Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from Kigali
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from Kigali: Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali is an amazing experience that is well worth your post-covid-19 journey to Uganda and Africa. Uganda, Africa’s gem, is home to at least half of the world’s 1063 mountain gorillas, making it the world’s most remarkable gorilla trekking destination. Instead of flying to Entebbe or Kampala, it is feasible to fly to Kigali, Rwanda, and then drive to Uganda to hike mountain gorillas on a 2-day gorilla trekking trip or a 3-day gorilla safari from Kigali.
Where to do Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from Kigali?
All gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda from Kigali take place at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These major gorilla trekking sites are all located in Southwestern Uganda and host the world’s largest population of these giant beasts. Uganda has approximately 21 habituated gorilla family groups, which may be hiked in the two parks.
Visitors may track any of the 20 habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi alone, which are also scattered among the park’s four regions: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Nkuringo. Tourists at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can only monitor the Nyakagezi group; this is the only group now available for gorilla tourism in the park.
Why you should do Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from Kigali?
Shorter distance; Unlike going from Entebbe or Kampala to Bwindi or Mgahinga, Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali takes roughly 3 to 4 hours instead of 8-9 hours if you start from Entebbe. The two gorilla parks are located in Uganda’s far southwest corner and are simpler to reach from Kigali via the two border crossings; Katuna via Kabale or Cyanika via Kisoro district. This may save you a lot of money when on a budget safari, especially if you have limited time.
Not only can you readily enter Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from the Cyanika border to Kisoro, but also the southern parts of Bwindi; Nkuringo and Rushaga. The Katuna border provides easy access to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s Buhoma and Ruhija gorilla trekking zones.
Because of the shorter distance, you can book 2 days Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali, 3 days Bwindi gorilla safari from Kigali, 2 days Mgahinga gorilla trek from Kigali, 3 days Mgahinga gorilla trekking tour from Kigali, or even combine your gorilla trekking experiences with golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Uganda gives gorilla trekking permits at the lowest cost when compared to Rwanda. Gorilla climbing in Uganda is quite possible, with permits costing only US$700 for foreign non-residents. If you are a foreign resident, you just need US$600 to go gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali, but East African Community citizens need shs. 250,000. This is far less expensive than Rwanda, which sells gorilla permit for US$ 1500 per person.
Why not use this great opportunity to see the world’s Great Apes – the mountain gorillas – in their natural habitat! Visit both Uganda and Rwanda; booking these gorilla trekking packages allows you to experience two East African countries. These are two of the three nations in the world where mountain gorillas may be found. Visitors can begin or conclude their gorilla safari with a city tour in Kigali, or they can visit Volcanoes National Park for another great gorilla trekking adventure.
When is the best time to go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from Kigali?
It is possible to travel from Kigali to Uganda for gorilla trekking at any time of year, and you may visit either of Uganda’s two parks. However, the greatest time to visit Uganda for this exhilarating experience is during the dry season, which begins in June, July, August, September, or December, January, and February.
All of the trails and routes are easily accessible in either Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This is the time of year when all of these two parks receive the least amount of rain. Interestingly, Uganda gorilla trekking safaris are also available for visitors who want to visit during the wet or rainy season. This is generally from March to May or October to November, however plenty of rain is reported during these months.
Where to stay during gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali?
There are a variety of lodges that you can stay at during your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda from Kigali; and this entirely depends on which sector of the park you will be trekking gorillas from. For those tracking gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla national park, you can stay at any of the following lodges or hotels; Lake Chahafi Resort, Lake Mulehe Lodge, Ichumbi Hotel, Lake Mutanda Lodge, and Travelers’ Inn Hotel.
If you are tracking gorillas in Bwindi’s Buhoma Sector; you can stay at Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Engagi Lodge, Buhoma Haven Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Sanctuary Bwindi Retreat, Buhoma Lodge, and Bwindi Forest Lodge among others.
In Rushaga Sector, lodges you can stay at include; Four Gorillas Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Bweza Lodge, and Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge among others. If you are in Nkuringo sector, you might want to checkout Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Gorilla Heights Lodge to mention but a few.
Ruhija sector in Bwindi impenetrable national park doesn’t have so many lodges as compared to other sectors of the park; however, the few that exist include; Kiho Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Mist Lodge and Ruhija Community Rest Camp.
In summary; if you are looking to cut on the long drive from Kampala/Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, then a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda from Kigali is just what you need; and not to mention that this will also save you on the expensive gorilla permit in Rwanda which costs 1,500 USD per person.