Depending on your starting point, it is possible to see gorillas on a 2 day gorilla trekking Uganda safari. What would unrealistic, however, is to try to squeeze a gorilla trekking tour into a two-day driving safari that begins and ends at Kampala or Entebbe.
This is because the driving distance between Kampala/Entebbe and Bwindi or Mgahinga, the two national parks where gorilla trekking is done is 8 to 10 hours in either direction.
Therefore, the minimum duration for a Uganda gorilla trip out of Kampala city or Entebbe town is three days rather than two, as you need to spend the night immediately before and after you trek at a lodge or camp near the relevant park.
Where To Start Your 2 day Gorilla Trekking Tour in Uganda From?
1. Rwanda's Kigali City
A more realistic starting point for a 2 day gorilla trekking Uganda safari is Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Depending on where in Uganda you track the mountain gorillas, the drive from Kigali city will take from 3 to 5 hours.
Thus, even allowing for delays at the international border post, you can easily drive to Uganda on day one, undertake a gorilla trekking adventure the next morning, then return to Kigali city immediately afterwards.
Of course, you can also track gorillas in Rwanda, so you might rationally ask why anyone would cross into Uganda to do the same activity. The simple answer is that it is cheaper: Uganda gorilla trekking permits cost US$800 per person for foreign non-residents; as opposed to US$1,500 in Rwanda (both countries offer great gorilla trekking opportunities)
2. South west of Uganda
While you can do gorilla trekking as a standalone adventure, it is usually combined with other Uganda safari experiences in the south-west, including chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, game viewing safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park and some rest and relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi.
If you are coming from these destinations, the gorilla trekking part of your trip is typically 2-3 days. The trekking itself is accomplished in one day, but you will need a night at a lodge or camp before and after.
2 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda Sample Tour Itinerary
This 2 Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking tour departing from Rwanda’s Kigali city is perfect for those with limited time or a very tight budget.
Without spending a fortune, this 2 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda tour provides you with an excellent opportunity to observe rare mountain gorillas in their natural home.
Tour Highlights
Day I: Transfer from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Transfer Back To Kigali.
Details of the Tour
Day I: Drive from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
This transfer will be carried out by our company representative/guide, who can pick you up at Kigali International Airport (KGL) or any place in Kigali, Rwanda.
If you arrive early at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can also participate in a village walk, Batwa cultural encounter, or a nature walk. Also, the sunsets here are stunning, so make your way to the lodge/camp’s balcony in time for sun-downers.
Please note that your international flight should arrive no later than 1 p.m. so that you can travel to Bwindi the same day. If you arrive late, we can arrange for an overnight stay at a hotel in Kigali for an extra fee.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort/Gorilla Heights Lodge
Midrange: Gorilla Mist Camp/Ichumbi Lodge/Agandi Eco Lodge
Budget: Trekkers Tarven
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Drive Time: 3 -6 hours
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Transfer Back To Kigali.
On the second day of your 2 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda, you will set out on your exhilarating mountain gorilla trek –an unforgettable experience!
The day will begin with an early breakfast at the lodge/camp, before heading to the Bwindi National Park offices. Remember to take your rain jacket, drinking water, snacks, and packed lunch from the lodge. Also, make sure to wear strong waterproof hiking shoes or boots for walking on the dump forest trails in the jungle.
At around 8.00 am, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) guides will offer short talk at the headquarters to brief you about the gorilla trekking rules.
Following the briefing, the guides will lead you into the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is home to half of the world’s endangered mountain gorilla population.
The trek with take 1 to 6 hours and you will spend one hour with gorillas after seeing them. After the gorilla trek, you will leave Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Our company driver guide or representative will drive you back across the border to Rwanda and drop you off at Kigali city or at the airport.
Accommodation: Not included
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Drive Time: 3 – 5 hours
Tour Includes:
- Gorilla permit
- Transport in a 4X4 safari vehicle & fuel
- Accommodation for one night
- Meals: 1x breakfast, 1 x dinner, 2 x lunch
- Bottled drinking water
- An experienced English-speaking tour driver/guide
- Park entry fees
- Park ranger and guiding
- 24-hour emergency contact
Tour Excludes:
- Optional Activities
- Visas and other costs of personal nature
- Porter fees, gratuities, travel insurance and medical expenses
- Any other costs not listed in the itinerary
FAQs About Gorilla Trekking Safaris
1. What to pack on for 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Tour?
Just like trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains, gorilla trekking also requires these items when tracking the gorillas.
- Strong hiking shoes or Boots:
- Rain Jacket or poncho
- Energy giving snacks
- Trouser and long-sleeved shirts
- Hiking socks or gaiters
- Strong gardening gloves
- Camera
2. What is the Cost of the 2 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda?
A 2 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda tour from Kigali package might cost anything from US$1,100 to US$1,600 per person.
3. What is the cheapest way to go gorilla trekking?
If you are trying to see the gorillas more cheaply, we advise that you travel in groups because this reduces the cost since it is shared among travelers. You can also visit during low season months and book budget or mid-range accommodation. Read more about the cheapest way to see gorillas in Uganda.
4. Is gorilla trekking worth the money?
The answer is yes. The experience is truly worth it. In fact, speak to anyone who visited mountain gorillas and they will tell you the same thing: gorilla trekking is 100% worth it! Nobody regrets spending their time, money, or effort on a gorilla expedition.
On a gorilla trekking adventure you encounter a species of ape that shares over 98 % of our human DNA. These genetic similarities make for an extraordinary meeting.
It is captivating, for example, to watch the baby gorillas at ‘play’, which includes behaviour like climbing trees, swinging from branches, and chasing one another.
For a whole hour on your gorilla encounter you are able to quietly observe this mighty primate as they engage with each other, eat leaves and roots, groom themselves, suckle their babies, and observe you.
In fact, you are close enough to look into the gorillas’ eyes, and many visitors come away with an increased sense of connection to the animal world and nature in general.
You may also like: Is Gorilla Trekking Ethical?
5. How safe is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is generally considered safe.
The activity is not dangerous because the gorilla park authorities and various conservation organizations have implemented measures to ensure the safety of visitors during the gorilla trek. Find out more safety guidelines.
6. How fit do you need to be for Uganda gorilla trekking?
Yes gorilla trekking can be a physically active demanding activity requiring a moderate level of fitness and the more prepared you are, the more you will have fun and life on the trek. Read more on how hard or difficult is gorilla trekking?
7. What is the age limit for gorilla trekking?
The age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years. This restriction is in place for a number of key reasons, for example:
- Children may struggle to remain calm if a huge 200kg silverback gorilla mock charges them during a trekking adventure.
- Children also pose health hazards while gorilla trekking because their developing immune systems make them more vulnerable to communicable infections such as flu. Because these infections can spread to gorillas, the consequences can be severe and even lethal.
- Furthermore, children’s limited stamina may make it difficult for them to complete the entire hike. The adventure necessitates a certain amount of fitness and determination, qualities that adult travelers are more likely to possess.
- Adults are often better prepared to deal with obstacles such as muddy pathways, insects, dense forests, and steep inclines.
If you are travelling with youngsters, we suggest booking your stay at a lodge that offers child-minding services, special programs for kids, or even safe and child-friendly forest walks. You may also like; can children go gorilla trekking?
What To Go Gorilla Trekking?
If you still have any questions about the 2 days gorilla trekking tour in Uganda, feel free to CONTACT US. We will answer your questions as soon as possible and help you design a Uganda gorilla tour with a comfortable itinerary.
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