Your journey begins early in the morning as you are picked up from your hotel or Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. After a short briefing by your guide, you will start the scenic drive towards Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located across the border in southwestern Uganda. The drive takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, passing through the rolling hills of Rwanda—known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills"—and the terraced landscapes of western Uganda.

After crossing the border at Cyanika (for the southern sector) or Katuna (for the northern sector), you will arrive in Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vast rainforest is famous for its thick vegetation and steep, rugged terrain, making it the perfect habitat for mountain gorillas.

You will check in to your lodge and spend the rest of the day relaxing in preparation for the gorilla trek the following morning. Alternatively, you can opt for an afternoon community walk to visit the local Batwa people, who will share their unique culture, songs, and dances with you.

Today is the highlight of your trip! After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. The briefing covers gorilla trekking guidelines and safety tips. Afterward, you will be assigned a gorilla family and a group of fellow trekkers, with whom you’ll set off into the forest, led by experienced trackers.

The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. The terrain is steep and dense, but the reward of coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla family is truly unmatched. You’ll spend a magical hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat—watching them play, feed, and interact with one another. It’s an emotional and awe-inspiring experience.

After your hour with the gorillas, you’ll trek back to the starting point, where you’ll receive a certificate of participation before returning to your lodge for lunch and some rest.

In the afternoon, your guide will drive you back to Kigali, Rwanda, marking the end of your incredible 2-day gorilla trekking experience. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport in the late afternoon or evening, depending on your onward travel plans.