This incredible one-day adventure takes you from Kigali, Rwanda to Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. It’s designed for travelers with limited time who want to encounter the majestic mountain gorillas in the wild.

Summary of the Day

• Pickup: 3:30–4:00 AM, Kigali

• Transfer to Cyanika border, cross into Uganda

• Gorilla trek: ~8:00 AM start, 2–5 hours trek

• Return to Kigali: depart ~1:00–2:00 PM, arrive ~5:00–6:00 PM

Early Morning Pickup from Kigali

Your day begins very early, around 3:30–4:00 AM, when your safari guide picks you up from your hotel or residence in Kigali. After a short briefing, you set off on a scenic 3–4 hour drive toward the Cyanika border, crossing into Uganda. You’ll enjoy the beautiful rolling hills of Rwanda, often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” as you make your way toward the Virunga mountain range.

Arrival at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Upon arrival at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you will proceed to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. You’ll learn about gorilla trekking guidelines, safety rules, and the importance of conservation. Mgahinga is home to one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group, known for its playful juveniles and impressive silverbacks.

Gorilla Trekking Adventure

The trek usually starts around 8:00 AM. Accompanied by experienced rangers and guides, you’ll venture into the thick montane forest in search of the gorillas. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours depending on the gorillas’ movements and location that day. Once you locate the family, you will spend one magical hour observing these incredible creatures — watching them feed, groom, play, and interact in their natural habitat.

Make sure to carry water, a light snack, sturdy hiking boots, long trousers, and a rain jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Lunch and Return Journey to Kigali

After the trek, you will head back to the park headquarters where you can have a packed lunch or enjoy a meal at a local lodge (depending on your travel package). After refreshing, your guide will drive you back across the border into Rwanda. Expect to arrive in Kigali in the late afternoon or early evening, around 5:00–6:00 PM.

End of Safari

Your safari concludes with drop-off at your hotel in Kigali or Kigali International Airport if you are catching an evening flight.