
Kigali Serena Hotel
Kigali, Rwanda

Track mountain gorillas in their natural habitat the classic Uganda experience, at Rwanda's doorstep.
From
$2,595per person sharing
RWANDA · UGANDA
The most popular itinerary for discerning travellers. This safari begins at Kigali International Airport and takes you deep into the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest a UNESCO World Heritage Site sheltering nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. With one night in Kigali and two nights in a hand-picked forest lodge, the journey gives you time to settle into the rhythm of Bwindi before your trek: exploring the lodge surroundings, birding among over 350 species, and dining beneath the forest canopy. Your Uganda Wildlife Authority permit grants one extraordinary, unhurried hour with a habituated gorilla family in the wild. Fuel, border processing fees and all cross-border vehicle documentation are included and handled entirely by your driver-guide.
The Experience
Swipe
Your driver-guide meets you at Kigali International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in the city. Spend the evening relaxing, exploring Kigali's vibrant restaurant scene, or simply unwinding before the journey ahead. Your guide joins you for a dinner briefing on what lies in store.
Stays
Meals
Rates
From $2,595
per person sharing
| Group size | Midrange | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Private departure (1) | $3,650 | $4,995 |
| 2 sharing | $2,595 | $3,595 |
| 3 sharing | $2,395 | $3,395 |
| 4 sharing | $2,250 | $3,250 |
| 6 sharing | $2,095 | $3,095 |
| Single supplement | $240 | $490 |
Permit & Booking Notice
Gorilla permits are USD 800 per person, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Since March 2026 UWA no longer holds permits without payment full permit payment is required at the time of booking to secure your date. Bwindi operates a fixed daily quota; we recommend booking 6–10 months ahead for June–October and December–February. This itinerary crosses the Rwanda–Uganda border: all fuel, border processing fees, COMESA vehicle insurance and temporary import documentation are included and handled by your driver-guide.
Rates are valid for travel through 31 December 2026 and are subject to UWA tariff revision from 1 January 2027.
Prices shown in currencies other than USD use live exchange rates and are indicative final invoicing is in USD.
Every itinerary here is a starting point. Share your dates and preferences, and our travel designers will tailor this journey to fit you exactly.
Journey Highlights
01The savviest way to reach the mountain gorillas a scenic four-to-five-hour drive from Kigali straight into Bwindi, saving a full travel day versus flying via Entebbe, at nearly half the permit cost of Rwanda.
02Guided by expert trackers and Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, spend one full, unhurried hour with a habituated gorilla family in the wild.
03Two nights in a hand-picked lodge on the edge of the Impenetrable Forest guided nature walks, birding among 350+ species, and fine dining beneath the canopy.
04Begin in Rwanda's vibrant capital with a relaxed overnight, a taste of Kigali's celebrated restaurant scene, and a personal dinner briefing with your driver-guide.
What's Included & What's Not
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Before You Go
Everything you need to know before your safari begins answered by our team of specialists.
Kigali is just four to five hours from Bwindi saving a full day versus flying via Entebbe. Uganda gorilla permits are $800 per person against $1,500 in Rwanda, making this the smartest route both logistically and financially.
Very little on your part. Your driver-guide handles the vehicle documentation, COMESA insurance and all processing fees, which are included in your package. You need your passport and, for most nationalities, a Uganda visa obtained in advance online. The crossing typically takes thirty to forty-five minutes.
Yes all fuel for the entire journey is included, along with tolls, parking and border processing fees. There are no transport costs to settle en route.
The dry seasons June to August and December to February offer the most comfortable trekking. Gorilla tracking is available year-round; the wet season brings a lush green forest and fewer visitors.
Waterproof boots, long-sleeved shirt and trousers, a rain poncho, gardening gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a daypack. A full packing list is provided on booking.
Minimum age is 15 years. Treks range from thirty minutes to six hours. A reasonable level of fitness is advised. Porters are available at the park gate and are strongly recommended.
Most nationalities require a Uganda tourist visa, obtained in advance through the Uganda e-Visa portal. A Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory for entry.