Gorilla trekking is an incredible and life-changing experience for anyone who loves wildlife and adventure. While most treks occur in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is possible to embark on a gorilla trekking journey from Nairobi, Kenya. This option is perfect for travelers already visiting or residing in Nairobi who want to experience the thrill of encountering these majestic creatures up close.
The first step is to book a flight from Nairobi to either Uganda or Rwanda, as these are the most accessible countries for gorilla trekking from Kenya. Flights typically take around an hour, making it a convenient option for those who want to maximize their time exploring. Once you arrive, you'll need to arrange transportation to the national parks where gorilla trekking is offered, such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Check out our 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari - Starting From Kigali to book your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi.
When planning your trek, ensure you have the necessary permits, which can be limited due to high demand. Booking in advance is essential. Additionally, prepare for the physical challenges of the trek, as the trails can be steep and muddy, requiring a reasonable level of fitness.
One of the major reasons to start your gorilla trekking adventure from Nairobi is the city's well-established flight connections to both Uganda and Rwanda. Daily flights from Nairobi to Entebbe International Airport (Uganda) and Kigali International Airport (Rwanda) make it easy for travelers to access two of the best gorilla trekking destinations in the world: Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Flight to Entebbe (Uganda): This flight takes just over an hour, making Uganda’s gorilla trekking locations highly accessible from Nairobi. Once in Uganda, travelers can reach Bwindi Impenetrable Forest by road or domestic flight.
Flight to Kigali (Rwanda): The flight to Kigali is also short, taking approximately 90 minutes. From Kigali, it’s just a 2-3 hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.
Nairobi’s status as an East African travel hub ensures a range of flight options, making it convenient to fly to either country, based on availability, budget, and personal preferences.
Another key advantage of starting your gorilla trek from Nairobi is the availability of the East African Tourist Visa. This visa allows travelers to move between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda using a single visa, making it easier to plan multi-country itineraries without the hassle of obtaining separate visas for each destination.
Starting your gorilla trek from Nairobi offers the chance to combine two incredible wildlife experiences: Kenya’s vast savannahs and the dense mountain forests of Uganda or Rwanda. Travelers can seamlessly include both in their East African itinerary. Kick off your adventure with a safari in Amboseli, Maasai Mara, or Tsavo National Park to witness iconic animals like lions, elephants, and rhinos before heading to the forests of Uganda or Rwanda for a more personal encounter with mountain gorillas.
