Mountain Gorillas for About Half the Permit Price
Gorilla permit US$1,500 pp · trip price quoted for your dates
Rwanda’s gorilla permit costs US$1,500. In Uganda, a permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park costs US$800 for international visitors, and US$600 in April, May and November under Uganda’s current low-season offer. Bwindi’s southern sector is only about four and a half hours by road from Kigali via the Cyanika border, so you can fly into Kigali and still trek for far less.
This three-day trip crosses into Uganda on day one, gives you a full gorilla trekking day in the Rushaga or Nkuringo area of Bwindi, and brings you back to Kigali on day three. We use clean, simple lodges close to the trailheads to keep the cost down, but you still have your own vehicle and English-speaking driver-guide from start to finish.
Photo: Emmanuelkwizera, CC BY-SA 4.0
Trip Highlights
Bwindi Gorilla Trek
Trek through Bwindi's dense, ancient forest to a habituated gorilla family in the southern sector, home to more habituated families than any other part of the park.
About Half the Permit Cost
Uganda's permit is US$800 (US$600 in April, May and November), compared with US$1,500 in Rwanda. We confirm the price for your date when we book.
Fly into Kigali
Kigali's airport is often cheaper and easier to reach than Entebbe, and the road to southern Bwindi is shorter than from Kampala.
Your Permit Supports Conservation
Gorilla permit fees pay for ranger patrols and veterinary care, and a share of park revenue funds schools, clinics and water projects around the park. How permits work.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1Kigali to Bwindi via the Cyanika border
Morning pick-up in Kigali and drive north-west past Musanze to the Cyanika border, about three hours. After Rwandan and Ugandan border formalities, continue for about one and a half hours through Kisoro to your lodge near the Rushaga or Nkuringo trailhead.
Day 2Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Early breakfast and the morning briefing with Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers at the trailhead. Trek into the forest to your assigned gorilla family and spend one hour with them. Treks in Bwindi can be long and steep. In the afternoon, rest at the lodge or join an optional community walk.
Day 3Bwindi to Kigali
After breakfast, drive back to the Cyanika border and on to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon in time for an evening flight or a night in the city.
What's Included
Included
- Uganda gorilla permit (US$800 per person, US$600 in April, May and November), booked in your name
- Simple, clean budget lodges near the trailhead (upgrades on request)
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and an English-speaking driver-guide
- Airport or Kigali hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Accommodation at your chosen lodge level, with meals as listed each day
- Park entry fees for the activities named in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- Help with permits, timings and pre-trip questions from our Kigali office
Not included
- Uganda visa (or the East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers Rwanda and Uganda)
- Yellow fever vaccination if you need it (check Uganda's current entry rules)
- International flights and your Rwanda visa
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended; it should cover medical evacuation)
- Porter fees on trek days and tips for guides, trackers and lodge staff
- Drinks at lodges, laundry and personal purchases
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Physical Requirements
Bwindi treks are often longer and steeper than in Rwanda: allow anything from two to seven hours of walking on muddy forest paths. Porters can be hired at the trailhead and are strongly recommended.
Request This Trip
Tell us when you would like to travel. We will check gorilla permit availability for your dates and send a quote within one working day. No obligation.
Why Travel with Us?
Rwanda specialists, based in Kigali
We plan Rwanda trips and Rwanda–Uganda combinations, so our advice on permits, lodges and timings is current and first-hand.
Permits checked before you pay
We confirm gorilla permit availability for your date before asking you to pay for it, then build the itinerary around the permit.
Private trips only
Your own vehicle and driver-guide, on your dates, at your pace — no shared minibuses and no fixed departures.
Honest advice on trek difficulty
Your guide talks to the rangers at the briefing so the gorilla family you visit suits your fitness as closely as possible.
Lodges chosen for location
We favour lodges close to the Kinigi park headquarters, so trek mornings start calmly rather than before dawn.
Conservation and community
Every permit funds park protection and community projects around Volcanoes National Park, and we work with local guides and porters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is gorilla trekking cheaper in Uganda?
Uganda's gorilla permit costs US$800 for international visitors (US$600 in April, May and November), compared with US$1,500 in Rwanda. The gorillas are the same species and the hour with them is the same.
Do I need a Uganda visa?
Yes. You can buy a Uganda visa, or choose the US$100 East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya for 90 days with multiple entries. See our visa guide.
How long is the drive from Kigali to Bwindi?
About four and a half hours to the southern sector (Rushaga and Nkuringo) via the Cyanika border, including border formalities.
Is Bwindi harder than Volcanoes National Park?
Often, yes. The forest is denser and the slopes are steep, so treks tend to be longer. Rwanda's treks start higher but are usually shorter. Our Rwanda vs Uganda guide compares them.
