3-Day Budget Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda

This 3-day budget gorilla trekking safari offers an affordable and rewarding way to experience mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, starting and ending in Kigali, Rwanda. The short overland transfer to southwestern Uganda makes this itinerary ideal for travelers seeking a time-efficient and cost-effective gorilla trekking experience.

The safari takes you to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s smallest but most dramatic gorilla park, set on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. With fewer visitors and breathtaking scenery, Mgahinga provides an intimate and memorable trekking environment. The journey combines scenic countryside drives, comfortable budget accommodation, and one of Africa’s most powerful wildlife encounters — coming face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas.

This tour is perfect for travelers with limited time who want a genuine gorilla experience without compromising on quality.

Highlights

Short and scenic drive from Kigali to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Cross-border gorilla trekking experience in Uganda
One hour with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
Guided gorilla trek led by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers
Dramatic scenery of the Virunga Volcanoes and bamboo forests
Fewer crowds compared to other gorilla trekking sectors
Budget-friendly accommodation close to the park
Ideal safari for short stays and first-time gorilla trekkers

Price Includes

Gorilla permits & Park fees
Local English-speaking guides/driver
All itinerary activities and excursions
Accommodation & Meals
Land transfers in 4×4 safari truck

Price Excludes

International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips & Gratuities

Day 1: Kigali – Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda)

You will be picked up early from Kigali and begin the drive toward southwestern Uganda, crossing the Rwanda–Uganda border en route. The journey takes you through Rwanda’s rolling hills and rural landscapes before entering Uganda and continuing to the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park area.
Lunch will be taken along the way, followed by the final drive to Kisoro, arriving in the afternoon.
Check in at your lodge near the park and spend the evening at leisure as you prepare for the gorilla trekking experience the next day.

Accommodation Options:

• Iliba Guest House
• Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You will be assigned a gorilla family and accompanied by experienced guides into the forest.
The trek duration varies depending on the location of the gorillas and the terrain, generally lasting between 2 and 6 hours. Mgahinga’s volcanic slopes, bamboo forests, and montane vegetation provide a unique trekking environment.
Once the gorillas are located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, rest, and interact in their natural habitat.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing.

Accommodation Options:

• Iliba Guest House

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Mgahinga – Return to Kigali

Following breakfast, begin the return journey to Kigali, passing through scenic countryside and border formalities along the way. Lunch will be enjoyed en route.
Arrive in Kigali later in the day and be dropped off at Kigali International Airport or your preferred location, marking the end of your gorilla trekking safari.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

3-Day Budget Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda

Highlights

Price Includes

Price Excludes

VISIT RWANDA

VISIT
RWANDA