Gorillas of Bwindi from Kigali
In the heart of the impenetrable forest, a rare encounter with the last mountain gorillas.
Duration
4 days
From
US$1,750/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This journey between Rwanda and Uganda invites you to live an immersive experience in the heart of Africa's volcanoes and tropical forests. In just a few days, you discover the emblematic landscapes of the Great Lakes region, between verdant hills, rural villages and dense forests.
From Kigali, the road leads you to the mountains that mark the border between the two countries. There, in the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, begins a rare adventure: trekking mountain gorillas. Guided by experienced trackers, you set out in search of these primates in their natural environment, in the heart of pristine nature.
The journey continues in Rwanda, in the volcanoes park region, before returning to Kigali through the rolling landscapes of the land of a thousand hills. Between adventure, nature and cultural discovery, this circuit offers an authentic immersion in one of Africa's most remarkable regions.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Kigali
Airport welcome by your driver-guide, then transfer to your hotel.
On arrival, check-in at Chez Lando hotel, followed by dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Visit
Kigali → Parc national de Bwindi
Meet your driver-guide at the hotel in the morning, then head towards the volcanoes.
Throughout the journey, you enjoy clear views of the five peaks that dominate the region. You then continue towards the Rwandan border, before crossing into Uganda.
Passing through Kisoro, you reach the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where your gorilla encounter experience begins.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Parc national de Bwindi → Musanze
You are heading to the national park of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where your trek in search of mountain gorillas begins.
You set out on a hike through dense and pristine vegetation, which can last several hours, sometimes in humid and muddy conditions. Each step of this walk takes on its full meaning as you finally approach these impressive primates in their natural environment.
Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, you follow the traces of gorilla families made up of 8 to 20 individuals. These groups typically include a dominant male, the famous silverback, capable of reaching 250 kg and approximately 1.70 m, surrounded by adult females and young gorillas. Vegetarian and peaceful, these primates roam freely in the forest, offering you a privileged moment of observing their daily behavior.
After this trek, you take the road towards the Ugandan border at Cyanika to complete the exit formalities, including passport and customs checks.
You then continue your journey to Musanze, in the region of the Volcanoes National Park, where you spend the night.
From Musanze to Kigali
After breakfast, you enjoy a short visit to the city of Musanze, located at the foot of the volcanoes.
You then continue your journey to Kigali, traveling through the Rwandan countryside, often called the "land of a thousand hills" because of its rolling landscapes.
Depending on your flight time, you have the opportunity to discover the Rwandan capital during a panoramic tour of the city's main sites.
You also pass through a lively local market and make a stop at an art gallery.
Finally, you are transferred to the airport for your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- The activities not mentioned in the program above
- Tips
- Visa fees and airfare
- All personal expenses
Included
- The accommodation + meals in full board and according to the program
- 4x4 transfer, window seat guaranteed
- English-speaking driver(s)/guide(s)
- 1 Bwindi gorilla permit @ 800 USD
- Mineral water in the vehicle and during hikes
- Mandatory insurance for emergency medical evacuation by helicopter
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Rwanda for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, and we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Rwanda, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays in Rwanda.
To date, this exemption allows a stay of up to 30 days upon entry into the territory. An extension of stay can generally be requested on site with the Rwandan Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
confirmation of accommodation booking.
Online arrival form
Before your arrival, it is recommended that you complete the online arrival form available on the official Rwandan immigration services portal.
This form allows you to transmit to the immigration services the necessary information for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details
address of your first accommodation in Rwanda
contact details for a person to contact
A digital confirmation may be requested when passing through immigration.
Health and vaccinations
Rwanda requires the presentation of an international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever for travelers coming from countries where this disease is endemic.
As a precaution, it is also recommended that you:
take antimalarial treatment, as malaria is present throughout the territory,
ensure you are up to date with vaccinations against typhoid, hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
consult a doctor or an international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Rwanda in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy document detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required, which can be obtained online (e-visa) or upon arrival at Kigali airport. An East Africa visa is also available, covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date. Before departure, check with the relevant consular authority for the procedures and fees applicable to your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between €280 and €480 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers, permits and activities. International flights (€800-1,200 return) are additional. The gorilla permit in Rwanda (USD 1,500) makes it one of the world's most exclusive experiences.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to the traveler's profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Kigali Region
Rwanda hill scout, based in Kigali
Rwanda often impresses with its gentleness and balance. It's a country that unfolds gradually, through its landscapes, its history, and the quality of its welcome.
— Charles
