Updated
A 2-day gorilla trekking trip in Uganda works best from Kigali in Rwanda: drive about 3.5–5 hours to Mgahinga or southern Bwindi on day 1, trek on the morning of day 2, and drive back to Kigali that evening. From Entebbe, two days is only possible by flying to Kihihi or Kisoro on day 1, trekking on day 2 and catching the last flight back, which is very tight because treks can take most of the day. If you are starting in Uganda, three days is far safer.
Option 1: two days from Kigali
Day 1: leave Kigali late morning, drive north through Musanze and cross into Uganda at Cyanika, then continue to a lodge near Mgahinga, Lake Mutanda, Rushaga or Nkuringo, arriving in the afternoon. Day 2: the briefing starts at about 7:30 am, then the trek and one hour with the gorillas. After lunch, drive back across the border and reach Kigali in the evening. This is the most practical two-day plan and is popular with business visitors and travellers combining Uganda with Rwanda. See our guide to Kigali to Bwindi by road.
Option 2: two days from Entebbe by air
Day 1: take the morning scheduled flight from Entebbe to Kihihi for Buhoma, or to Kisoro for the southern sectors and Mgahinga, about 1.5–2 hours, then drive to your lodge. Day 2: trek in the morning and, if you are back early enough, connect to the afternoon flight to Entebbe.
The difficulty is that you cannot know how long the trek will take; if the gorillas are far away, you may miss the flight. Discuss this with your operator, and have a plan for an extra night if needed. See our guide to domestic flights.
Why driving from Entebbe does not work in two days
Bwindi is 8–10 hours from Entebbe or Kampala by road, so driving there and back takes two full days on its own. With a trek in the middle, you need at least three days, and four is more comfortable. See our guides to a three-day trip from Kampala and gorilla trekking in four days.
Costs and permits
The Uganda gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November, compared with US$1,500 in Rwanda. Add a private vehicle and driver, one night’s accommodation and, if flying, domestic flights at roughly US$300–500 each way. Book the permit first, for the sector that matches your route, and you will need a Uganda visa or the East Africa Tourist Visa if you start in Rwanda. See our guide to booking a gorilla permit.
Making a short trip work
Pack light, with boots, rain gear, gloves and a daypack ready for the trek. Tell the ranger at the briefing if you have a flight or a long drive afterwards, though they cannot guarantee a short trek. Hire a porter for about US$15–20 to help you move quickly on steep ground. If your plans allow, add one more day: it turns a rushed trip into a relaxed one.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, most easily from Kigali. From Entebbe, only by flying, and the return flight is tight.
Mgahinga or southern Bwindi from Kigali; Buhoma via Kihihi airstrip if flying from Entebbe.
Not with a trek in between. The drive takes 8–10 hours each way.
The permit is US$800 (US$600 in April, May and November), plus transport and one night’s accommodation.
