Gorilla Trekking from Kigali to Bwindi: The Best Uganda Gorilla Tours

Gorilla Trekking Safaris from Kigali to Bwindi

Gorilla trekking safaris from Kigali to Bwindi are becoming increasingly popular. Travelers fly into Kigali International Airport and then cross into Uganda for gorilla treks.

Trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda has been challenging because reaching Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park requires a full day of travel from Entebbe or Kampala.

Due to the easier access to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali International Airport, Rwanda has been a popular destination for gorilla trekkers over the past several decades.

However, many tourists are now focusing on Uganda following Rwanda’s decision to double the cost of a gorilla permit from $750 to $1,500 USD.

One reason for the rise in tourists to Rwanda has been the short travel distance to the volcanoes that are home to the country’s mountain gorillas, compared to Uganda, where it takes an entire day to get from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi.

The good news is that short gorilla tours from Kigali can now be arranged in Uganda via Rwanda’s Kigali.

Travelers can connect to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park after arriving at Kigali International Airport.

The fact that Kigali International Airport now serves as a gateway to Uganda’s two critically endangered mountain gorilla habitats—Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks—is excellent news for travelers.

The increase in Rwanda’s gorilla permit prices has also driven more traffic to Uganda, as travelers recognize its value.

Fortunately, it’s just a 4-5 hour journey from Kigali International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in southwestern Uganda.

With more than 480 mountain gorillas, Bwindi boasts the largest population of mountain gorillas worldwide.

Kigali connects to Bwindi via the Katuna border, which passes through Kabale District in the north, or the Cyanika border, which passes through Kisoro District in the south.

Rushaga and Nkuringo, in southern Bwindi, are easily accessible via the Cyanika border, while Ruhija and Buhoma are easily accessed through the Katuna border.

Due to its accessibility, visitors can trek in any sector of Bwindi, offering a fantastic adventure at a reasonable price.

Besides Bwindi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Kisoro District, home to the single Nyakagyezi family, also offers gorilla trekking in Uganda.

It’s remarkable that Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” provides sanctuary to over 480 mountain gorillas (half of the world’s total population) divided among 13 gorilla families.

Twelve of these families live in Bwindi, while one resides in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Visitors can trek among families such as Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Bitukura, Oruzogo, Nkuringo, Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Bweza, Busingye, Kyaguriro, and Nyakagyezi.

Notably, going on Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking tours allows budget-conscious travelers to save money.

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs significantly less than in Rwanda, at $1,500 USD.

For around $1,300 USD, you can embark on a 2-day gorilla trekking from Kigali tour, including lodging, transportation, gorilla permits, and other activities—far less than the $1,500 USD required for just a permit in Rwanda.

Uganda is therefore a lifesaver for budget travelers, offering affordable gorilla trekking without the long travel distances.

For travelers looking to undertake a one-day Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali, an early start is essential, with departures as early as 4:00 AM to cross the border and arrive in time for the 7:00 AM gorilla briefing. After the trek, visitors return to Kigali, often in time for a late flight home.

Those opting for a two-day gorilla trekking Uganda from Kigali transfer to Bwindi upon arrival in Kigali, where they can enjoy activities such as cultural visits with the Batwa people or a pre-trek forest walk.

Trekking and returning to Kigali for onward travel typically take place on the second day.

Fortunately, travelers holding an East African visa do not need separate visas for Uganda or Rwanda. Citizens of Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda are free to visit any East African Community member country without additional visa requirements.

An East African visa costs $100 USD and is valid for 90 days. We encourage visitors planning combination safaris to Uganda and Rwanda to apply for an East African visa to avoid the cost of separate entry visas—$50 USD for Uganda and $30 USD for Rwanda. However, the East African visa does not apply to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Uganda also offers a unique half-day gorilla habituation experience in the Rushaga area for $1,500 USD. This allows visitors to spend four hours with mountain gorillas instead of the one-hour limit in Rwanda.

Two gorilla families, Bushaho and Bikingi, are currently undergoing habituation in the Rushaga area, and four individuals visit each family daily.

In addition to Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali, visitors to southwestern Uganda can enjoy activities such as boat rides on Lake Bunyonyi, hiking the Virunga volcanoes in Mgahinga National Park, visiting the Batwa and Bakiga local communities, forest walks, and city tours in Kabale and Kisoro towns.

Combining these activities ensures an unforgettable safari from Rwanda to Uganda.

Reasons to Consider Starting Your Gorilla Safari from Kigali

Below are some of the popular reasons why you should book Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali:

• Financial savings: Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $800 USD, compared to Rwanda’s $1,500 USD. The $700 USD you save on permits can cover your lodging, meals, and transportation for a three-day gorilla safari.
• Time savings: Avoid the long 9-10 hour drive from Entebbe to Bwindi by starting your safari in Kigali. It only takes 4-5 hours to drive from Kigali to Bwindi.
• Shorter itineraries: Travelers arriving in Kigali can opt for a 2-day Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking safari, something that would typically take 3 days if arriving through Entebbe.
• Two countries in one trip: By flying into Kigali, travelers can visit both Rwanda and Uganda. If time allows, a visit to the Gisozi Genocide Memorial in Kigali can be included, offering insights into the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.

In conclusion, starting a gorilla safari from Kigali and trekking in Uganda offers both financial and logistical benefits, making it an ideal option for an unforgettable adventure.

Popular Gorilla Trekking from Kigali Questions & Answers

Below are some of the most popular questions and answers about Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali.

