Tap to book now
+(256)-414-532-162 +(256)-773-912-891 / +(256) 702 12 3064
Home » Gorilla Trekking from Kigali, Uganda Gorilla Safaris Bwindi from Kigali Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking from Kigali, Uganda Gorilla Safaris Bwindi from Kigali Rwanda

Why do Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali- The land of a thousand hills? Uganda gorilla safaris Bwindi from Kigali are becoming popular gorilla tours as they are affordable and allow you to travel a short distance!

Bwindi impenetrable park ranks as the best site for African gorilla tours. This great park protects almost 50% of the only remaining population of Mountain gorillas on Earth.

Apart from Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, other national parks to enjoy gorilla tours from include Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla NP as well as Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa.

A Uganda gorilla safari trip from Kigali to Bwindi offers the best gorilla tracking experience! It allows you to save money and it offers an amazing experience for short-time travelers interested in African gorilla safaris.

Travelers with long Rwanda Uganda gorilla safari trips can also get a chance to undertake other thrilling adventures apart from gorilla treks. Prominent includes chimpanzee trekking and canopy forest walk in Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda city tour, golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, etc.

On top of your Uganda gorilla safari, you can also enjoy classic wildlife safaris in iconic parks. Among these includes Queen Elizabeth National Park- home to the rare tree climbing Lions. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest as well as boat cruises on Lake Bunyonyi are a must not miss adventure!

Below Let's Explore More About Uganda Gorilla Tours from Kigali

Uganda Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla Trekking from Kigali

Uganda gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is considered the best when compared to Rwanda’s Volcanoes Park!

Situated in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Park is home to over 459 Mountain gorillas. This total of Mountain gorillas is estimated to be almost 50% of the only Mountain gorillas living on Earth! Over 19 habituated Mountain gorilla family groups are open for day Uganda gorilla trips in Bwindi.

Bwindi gorilla expeditions are done in 4 sectors including:

  1. Buhoma in the north
  2. Ruhija in the East
  3. Rushaga in the South- It’s one of the prominent regions for spotting gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  4. Nkuringo in the South

Please note that most of the gorilla trekking from Kigali in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is done in the Rushaga sector as it’s the nearest to Cyanika Border.

All gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park start with the briefing at 8 am. A ranger guide will share with you the park history as well as the do’s and don’ts to follow during the gorilla trek.

After, you’ll get divided into a group of 8 and get allocated a gorilla family to trek! You’re free to ask for a nearby gorilla family. Then, you’ll enter the lovely jungle to track the gorilla family! You’ll enjoy the beautiful forest walks!

Finally, on encountering Mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, you’ll be allowed to spend one hour with these gentle giants of the forest. Among others, the giant size of these great humanlike primates will amaze you!

For an amazing experience, don’t forget to come with a camera, and hiking boots on your day Uganda gorilla tour in Bwindi.

Cost of Gorilla Trekking Permits in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi is charged is charged differently for example:

  • Foreign Non-Residents: $700
  • Foreign Residents: $600
  • East African Citizens: UGX. 250,000

The above rate also applies to Mgahinga Gorilla NP!

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking Cost in Uganda Vs Rwanda?

Uganda gorilla tours are cheaper (sold at cheap fares) than gorilla treks in Rwanda- The land of a thousand hills! That’s to say a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $700 for foreign non-residents while Rwanda’s gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park costs $1500.

Undertaking gorilla tours in Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (all in Uganda) means saving $700 than going for a gorilla trek in Volcanoes Park.

How Much Does It Cost to Trek with Gorillas in Rwanda? | How Much Is a Permit to See the Gorillas in Rwanda?

Just like Uganda gorilla adventures, Rwanda’s Mountain gorilla licenses are also charged differently, for example:

  • Non-Residents: $1500
  • Foreign Residents: $500
  • East African Citizens: $200

Please note that the above blow came in 2017 as Rwanda Development Board announced a 100% increment on its gorilla permits. This was from $750 to $1500!

Ever since then, many travelers prefer to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as they’re not willing to pay the huge amount of gorilla licenses in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

How Much is a Gorilla Safari in Rwanda?

A 1-day gorilla trek Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park costs around $1,700 per person while a 2 day gorilla tour in Volcanoes National Park starts at around $1,900. If interested in a 3 day luxury gorilla safari in Volcanoes Park plan around $2,000 to $5,000 per person.

The above rate is much affected by your travel style! But, it includes your tracking permit, transportation fees, a private tour guide as well as accommodation.

Where is the Cheapest Place for Gorilla Trekking? | Where Is the Cheapest Place to See Gorillas?

Uganda gorilla safaris are considered more affordable in East Africa! The Uganda gorillas permit is at $700 while that of its neighbor Rwanda is at $1500.

However, note that the Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla permits in Virunga National Park- Central Africa are the cheapest at $450.  However, travelers rarely visit this county due to insecurity.

Is Gorilla Trekking Worth the Money? | Is Gorilla Trekking Worth It?

Undeniably, gorilla expeditions in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga national park, Volcanoes NP as well as in Virunga National Park are worth the money!

