Gorilla Trekking From Nairobi, Kenya
Gorilla trekking from Nairobi is a popular extension to a Kenya safari, typically involving travel to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The most efficient option is flying, while a longer overland journey is suitable for a more adventurous, budget-friendly trip.
Is gorilla trekking possible from Nairobi Kenya? Kenya is a famous destination for wildlife safaris in East Africa. The country hosts large numbers of wild animals in the region with all the famous African Big Five.
Many travelers prefer visiting Kenya for wildlife sighting safaris that are always spiced with the Great Wildebeest Migration. However, Uganda offers a little more fantastic wilderness experience since it offers one more thing that Kenya doesn’t have, mountain gorilla trekking. Mountain Gorillas can only be found in three countries in East Africa that is Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla trekking is thus done in only these three countries. From Nairobi, a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda is possible when you cross over to Uganda. You can use scheduled flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Entebbe International Airport.
Gorilla Trekking Tours from Nairobi, Kenya
Yes, you can arrange gorilla trekking tours from Nairobi by booking a package that combines a Kenyan safari with a trip to Uganda or Rwanda, as mountain gorillas are not found in Kenya. Popular options include multi-day safaris that fly you to the gorilla trekking destinations or overland tours that involve driving between countries, often incorporating visits to Maasai Mara
Kenya And Uganda Safari:
A 13-day Kenya and Uganda safari typically combines iconic wildlife viewing in Kenya’s Masai Mara with primate trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, often including other destinations like Queen Elizabeth National Park. Itineraries usually start in Nairobi, Kenya, with game drives in national parks and reserves, before moving to Uganda for activities like gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, and then often ending in Entebbe.
Uganda, Kenya And Tanzania Itinerary
A Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania itinerary typically combines primate tracking in Uganda with classic safaris in Kenya and Tanzania’s famous parks, often including Bwindi, Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. A possible 10-day trip might start in Uganda for gorilla trekking, fly to Nairobi, and then explore Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, ending with a departure from Arusha or Nairobi.
Uganda, Rwanda And Kenya Itinerary
A Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya itinerary typically involves a combination of gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda and a safari in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. A 13-day trip could start in Kigali, Rwanda, for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, then move to Uganda for more primate tracking and cultural sites, before ending with a safari in the Maasai Mara in Kenya and a departure from Nairobi. Shorter itineraries focus on one country’s highlights, while longer ones combine multiple countries and include other parks like Akagera or Serengeti.
Kenya vs Uganda Safaris
Kenya is better for a classic “Big Five” safari and the Great Migration, featuring vast savannahs and diverse wildlife. Uganda is the premier choice for unique primate encounters, including mountain gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking, with a more intimate, less crowded, and jungle-like environment. Many travelers combine both destinations to experience both types of safaris.
Kenya And Rwanda Gorilla Trek
Combining a safari in Kenya with gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a popular itinerary that requires travel between the two countries, as Kenya does not have mountain gorillas. Gorilla treks are conducted in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and while Kenya offers safaris to see the “Big Five,” separate arrangements and travel are needed for the gorilla trek. A typical plan involves a safari in Kenya first, followed by travel to Rwanda for the gorilla trek.
Gorillas, Masai Mara And Zanzibar
A “Gorillas, Masai Mara, and Zanzibar Honeymoon” is a popular East Africa trip that combines mountain gorilla trekking, a safari in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, and a beach vacation in Zanzibar. This adventure-filled itinerary typically lasts 11-12 days and starts with gorilla tracking in a national park like Uganda’s Bwindi or Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains, followed by wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara, and concludes with relaxation on Zanzibar’s beaches.
Gorilla Trekking From Nairobi, Kenya
- Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the primary destination, home to over half the world’s mountain gorillas. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is another, smaller option.
- Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park is known for its accessibility and luxury trekking options.
| Option | Route Summary | Duration | Pros & Cons |
| Fly to Kigali & Drive | Fly Nairobi (NBO) to Kigali (KGL), then a scenic 4-5 hour drive to Southern Bwindi (Uganda). | ~6-8 hours total | Most time-efficient and often the best value, combining Rwanda’s easy access with Uganda’s lower permit cost. |
| Fly to Entebbe & Domestic Flight | Fly Nairobi (NBO) to Entebbe (EBB), then take a short domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip. | ~4-6 hours total | Quick and convenient; minimizes long road travel in Uganda. |
| Fly to Entebbe & Drive | Fly Nairobi (NBO) to Entebbe (EBB), then an 8-10 hour drive to Bwindi. | ~10-12 hours total | Allows stopovers at places like the Equator or Lake Mburo National Park, but can be very long and tiring. |
| Overland by Road | Drive from Nairobi across the border to Kampala and then southwest to Bwindi. | 2-3 days driving | Most budget-friendly option and an immersive way to see East African landscapes, but very long and requires a 4×4 vehicle. |
Tip For Gorilla Trekking from Nairobi, Kenya
- Book in Advance: Gorilla permits are limited (only 8 people per gorilla family per day) and in high demand. Book your tour and permits at least 4-6 months in advance, especially for peak season (June-September and December-February).
- Permit Costs (Non-Resident): As of July 2024, an Uganda permit costs $800 USD per person, while a Rwanda permit costs $1,500 USD per person.
- Visas: The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100 USD) is recommended as it allows multiple entries into Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, simplifying border crossings.
- Tour Operators: Many licensed Kenyan and Ugandan tour operators (such as Kabira Safaris Africa, Kabira Gorilla Safaris Co., and The Bespoke African Safari Co.) specialize in organizing all-inclusive packages that handle permits, transport, and accommodation, ensuring a seamless experience.
- Fitness: The treks can be physically demanding on steep, muddy trails. Be prepared with appropriate gear like waterproof hiking boots and long-sleeved clothing.
