Not only will Gorilla Trekking in Uganda from Kigali, Rwanda, commonly known as Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking, save you money but also time.
About four hours and thirty minutes separate Kigali from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Just a few kilometers from the borders of Rwanda and Uganda, the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park lie.
The general position of these national parks to this border has made gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali simpler.
Plan a 2-day or 3-day trip to Bwindi from Kigali in Rwanda.
Additionally you can schedule gorilla habituation from Kigali.
Trekking Uganda from Kigali to Bwindi National Park, Gorilla
For a Kigali to Bwindi National Park gorilla trekking trip, visitors fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and then drive 4 hours to Uganda.
Trekking gorillas in Uganda from Kigali will save you both driving time and money.
Most visitors travel to Rwanda and hike gorillas in Uganda mostly because Rwanda gorilla licenses are costly, $1500 per person, unlike in Uganda where gorilla trekking permits cost $800 per person.
“Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence”
Philip Reyes
Booking Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking safaris is handy for budget tourists.
Travelers who wish not to spend eight to eleven hours to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Entebbe and cannot afford domestic flights to and from Enteble International Airport to these respective national parks can fly to Rwanda and drive to Uganda for gorilla trekking, as it takes about a 4-hour drive.
Peak season Mountain gorilla licenses are $800 in Uganda, $1500 in Rwanda, $400 in Congo (during the low season $200).
Right now, Uganda is the only nation providing gorilla habituation programs.
A gorilla habituation permit runs $1500 apiece, which is equivalent to Rwanda’s gorilla permit cost.
Every visitor intending to book Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali has to advance book their gorilla permits from a reputable tour operator such as us.
Every mountain gorilla trekking destination falls into the same climatic range.
Trekking mountain gorillas is therefore best done during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February.
With muddy and slippery paths, the rest of the months might make your journey demanding.
About Kigali City: Your starting place for the Kigali to Bwindi Gorilla Tour
Following Rwanda’s independence in 1962, Kigali became the capital city of the nation; this title was earned.
Originally living in Rwanda between 8000 BC and 3000 BC, the Twa people mostly hunted and gathered.
Kazali City
Night aerial picture of Rwanda’s Kigali City.
The Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups arrived in the nation between 700 BC and 1500 BC bringing agricultural and cattle-keeping customs.
Among the many fun pursuits Kigali offers are bowling, skating, zip-lining, golfing at the Kigali Golf Club, and swimming in opulent hotels.
Top activities in Kigali City before to a driving to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
View the Kigali Genocide Memorial Monument. Over 250,000 Rwandans—especially the Tutsi population—who were targeted by the Hutu during the Rwandan Genocide find ultimate resting place at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Visit Rwanda’s Hotel. Should you have seen the film “Hotel Rwanda,” you should not miss the opportunity to visit Hotel des Mille Collines. Paul Rusesabagina rescued hundreds of Tutsi here during the 1994 massacre.
See the Memorial Church of Nyamata Genocide. Among Kigali’s principal genocide sites is the Nyamata Genocide Memorial Church. April 1997 saw the Catholic Church establish it.
Check the Inema Art Center. Kigali boasts a privately owned art gallery called the Inema Art Center. Paintings, sculptures, and many other exquisitely created works of art abound here.
Visit the site of Camp Kigali Memorial. Ten Belgian soldiers’ tombs can be seen at the Camp Kigali Memorial Site. The first day of the genocide saw the murders of these UN peacekeepers. Every tomb bears the name and age at the time of death of a soldier.
Visit the Nyanza Genocide Memorial Site. Over 4,000 Tutsi who were killed during the Rwandan genocide following the murder of Belgian soldiers find resting place at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial.
Starting the Mural Art Tour. For those passionate about art, the mural art tour is the perfect one. Discover the Kurema, Kureba, and Kwima—that means make, see, and learn. This trip was developed with an eye toward meaningful street art.
Go to Mount Kigali. Hiking is best done at Mount Kigali, which lies right in the middle of the city. There are numerous paths you can follow; the climb is not difficult, hence you will not need any particular knowledge. Still, the hill offers amazing views of the city and cleaner air. Apart from Kigali Hill, Fazenda Sengha is a horse riding school where one may engage in courses or ride on the slope.
the thousand distillery tour. From grain to alcohol, the 1000 Distillery tour shows each of the phases and the process of creating locally distilled spirits, therefore highlighting their techniques.