The revenue collected as you trek gorillas is used to conserve the threatened habitats of the endangered Mountain gorillas. Also, it’s used to pay rangers that monitor these giant apes in the forest.

More still, 10% of the revenue from the gorilla permit is given back to develop the adjacent communities around gorilla parks, for example, Bwindi park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, etc.

Lastly, gorilla expeditions are considered one of the most memorable African safaris, it’s worth undertaking!

Why Book Kigali to Bwindi Gorilla Trekking?

Booking a Uganda gorilla safari from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park saves you a lot! If you’re to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or any safari destination in Southwestern Uganda like Queen Elizabeth National Park, consider traveling this way.

It’s easier to travel from Kigali International Airport to Southwestern Uganda than to transfer from Entebbe International Airport.

Below are the benefits of undertaking Bwindi gorilla expeditions from Kigali:

  1. Short travel distance

Undertaking Bwindi Uganda gorilla trekking safari from Kigali International Airport saves you from the long drive from Entebbe International Airport.

It’s about 4-5 hours drive from Kigali International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Driving from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park normally takes over 8-9 hours.

  1. Bwindi gorilla licenses are cheaper (sold on cheap fares) than those in Volcanoes NP.

The permit for a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park costs $700 while that of Rwanda gorillas in Volcanoes National Park is at $1500. Therefore, undertaking Uganda gorilla safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park allows you to save money.

  1. Most ideal for time-bad travelers

Trekking gorillas in Bwindi Forest from Kigali is ideal for time-bad travelers! It allows short trips, for instance, 2 days Bwindi gorilla tour from Kigali.

  1. Allows you to enjoy other amazing adventures in Rwanda

When you book a gorilla tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali, you’ll have a golden chance to undertake other memorable adventures in Rwanda. This can be done on the first and last night before crossing to Uganda.

Among these includes the Kigali city tour where you’ll visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site which can be visited on the same day as you connect to Bwindi.

Also, on the same day you’ll cross to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you can opt for golden monkey trekking, or Volcano hiking in Volcanoes NP. Chimpanzee trekking or a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest is possible. You can also go for game drives in Akagera National Park.

Distance From Kigali to Bwindi

Traveling from Kigali to Bwindi park is about 164.4km via Kyanika Border- the common route. This drive from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park takes about 4-5 hours.

Note that, there are no direct flights from Rwanda to Bwindi park, the transfer is only by road!

Which is Better for Gorilla Trekking Uganda or Rwanda? | Is it Better to See Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?

Is Uganda or Rwanda better for gorilla trekking? Both countries are great sites for African gorilla tours. However, your tastes and preferences will decide which country you’ll visit for a gorilla trek.

Below, we have brought for you gorilla trekking Uganda Vs Rwanda! It will help you choose the most preferred destination for gorilla safaris in Africa.

  • Accessibility to gorilla national parks

Rwanda’s Volcanoes Park is easily accessed from Kigali International Airport, it’s about 2 hours drive.

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are very far from Entebbe International Airport and Kampala. The drive can take about 8-9 hours drive.

Also, note that you can easily access Bwindi or Mgahinga national park from Kigali than from Entebbe International Airport.

  • The landscape of the natural habitats

Bwindi Park holds a lower altitude than the mountainous Volcanoes NP. Therefore, a gorilla trek in the Bwindi Forest is easier as the terrain is friendly.

Please note that Volcanoes NP is part of the Virunga Conservation Area which spans the Virunga Mountains, for instance, Mt. Bisoke, Mt. Karisimbi, Mount Muhabura, and Sabyinyo, etc.

Volcanoes Park is almost 90% mountainous just like Uganda’s Mgahinga park and Congo’s Virunga National Park.

  • Cost of gorilla tours

The permit for a gorilla trek in Uganda costs $700 while a gorilla permit in Rwanda is at $1500. Thus, gorilla licenses in Rwanda Kigali are more expensive than those in Uganda.

  • The number of gorilla family groups

In all countries, visitors have a 99% chance of meeting Mountain gorillas in their lovely natural habitat. However, note that Uganda has more gorilla family groups than Uganda.

Uganda has over 21 habituated gorilla families (19 in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & 2 in Mgahinga national park). Rwanda only has 12 habituated Mountain gorilla groups in Volcanoes NP.

  • Lodging

Both countries Rwanda Kigali and Uganda have standard accommodations however, Rwanda holds the best luxury facilities if you’re looking for a luxury gorilla tour in Africa. For example, check out Bisate Lodge.

 Which Months are Best for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Dry months, June to late September and December to February are the best months for gorilla tracking while on your gorilla tours in Africa. Minimal rainfall is received in these months in the rainforest thus, the trails while on the gorilla trek are drier.

More still, the dry season is ideal for nature walks as well as wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park as well as Akagera National Park. Game animals are easier to spot around water points.

Which Month is Best for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda? | What Is the Best Time of Year to See Gorillas in Rwanda?

Gorilla tours in Rwanda Kigali can be done all year round however, the best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla tracking is during the long dry season- June-September. It’s also possible in December-February- a short dry season. During this period, the trails are normally drier, mud free thus, easy to hike.

This is also the best time to enjoy game drives in Akagera National Park as well as Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park.

