cards, so carrying some cash is recommended.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking
For gorilla trekking, pack lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect yourself from sun, insects, and plants. Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip. Bring a waterproof jacket for rain and a warm layer for cool mornings. Don’t forget a hat, insect repellent, sunglasses, and a small daypack for your essentials. Carry a refillable water bottle, snacks, a camera, and any personal medicines. Avoid strong perfumes or scents to keep the gorillas comfortable. Trekking poles are optional but can help on rough paths.
Tips
Tipping is not mandatory in Uganda and Rwanda but is always appreciated as a gesture of thanks for good service. It is completely up to you. Tips do not replace fair wages, and all guides and staff are paid fairly. If you are happy with the service, we recommend tipping about five US dollars per person per day for your Choose Uganda Safaris guide and driver, and two to five US dollars per person per day for the gorilla tracking guides or park rangers. Plan to bring approximately 80 to 100 US dollars total for tips during your trip.
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