Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from Kigali : Gorilla Trekking is undeniably the most exciting wildlife experience, drawing thousands of travelers from across the World into Uganda. Mountain gorillas are currently trekked in the countries-Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo but Uganda shelters the highest number of these Great apes in two National Parks – Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. There are over 60% of the World’s mountain gorillas living in the jungles of these two parks with over 21 habituated gorilla families.
Uganda obviously offers the highest number of gorilla permits at even affordable rates compared to the neighboring Rwanda but visitors sometimes opt for the latter because of the long driving distance from Uganda’s Capital to Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from Kigali is therefore the best option for most travelers with flights to Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport, and then continue to Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga National Parks by road with border crossings at either Cyanika border point (Kisoro) or Katuna (Kabale). This option also favors travelers who are limited by time yet wish to experience the adventure from Uganda. This also means that the gorilla safari kicks off and ends in Kigali.
A valid passport and Visa, preferably the East African Tourist Visa allowing you to visit Rwanda and Uganda during the same safari. This Visa can be booked online through Immigration website of Rwanda or Rwandan Embassy in country of Origin and will be issued on arrival at Kigali International Airport. Travelers can opt for gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali for a number of reasons and these include;
Cheaper gorilla permit option
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from Kigali is relatively cheaper than it is in Rwanda. A gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1,500 per person per trek while it is $800 less when done in Uganda. Gorilla permits for Uganda cost $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and Shs.250, 000 for East African citizens.
Shorter driving distance and time saving
Driving from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable national park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the southwestern side of the country lasts 8-9 hours yet it is only 3-4 hours when connecting from Kigali, Rwanda. Therefore travelers who prefer shorter driving distance can undertake gorilla treks in Uganda from Kigali and also with this option, it is possible to undertake short gorilla safaris of even one or two days. Best recommended is a 2 Days Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali. The first day is for transfer to Bwindi national park and the second day, you trek gorillas and drive back to Kigali. This is not possible if the safari started from Kampala or Entebbe because you will need a minimum of 3 Days instead.
Possibility to visit two countries during the same gorilla safari
Undertaking gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali makes it possible to explore two countries in the same gorilla safari. You will arrive through Rwanda where you will be treated to awe-inspiring views of Rwanda’s thousand hills as well as City excursion through its historical sites then travel to Uganda for the gorilla safari in Bwindi national park or Mgahinga National Parks.
Gorilla habituation experience
Undertaking a Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali offers travelers and opportunity to participant in gorilla habituation on a 3 Days gorilla habituation experience from Kigali. It is therefore possible to take part in the Gorilla Habituation Experience involving semi-habituated gorillas and provides 4 hours in the presence of mountain gorillas. Instead of gorilla trekking in Rwanda where a gorilla permit costs US $1,500, you would rather trek gorillas in Uganda at same cost for gorilla habituation experience, which has a permit of $1,500.
Best time to do gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali
Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda from Kigali can be undertaken all year round but has to be booked at least 6 months in advance. This allows advance planning and makes it possible to book gorilla permits, plan accommodation as well as transport on time.
Higher number of Gorilla families
Getting a gorilla permit in Uganda is much easier in availability because Uganda has greater number of gorilla permits compared to any other gorilla trekking destination in the world. Uganda has 5 gorilla trekking sector, these include; Nyakagezi sector which only has 1 gorilla family in Mgahinga national park while the remaining 4 sectors are in Bwindi impenetrable national park including Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nyuringo sectors. These sectors have more than 5 large gorilla families. Even if you booked gorilla permit in 3 months, you can still get gorilla permits in Uganda.