Among other things to do in Kigali are biking tours, Capliki Crafts Village, and Kimironko Market.
Martial arts figure prominently in many Asian cultures, and the first known traces.
Crossing the Cyanika Border (Kyanika Border), to Uganda
Crossing the Cyanika Border (Kyanika Border), to Uganda
The Boundary Post Cyanika
Found in the southwest of Uganda and the northeastern section of Rwanda, the Cyanika border links Uganda with Rwanda.
About an hour’s drive to Volcanoes National Park and a half-hour drive to Mgahinga National Park lies the Cyanika boundary.
On the Ugandan side, the Cyanika village, often called as Kyanika, is just roughly 10 kilometers from the tourist hotspot Kisoro town.
From Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, the Cyanika border is reachable in three hours drive.
Crossing the Katuna Border (Gatuna Border) to Uganda
Crossing the Katuna Border to reach Uganda
The Katuna Border Point
Between Uganda and Rwanda sits a border crossing called Katuna, sometimes known as Gatuna in Kinyarwanda.
While on the Ugandan side Katuna, the border town on the Rwandan side is Gatuna.
Rwanda’s busiest border is this one since imports and exports between Rwanda and Uganda mostly use it.
The border opens twenty-four hours every day.
In Ndorwa County, the Kamuganguzi sub-region houses Katuna village.
From Kabale, the border takes roughly fifteen minutes’ travel.
History claims that the Bakiga people dreaded to cross the vast Lake Bunyonyi but believed their forefathers went from Rwanda to the hills of Rwanyena and Kagarama about 1600 AD.
They therefore came upon a shortcut across the plain where they slept and designated the spot Gatuna as such.
About an hour’s drive from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, Gatuna town is situated in the Gichumbi district and boasts an estimated 41,000 population.
Bwindi Gorilla Trekking out of Kigali
Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with Gorillas
Rushaga Area within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Covering 331 km squared, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda has around 348 species of birds, 220 species of butterflies, 120 species of animals, 10 species of ferns, 163 kinds of trees, and more than 1000 species of flowering plants. Four areas include Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija and Buhoma. Every industry boasts unique mountain gorilla families with varied terrain.
Map of Bwindi illustrating its four regions
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s mapped area
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s mapped area
The western portion of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the Nkuringo sector. Here are Gorilla families: Christmas Gorilla Family, Bushaho Gorilla Family, Nkuringo Gorilla Family. Here, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge and Gorilla Heights Lodge are the ideal places to stay. You can also sleep in Bwindi’s Rushaga area, hike gorillas in Nkuringo, vice versa.
Bwindi’s Rushaga area sits near the southern edge of the park. Among all sectors, it boasts the most habituated gorillas. Perfect for Kigali’s gorilla trekking visits, the Rushaga area is somewhat close to Rwanda. Kigali is just four-hour’s drive away. You can also sleep in Bwindi’s Rushaga section, trek gorillas in Nkuringo sector and vice-versa.
Situated in the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Ruhija section of Bwindi forest boasts multiple habituated gorilla families, among others the Oruzogo, Kyaguriro, and Bitukura gorilla families.
Visited first by visitors in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, the Buhoma area boasts the oldest gorilla family within the park. This area of the park lies in northwest.
From Kigali, mgahinga gorilla trekking
Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Gorillas
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Where Silver Metes Gold
Comprising an area of 33.7 square kilometers, the small national park known as Great Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in the extreme southern region of Uganda. It borders Virunga National Park in the Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Mount Gahinga, meaning “piles of stones,” gets Mgahinga National Park its name from the little piles of stones collected from the farms by the residents. Originally opened as a game refuge in 1930, the park was subsequently designated as a national park in 1991.
Three of the Virunga Volcano Mountains—Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Gahinga—also find residence in Mgahinga National Park. With half of them found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, the Virunga ranges are well-known for housing the only mountain gorillas in the world.
Mgahinga just has one gorilla family: The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family. Originally discovered prowling throughout Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda, the group has subsequently established on the Ugandan side starting in 2012. The fact that the elderly silverback, Bugingo, still resides in the Nyakagezi mountain gorilla family is one among the most fascinating aspects about it. This is not the typical situation among gorillas since the vanquished one either seeks safety with other gorilla families or is banished to the forest alone after another silverback takes over leadership.