1. Why are gorilla trekking safaris from Kigali to Bwindi becoming popular? They are popular because travelers can easily fly into Kigali International Airport and cross into Uganda for gorilla trekking from Kigali, avoiding the long journey from Entebbe.
2. What has traditionally made trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda challenging? Reaching Bwindi or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park requires a full day of travel from Entebbe or Kampala, which is why many now prefer gorilla trekking Uganda from Kigali.
3. Why was Rwanda historically popular for gorilla trekkers? Rwanda has been popular due to its easier access to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali International Airport, offering convenient gorilla tours from Kigali.
4. Why are many tourists now focusing on Uganda for gorilla trekking? Rwanda doubled the cost of a gorilla permit from $750 to $1,500 USD, making Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali a more attractive option.
5. How long does it take to travel from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi? It takes an entire day to travel from Entebbe International Airport to Bwindi, whereas Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking offers a much shorter route.
6. What recent development has made gorilla safaris more accessible in Uganda? Short gorilla tours from Kigali can now be arranged in Uganda through Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport.
7. What are the two gorilla trekking destinations in Uganda accessible from Kigali International Airport? Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the primary destinations for gorilla trekking Uganda from Kigali.
8. How has the increase in Rwanda’s gorilla permit prices impacted Uganda? It has driven more traffic to Uganda as travelers recognize the value of Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali.
9. How long is the journey from Kigali International Airport to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park? It is a 4-5 hour journey, making Kigali to Bwindi a convenient option for travelers.
10. Which national park holds the largest population of mountain gorillas? Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, with over 480 mountain gorillas, is the largest, and is easily accessible for Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking.
11. Which borders connect Kigali to Bwindi? The Katuna border, passing through Kabale District in the north, and the Cyanika border, passing through Kisoro District in the south, are key for those embarking on Kigali to Bwindi impenetrable forest safaris.
12. Which sectors of Bwindi are accessible via the Cyanika border? Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi are accessible via the Cyanika border, making it convenient for those traveling from Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali.
13. Which sectors of Bwindi are accessible via the Katuna border? Ruhija and Buhoma sectors are easily accessible via the Katuna border, ideal for gorilla trekking Uganda from Kigali.
14. What is the single gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park called? The Nyakagyezi family, located in Mgahinga, is another attraction for gorilla trekking from Kigali to Uganda.
15. How many gorilla families live in Uganda? There are 13 gorilla families in Uganda, 12 in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga, all accessible through Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali.
16. Name three gorilla families in Bwindi. Mubare, Habinyanja, and Rushegura are among the families visitors can trek during their Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali.
17. How much does a gorilla permit cost in Uganda compared to Rwanda? A gorilla permit in Uganda costs $800 USD, while in Rwanda, it costs $1,500 USD, which makes gorilla trekking Uganda from Kigali much more affordable.
18. How much does a 2-day gorilla safari in Uganda typically cost? Around $1,300 USD, including lodging, transportation, and gorilla permits, which is more affordable for those planning gorilla tours from Kigali.
19. Why is Uganda a good option for budget travelers interested in gorilla trekking? Uganda offers affordable gorilla permits and shorter travel distances, making Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking a cost-effective option for budget-conscious travelers.
20. What time do travelers need to start for a one-day gorilla trek in Uganda? Travelers need to start as early as 4:00 AM to cross the border and arrive for the 7:00 AM briefing, which is possible on a quick gorilla trekking from Kigali day trip.
21. What other activities can travelers enjoy on a two-day Uganda gorilla safari? Travelers can enjoy cultural visits with the Batwa people or a pre-trek forest walk when planning Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali.
22. Do travelers need separate visas for Uganda and Rwanda? No, travelers holding an East African visa can visit both countries without needing separate visas, simplifying gorilla trekking from Kigali.
23. How much does an East African visa cost, and how long is it valid? It costs $100 USD and is valid for 90 days, making it ideal for those embarking on gorilla tours from Kigali.
24. What is the cost of a separate visa for Uganda and Rwanda? A visa for Uganda costs $50 USD, and a visa for Rwanda costs $30 USD, but an East African visa covers both when doing Kigali to Bwindi safaris.
25. What unique experience does Uganda offer in the Rushaga area for $1,500 USD? Uganda offers a half-day gorilla habituation experience, allowing visitors more time with the gorillas, a great addition to gorilla trekking Uganda from Kigali.
26. What are the names of the two gorilla families undergoing habituation in the Rushaga area? Bushaho and Bikingi, located in Bwindi, can be visited during Bwindi gorilla trekking from Kigali.
27. Name two activities visitors can do in southwestern Uganda besides gorilla trekking. Visitors can take boat rides on Lake Bunyonyi or hike the Virunga volcanoes, enhancing their Kigali to Bwindi gorilla safari.
28. What is a financial benefit of starting a gorilla safari from Kigali? Travelers save $700 on gorilla permits in Uganda compared to Rwanda, making gorilla trekking from Kigali to Uganda more affordable.
29. How long is the drive from Kigali to Bwindi compared to Entebbe to Bwindi? It takes 5-6 hours from Kigali to Bwindi, while it takes 9-10 hours from Entebbe, which is why Kigali to Bwindi impenetrable forest is a preferred option.
30. Why do some travelers choose to visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial when flying into Kigali? It offers insights into the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, providing a meaningful cultural experience for those on gorilla tours from Kigali.