Gorilla trekking Uganda from Kigali

Gorilla trekking Uganda from Kigali

Gorilla trekking Uganda from Kigali : Gorilla trekking is an incredible wildlife activity and on top of bucket list activity for travelers, this activity gives travelers a chance to interact with the endangered mountain gorillas in the thick forests of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda happens in South western Uganda in two forest dominated parks that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you can start your safari to see gorillas in Uganda in Kigali – the capital of Rwanda and for various reason – it is a great option for most travelers.

  In this article we are going to discuss in detail the experience of a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda starting from Kigali City – Rwanda’s capital.

Why Choose Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from Kigali?

• Proximity to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – the main reason to why travelers choose to do gorilla trekking safari in Uganda starting from Kigali is the closeness of Kigali City to the forests of Bwindi as well as Mgahinga in Uganda. This also makes your Uganda gorilla safari flawless.

The distance from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is way longer compared to the distance from Kigali to the two National Parks.  From Entebbe it is approximately 9 to 10 hours of drive to Bwindi and Mgahinga and from Kigali City, it is approximately 4 to 5 hours of drive.

The short distance from Kigali will allow you spend more time exploring the gorillas and spend less time on the road.

• Scenic Drive – along the way from Kigali City to Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, there is a lot of beautiful scenery, this is another adventure before the big adventure of an encounter with the gorillas.

You will see rolling hills, beautiful village settlements and scenic landscapes, the drive will also allow you to explore the beauties of both Rwanda and Uganda.

• Cost – Efficient – the cost of a gorilla permit in Uganda is relatively lower compared to the gorilla tracking permit in Uganda, this means that if you start your gorilla trekking adventure to Uganda from Kigali, you will save a lot from the gorilla permit. In Uganda, a gorilla permit costs $ 800 and in Rwanda costs $ 1500.

You will also save on the cost of transportation while having a great experience at the same time.

• Multiple Trekking Options – Unlike Rwanda, Uganda offers a lot of safari options from having two destinations for gorilla trekking that is Bwindi and Mgahinga, then there are lots of families you can track here as well.

With all these options that make gorilla trekking in Uganda flexible, you have a higher chance of seeing the gorillas and several fitness levels are also catered for as the elderly can take the shorter routes.

How to Plan Your Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from Kigali Safari 

Obtain a Uganda Gorilla Permit – before you venture into the forests of either Bwindi or Mgahinga to see mountain gorillas, you are required to have a gorilla tracking permit. The permits are usually very few and on demand. It is only important that you book your permit about 2 to 3 months before your tracking date.

The gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and you can book for one through an authorized tour operator, the price of a gorilla permit in Uganda is $ 800 per person per trek.

 Travel Documents – in Uganda, you will be required to have valid travel documents like a passport and valid visa to allow you enter Uganda. Other requirements include vaccinations, since you will be going through the Rwandese immigration you need to make sure you fulfill all their border requirements.

Transportation – you will need to have reliable transport to move you from Kigali to either Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. You can choose to use public transportation or hire a car from a tour company or join a group tour. The journey from Kigali to either of the two gorilla destination will take about 3 to 4 hours.

Accommodation – In both Mgahinga and Bwindi, there a lot of accommodation options to choose from ranging from standard, midrange and luxury accommodation options.

Trekking Gear – putting weather conditions of the area in consideration during the time you are traveling, you need to pack some appropriate items. Being a tropical rain forest area, it can rain any time of the day or the year, some of the standard items you need to carry are trekking equipment, a hat, rain coat, sunscreen, insect repellant, backpack, long sleeved shorts, boots and long pants.

Physical Fitness – gorilla trekking is usually a demanding activity and it will take a physical toll on you, it is advised that you prepare for this trek by engaging in training that will prepare you for this activity.

In case of any limitations, communicate them with tour travel consultant and they will be catered for. Even visitors who cannot walk can be carried on stretchers.

In conclusion: gorilla trekking Uganda from Kigali is a very memorable experience and it comes with a lot of flexibility, comfort and sights of beautiful scenery, convenience and affordability.