Which Season is Best for Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?

The dry season from June to early September and December to February is the best season to take Rwanda gorilla tours.

This is also the best time for game-watching in Akagera National Park.

How Far Are the Gorillas from Kigali?

It’s about 105.4km from Kigali City to Volcanoes National Park. This drive can take about 2-3 hours drive. Driving from Kigali to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is about 164.4km, taking about 4-5 hours drive.

From Kigali, you can also visit Mountain gorillas in Mgahinga national park, the drive is nearly 136.3km (3-4 hours drive). During the drive, you’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery of striking volcanoes such as Mount Muhabura.

There are direct flights to all the above destinations.

Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Safe?

Gorilla tours in Rwanda are generally safe! Every year, thousands of tourists undertake Rwanda gorilla safaris in this beautiful country, the land of a thousand hills, and all end successively.

During your gorilla trek, you’ll be escorted by trained armed rangers. More still, this adventure is done on fully habituated gorilla families are familiar to people.

Packing List for Gorilla Trekking- What to Pack for a Gorilla Trek?

As you plan to undertake a gorilla trek in Uganda as well as in Rwanda, it’s ideal you come with the following:

  1. A camera– this is so ideal while taking photos! It’s ideal even on your wildlife safaris for instance, in Akagera National Park.
  2. Rain jacket– it’s very important as you go into the jungle to track Mountain gorillas. The area is prone to rainfall!
  3. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers- protect you from biting bugs in the rainforest as you trek gorillas.
  4. Insect repellents are crucial on a gorilla trek
  5. A simple waterproof backpack- helps to keep your daily essential as you trek gorillas
  6. Sturdy hiking boots- ideal on the fairly challenging gorilla trek.
  7. Bottled water- keeps you hydrated during your gorilla trek
  8. Sun protection gear- (sunglasses, sunscreens & sunhat)- so ideal even on your game-viewing tour in Akagera National Park.
  9. Packed lunch

Clothing- What Do You Wear to Gorilla Trekking?

When trekking gorillas in Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, or Rwanda, you should put on long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, gloves, sturdy hiking shoes, as well as socks. Such clothing protects you from thorns and keeps you warm while on a gorilla trek.

How Difficult is Gorilla Trekking? How Difficult Is the Gorilla Trek in Rwanda?

This is also one of the common questions for even travelers intending to undertake Uganda gorilla safaris! Please note that, in all countries, the gorilla trek difficulty depends on one’s physical fitness level.

Every person with a moderate fitness level can undertake gorilla expeditions. This gorilla tracking adventure takes you through a thick rainforest, valleys, mountain hillsides, etc. For an amazing trip, we advise you to do some body physical exercise to fairly raise your fitness level.

There’re porters to assist you while on the gorilla trek and the rangers will always move at the pace of the slowest person. Therefore, you can undertake this adventure!

How Do I Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Booking your gorilla permit in this country is mostly done through tour operators however, you can also buy it directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters.

Popular Accommodation in Bwindi to Use on Your Gorilla Safari Tour from Kigali

Best places to stay while on Uganda Gorilla trip from Kigali

There is accommodation for every class of traveler! These lodges are classified into budget, midrange as well as luxury lodges.

The following are the:

Best Luxury Lodges in Bwindi to Use on Your Gorilla Trip from Kigali

  1. Gorilla Safari Lodge
  2. Rushaga gorilla lodge

Popular Midrange Lodges in Bwindi to Use on Your Gorilla Trek From Kigali

  1. Ichumbi Lodge
  2. 4 Gorillas Lodge
  3. Gorilla Valley Rushaga Lodge

Top Budget Lodges in Bwindi to Use on Your Gorilla Expedition from Kigali

  1. Bwindi Nshongi Camp
  2. Bwindi Backpackers Lodge

Best Gorilla Trekking Tour Companies to Book With Your Trip

As you plan to undertake Uganda gorillas trekking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali, it’s wise you book it with a reputable tour company.

These are the top tour companies to book with as you intend to visit Mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:

  1. Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
  2. Wild Gorilla Safaris
  3. Safari Uganda Safaris
  4. A Uganda Safari
  5. Gorilla trekking Uganda
  6. Gorilla Safaris and Tours
  7. Africa Safaris Tours

Best Gorilla Trekking from Kigali Packages, Best Gorilla Trekking Tours in Bwindi from Kigali

For an amazing trip, most of our gorilla tours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali can be tailored to suit your safari needs.

Some trips can allow you to explore the Rwanda genocide memorial site on a Kigali city tour, track Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes NP, and also wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park. Chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk experience in Nyungwe Forest are possible before crossing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The following are the popular gorilla tours in Uganda Bwindi from Kigali:

  • 2 Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Kigali
  • 3 Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking from Kigali to Bwindi
  • 3 Day Bwindi double gorilla trek through Kigali
  • 6 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trek
  • 9 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla Trek
  • 10 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari
  • 11 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari
  • 12 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari

If interested in a gorilla safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park from Kigali, feel free to contact us. This kind of trip allows you to save a lot of money. Please, don’t spend money anyhow!

Email Us Now For Any Inquiries!

×