See this wonderful gorilla family via gorilla treking at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Is National Park Bwindi Safe?
Is Bwindi National Park secure?
Clear perspective of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is far safer than other national parks. To trek mountain gorillas, you will be accompanied by an armed game ranger; the jungle is rather safe for exploration. During mountain gorilla hiking, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park could provide a hazard. Since gorillas are wild animals, you have to be extremely careful and observe the gorilla trekking guidelines and rules to prevent mountain gorilla attacks, which may cause serious injuries or maybe death.
Although visiting Bwindi is safe, since this is a tropical forest where mosquitoes breed—particularly during the rainy season—you will be advised to avoid malaria. To prevent mosquito and other insect bites, either carry a strong insect repellent or take antimalarial drugs.
From Kigali in Rwanda, planning gorilla Trekking in Uganda? lets bring your dream to pass. Get in touch immediately for a reasonably priced bundle.
Popular Uganda Safari based on Kigali Questions & Answers
These popular Uganda safari from Kigali to Bwindi questions and answers will assist you in even better trip planning.
From Kigali, what is gorilla treking in Uganda? Gorilla trekking in Uganda from Kigali is the travel from the capital of Rwanda to Uganda.
How far separates Kigali from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? By road, the distance comes out to be about four hours and thirty minutes.
Which of Bwindi’s sectors most like Rwanda? Two sectors closest to Rwanda’s border are Rushaga and Nkuringo.
Why is travel from Kigali for gorilla treks in Uganda convenient? Unlike treking gorillas in Rwanda, it saves money and time.
A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs what? An individual gorilla trekking permit from Uganda runs $800.
A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs what? Per person, a gorilla trekking permit from Rwanda runs $1500.
From Kigali, why do budget visitors choose hiking in Uganda? It is more reasonably priced and handy than other choices.
From Kigali, can I arrange a gorilla habituation experience? You may schedule gorilla habituation from Kigali indeed.
In Uganda, how far does a gorilla habituation permit allow? An individual gorilla habituation permit runs $1500.
Which nation provides opportunities for gorilla habituation? Only Uganda provides experiences in gorilla habituation.
When should one undertake gorilla treking? The ideal times are those of the dry seasons, June through September and December through February.
Why is rainy season trekking challenging? The walk becomes difficult as trails get muddy and slick.
How can I arrange Uganda’s gorilla permits? One can reserve permits ahead of time by a reputable tour operator.
In parks dedicated for mountain gorilla hiking, what is the temperature? Every mountain gorilla park sits in the same climate zone.
Before trekking, what can you do in Kigali? Among other sites are the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Hotel Rwanda, Nyamata Genocide Memorial Church.
Why is Kigali historically important? Following their 1962 independence, Kigali became the capital of Rwanda.
Driven from Kigali to the Cyanika border, how long does it take? Three hours or so are involved.
Why does the Cyanika boundary matter? Near important gorilla treks, it serves as a connector between Uganda and Rwanda.
What is the Katuna border most renowned for? Trade, imports, and simple access between Rwanda and Uganda make use of the Katuna border.
Of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, what four sectors exist? Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Buhoma.
In which Bwindi sector are gorillas most likely to be found? Gorillas who have become acclimated abound in the Rushaga area.
In Bwindi, which is the first section offering gorilla treks? Originally the oldest, the Buhoma area was the first one tourists visited.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park stands out for what? The Nyakagezi gorilla family calls this park, Uganda’s smallest one home.
What distinguishes the family of Nyakagezi gorillas? Rare among gorillas, Bugingo, an old silverback from the group still resides there.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is how big? Its footprint is 331 square kilometers.
Which species call Bwindi home? Among the more than 348 bird species, 220 butterfly species, 120 animal species found in Bwindi are
How safe is Bwindi gorilla trekking? It is safe; armed rangers accompany guests.
How should I prepare for gorilla trekking? Use insect repellent, take antimalarial meds, and follow trekking guidelines.
From Kigali, how can I go see gorillas in Mgahinga? From Cyanika border to Mgahinga National Park, drive around half an hour.
How can I arrange a gorilla trekking safari from Kigali? For reasonably priced packages and advice, get in touch a reputable tour operator.
