Here’s a route many travellers don’t know about: fly into Kigali, cross into Uganda by road, and trek gorillas in Bwindi’s southern sectors or in Mgahinga. You get Rwanda’s easy airport and Uganda’s lower permit price. Here’s how it works.
Why start in Kigali?
- It’s closer. Rushaga and Nkuringo, Bwindi’s southern sectors, are about four to five hours by road from Kigali. From Entebbe or Kampala, Bwindi is a full day’s drive.
- It’s cheaper to trek. A Uganda gorilla permit is US$800 (US$600 in April, May and November), against US$1,500 in Rwanda.
- Good flights. RwandAir and other airlines serve Kigali. Our guide to flying RwandAir via Kigali explains the options, including flying in to Kigali and out of Entebbe.
Which border crossing?
Two crossings matter for gorilla trips. We choose between them depending on which sector your permit is for.
- Cyanika (Rwanda) to Cyanika (Uganda), near Kisoro. The best choice for Rushaga, Nkuringo and Mgahinga. The road runs from Kigali to Musanze (about two hours), then on to the border and Kisoro. Mgahinga is about three to four hours from Kigali this way.
- Gatuna (Rwanda) to Katuna (Uganda), near Kabale. The main road crossing between the two capitals. Kabale is about two to three hours from Kigali. It suits trips to Lake Bunyonyi, the Ruhija sector, or Rushaga via Kabale.
A third crossing, Kagitumba–Mirama Hills in the east, is useful for Lake Mburo but not for the gorilla parks.
One thing surprises people: Rwanda drives on the right, Uganda on the left. We plan the handover of vehicles and drivers at the border, so you don’t have to think about it.
Visas: which one do you need?
Because you’ll enter two countries, and often return to Rwanda to fly home, choose your visa carefully.
- East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV). US$100, valid for 90 days and multiple entries between Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. You apply through the country you’ll enter first, so on this route that’s Rwanda. It’s usually the simplest option for a Kigali round trip.
- Separate visas. Uganda’s single-entry tourist eVisa is US$50, applied for online before you travel. Rwanda’s standard visa is US$50, and citizens of African Union, Commonwealth and Francophonie countries get a free 30-day visa on arrival. Remember that you’ll need to re-enter Rwanda if you fly home from Kigali.
You’ll also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Uganda, and a passport valid for at least six months. Rules change, so always check the official portals before you travel. Our Uganda visa guide has more detail.
A sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1: Kigali to the gorilla highlands. We meet you at Kigali International Airport, ideally on a morning arrival. Drive north past Musanze and the Virunga volcanoes, cross at Cyanika, and continue to your lodge near Rushaga or Nkuringo, or to Lake Mutanda. Arrive in time for dinner and an early night.
Day 2: Gorilla trek. An early briefing at the park office, then into the forest with your ranger and trackers. The trek can take anything from one hour to most of the day. Once you find the family, you spend one hour with them. Afternoon at leisure, or a community walk.
Day 3: Back to Kigali. After breakfast, drive back across the border to Kigali, in time for an evening flight or a night in the city.
With more time, add golden monkeys in Mgahinga, a day on Lake Bunyonyi, or head north to Queen Elizabeth and Kibale and fly home from Entebbe.
Where to stay
Around Rushaga and Nkuringo we like Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge. On Lake Mutanda, Chameleon Hill Lodge has lovely views of the volcanoes. Near Mgahinga, Mount Gahinga Lodge is a short walk from the park gate. See the Bwindi page for more.
Practical tips
- Book the permit first. All UWA gorilla permits for foreign visitors are booked through licensed tour operators, and the sector on the permit decides your route.
- Avoid a same-day trek. Arrive the day before your trek. Border formalities and mountain roads take time.
- Keep your documents handy at the border: passport, visa approval, yellow fever certificate and onward travel details.
- Carry some US dollars and Ugandan shillings. Rwandan francs aren’t much use on the Uganda side.
Tell us your flight times and preferred dates, and we’ll secure the right permit, arrange the crossing and look after every transfer from Kigali and back.
Found this useful? Send it to someone planning a trip.
