The 2 days Bwindi gorilla tour is a short gorilla trek in Bwindi impenetrable national park in southwest Uganda. There are two options through which you can enjoy this tour, one starts and ends in Entebbe/Kampala while the other starts and ends in Kigali, Rwanda.
Trip highlight: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park
Option 1: 2 Days Bwindi gorilla tour (Starting and ending in Entebbe/Kampala)
This option involves a long drive (9-10 hours) though with very scenic views along the way
Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable national park
Depart from Entebbe/Kampala very early in the morning (05:00 – 06:00 AM). Embark on a long but scenic road trip heading southwest to Bwindi impenetrable national park. Enjoy beautiful views including local villages, plantations, rolling hills and the Equator along the way. You will have a stopover for lunch in either Mbarara town or before it depending on your choice. Arrive and check in at your lodge in Bwindi where you will have your dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and return to Entebbe/Kampala
Enjoy your breakfast at the lodge early in the morning and then transfer to the park headquarters of Bwindi impenetrable national park for briefing about gorilla trekking. You will also be assigned a gorilla group to trek at this point. At around 08:00 AM you will embark on your gorilla trekking adventure into the dense jungle of Bwindi.
The trek before reaching your gorilla group may last between 1-6 hours depending on the location and movement of gorillas. Upon reaching gorillas, you will be allowed to spend one full hour in their presence as you watch and photograph them. After the experience, return to the park headquarters and receive your gorilla trekking certificate. Embark on your return journey back to Entebbe/Kampala for your departure flight or to your hotel.
Option 2: 2 Days Bwindi gorilla tour (staring and ending in Kigali, Rwanda)
This option has a shorter drive than the first one (3-4 hours) and it is always preferred for those who want to trek gorillas in Bwindi from Rwanda.
Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable national park
Depart from Kigali early in the morning (06:00 – 07:00 AM) and head north to the Rwanda-Uganda border. You will enjoy a scenic drive before and after crossing the border into Uganda heading to Bwindi impenetrable national park. Arrive and check in at your lodge near or within the park. You may choose to go for an evening community visit around the park with your driver guide or stay and relax at the lodge. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking and return to Kigali
After an early breakfast heat to the park headquarters for briefing about gorilla trekking and get assigned a gorilla group to visit. Enter the forest in the company of rangers and guides to search for your assigned gorilla family (1-6 hours). Meet and interact with the gorillas for one full hour as you observe how they feed, play and rest while taking their photographs. Return to the park headquarters to receive your gorilla tracking certificate at the end of the encounter. Embark on your return journey across the border back to Kigali. Arrive in Kigali in the afternoon or evening for your departure flight or stay at your hotel.
What you should consider for the 2 days Bwindi gorilla tour
Gorilla permit: Before embarking on this tour you must have a valid gorilla trekking permit which you can book at least 6 months in advance at $800 per person.
Accommodation and transport: These will be catered for by your tour operator who booked the gorilla permit for you and their cost is included in the total quote you are given.
Packing list: Gorilla trekking takes place in montane rainforests and therefore requires specific gear to navigate through the thick and wet vegetation and a slippery ground. These include sturdy hiking boots, rain jacket, pair of gloves, a pair of khaki trousers, a camera. Other essential items will be provided by your lodge or obtained at the park headquarters for hire.
Physical fitness: Gorilla trekking requires a relative level of fitness to enable you hike and manoeuvre through the montane rainforest.