1 Day Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma from Kigali

Our 1 day Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma from Kigali is an ideal gorilla tour for guests who don’t have a lot of time to go for a multi-day gorilla trekking safari. This short but rewarding trip provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with the majestic Giant Apes in one of their natural African habitats- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the way to go if you are yearning for a memorable gorilla trekking experience. This 321-square-kilometer safari destination in southwestern Uganda boasts Africa’s highest concentration of mountain gorillas, approximately 480 of the 1063 (according to the 2018 census), a number expected to have grown since then. Four gorilla trekking sectors/regions divide this park; these include Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south.

At Native Africa Tours, we offer a range of gorilla tours and safaris that allow primate enthusiasts to experience the thrill of meeting face to face with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Our 1 day Gorilla Trekking tour in Buhoma from Kigali is one of the most popular short options, and it provides a wonderful opportunity to trek these Giant Apes in the Buhoma (Northern) sector of Bwindi.

This 1 day gorilla adventure starts early in the morning, with pickup from your Hotel/Guesthouse or any other place of residence in Kigali. Our experienced and knowledgeable safari guide will take you on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through breathtaking landscapes and quaint towns along the way and crossing the Rwanda-Uganda border at Katuna.

Once you arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you will spend several hours (1-6) exploring one of the forest trails to any of the five habituated gorilla families found in the Buhoma sector. You will be accompanied by a seasoned Ranger guide, expert in the Park and mountain gorillas, on this trek. You will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of seeing a habituated gorilla family to learn about their mind-blowing human-like behavior of giant apes and other creatures in the forest.

After your gorilla trekking adventure, you will stop at one of the Park’s nearby Safari Lodges for lunch (which is included in the tour price). You will savor a sumptuous meal while taking in the breathtaking forest surroundings and listening to the sounds of chirping birds and monkey calls. After lunch and depending on the time, you might (or not) have a village tour before heading back to Kigali, arriving in the evening.

Our 1 day Gorilla Trekking tour in Buhoma from Kigali is just one of the many short gorilla tour options we offer at Native Africa Tours. However, you can also book our multi-day gorilla tours and safaris, as well as other wildlife viewing safaris that can be tailored to your specific interests and needs.

Regardless of which tour or safari you desire, you can be sure that you will have a memorable experience, as our expert travel specialists and safari guides are passionate about East Africa and its wildlife. We shall do everything to ensure that you have an unforgettable trip.

Detailed 1 day Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma from Kigali itinerary

Enjoy an unforgettable time in the jungles with our 1 day gorilla trekking tour in Buhoma departing from Kigali.

Depart around 3:00 am and travel by road to experience the scenery along the way. We will drive from Kigali City and stop at Katuna border for border crossing and immigration clearance before continuing this amazing road trip. Given this premature departure, we can plan for a packed breakfast or grab a quick cup of tea/coffee at one cafe that operates throughout the night.

The expected travel time from Kigali City to the Buhoma sector/gate at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is four to four and a half hours.

Around 7:00 or 7:30 am, we will arrive at the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the mandatory pre-tracking registration and briefing before embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The briefing is important to ensure your safety, and the endangered mountain gorillas.

Trekking starts at 8:00 am and normally takes one to six hours, depending on the location of the mountain gorillas. Hence, it is advisable to be prepared for anything and bring along a good pair of hiking boots. The Park Rangers are experienced and will guide you through the lush village gardens into the dense forest while hacking at the thick undergrowth with a machete, searching for the Giant Apes.

As you are approaching the gorilla family, you will be requested to leave your bags on the side and only get closer with your camera. Follow the recommended viewing distance of 7 meters while watching and taking photos of them to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Spend the next hour watching and taking pictures as the Ranger guide interprets their behavior as they play, feed, rest, groom each other, or interact. End this gorilla trekking tour by retreating to the base for your gorilla trekking certificate, after which, break for lunch at a nearby Lodge close to Buhoma sector. Depending on how much time you still have or your interest, you will have a short guided village walk.

Later, leave the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and start the journey back to Kigali City.

Inclusions of the 1-day Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma from Kigali package

Uganda Gorilla trekking permit(s).
Border crossing fees.
Bottled water.
Lunch in Bwindi.
Hotel pickup and drop-off.
Services of an English-speaking guide.
Park entry fees.
Relevant Government taxes and levies.
Ground transportation with a 4X4 Safari Vehicle.

Exclusions of the 1 day Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma from Kigali package

Accommodation.
Optional activities that aren’t included in the program.
Visa fees.
Medical and Travel insurance.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (available for purchase).
Other meals other than lunch.
Gratuities to safari guide/s, Rangers, porters, and Lodge staff (optional but recommended).
Domestic and international flights.
Laundry fees.
Telephone calls.
Cigarettes and other personal expenses.

Best time to go for our 1 day Gorilla trekking tour in Buhoma from Kigali

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park experiences a tropical climate. This, coupled with its high altitudes and dense vegetation, means of rain regardless of what time of the year you visit. However, there’s technically a wet and dry season, which interestingly aligns with low and peak tourism seasons.

From June to September and December to February, you will experience the driest conditions, making it prime time for gorilla treks on mud-free forest trails. The heaviest downpours fall from March to May, then October to November. December, January, and February are usually the hottest months of the year.

Packing for our 1 day Gorilla Trekking Tour in Buhoma from Kigali

For our 1-day Gorilla Trekking Tour in Buhoma from Kigali, prioritize sun and rain protection, comfort, and be ready for different weather. For this reason, we recommend a lightweight rain jacket, comfortable hiking boots, a warm sweater for the cold early morning drive, a wide-brimmed hat, and gardening gloves. A good camera, a pair of binoculars, sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, a backpack, energy-giving snacks, and gaiters are recommended.